tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29988330506043147412024-03-13T19:48:55.799-04:00Full Bible PulpitPublished by Dr. Edwin Elliott - (703) 335-2844Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-3230291678896586772009-11-07T21:22:00.009-05:002009-11-07T21:40:42.891-05:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:8;" >[Note: This is the outline of the last sermon preached, on 7 October 2009, by the Rev. Dr. Edwin P. Elliott Jr., before his death on 11 October 2009.]</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:24;" ><span style="font-size:180%;">Called To Preach</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:20;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:";" ><br /></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:";" >I. God Calls His Preachers</span></i></b></span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:16;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">A. Not everyone who</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> says<b> he comes from God has</b> <b>heaven's commission.</b> "Therefore<b> <i>thus saith the LORD</i></b> <b><i>concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I</i></b> <b><i>sent them not,</i></b> yet they say. Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed." (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah 14:15</span>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">B. An old Southern saying has Scripture warrant;</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> </span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">some were called, some were sent, and some just got up</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> <b>and went.</b> "And<b> <i>how shall they preach, except they be</i></b> <b><i>sent?</i></b> as it is written. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans 10:15</span>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">C. A preacher must not only be sent, he must also</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> </span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">be sent by God. "And <i>no man taketh this honour unto</i></span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> <b><i>himself, but he that is called of God,</i> as <i>was</i> Aaron."</b> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Hebrews 5:4</span>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">D. The church confirms what God has done and it</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> </span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">must be certain not to confirm what God has not done</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> <b>when identifying ministers. <i>"Neglect not the gift that is in</i></b> <b><i>thee,</i></b> which was given thee by prophecy,<b> <i>with the laying on</i></b> <b><i>of the hands of the presbytery"</i></b> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">1 Timothy 4:14</span>)<b> <i>"Lay</i></b> <b><i>hands suddenly on no man,</i></b> neither be partaker of other- men's sins: keep thyself pure." (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">1 Timothy 5:22</span>)</span><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:";font-size:16;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:";" >II.</span></i></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";" ><span style=""> </span><b style="">Look for Signs of God's Call</b></span></i></span><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:16;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">A. God's preachers concentrate on God's message.</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span style=""> </span>"But<b> <i>speak thou the things which become sound doc</i></b><b style="">t<i><span style="">rine:’</span></i></b> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Titus 2:1</span>) "<b><i>Sound speech, that cannot be condemned;</i></b> that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Titus 2:8</span>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Georgia;">B. God's preacher will be ardent about communicating what he knows even when he knows only a portion of the full Bible message.</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> "And a certain Jew named <b style=""><i>Apollos, born at <st1:city st="on">Alexandria</st1:city>,</i> an eloquent man, <i>and mighty in</i> <span style=""> </span><i>the scriptures,</i></b> came to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ephesus</st1:city></st1:place>. This man was <b style=""><i>instructed in</i> <span style=""> </span><i>the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit,</i></b> he spake and <b style=""><i>taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John"</i></b> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Acts 18:24-25</span>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Georgia;">C. Apollos was open to learning more when he encountered other believers who had richer experience and deeper insight into God's message.</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> "And <b style=""><i>he began to speak</i> <i>boldly in the synagogue :'whom when <st1:place st="on">Aquila</st1:place> and Priscilla</i> <span style=""> </span><i>had heard, they took</i> him unto <i>them,</i> and <i>expounded unto him</i> <i>the way of God more perfectly."</i> </b>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Acts 18:26</span>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">D. The true biblical preacher will not let the times</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> <b>or the seasons distract him from his assignment. <i>"Preach</i></b> <b><i>the word; be instant in season, out of season;</i> reprove,</b> <b>rebuke, exhort <i>with all longsuffering and doctrine"</i></b> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">2 Timothy 4:2</span>)<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Georgia;">E. True preachers will not attempt to accomplish with human methods what is entirely God's work.</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> "And my speech and <b style=""><i>my preaching was not with enticing words</i></b> of man's wisdom, <b style=""><i>but in demonstration of the Spirit and of</i> <i>power'</i></b><i>'</i> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">1 Corinthians 2:4</span>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 31.5pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">F. God's preachers avoid spending all their time</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> <b>condemning other preachers; truth, not error, is what</b> <b>matters.</b> "The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and <b style=""><i>he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully.<span style=""> </span>What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD."</i></b> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah 23:28</span>)</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:16;" ><span style=""> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i>III.</i></b><i> <b style="">Good Preaching Will Be Balanced</b></i></span><b style=""><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:14;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12;" >A. Good preaching touches the entire counsel of God.</span></b><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12;" > "For I have not shunned <i>to declare unto you all the</i> <i>counsel of God."</i> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Acts 20:27</span>) <b style=""><i>"Declaring the end from</i></b> <b><i>the beginning,</i></b> and from ancient times <i>the things</i> that are <i>not jet</i> done, saying,<b> <i>My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my</i></b> <b><i>pleasure:"</i></b> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah 46:10</span>)<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12;" >B. Genuine preachers fit the parts of Scripture together to show the larger patterns of God's revelation;</span></b><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12;" > <b>the Geometry of Scripture and the Puritan Principle</b> <b>display the mind of God.</b> "Study to shew thyself approved unto God,<b> a <i>workman that needeth not to be ashamed,</i></b> <b><i>rightly dividing the word of truth."</i></b> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">2 Timothy 2:15</span>)<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">C. Good preaching will also be appropriate to the audience; street corner audiences and seminary chapels commonly have different needs.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Georgia;font-size:12;" > <b style=""><i>"I have fed you with</i> <i>milk, and not with meat:</i></b> for hitherto <b style=""><i>ye were not able to</i> <i>bear it</i></b><i>,</i> neither yet now are ye able." (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">1 Corinthians 3:2</span>)<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">D. Good preaching will equip people to learn more</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> <b>and more of the mind of God and then, as the hearers</b> <b>develop, will deliver richer and richer truths.</b> "For when for the time<b> <i>ye ought to be teachers,</i></b> ye have need that one teach you again which <i>be</i> the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For <b style=""><i>every one that useth milk is unskillful in</i> <i>the word of righteousness: for he is</i> a <i>babe. But strong</i> <i>meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those</i> <i>who by reason of use have their senses exercised to</i> <i>discern both good and evil"</i></b> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Hebrews 5:12-14</span>)<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-72660330352315310142009-10-16T15:42:00.002-04:002009-10-16T15:42:56.649-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fLO3VSFxrEQ/StdFuiZzd5I/AAAAAAAAABk/KM6o5lWg9YA/s1600-h/RPCc.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fLO3VSFxrEQ/StdFuiZzd5I/AAAAAAAAABk/KM6o5lWg9YA/s200/RPCc.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392855744610793362" border="0" /></a>Pastor Edwin Elliott, 62, Publisher and Editor of, and the man who revived the <em><a href="http://christianobserver.org/">Christian Observer</a></em>; and the<em> </em>Founder, Publisher, and long-time Editor of <em><a href="http://christianobserver.org/category/pw-news/">Presbyterians Week</a></em>, died 11 October 2009 as the result of a heart attack suffered two days before.<br /><br /><p>Pastor Elliott was for many years the pastor of <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.rpchurch.org/');" href="http://www.rpchurch.org/">Reformed Presbyterian Church</a> (<a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.rpchanover.org/');" href="http://www.rpchanover.org/">Hanover Presbytery</a> and <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.calvinsynod.org/');" href="http://www.calvinsynod.org/">Calvin Synod</a>) in <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.manassascity.org/');" href="http://www.manassascity.org/">Manassas</a>, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/');" href="http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/">Virginia</a>. Pastor Elliott held the Bachelor of Arts degree in History from <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.wm.edu/');" href="http://www.wm.edu/">William and Mary</a> in <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.ci.williamsburg.va.us/');" href="http://www.ci.williamsburg.va.us/">Williamsburg</a>, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/');" href="http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/">Virginia</a>, the M.Div. degree from <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.rts.edu/site/about/campuses/jackson/index.aspx');" href="http://www.rts.edu/site/about/campuses/jackson/index.aspx">Reformed Theological Seminary</a> in <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.jacksonms.gov/');" href="http://www.jacksonms.gov/">Jackson</a>, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.mississippi.gov/');" href="http://www.mississippi.gov/">Mississippi</a>, and the D.Lit. degree from <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/whitefield.edu/');" href="http://whitefield.edu/">Whitfield Theological Seminary</a>. Mr. Elliott taught junior high school history in <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.manassascity.org/');" href="http://www.manassascity.org/">Manassas</a>, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/');" href="http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/">Virginia</a> before entering seminary, and served as pastor to Oak Ridge Presbyterian and First Presbyterian Church Water Valley in <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.mississippi.gov/');" href="http://www.mississippi.gov/">Mississippi</a>.</p> <p>Pastor Elliott is survived by his wife Ann, three daughters, Laura, Rebecca, and Elizabeth; mother Ellen Lee B. Elliott; brother Francis Elliott, sister-in-law Grace Elliott, and nephews Benjamin, Adam, James, and Lee Elliott.</p> <p>Visitation was held at <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.rpchurch.org/');" href="http://www.rpchurch.org/">Reformed Presbyterian Church</a> on Tuesday, 13 October 2009, and was followed by a Masonic service at 7:00 p.m. and an <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.orangenet.org/');" href="http://www.orangenet.org/">Orange Lodge</a> prayer at 7:30 p.m. A funeral service was held Wednesday, 14 October 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.rpchurch.org/');" href="http://www.rpchurch.org/">Reformed Presbyterian Church</a>, 9400 Fairview Av, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.manassascity.org/');" href="http://www.manassascity.org/">Manassas</a>, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/');" href="http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/">Virginia</a> 20110.</p><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ADMINI%7E1.000/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ADMINI%7E1.000/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" />Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-77142100476407377762009-10-02T13:49:00.001-04:002009-10-02T13:49:52.801-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6px;" ><span style="font-size:24pt;"><span style="">As the Scriptures Say</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="">Exodus 12:1-14; Mark 14:12-26 / Exodus 20:1-17</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">I. Sin Stresses and Saddens </span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. God gave people an opportunity to demonstrate their discernment; Biblical law shows people how to avoid stress, sadness, and self-destruction.<span style=""> </span></span></b><b></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >That the man which doeth those things shall live by them</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 10:5)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span><b style=""> </b><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. The rules and their implications were revealed—God did not hold back secret traps.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“For </span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for it is written, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Galatians</span> 3:10)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The law shows how life works, but it does not show how to repair sin’s damage.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And the law is not of faith: but, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >The man that doeth them shall live</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in them.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Galatians</span> 3:12)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. God, the Creator, understands the human condition uniquely; He does not succumb to wishful thinking and self-deception.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> I the LORD search the heart, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, </span></span></i></b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> according to the fruit of his doings.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:9-10)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Ignoring problems may delay facing reality until help comes too late; self-deception works the same way for sin that it does for cancer.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And to you who are troubled </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >rest with us,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> when the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of our Lord Jesus Christ: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and from the glory of his power; When </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Thessalonians</span> 1:7-10)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><h2><b style=""><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">II. Hope Comes from Heaven</span></span></span></i></b></b></h2><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12pt;" > </span></span></b></b></p><b style=""> </b><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. When people have learned enough about the nature of life’s problems, it becomes possible to stop self-medicating and seek the one reliable source for relief—<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Grace</span>.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But what saith it?<span style=""> </span>The word is nigh thee, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >even</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the word of faith, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">which we preach; That </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 10:8-11)</span></span><p></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. People with ears to hear will hear something very comforting to suffering sinners.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Ho, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >buy wine and milk without money and without price.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>Wherefore do ye spend money for </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that which is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> not bread? and your labour for </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that which</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that which is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> good, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >let your soul delight itself</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in fatness</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> with you, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >even</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >for</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 55:1-5)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. In Christ there will be an end to corruption and death; stress, sorrow, and sin will come to an absolute and perpetual end.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And as concerning that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Acts</span> 13:34)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. There are only two options; believe God’s happy promises or, by rejecting them, make God out to be a liar.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in himself: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >he that believeth not God hath made him a liar;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.<span style=""> </span>And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 5:10-11)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><h2><b style=""><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">III. The Scriptures Say:</span></span></span></i></b></b></h2><b style=""> </b><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. No human failure is too great for God to resolve.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And by him all that believe are </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >justified from all things,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Acts</span> 13:39)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. The blood of Jesus cleans away all sin.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >if we walk in the light,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 1:7)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""><b style=""> </b></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. God neither ignores nor discounts sin, but through the atonement Jesus actually pays for the sins of His people.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >what the law could not do,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in that it was weak through the flesh</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 8:1-4)</span></span></p><b style=""> </b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><b style=""> </b></span></span></p><b style=""> </b><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Come to Jesus; reaffirm your faith and claim the promises at His table.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Matthew</span> 11:28-30)<br /><br /></span></span><p></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-64185193072207673142009-09-25T22:55:00.002-04:002009-09-25T23:07:36.026-04:00<h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></h1> <h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style=""><span style="font-size:78%;"></span>Watch</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Zephaniah 1:1-18; Mark 13:24-37 / Psalm 102:1-28</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span></span></i></b></h3> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. The Messiah Is Coming</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. When the end comes, no place will be secure from the transformation.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >in those days, after that tribulation,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:24-25) <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. There will be no way to continue life as usual; no way to muddle through will remain; the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lion Coming</span> will be a total contrast to the gentle first or <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lamb Coming</span>.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >I will darken the earth in the clear day</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Amos</span> 8:9)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. According to Peter, the end will come suddenly with cataclysmic, universal force.</span></b><span style=""> </span>“But <b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night</span></i></b>; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and <b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up</span></i></b>.”<span style=""> </span>(2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Peter</span> 3:10) </p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. The settlement of all things will continue till all things are restored to their righteous order; the world will be appropriately terrified, but believers will be comforted.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And then shall they see the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Son of man coming in the clouds with great power</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and glory.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:26)<span style=""> </span>“And to you who are troubled </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >rest with us, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">when the Lord </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Jesus shall be revealed</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of our Lord Jesus Christ: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Thessalonians</span> 1:7-10)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. As God gathers all His elect, He will put an end to all institutions which oppress His people and restrain righteousness.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And then shall he send </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >his angels, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >shall gather together his elect</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> from the four winds, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:27)<span style=""> </span>“And the seventh </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >angel sounded</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Revelation</span> 11:15)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. Stay Focused</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Jesus used a parable to clarify for His people what outsiders cannot understand; His parables always work that way.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Now </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >learn a parable</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of the fig tree; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >When her branch is yet tender</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >summer is near</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: So ye in like manner</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >, when ye shall see</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> these things come to pass, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >know that it is nigh,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >even</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> at the doors.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:28-29)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Calvin taught,</span></b> “This prophecy does not relate to evils that are distant, and which posterity will see after the lapse of many centuries, but which are now hanging over you, and ready to fall in one mass, so that there is no part of it which the present <i><span style="font-style: italic;">generation </span></i>will not experience.<span style=""> </span>So then, while our Lord heaps upon a single <i><span style="font-style: italic;">generation </span></i>every kind of calamities, He does not by any means exempt future ages from the same kind of sufferings, but only enjoins the disciples to be prepared for enduring them all with firmness.” <span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Verily I say unto you, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:30)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. There will be skeptics as there were in Noah’s day, but do not be distracted as people were then; God keeps His promises and makes good on His threats.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:31)<span style=""> </span>“Knowing this first, that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> And saying, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.” (2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Peter</span> 3:3-4)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. Work; Don’t Teach What Can’t Be Known</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Teaching what has not been revealed has always produced tragedy; take Jesus at His word.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >of that day and that hour knoweth no man,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> no, not the angels which are in heaven</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >, neither the Son, but the Father</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:32)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Instead of speculating, pay attention, watch, and pray.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Take ye heed, watch and pray:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for ye know not when the time is. </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >For </span></span></i><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the Son of man</span></span></i></b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" > is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:33-34)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. Believers have work to do.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >henceforth</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, by the sleight of men, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ephesians</span> 4:11-16)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. The Thessalonians severely tarnished their testimony when they neglected their heavenly instructions.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >him</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> not as an enemy, but admonish </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >him</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> as a brother.”<span style=""> </span>(2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Thessalonians</span> 3:6-15)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. When begged to rest during his final illness, Calvin said, “Would you have my Master find me idle?”</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Watch</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> ye therefore: for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >ye know not when the master</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of the house </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >cometh</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> And what I say unto you I say unto all, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Watch</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:35-37)<br /></span></span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-33291752895397674762009-09-22T20:46:00.002-04:002009-09-22T20:55:53.544-04:00<h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6px;" ><span style="font-size:24pt;"> </span></span></b></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" ><span style=""><span style="font-size:78%;">.</span></span></span></b></span></h1><h1><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" ><span style="">How To Read The Bible</span></span></b></span></h1> <h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" > </span></i></b></span></h3> <h2><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" ><span style="">I.<span style=""> </span>Read with Respect</span></span></i></b></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Scripture is without flaw; even people with limited intellect can become wise by interacting with it.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“The </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >law of the LORD is perfect, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> sure, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >making wise the simple.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 19:7)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Bible students develop keen understanding of reality.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“The statutes of the LORD </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >are</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> right, rejoicing the heart: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 19:8)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Through Scripture a believer can encounter the standard of righteousness and eternal truth.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“The fear of the LORD </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> clean, enduring for ever: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 19:9)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Treat the Bible as enormously valuable; Scripture produces enduring value.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >More to be desired are they than gold,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 19:10)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" ><span style="">II. Read for Restoration </span></span></i></b></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. When the people of God returned from the Babylonian Captivity, they began their restoration by turning to the Bible.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he read therein</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> before the street that </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >was</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> before the water gate </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >from the morning until midday,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> before the men and the women, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive</span></span></i></b><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" > </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">unto the book of the law.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Nehemiah</span> 8:3)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. The spiritual leader of the restoration instructed the nation from Scripture and the faithful leaders supported him in the project.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Meshullam. And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Ezra opened the book </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >all the people stood up</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Nehemiah</span> 8:4-5)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The Bible teachers explained and taught the Bible till the people understood, repented, and turned to the Lord for the strength they now knew was not in them.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Ezra blessed the LORD</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, the great God. </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >And all the people answered, Amen,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Amen, with </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and worshipped the LORD with </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >their</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the Levites, caused the people to understand the law:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the people </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >stood</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in their place. So </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> And Nehemiah, which </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the Levites that taught the people,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> said unto all the people, This day </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep.<span style=""> </span>For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >this</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> day </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the joy of the LORD is your strength.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Nehemiah</span> 8:6-10)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" ><span style="">III. Read Expectantly </span></span></i></b></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Church extension begins with Scripture and leads to an eternal inheritance.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the word of his grace,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> which </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >is able</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to build you up, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Acts</span> 20:32)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. The Bible provides all which is needed to equip Christian leaders.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">which are </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >able to make thee wise</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >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.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 3:15-17)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Study the Bible to get to heaven; knowledge of the gospel causes people to have hope in God and His promise of salvation.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 15:4)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Bible preaching is the normal way of leading people to God and all that He has planned for His people</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?<span style=""> </span>So </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 10:13-17)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-28180869654770502582009-09-17T18:22:00.002-04:002009-09-17T18:52:28.437-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><span style="font-size:180%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" ><span style="">He Warned Us</span></span></b></span></h1> <h3><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" ><span style="">Daniel 10:1-21; Mark 13:14-23 / Proverbs 23:1-25</span></span></i></b></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <h2><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" ><span style="">I. God Reveals the Future</span></span></i></b></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. God tells the end from the beginning; there are no surprises for God.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Remember</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> this, and shew yourselves men: bring </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >it</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> again to mind, O ye transgressors. Remember the former things of old: for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >I am God, and there is none else;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >I am</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> God, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and from ancient times </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >the things</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> that are not </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >yet</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> done, saying, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 46:8-10)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Prudent people study the word of God and make provision for it.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> himself: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >but the simple</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> pass on, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >are punished</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 22:3)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The world assumes there will be no accounting for sin, but God promises that sin will be punished.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> “For, behold, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the LORD cometh out</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of his place </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >to punish the inhabitants of the earth</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 26:21)</span></span> </p><p style="text-indent: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;" ><span style="">II. Expect Disaster</span></span></i></b></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A.</span></b><b style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" > Disaster will come and those who understand will need to take informed precautions.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“But when ye shall see the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >abomination</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of desolation, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >spoken of by Daniel</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the prophet, standing where it ought not</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >, (let him that readeth understand,)</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> then </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:14)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Daniel often spoke of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">abomination</span> that would make <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">desolate</span> as he prophesied about the end time.</span></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Daniel</span> 9:27)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. In 168 BC, Antiochus Epiphanies erected an altar to Zeus in the Temple and sacrificed pigs.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >And there came out of them </span><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;color:black;" >a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanies, </span></span></i></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks. [</span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Maccabees</span> 1:10</span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >] Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundredth forty and fifth year, </span></span><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;color:black;" >they set up the abomination of desolation upon the Altar,</span></span></i></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" > and </span></span><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;color:black;" >builded idol altars</span></span></i></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" > throughout the cities of Juda, on every side: and burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the streets.<span style=""> </span>And </span></span><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;color:black;" >when they had rent in pieces the books of the Law which they found, they burnt them</span></span></i></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" > with fire. And wheresoever was found with any, the book of the Testament or </span></span><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;color:black;" >if any consented to the Law,</span></span></i></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" > the king’s commandment was, that </span></span><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;color:black;" >they should put him to death</span></span></i></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" >. [1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Maccabees</span> 1:54-57]</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span></p><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. When Titus besieged Jerusalem in 70 AD, one million Jews were destroyed according to the record of Josephus, but the Christians who assumed Jesus had been speaking of this period fled to Pella.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> “And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >when ye shall</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >see Jerusalem compassed with armies,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> then know that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the desolation</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> thereof </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >is nigh</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Luke</span> 21:20) </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:14b)</span></span><p></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">III. Listen to the Warning</span></span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Jesus reminded the church of Isaiah’s warning that the world’s certainties will fail.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“But in those days</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:24)<span style=""> </span>“The </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >earth shall reel</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.<span style=""> </span>And it shall come to pass </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones </span></span></i></b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that are</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >as</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.<span style=""> </span>Then </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 24:20-23)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Time will not advance as it always has.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the stars of heaven shall fall,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the powers that are in </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >heaven shall be shaken</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:25)<span style=""> </span>“For the stars of heaven and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkene</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">d in his going forth, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the moon shall not cause her light to shine</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 13:10)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. When all the other certainties have failed, the world will see Christ return and establish a permanent kingdom.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >then shall they see the Son of man coming</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in the clouds with great power and glory.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:26)<span style=""> </span>“I beheld </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >till the thrones were cast down,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >was</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >his throne was like the fiery flame,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> his wheels </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >as</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >judgment was set, and the books were opened.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >even</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> his dominion </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Daniel</span> 7:9-14)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. God will gather His people to Himself.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:27)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >The sceptre shall not depart from Judah,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> nor a lawgiver from between his feet, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Genesis</span> 49:10)</span></span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-45467357378997357292009-09-16T14:49:00.003-04:002009-09-16T15:01:01.656-04:00<h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6px;" ><span style="font-size:24pt;"> </span></span></b></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6px;" ><span style="font-size:24pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Remember Your Trust</span></span></span></span></b></h1><br /><br /><h3><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">1 Timothy 6:11-21</span></span></i></b></span></h3> <h3><br /></h3><h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">I. Concentrate on the Right Things</span></span></i></b></span></h3> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" ><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Christians must both flee bad behavior and seek out righteous replacements.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But thou, O man of God, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >flee these things;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >follow</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> after </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:11)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Flee also youthful lusts</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 2:22)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Good testimonies need to be cultivated constantly. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Fight</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the good fight of faith, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >lay hold</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> on eternal life, whereunto </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >thou art</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> also </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >called,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >and hast professed a good profession</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> before many witnesses.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:12) “And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in all things.<span style=""> </span>Now </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >not as one that beateth the air</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Corinthians</span> 9:25-26)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Jesus is the pattern to follow.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >I give thee charge</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >before</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Christ </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> That thou </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >keep this commandment without spot, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">unrebukeable, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >until the appearing of our Lord </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">Jesus Christ:” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:13-14)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Everything will become obvious when the new order develops; the world is investing in wind and dust which will not last.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Which </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >in his times he shall shew,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >who is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:15) “But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the LORD is the true God,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> he </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the living God, and an everlasting king: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 10:10)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Christ alone distributes immortality; only what is done for Him can last.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Who only hath immortality,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >to whom be honour and power everlasting.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>Amen.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:16) </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >F. Christ is the Eternal.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Before Abraham was, I am.</span></span></i></b><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >” </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 8:58)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. The Lord does not change.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Hebrews</span> 13:8)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. God’s heart has always been open to the humble.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> whose name </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Holy; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">ones.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 57:15)</span></span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">II. Maintain Godly Standards</span></span></i></b></span></h3> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" ><br /></span></span></b></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Command the rich to trust in God rather than ephemeral worldly standards.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Charge them that are </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >rich</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in this world, that they </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:17)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Rich Christians must become charitable, as God is.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“That they </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >do good</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, that they be rich in good works, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >ready to distribute, willing to communicate</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:18)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Trust in the LORD, and do good;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >so</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >thou shalt be fed</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 37:3)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The wise thing is to invest in what will survive the end-time judgment.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Laying up in store</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for themselves </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >a good foundation</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >against the time to come,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >that they may lay hold on eternal life</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:19) “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >where thieves do not break through</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> nor steal: For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Matthew</span> 6:19-21)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. People get what they seek.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Galatians</span> 6:8-9)</span></span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">III. Protect What Is Right </span></span></i></b></span></h3><br /><br /><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. People who succumb to the spirit of the age and fashionable mythology lose their sure footing in the experience of historic Christianity.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“O Timothy, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >keep that which is committed</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to thy trust, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >avoiding profane and vain babblings,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >oppositions of science falsely so called</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:20) </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Each age has a way of discrediting what went before; Christians should not have to personally repurchase every insight which sustains life.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >hold the traditions which ye have been taught,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> whether by word, or our epistle.”<span style=""> </span>(2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Thessalonians</span> 2:15)<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The testimony of believers is undergirded and certified by the faithfulness and love of the Christians who taught historic truth.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >heard of me, in faith and love</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> which is </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >in Christ</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Jesus.”<span style=""> </span>(2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 1:13)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Starting with an unscriptural foundation may look wise, but it commonly destroys believers.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Which </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >some professing have erred</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> concerning the faith. Grace </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >be</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> with thee. Amen.<span style=""> </span></span></span><i><span style=";font-size:78%;color:black;" ><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:8pt;color:black;" >The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:21)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Trust God and He will give what the world cannot supply—grace and truth.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >This is the covenant</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >, I will put my laws into their hearts</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and in their minds will I write them; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Hebrews</span> 10:16-17)</span></span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-67890587526521356802009-09-10T19:57:00.002-04:002009-09-10T19:58:05.879-04:00<span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6px;" ><span style="font-size:24pt;"><span style=""><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Impossible Jobs—Part 2</span></span></span></span><div class="Section1"> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="">1 Timothy 6:1-10</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">I. The Rewards Are Worth the Effort</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Christian contentment is actually incredibly valuable.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >godliness with contentment is great gain</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:6)<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. Physical exercise brings immediate and valuable benefits but they are not long term like spiritual benefits.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:8)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. A Christian ought to let God decide what is best rather than attempt to out provide Heaven.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“For the LORD God </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> a sun and shield: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm </span>84:11)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >3. Jesus promised that those who look to God will get what they need from Him.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“(For after </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >all these things do the Gentiles seek</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Matthew</span> 6:32-33)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Learn to measure realistically.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 37:16)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The treasures of this world are temporary.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:7) </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Job understood life and blessed God.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Job</span> 1:21)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">II. Only Faithfulness Is Essential</span></span></span></i></b></h2><b style=""><i style=""></i></b><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. All believers really need from the world is enough resources to be faithful to God.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >having food and raiment let us be therewith content</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:8)</span></span> </p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Remember how God provided for Israel in the Wilderness.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >he humbled thee,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> doth man live.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Deuteronomy</span> 8:3-4)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Pretty trinkets snare people just as lures catch fish; the trinkets are dangerous but not essential.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> feed me with food convenient for me: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Lest I be full, and deny thee,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and say, Who </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the LORD? </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 30:8-9)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">III. Do Not Clutch at Clouds</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. One wrong path leads to many more wrong paths; bad choices cultivate bad choices.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >into</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >destruction and perdition</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:9)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Lot chose what he could not keep while Abraham kept searching for the eternal city. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and Gomorrah, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >even</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >as the garden of the LORD, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Genesis</span> 13:10-13)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. When self-interest becomes more important than faithfulness to God, only bad things follow.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >love of money is the root of all evil:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> which while some coveted after, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:10)</span></span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p></div>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-83871733283981135142009-09-10T17:45:00.002-04:002009-09-10T19:30:16.185-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6px;" ><span style="font-size:24pt;"><span style="">Hard Times</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="">Jeremiah 1:1-10; Mark 13:1-13 / 1 John 4:1-6</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></i></b></h3> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">I. The Establishment Seems Entrenched </span></span></span></i></b><span style=""></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A.</span></b><b style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" > As Jesus was leaving the Temple, never to return, the disciples commented on how impressive the Temple appeared.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:1) </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Jesus erased the illusion of stability and power; the entire establishment would be swept away.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:2) “And she named the child </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Ichabod</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, saying, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Samuel</span> 4:21)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The apostles wanted the rest of the story.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Peter and James and John and Andrew asked</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> him privately, Tell us, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >when shall these things be?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and what </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >shall be</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:3-4)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">II. Avoid Being Distracted</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Difficult times provide charlatans opportunities to deceive people.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And Jesus answering them began to say, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Take heed lest any man deceive you:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:5)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. The claim to be Christian or to come from Christ is no guarantee that someone does; deceivers frequently make the claim.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >many shall come in my name, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">saying, I am </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >Christ</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">; and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >shall deceive many</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:6)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Cataclysmic tragedy will come, but disaster is no guarantee that the end has come. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And when ye shall hear of </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >wars and rumors of wars</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, be ye not troubled: for </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >such things</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> must needs be; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >but the end shall not be yet</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:7)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Disaster introduces yet more suffering, but it does not determine the end of time; labor pains indicate that birth approaches, but they do not indicate how long the delivery will take. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >these are the beginnings of sorrows</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:8) </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Shaking and dislodging the rebellious entrenched powers of the world prepares for the end of the age of sin but disaster for the world system does not mean God is ignoring the welfare of the redeemed.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> as some men count slackness; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >but is longsuffering to us-ward, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”<span style=""> </span>(2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Peter</span> 3:9)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">III. Individual Believers Must Endure Faithfully </span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Just as the world’s smiles ought not to attract believers, the world’s frowns ought not to discourage believers.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >take heed to yourselves:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >for my sake, for a testimony against them</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:9)<span style=""> </span>“For I reckon that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in us.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 8:18)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. World-wide success of the gospel is a better sign that the end is approaching.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >gospel</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> must </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >first be published among all nation</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">s.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:10) </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Do not become overwhelmed by hard times; the Holy Spirit will guide believers in the difficult times.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“But when they shall lead </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >you</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and deliver you up, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:11)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Some people will break under pressure and betray their closest relatives and friends; truth divides.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Now the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >brother shall betray the brother</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >their</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> parents, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >and shall cause them to be put to death</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:12)<span style=""> </span>“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth?<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >I tell you, Nay; but rather division</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Luke</span> 12:51)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. People who hold up under pressure will endure and triumph.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And ye shall be hated of all </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >men</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for my name’s sake: but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 13:13)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >F. As the old system crumbles, believers should take comfort that they will emerge from the chaos as the establishment of the eternal order.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >ye are a chosen generation,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Peter</span> 2:9-10)</span></span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-17422346581670592982009-09-05T19:07:00.001-04:002009-09-05T19:10:38.863-04:00<h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></h1> <h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">Planted by God</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Exodus 20:17</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h3> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. Adapt to Providence</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. The Tenth Commandment instructs Christians to be satisfied with the situation God has given them.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Thou shalt not covet</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> thy neighbour’s.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Exodus </span>20:17)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. Ahab’s coveting the field of Naboth the Jezreelite prompted Ahab’s wife Jezebel to commit judicial murder and that in turn led to the overthrow of Ahab’s dynasty; the story appears in 1 Kings 21:1-19. </span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And it came to pass after these things, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">which </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >was</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Give me thy vineyard,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >or</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Kings</span> 21:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Rebellion against Providence shuts doors in the world and in eternity.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >covetousness, let it not be once named among you,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and of God.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Let no man deceive you</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> with vain words: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ephesians</span> 5:3-6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. God Planted You</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. God purposely plants His people; the end result is always eternal prosperity.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >But his delight is in the law of the LORD;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 1:1-3)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. </span></b><b style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Whatever a believer’s situation may seem to be, ultimately everything works together for his good.<span style=""> </span>“</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">And we know that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >all things work together for good to them that love God,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to them who are the called according to </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >his</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> purpose.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 8:28)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The world is a violent and terrifying place, but it has limits; nothing is so strong as the love of Christ.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? </span></span></i></b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >shall</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >For thy sake we are killed all the day long;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >I am persuaded, that neither death, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 8:35-39)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. The story of Joseph, from being sold into slavery to delivering God’s people from famine, illustrates the larger providence of God; no human event makes sense until the heavenly plan unfolds.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“But as for you, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to bring to pass, as </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >it is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> this day, to save much people alive.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Genesis</span> 50:20)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. Christians Grow Content </span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. </span></b><b style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>Transplanting stresses trees, but that is what makes them prosper.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Now </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> but grievous: nevertheless </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">unto them which are exercised thereby.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Hebrews</span> 12:11)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. The apostle Paul illustrated the process of coming to terms with Providence and the way in which it matures into contentment.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Not that I speak in respect of want: for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Philippians</span> 4:11)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Trials themselves are the perfecting instruments in life.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“That the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> though it be tried with fire, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >him</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> not, yet believing, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Peter</span> 1:7-8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">D. The riches which count with God flow through contentment with His providence.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >godliness with contentment is great gain</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">E. God keeps those who will go to heaven from being weighed down by the world.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Hearken, my beloved brethren, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">James</span> 2:5)</span></span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-32951122149359167262009-09-05T16:07:00.001-04:002009-09-05T16:10:04.605-04:00<h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">Religious Operatives</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Psalm 110:1-7; Mark 12:35-44 / 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></h3> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. God Can Look Out for Himself</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. The detractors had done their best and now Jesus turned the contest back on them; Scripture is loaded with mystery for unbelievers. </span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:35)<span style=""> </span>“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >them</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >because they are spiritually discerned</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Corinthians</span> 2:14)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. Jesus took the debate right back to the words of Scripture; God knows His Word better than His enemies can ever know it. </span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:36) <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. When the people of God refuse to listen to Scripture, God hands them over to their enemies; the destruction of Jerusalem loomed in the distance.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Yet </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >many years didst thou forbear them, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Nehemiah</span> 9:30)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. God always triumphs in the end and it is He, not we, Who will triumph.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Corinthians</span> 15:25)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. When the topic turns to the emperor’s new clothes, most reasonable people can understand the direction the conversation is taking.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >then</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> his son?<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >And the common people heard him gladly.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:37)<span style=""> </span>“Hearken, my beloved brethren, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">James</span> 2:5)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. Be Skeptical of Religious Operatives</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">False teachers are ambitious</span>—Christ directed people to be skeptical of people who delight in showy things that resemble the trophies of unredeemed people. </span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And he said unto them in his doctrine, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">,” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:38)<span style=""> </span>“When thou art bidden of any </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >man</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to a wedding, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >sit not down in the highest room;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Luke</span> 14:8-11)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">False teachers are proud</span>—People who value power and position do not understand the fundamental mindset of Christ.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >chief seats</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in the synagogues, and the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >uppermost rooms at feasts</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:39)<span style=""> </span>“Hearken, my beloved brethren, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">James</span> 2:5-7)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">False teachers are greedy</span>—Something ungodly motivates people who deny in practice what Scripture plainly teaches; bad behavior negates assertions of solid doctrine.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> these shall receive </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >greater damnation</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:40)<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >“Pure religion and undefiled</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> before God and the Father is this, To </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">James</span> 1:27)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. A Poor Widow’s Faith Went Further </span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. The dispute was taking place at the Temple; this is the last place on earth where someone could plead ignorance of God’s demands—rich people were making the treasury trumpets sing.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and many that were rich cast in much.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:41)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. The woman who caught Jesus’ attention was acting from abject poverty rather than abundance, and it certainly wasn’t for show; the coin receptacles gave away what she was giving by the sound they made. </span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And there came a certain </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >poor widow</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and she threw in </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >two mites</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, which make a farthing.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:42)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. In God’s evaluation, the widow gave more than anyone else donating at that time.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And he called </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >unto him</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:43)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">D. The gift expressed a sincere and total reliance on God.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For all </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >they</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> did cast in of their abundance; but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;color:black;" >she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:44)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">E. The religious operatives missed what the poor widow understood; salvation is by grace alone.</span></b> <span style="">“Even </span><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us</span></i></b><span style=""> together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised <i><span style="font-style: italic;">us</span></i> up together, and made <i><span style="font-style: italic;">us</span></i> sit together in heavenly <i><span style="font-style: italic;">places</span></i> in Christ Jesus: </span><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us </span></i></b><span style="">through Christ Jesus. For </span><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God</span></i></b><span style="">:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ephesians</span> 2:5-8)</span></p><p style="" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br /></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-38241844944090152282009-09-02T15:14:00.001-04:002009-09-02T15:26:08.606-04:00<h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6px;" ><span style="font-size:24pt;"> </span></span></b></h1> <h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6px;" ><span style="font-size:24pt;"><span style="">Impossible Jobs</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="">1 Timothy 6:1-10</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">I. Always Live and Teach the Truth</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Even when life is entirely out of control, a believer can communicate truth through integrity; people study people they observe facing overwhelming adversity.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Let as many servants as are </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:1) “Art thou called </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >being</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >a servant? care not for it:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> but if thou mayest be made free, use </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >it</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> rather. For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> likewise also he that is called, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >being</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> free, is Christ’s servant.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Corinthians</span> 7:21-22)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. A small slave girl stolen from her home in the time of Elisha changed the world in part because her behavior made her believable to her captors; Naaman was prepared by a nameless girl to trust God.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Now </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >but he was a leper</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >captive</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> out of the land of Israel </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">And she said unto her mistress, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.” (2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Kings</span> 5:1-3)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. The gospel faith of that nameless slave girl is the only variable in the story.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >many lepers</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> were in Israel </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >in the time of Eliseus</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> [</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">Elisha]</span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:red;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:red;" > </span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>the prophet; and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Luke</span> 4:27)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Seize the opportunity Providence provides; it is both easy to complain and sinful to do so.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they that have believing masters, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">let them not despise </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >them</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, because they are brethren; but rather </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >do them service, because they are faithful</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and beloved, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >partakers of the benefit.<span style=""> </span>These things teach and exhort</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:2) </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The gospel displays a reality superior to the presumptions of unredeemed people; teacup tyrants misunderstand how the world works. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >.<span style=""> </span>There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> there is neither male nor female: for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >ye are all one in Christ</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Jesus.<span style=""> </span>And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and heirs according to the promise.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Galatians</span> 3:26-29)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Stay out of God’s way; Christians are secret agents working enemy territory.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> “Dearly beloved, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >avenge not yourselves, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">but </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >rather</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> give place unto wrath: for it is written, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 12:19)<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Recompense to no man evil for evil.<span style=""> </span>Provide things honest in the sight of all men</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 12:17)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">II. Always Teach Right Doctrine</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Identify anyone in the believing community who differs from the faithful heritage.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >even</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and to the doctrine which is according to godliness</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:3) “Now I beseech you, brethren, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 16:17-18)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. People who depart the historic faith yield bad behavior; doctrine and behavior are related processes.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“He is proud, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >knowing nothing,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >doting about</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> questions and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:4)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Heresy has a way of working back to money; bad doctrine often originates in unsanctified self-interest.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:5)<span style=""> </span>“Even so </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >can</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and cast into the fire.<span style=""> </span>Wherefore </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >by their fruits ye shall know them</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Matthew</span> 7:17-20)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18pt;"><span style="">III. The Rewards Are Worth the Effort</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Christian contentment is actually incredibly valuable.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >godliness with contentment is great gain</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:6)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 37:16)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Be realistic—the treasures of this world are temporary.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:7)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. All believers really need from the world is enough resources to be faithful to God.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >having food and raiment let us be therewith content</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.” <span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:8)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. One wrong path leads to many more wrong paths; bad choices cultivate bad choices.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >into</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >destruction and perdition</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:9)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. When self-interest becomes more important than faithfulness to God, only bad things follow.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >love of money is the root of all evil:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> which while some coveted after, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:10)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-44188941269747550732009-08-29T20:49:00.001-04:002009-08-29T20:49:12.527-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">What Do You Say?</span></span></span></b></h1> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h2> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. God Loves Truth</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;">A. The Creator leaves His mark on Creation.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But now, O LORD, thou </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >art</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> our father; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 64:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;">B. Truth is ultimately expressed in Jesus.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Jesus</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> saith unto him, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I am</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the way, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the truth,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the life: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >no man cometh unto the Father, but by me</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 14:6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. The future is bright for those who turn to Jesus and all that He represents.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 10:9)<span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 8:32)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. Satan Is the Father of Lies</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;">A. Satan lied and murdered from the start.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Ye are of </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >your</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >father the devil,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the lusts of your father ye will do.<span style=""> </span>He was </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 8:44)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Satan shares in every human disaster, but falsehood is not so strong as truth.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >From whence come wars and fightings among you?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >come they</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> not hence, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >even</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >it</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> upon your lusts.<span style=""> </span>Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >friendship of the world is enmity with God? </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace.<span style=""> </span>Wherefore he saith, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.<span style=""> </span>Submit yourselves therefore to God.<span style=""> </span>Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">James</span> 4:1-7)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. Your Allegiance Will Reveal Itself </span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;">A. Jesus set a pattern; speak the truth for those who unable to speak the truth for themselves. </span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>Open thy mouth, judge righteously, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and plead the cause of the poor and needy</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 31:8-9)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;">B. Believers will take up the cause of those who are unable to do so for themselves.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“These </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >are</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the things that ye shall do; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in your gates:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Zechariah</span> 8:16)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;">C. Doing unrighteousness to yield righteousness has nothing to do with Christ.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >but</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Leviticus</span> 19:15)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. There is no way to mix truth and lies; ultimately there is no safe way to side with evil.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>For this purpose </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.<span style=""> </span>In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.<span style=""> </span>Not as </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother.<span style=""> </span>And wherefore slew he him?<span style=""> </span>Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 3:8-12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Satan seeks recruits; take nothing for granted.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Be sober, be vigilant; because </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Peter</span> 5:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >F. Will you share in the triumph of truth?</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“But the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >path of the just</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> as the shining light, that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >shineth more and more unto the perfect day</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 4:18)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span></span></i></b></h2> <h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span></span></b><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></h1> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-2473545544667346972009-08-29T20:32:00.002-04:002009-08-29T20:41:05.541-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">Close to Correct</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Deuteronomy 6:1-25; Mark 12:28-34 / Proverbs 21:1-31 </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></h3> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. What Matters in Life?</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. An intellectual asked Jesus to identify the foundation of Christianity; where does the religious journey begin?</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >one of the scribes</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Which is the first commandment of all</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">?”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:28)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. The question reminds a thinker of the Shorter Catechism--<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">What is the chief end of man?</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >do all to the glory of God.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Corinthians</span> 10:31)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. The Answer Begins with God</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. The priority of God is the starting point for life; this insight is a pervasive feature of the Old Testament.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And Jesus answered him, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >The first</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of all the commandments </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:29) “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Search the scriptures;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they are they which testify of me</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 5:39)<span style=""> </span></span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >The Shema is recited twice daily.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Genuine love of God will fill every realm of life; heart refers to the center of all intellectual activity.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And thou shalt </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and with all thy strength: this </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the first commandment.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:30)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Just as the cross has both vertical and horizontal dimensions, the love of God has two dimensions.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the second</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> like, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >namely</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> this, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>There is none other commandment greater than these.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:31)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Disrespect for the image of God, man, is inherently disrespect for God; a believer who loves God must consequently love the image of God.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.<span style=""> </span>My brethren, these things ought not so to be</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">James</span> 3:9-10)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. The Intellectual Was Pleased with Jesus</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. The intellectual approved of monotheism; Jesus had the right answers.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And the scribe said unto him, Well, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:32)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Being right from the start is far better than repairing what has failed.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:33)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. </span></span>God demands comprehensive devotion at every level;</b> <b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >everything in life flows from how a person interprets reality. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 4:23)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">IV. Close Is Not Enough</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. While the man had the right idea, something was missing.</span></b> <span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Thou art not far from the kingdom</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of God.<span style=""> </span>And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >no man after that durst ask him any question</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:34) <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. The exchange demonstrated that right answers are not enough; only God can give new life to the dead. </span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Therefore </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in his sight: for by the law </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the knowledge of sin.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 3:20) “As it is written, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >There is none righteous</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, no, not one:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 3:10)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Jesus was about to demonstrate on the cross exactly what these two commandments meant. </span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.<span style=""> </span>He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >was any</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> deceit in his mouth.<span style=""> </span>Yet </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> he shall see </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >his</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> seed, he shall prolong </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >his</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >He shall see of the travail of his soul,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >a portion</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 53:7-12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Fulfill these two commandments in your own life by seeking and nurturing the signs of a transformed life in yourself and others.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And this is his commandment, That we should </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 3:23-24)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-59029512379463038352009-08-26T22:36:00.006-04:002009-08-26T23:00:03.582-04:00<h3><br /></h3><h3><span style="font-size:180%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">It Will All Become Obvious</span></span></i></b></span></h3><br /><h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">1 Timothy 5:11-17 </span></span></i></b></span></h3><br /><h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">I. Treat Widows Properly</span></span></i></b></span></h3><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Unless widows are treated properly, there is no point to the rest of sound doctrine; John Wesley argued, “Put first things first.”</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Pure religion and undefiled</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> before God and the Father is this, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, </span></span></i></b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">James</span> 1:27)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Paul is not talking about creating a class of perhaps useful dependents; using unhappy situations to impose impossible restrictions on people is fundamentally wrong.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >younger widows refuse:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >because they have cast off their first faith.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:11-12) </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Imperfect solutions can transform into major problems; do it right the first time.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And withal </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they learn to be idle, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >speaking things which they ought not</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:13)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 31:27) “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">My brethren, these things </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >ought not so to be</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">James</span> 3:10)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. The right solution to challenges prevents making the church vulnerable to attacks from enemies.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“I will therefore that the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >younger women marry, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">bear children, guide the house, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >give none occasion to the adversary</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to speak reproachfully.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >For some are already turned aside after Satan</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:14-15)<span style=""> </span>“Let us </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >not therefore judge one another</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> any more: but judge this rather, that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(</span></span><span style=";font-family:m;color:black;" ><span style="font-variant: small-caps;font-family:m;color:black;" >Romans</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> 14:13)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Avoid behavior which even looks questionable.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Abstain from all appearance of evil</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Thessalonians</span> 5:22)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >F. Christian families must do their duty rather than throw challenges at the church.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >If any</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> man or woman that believeth </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >have widows, let them relieve them</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and let not the church be charged; that it may </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >relieve them that are widows indeed</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:16)</span></span></p><br /><h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">II. Enable the Ministry </span></span></i></b></span></h3><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Do what must be done so that ministers can do their work; churches benefit from full-time ministers.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:17)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. People cannot sustain themselves on voluntary, unpaid work; extrapolate from the rest of working life.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.<span style=""> </span>And, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >The labourer is worthy of his reward</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:18)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. One of the most important assets a minister brings to his work is his reputation; weakening the pastor inherently weakens the congregation.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Against an elder </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesse</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">s.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:19)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Transparency, not cover-up, intimidates potential sinners.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:20)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">III. Believers Must Behave Faithfully</span></span></i></b></span></h3><br /><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Demanding godly behavior is a critical part of leadership; good leaders will be faithful and impartial.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I charge thee before God,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:21)</span></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Going by the book excludes shortcuts and the pitfalls they conceal.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:22)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Good behavior will not lead a person to neglect basic life necessities; God is not expecting us to do His work for Him.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Drink no longer water, but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and thine often infirmities.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:23)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Everything will become obvious in the end.</span></span></b><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Some men’s sins are open</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> beforehand, going before to judgment; and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >some men they follow after</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>Likewise also the good works </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >of some</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >cannot be hid</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:24-25)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. The church will not escape the judgment sweeping the world; in fact, account settling will begin with the church.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For the time </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is come</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the gospel of God?”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Peter</span> 4:17)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-49908396556493292172009-08-22T20:44:00.003-04:002009-08-22T20:57:40.715-04:00<div class="Section1"><h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">Put Your Hand in Your Own Pocket</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Luke 6:38</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h3> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. God Condemns Sharp Dealing </span></span></span></i></b><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Covering up theft with a clever alternate term does not fool God; theft is theft.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he shall restore that which he took violently away,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> or the thing which he hath </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >deceitfully gotten,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> or </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Leviticus</span> 6:4)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Truth and integrity are the only options for Christians; do not offend God to His face and expect Him to treat it as a simple misunderstanding.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Ye shall not steal,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> neither </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >deal falsely,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >neither lie</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> one to another.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Leviticus</span> 19:11)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I have seen it, saith the LORD</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 7:9-11)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. As the Redeemer of God’s Christ elect has purchased the right to set the rules for His people.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >am</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the LORD </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and all my judgments, and do them: I </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >am</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the LORD.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Leviticus</span> 19:36-37)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Some forms of theft are multiple crimes which cannot be excused by decent societies; not all sin is strictly personal.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >If a man be found stealing any of his brethren</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >then that thief shall die;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and thou shalt </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >put evil away from among you</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Deuteronomy</span> 24:7)<span style=""> </span>“Knowing this, that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the law is not made for a righteous man</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, but for the lawless and disobedient, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >for the ungodly and for sinners,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >for menstealers,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 1:9-10)<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. Theft Mocks Providence</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Real gain is possible but the path to that gain is different from the ways of the world.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >godliness with contentment is great gain</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:6) “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the man </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> getteth understanding. For the merchandise of </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 3:13-14)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. What is the value of something which is ephemeral; the world and its trinkets are ultimately temporary.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >we brought nothing</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> into </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >this</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> world, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and it is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> certain </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >we can carry nothing out</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:7)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to go as he came, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>And this also </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> a sore evil, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in all points as he came, so shall he go: and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ecclesiastes</span> 5:15-16)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Enough resources to function are all that anyone needs.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >having food and raiment let us be therewith content</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. “Riches” and “temptation” are interchangeable terms; avoid temptation.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they that will be rich fall into temptation</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and a snare, and </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >into</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> many foolish and hurtful lusts, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >which drown men in destruction and perdition</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 6:9)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. Carelessness with Resources Is Subtle Theft</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Resources disappear when they are not accorded proper attention; consider the process as self-spoilage.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> look well to thy herds.<span style=""> </span>For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >riches are not for ever:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and doth the crown </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >endure</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to every generation?”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 27:23-24)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Take Providence seriously; God plants trees where they will prosper and accomplish His objectives.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >There is nothing better for a man, than</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> that he should eat and drink, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> This also I saw, that it </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >was</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> from the hand of God.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ecclesiastes</span> 2:24)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. God makes work rewarding; remain clear about how life functions.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“I know that </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >there is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> no good in them, but for </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >a man</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >rejoice, and to do good</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in his life.<span style=""> </span>And also that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ecclesiastes</span> 3:12-13)<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Concentrate on the right things. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Trust in the LORD,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and do good; </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >so</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> shalt thou dwell in the land, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and verily thou shalt be fed.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 37:3)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-64988747805812418702009-08-19T22:47:00.003-04:002009-08-19T23:07:55.620-04:00<h1><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;color:black;"><b></b></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:black;"><b>Get a Clue</b></span></h1><h3><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:black;"><b>Ezekiel 37:1-14; Mark 12:18-27 / Psalm 62:1-12</b></span></i></h3><h3><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12;"></span></i></h3><h2><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;color:black;">I. The Sadducees Took Their Turn Tormenting Jesus </span></i></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>A. The Sadducees claimed to believe the Five Books of Moses but they denied standard doctrines believed by most Jews and by the Pharisees in particular.</b> <span style="color:black;">“For the <b><i>Sadducees say</i></b> that there is <b><i>no resurrection</i></b>, neither <b><i>angel</i></b>, nor <b><i>spirit</i></b>: but the <b><i>Pharisees confess both</i></b>.” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Acts</span> 23:8)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>B. The Sadducees were an important feature of the cultural establishment, though they held to little theologically, they were prepared to line up solidly with their enemies to avoid letting anyone rock the establishment boat. </b>“And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, <b><i>and the Sadducees,</i></b> came upon them,” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Acts</span> 4:1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>C. John the Baptist called both Pharisees and Sadducees snakes; do not trust people who manipulate Scripture rather than submit to it.</b> <span style="color:black;">“But when he saw many of the <b><i>Pharisees and Sadducees</i></b> come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, <b><i>who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?</i></b>” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Matthew</span> 3:7)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>D. The Sadducees began with what all parties agreed was inspired Scripture. <span style="color:black;">“<i>If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall</i></span></b><span style="color:black;"> go in unto her, and<b><i> take her to him to wife,</i></b> and perform the duty of an husband’s brother unto her. And it shall be, <i>that</i> <b><i>the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead,</i></b> that his name be not put out of Israel. And if the man like not to take his brother’s wife, then let his brother’s wife go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband’s brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform the duty of my husband’s brother. Then <b><i>the elders of his city shall call him,</i></b> and speak unto him: and <i>if</i> he stand <i>to it</i>, and say, I like not to take her; Then shall his brother’s wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother’s house. And <b><i>his name shall be called in Israel, The house of him that hath his shoe loosed.</i></b>” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Deuteronomy</span> 25:5-10) <i>Consult the story of Ruth.</i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>E. The Sadducees tried to twist Scripture to mock the doctrine of Resurrection.</b> <span style="color:black;">“In the resurrection therefore, <b><i>when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be</i></b> of them? for the <b><i>seven had her to wife</i></b>.” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Mark</span> 12:23)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"></span></i></p><h2><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;color:black;"><b>II. Don’t Argue with God</b></span></i></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;">A. Get all the facts; the Sadducees had not done their Bible study homework.</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> <span style="color:black;">“And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because <b><i>ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God</i></b>?” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Mark</span> 12:24)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>B. Not only did the Sadducees fail to see the obvious doctrine of the Resurrection, they had ignored the implications for eternity.</b> “For when they shall rise from the dead, <b><i>they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels</i></b> which are in heaven.” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Mark</span> 12:25)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>C. Even that fraction of Scripture that the Sadducees acknowledged supported the Resurrection by acknowledging that the patriarchs were actually alive when God was talking to Moses at the burning bush; God says “I <i>am</i>” rather than “I <i>was</i>.”</b> “And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, <b><i>I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob</i></b>?” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Mark</span> 12:26) “Moreover he said, I <i>am</i> the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And <b><i>Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.</i></b>” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Exodus</span> 3:6)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>D. The great message of God’s people is that death is not the summary of life; it is impossible to believe in Jesus and reject the Resurrection.</b> “<b><i>He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: </i></b>ye therefore do greatly err.” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Mark</span> 12:27) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"></span></p><h2><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;color:black;"><b>III. Rejecting Error Is Not Enough—Believe and Teach the Truth</b></span></i></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>A. God’s people are those who expect resurrection; this is the hope of Abraham which made him the father of the faithful. </b><span style="color:black;">“(As it is written, <b><i>I have made thee a father of many nations</i></b>,) before him whom <b><i>he believed,</i></b> <i>even</i> <b><i>God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were</i></b>. Who <b><i>against hope believed in hope,</i></b> that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. <b><i>And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:”</i></b> (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Romans</span> 4:17-19)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>B. Christians expect to see the New Jerusalem with Abraham; there is a better world coming.</b> “<b><i>These all died in faith, not having received the promises,</i></b> but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of <i>them</i>, and embraced <i>them</i>, and confessed that <b><i>they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.</i></b> For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, <b><i>if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:</i></b> wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for <b><i>he hath prepared for them a city.</i></b>” (<span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Hebrews</span> 11:13-16)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black;"><b>C. The Sadducees were not quibbling about words; they were raising the ultimate issue of life.</b> “For <b><i>if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:</i></b> <b><i>And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain;</i></b> ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished<b><i>. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.</i></b>” (1 <span style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Corinthians</span> 15:16-19)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </p><p class="bodytext"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-29043285980456833692009-08-14T16:18:00.005-04:002009-08-14T16:52:29.938-04:00<style></style> <div class="Section1"> <h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">Rule 7</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Exodus 20:7 </span></span></span></i></b></h3> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. Christians Repudiate Worldly Behavior </span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Sanctification and honor frame Christian behavior, but they are from the norms of the unbelieving world; holiness isn’t often invited to the party.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >sanctification and honour</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Thessalonians</span> 4:4)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Christians should avoid morally dangerous territory.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I made a covenant with mine eyes;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> why then should I think upon a maid?”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Job</span> 31:1)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. When David neglected the Biblical standard, he crossed the line and the consequences turned deadly for himself, his family, and the entire nation. “</span></span></b><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >And David sent and enquired after the woman.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>And </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >one</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> said, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >Is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> not this </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Bathsheba</span></span></i></b><b><u><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >,</span></span></u></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the daughter of Eliam, the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >wife of Uriah</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the Hittite?”<span style=""> </span>(2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Samuel</span> 11:3)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >to be</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.” (2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Samuel</span> 12:9)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Actual adultery is obviously wrong, but Scripture argues that lesser behaviors which tend in the wrong direction must be managed defensively as well.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Colossians</span> 4:6)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. Respect for Marriage Is a Life and Death Matter</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. The home ought to provide the ultimate safe place in life.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> so that he shall have no need of spoil.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 31:11)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >She looketh well to the ways of her household,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and eateth not the bread of idleness.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and he praiseth her.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 31:27-28)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Consider the implications of Joseph’s behavior in Potiphar’s house; on the human level, misbehavior would have been so easy.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he refused,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >There is none greater in this house than I;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he hearkened not unto her,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to lie by her, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >or</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >to be with her</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Genesis</span> 39:8-10)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Is that brief pleasure worth an eternity in hell?<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Marriage </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >whoremongers and adulterers God will judge</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Hebrews</span> 13:4)<span style=""> </span>“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >.<span style=""> </span>Blessed are they that do his commandments,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> that they may have right to the tree of life, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and may enter</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in through the gates into the city. For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Revelation</span> 22:13-15)<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >Dog” refers to a behavior pattern, not to a faithful pet.</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. When families collapse, God turns society and culture over to the covenant-destroying behaviors which always mark the end of civilizations.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Wherefore </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">who is blessed for ever.<span style=""> </span>Amen.<span style=""> </span>For this cause </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >God gave them up unto vile affections:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 1:24-27)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. Avoid Putting Words in God’s Mouth<span style=""> </span></span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Adding rules to marriage which do not come from God can have disastrous results.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:1-3)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Human wisdom can be nothing but self-promotion; cultures and cults add incalculably harmful nonsense.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Which things have indeed </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and neglecting of the body; not in any honour </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >to the satisfying of the flesh</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Colossians</span> 2:23)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Clever arguments over casual divorce and justification for open marriage are actually treachery, not wisdom.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Yet ye say, Wherefore? </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>And did not he make one?<span style=""> </span>Yet had he the residue of the spirit.<span style=""> </span>And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed.<span style=""> </span>Therefore </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Malachi</span> 2:14-15)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Trust what God reveals and be skeptical of anything which isn’t congruent with Scripture.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they twain shall be one flesh</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">?” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Matthew</span> 19:5)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"> </span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> </div>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-85024387272507075452009-08-12T23:01:00.004-04:002009-08-12T23:12:54.405-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">Paying Taxes</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Isaiah 29:15-24; Mark 12:13-17 / Psalm 56:1-13</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. How Do Church and State Relate? </span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Some people look for ways to put the church in a bad like and in particular to make Christian doctrine unattractive.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >to catch him in his words</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:13)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. Enemies of Christ, who hated each other, united to oppose Him</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>“And the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> against him, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >how they might destroy him</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 3:6)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. The struggle for self-centered living makes a single party of natural enemies.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> “For the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Acts</span> 23:8)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >3. God’s enemies constantly seek to twist His word.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Then said they, Come, and</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" > let us devise devices</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >against Jeremiah;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet.<span style=""> </span>Come, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 18:18)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. The tormentors were oily but their objective was to alienate Jesus either from the populace or the government; the “tax question” was disingenuously formed.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >thou regardest not the person of men,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> but teachest the way of God in truth: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:14) </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. The Answer </span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:emands;"><span style="font-family:emands;">Demands </span></span>Context for Clarification </h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Jesus turned the question so that it exposed the underlying hypocrisy.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Shall we give, or shall we not give?<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">bring me a penny, that I may see </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >it</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:15)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B.<span style=""> </span>The tormentors brought Jesus a Roman denarius—the most common coin of the era.</span></b><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And they brought </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >it</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">. And he saith unto them, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Whose is this image and superscription?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they said</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> unto him, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Caesar’s</span>.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:16) </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >The Roman coin was stamped </span></span></i><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >Tiberias Caesar, Divi Augusti Filius Augustus; that is, Tiberius Caesar, the August Son of the Divine Augustus</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. By bringing a Roman coin the tormentors acknowledged their allegiance to Rome; it is significant that they did not bring Jewish coins.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and he shall go no more out: and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I will write upon him the name of my God,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the name of the city of my God, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >which is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I will write upon him my new name</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Revelation</span> 3:12)<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. Distinguish Between Realms </span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Give each realm what is appropriate to it; Roman coins acknowledge Roman sovereignty.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And Jesus answering said unto them, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>And they marvelled at him.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:17)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Major social changes may introduce unintended consequences; Christians rarely make good violent revolutionaries.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >meddle not with them that are given to change:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 24:21)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Jesus dealt with the tax issue and the motivation for paying taxes on a different occasion; He was not exalting the state above the high lord of all reality.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >What thinkest thou, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">Simon? </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Matthew</span> 17:25-27)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. The state needs to remember its place; God, not the individual believer, will administer the final exam.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Why do the heathen rage,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the people imagine a vain thing?<span style=""> </span>The </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >kings</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, </span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >saying, Let us break their bands asunder,</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and cast away their cords from us.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the Lord shall have them in derision.<span style=""> </span>Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.<span style=""> </span>Yet have </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 2:1-6)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Jesus gave His followers an example as well as an answer.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >A soft answer turneth away wrath: </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">but grievous words stir up anger.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Proverbs</span> 15:1)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-73687416946208022922009-08-12T13:57:00.003-04:002009-08-12T14:13:46.555-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">The Senior Perspective</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">1 Timothy 5:1-10 </span></span></span></i></b></h3> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. Respect Older Christians</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Treat older men as fathers.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the younger men as brethren.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:1) </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Age is not the only factor in recognizing elders in the church; humility and cooperation are critical factors.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Likewise, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>Yea, all </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >of you</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >be subject one to another</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and be clothed with humility: for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >that he may exalt you in due time</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Peter</span> 5:5-6)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Treat older women as mothers.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“The </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >elder women as mothers;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the younger</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" > as sisters, with all purity.”<span style=""> </span></span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:2) </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>“For whosoever shall do the will of my Father </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">which is in heaven</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >, the same is my</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> brother, and sister, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >mother</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Matthew</span> 12:50)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. Give Particular Respect to Widows</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. Actual widows have a formal position in the church.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Honour</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> widows that are </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >widows indeed</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:3)<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. God takes genuine widows personally.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“A father of the fatherless, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >a judge of the widows, is God</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in his holy habitation.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 68:5)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. Providing for widows makes believers like God Himself.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >them</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> alive; and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >let thy widows trust in me</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 49:11)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Just calling a person a widow does not mean that person is eligible for formal recognition in the church as a widow; families must take care of their own.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:4) </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. People torture language and doctrine to free themselves from Biblical obligations; Jesus Himself exposed the problem.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >It is Corban</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >he shall be free</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">. </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”<span style=""> </span>(</span></span><span style=";font-family:m;color:black;" ><span style="font-variant: small-caps;font-family:m;color:black;" >Mark</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> 7:11-13)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. Theologically designated parents also deserve the honor expected for biological parents</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >.<span style=""> </span>Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ephesians</span> 6:1-3)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Biblical widows display clearly discernable patterns.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Now </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:5)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. A woman who misuses her opportunities in the church is actually already dead.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >she that liveth in pleasure is dead</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> while she liveth.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:6)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. Easy living is no sign of heavenly blessing; people who live well at the expense of the saints fail to understand the danger in which they place themselves.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >They are not in trouble as other men;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> neither are they plagued like </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >other</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> men.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 73:5-7)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. Jesus told a parable of a man so caught up in the world that he made no provision for Judgment Day and consequently lost everything.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> And he said, This will I do: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I will pull down my barns, and build greater;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> But God said unto him, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> So </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Luke</span> 12:16-21)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Keep people from embarrassing themselves through ignorant errors.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And these things </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >give in charge, that they may be blameless</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:7)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >F. People who ignore or shirk their responsibilities are worse than unbelievers. <span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >if any provide not for his own,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and specially for those of his own house, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:8)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. Only Designate Genuine Widows</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A. “Widow” is a calling, not an accident of time.</span></span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Let not a widow be </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">taken into the number </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:9)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. Real widows will have benefited the church in multiple, identifiable behavior patterns.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Well reported of for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >good works</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">; if she have </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >brought up children,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> if she have </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >lodged strangers</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, if she have </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >washed the saints’ feet</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, if she have </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >relieved the afflicted</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, if she have </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >diligently followed every good work</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 5:10)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-74663619413284899162009-08-08T22:32:00.002-04:002009-08-08T22:38:32.278-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">Hope</span></span></span></b></h1> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. Hope Begins with Waiting </span></span></span></i></b><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Christian faith expresses itself through hope that God will do what is in the best interest of believers and that in turn cultivates patience.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >we are saved by hope</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >hope that is seen is not hope</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 8:24-25)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. Rejoicing in hope forms a strong cord to God when it is braided with patience and continuing prayer.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Rejoicing in hope</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 12:12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Scripture was written to comfort believers and cultivate hope.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >written for our learning, that</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 15:4)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">D.<span style=""> </span>Joy and peace are natural companions to hope.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Now </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Romans</span> 15:13)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. Hope Bears Fruit</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Hope causes people to naturally yield good fruit just as a tree planted by a stream and cultivated produces fruit.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >whose hope the LORD is.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>For he shall be </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >as a tree planted</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> by the waters, and </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >neither shall cease from yielding fruit</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:7-8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. The happiness of the hopeful invites people to investigate faith in God.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“O </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >taste and see</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> that the LORD </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> good: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >blessed is the man that trusteth in him.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(</span></span><span style=";font-family:m;color:black;" ><span style="font-variant: small-caps;font-family:m;color:black;" >Psalm</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> 34:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. The peace which accompanies hope is perfect and eternal</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 26:3-4)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. Hope Is the Anchor of the Soul</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Christ causes people expect eternal substance, meaning, and joy.</span></b> <span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“To whom God would make known what </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Christ in you, the hope of glory</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Colossians</span> 1:27)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. The Christian hope is that Jesus will save people.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 1:1)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Hope makes life stable for believers</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>“That by two immutable things, in which </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >it was impossible for God to lie</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >for refuge to lay hold upon the hope </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">set before us: Which </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >hope we have as an anchor of the soul</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Hebrews</span> 6:18-19)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">IV. Christ’s Return Is the Blessed Hope</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Knowledge that Christ will return and set all things in order makes it possible for believers to endure the trials and vicissitudes of life; the good times are yet to come us and for believers who have gone ahead to be with Jesus.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Thessalonians</span> 4:13-18)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. How far<span style=""> </span>the blessing of eternity will take believers is too great to imagine but it makes Christians the most hopeful of all people.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for we shall see him as he is. And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 3:2-3)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-54803075545745229532009-08-07T12:00:00.000-04:002009-08-07T12:01:17.613-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">Test Teachers</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">1 Timothy 4:1-16</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. Expect Bad Teachers</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. As time advances, some teachers will abandon the Holy Spirit for bad doctrines taught by bad sources.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:1) <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. Evil will mirror mock the work of God; just as God guides into truth, evil guides into error.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Howbeit </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 16:13)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. Expect supernatural evil seeking to distract teachers and harm believers.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> “Little children, it is the last time: and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> whereby we know that it is the last time.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">John</span> 2:18)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. The false teachers will teach doctrines which conflict with known revelation from God; doctrine that contradicts doctrine is wrong.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Speaking lies in hypocrisy;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >having their conscience seared with a hot iron;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> Forbidding to marry, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and commanding</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:2-3)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >1. The church has experienced shadowy times in the past when people have preferred sin to truth.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> that none doth return from his wickedness: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they are all of them unto me as Sodom,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 23:14)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >2. Sometimes only election only is strong enough to protect Christians against the power and influence of evil teachers and false doctrine.<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and shall shew great signs and wonders</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Matthew</span> 24:24)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. God has made everything good and made it available for use when it is received from Him with thanksgiving.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:4-5)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">D. God did not make anything which was corrupt in itself at the start. </span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >He is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the Rock, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >his work is perfect:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> for all his ways </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >are</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> judgment</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >: a God of truth and without iniquity,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> just and right </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> he.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Deuteronomy</span> 32:4)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Peter was given specific instructions making all kinds of food acceptable; to change the rule is to oppose revelation.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I heard a voice</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> saying unto me, Arise, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Peter; slay and eat.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I said, Not so</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >But the voice answered</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> me again from heaven, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Acts</span> 11:7-9)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. Practice Self-protection</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Good doctrine protects against bad doctrine, so teach good doctrine in self-defense.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“If thou </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >put the brethren in remembranc</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">e of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">whereunto thou hast attained.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. Do not tolerate questionable teachings; concentrate on things which promote godliness.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >refuse profane and old wives’ fables</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and exercise thyself </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >rather</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> unto godliness.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:7)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Here is a confessional testimony; exercising physically has limited application, but Bible study and the related means of grace carry eternal rewards.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >bodily exercise profiteth little</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >godliness is profitable unto all things</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:8-9)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">D. Paul and his associates endured struggles because God rewards faithfulness.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“For therefore </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >we both labour and suffer reproach</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, because </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >we trust in the living God,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:10)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. Teach the Right Things</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A.<span style=""> </span>Paul’s doctrine is not optional.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >These things command and teach</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:11)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. Integrity matters more than things like age; do not let minor things become distractions. </span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Concentrate on the three primary functions of Christian teachers.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Till I come, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:13)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">D. Concentrate on the gift God gave and which the leaders of the church recognized.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Neglect not the gift</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> that is in thee, which was</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" > given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:14)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. Think through what God is doing.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> that thy profiting may appear to all.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:15)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >F. Pay particular attention to mastering genuine doctrine and being mastered by it; such an attitude will benefit both the teacher and the student.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”<span style=""> </span>(1 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Timothy</span> 4:16)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-84021768325408069472009-08-07T11:48:00.002-04:002009-08-07T11:53:50.318-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">The Stone Which the Builders Rejected</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Psalm 80:1-19; Mark 12:1-12 / Psalm 118:1-29</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h3> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. Jesus Taught a Parable </span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Vineyard parables factor frequently into Biblical doctrine; Jesus raised a familiar theme and gave it a revelatory twist.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And he began to speak unto them by parables.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >A certain man planted a vineyard, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and set an hedge about </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >it</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and digged </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >a place for</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the winefat, and built a tower, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and let it out to husbandmen, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and went into a far country.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:1)<span style=""> </span>“Now will I sing to my well beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >My well beloved hath a vineyard</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in a very fruitful hill: And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >it brought forth wild grapes</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Isaiah</span> 5:1-2) </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>(winefat: archaic form of winevat)</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. The owner stayed in touch with the vintners.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And at the season</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" > he sent to the husbandmen a servant, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.” (</span></span><span style=";font-family:m;color:black;" ><span style="font-variant: small-caps;font-family:m;color:black;" >Mark</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> 12:2) <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. The farmers intimidated the owner’s messenger.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> caught </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >him</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >beat him, and sent him away</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> empty.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:3)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. The bad reception did not keep the owner from trying.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And again </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he sent unto them another servant;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >at him they cast stones,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and wounded </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >him</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in the head, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >sent him away shamefully handled</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:4)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. The pattern began to replay like a broken record.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >beating some, and killing some</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:5)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Finally, the owner sent his own son</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>“Having yet therefore one son, his well beloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >They will reverence my son</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:6)<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. The vintners decided that killing the owner’s son would get them what they desired.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“But those husbandmen said among themselves, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:7)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. The vintners carried out their wretched design, murdering the son.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they took him, and killed him, and cast him out </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">of the vineyard.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Believers understand, but unbelievers won’t be convinced.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And he said unto them, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> but unto them that are without, all </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >these</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> things are done in parables: That </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 4:11-12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. Neglected Opportunity Is Deadly</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Destruction inevitably follows rejection; Jesus was predicting the end of the Old Jerusalem and the start of the world ministry of the church.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:9)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. Bible readers should have known where Jesus was taking them; God had warned the nation in the final song of the Passover marching music which the crowds had sung as they came into Jerusalem.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >have ye not read this scripture</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:10) “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 118:22-23)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Grace is always marvelous.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“This was the Lord’s doing, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and it is marvellous in our eyes</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">?”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:11) “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Behold</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Habakkuk</span> 1:5)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. The Neglectors Understood What Jesus Said</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. The spiritual leaders understood what Jesus was saying, but their fear kept them from confronting Him.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 12:12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B. The leaders who would eventually kill Jesus were not interested in listening to Him seriously; their minds were closed before Jesus even taught the parable.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And the </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:18)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. These people with murderous intentions could have learned from David’s example of repentance when God exposed his conscience. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And Nathan said to David, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that had been</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >to be</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.” (2 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Samuel</span> 12:7-9)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. Eventually everyone will answer one simple question; the answer has eternal consequences.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And he saith unto them, But </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >whom say ye that I am? </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Peter answereth</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and saith unto him, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Thou art the Christ.” </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 8:29)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-85822035661171355642009-07-25T20:03:00.002-04:002009-07-25T20:15:03.733-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">Written with a Diamond</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Jeremiah 17</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"></span></span></i></b></h3> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">I. The Problem—Intrinsic Sin </span></span></span></i></b><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Judah’s sin was as hard to hide or ignore as a monument engraving done with professional, diamond tipped instruments; the inner nature had been tattooed with sin.</span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“The sin of Judah </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> written with a pen of iron, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> with the point of a diamond: </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >it is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:1)<o:p></o:p></span></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. Rather than remembering God and the great stories of redemption, the children remembered the pleasures of sin.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Whilst </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >their children remember their altars and their grove</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">s by the green trees upon the high hills.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:2)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Though Judah should stand out as a mountain before the world, sin has made it so corrupt that the only solution is to tear it apart until the sin is carted away.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“O </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >my mountain</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in the field,</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" > I will give thy substance and all thy treasures to the spoil,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders.”<span style=""> </span>(</span></span><span style=";font-family:m;color:black;" ><span style="font-variant: small-caps;font-family:m;color:black;" >Jeremiah</span></span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> 17:3)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">D. When the church refuses to serve God, it must serve infidels.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I will cause thee to serve thine enemies</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >which</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> shall burn for ever.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:4)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">II. The Principles at Work—Biblical Presuppositions</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. When people substitute human wisdom for divine, the consequences are devastating.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Thus saith the LORD; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Cursed be the man that trusteth in man,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.<span style=""> </span>For </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, </span></span></i></b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >in</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> a salt land and not inhabited.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:5,6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. God arranges for the faithful to obtain what they need.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >that</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:7,8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. No one can grasp the full measure of evil in the human heart.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:9)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">D. God knows the human heart without limit and fully understands the true intent of every thought; idolatry cannot be hidden or excused.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I the LORD search the heart,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >I</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> try the reins, even </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >to give every man according to his way</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">s, </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> according to the fruit of his doings.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:10)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">E. No matter how devious and sinful the evil heart may be, it cannot prevail against God in the end.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">; </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >so</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and at his end shall be a fool.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:11)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">F. No matter how things seem to be developing, God is king and He is reigning right now.<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“A glorious high </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >throne from the beginning</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >is</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> the place of our sanctuary.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">G. There is no happy ending for people who abandon God.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“O LORD, the hope of Israel, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >all that forsake thee shall be ashamed,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >and</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:13)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">III. The Plea for Help—Turn to God</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A.</span></b><b style=""><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" > The disaster can be set right by God.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> save me, and I shall be saved: for thou </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >art</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> my praise.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:14)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. People want an immediate solution</span></b>.<span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Behold, they say unto me, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Where is the word of the LORD? let it come now.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:15)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Jeremiah wanted to be a pastor rather than a doomsayer, but God’s servant must deliver the message God sends.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“As for me, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I have not hastened from being a pastor </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >right</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> before thee. Be not a terror unto me: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >thou art my hope in the day of evil.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:16-18)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h2><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="">IV. The Path Back to God—Observe the Sabbath</span></span></span></i></b></h2> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. Start with the message of grace—rest in the Redeemer.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >stand in the gate</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem; And say unto them, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Hear ye the word of the LORD, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> nor bring </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >it</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in by the gates of Jerusalem; Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:19-23)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. Then move on to follow the other principles of Biblical faithfulness—the culture will begin to renew itself.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And it shall come to pass, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >if ye diligently hearken unto me,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever. And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD. </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >But if ye will not hearken unto me</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >then will I kindle a fire in the gates </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">thereof, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">and it shall not be quenched.” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 17:24-27)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998833050604314741.post-16332741095134323162009-07-25T16:55:00.002-04:002009-07-25T16:58:32.292-04:00<h1><br /></h1><h1><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:6;" ><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="">The Master Needs It</span></span></span></b></h1> <h3><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="">Zechariah 14:1-21; Mark 11:1-11 / Leviticus 23:33-44</span></span></span></i></b></h3> <h3><br /></h3><h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">I. It Was Time to Ride into Jerusalem</span></span></i></b></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. As Jesus finished the walk of destiny from Jericho to Jerusalem, He sent two disciples ahead on an errand.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage [</span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >House of Figs</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">] and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he sendeth forth two of his disciples</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">,” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:1)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. The disciples were directed to locate and bring back a colt never before used to carry a man.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:2) </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Jesus had Heaven’s business on His mind; that would be enough reason to silence anyone responsible for the animal.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:3)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. There are times to hear and obey; Christians obey because God calls them even when they do not have the answers or envision the end result. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >By faith Abraham</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >went out, not knowing whither he went.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Hebrews</span> 11:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h3><br /></h3><h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">II. Prophecy Unfolded from Mystery</span></span></i></b></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">A. The disciples found the animal and began to do as Christ had directed; Jesus was not going to sneak into Jerusalem quietly.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> went their way, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >found the colt tied by the door<span style=""> </span></span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">without in a place where two ways met; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and they loose him</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:4) <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">B. As Jesus had predicted, there was an objection and the disciples had the answer.</span></b><span style=""> </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“And certain of them that stood there said unto them, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >What do ye, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">loosing the colt?<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >And they said</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> unto them even as Jesus had commanded: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and they let them go.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:5-6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">C. Messiah the Prince arrived at Jerusalem according to prophecy.</span></b> <span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">upon an ass, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >upon a colt the foal of an ass.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Zechariah</span> 9:9)<span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >they brought the colt</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and he sat</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> upon him.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:7)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >D. The crowd gave Jesus the appropriate greeting for the king of the Jews, calling to mind the Feast of Tabernacles when people wait for and upon the Redeemer.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >many spread their garments</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> in the way: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and others cut down branches</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> off the trees, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and strawed them in the way</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >E. The crowds were singing the messianic psalm written for the day when the Seed of David would enter His city and temple to announce the day of redemption.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">:” (<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:9) “</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Save now, I beseech thee</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >send now prosperity</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>Blessed </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >be</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> he that cometh in the name of the LORD: </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Psalm</span> 118:25-26)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >F. The world rarely imagines that God can be serious and that He can accomplish what the prophets say, but here it was occurring at the gates of the Holy City just as God had said it would.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Blessed be the kingdom of our father David</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:10)<span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >I will set up one shepherd</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> over them, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he shall feed them,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-style: italic;color:black;" >even</span></span></i><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >my servant David;</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.<span style=""> </span></span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ezekiel</span> 34:23-24)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >G. The promised revelation of David’s greater son had arrived and the prophecies were being fulfilled</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">. “In those days, and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> In those days shall </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Judah be saved</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> For thus saith the LORD</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel</span></span></i></b><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jeremiah</span> 33:15-17)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h3><br /></h3><h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span style="">III. The End Began</span></span></i></b></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" ><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >A God had promised someone would come to the Temple to finally and fully explain the covenant He had made with Abraham and the ancient people of faith; Jesus is that end time messenger. </span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">“Behold, I will send </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >my messenger,</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Malachi</span> 3:1)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >B.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> </span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >Jesus entered the Temple and looked at all the corruption He would expose during Holy Week; the place of grace had been transformed into a market for corruption.</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">: and when he had </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >looked round about upon all things</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Mark</span> 11:11)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span></span><b><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;color:black;" >C. Jesus could have wept for what He would soon suffer, but instead He wept for the sinners who would nail Him to the cross; is today’s church ready for the day of visitation?</span></span></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><span style=""> </span>“And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying</span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, </span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;">.<span style=""> </span>And </span></span><b><i><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;color:black;" >he went into the temple, and began</span></span></i></b><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"> to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought.”<span style=""> </span>(<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Luke</span> 19:41-45)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><span style="color:black;"><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" > <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="Bodytext"><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Christian Observerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016951152194660854noreply@blogger.com