A selection of Sermons by Pastor White
Read and download these sermons by clicking on the title
Mothers Day
Here are two of my sermons which relate to the coming celebration of Mothers Day. Please click on the title to read the text of these messages.
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Easter Sermons
At this special time of the year please
take the time to read these Easter messages.
The Man Who Was Born To Die
There's Power In The Blood
Jesus Goes To Jerusalem
The Cross Of Christ
The Crisis Of The Cross
The Testimony Of The Empty Tomb
Resurrection Reactions
Preparation For Eternity
When Jesus Ascended Into Heaven
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At this special time of the year please
take the time to read these Easter messages.
The Man Who Was Born To Die
There's Power In The Blood
Jesus Goes To Jerusalem
The Cross Of Christ
The Crisis Of The Cross
The Testimony Of The Empty Tomb
Resurrection Reactions
Preparation For Eternity
When Jesus Ascended Into Heaven
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Special Christmas Messages
The following Christmas messages are found in my book, "Seasonal Sermons," Click on the title of each to read that message.
A Merry Christian Christmas to all of you!
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The Battle Belongs To The Lord
Exodus 17
Lest We Forget Freedom’s Price
John 8:32-36
Easter Sermons
At this special time of the year please
take the time to read these Easter messages.
The Man Who Was Born To Die
There's Power In The Blood
Jesus Goes To Jerusalem
The Cross Of Christ
The Crisis Of The Cross
The Testimony Of The Empty Tomb
Resurrection Reactions
Preparation For Eternity
When Jesus Ascended Into Heaven
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New Testament Discipleship
Christ And Our Problems
A Wonderful Saviour!
What Makes Heaven Special
Our Mighty Fortress
Why preach the gospel?
Freedom's Price
A Voice In A Close Call
Our Great God
When We Walk With Jesus
A LIVING SAVIOUR
The Judgement Seat Of Christ
Christ Calls Us To Compassion For Souls
The New Year Messages
"I like Christmas with all the glitter and glow that memories of Christmases past bring to mind. But what I like best about Christmas is best said in the following article I shared a number of years ago:
"What Is Christmas?
Great Questions of Christmas
Why Thanksgiving?
Psalm 95:1-7
What Our Nation Needs Now
II Chronicles 7:14 " If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
It cannot be denied that our nation stands at a crossroads. The destruction of our traditional values and standards based upon the moral absolutes of our Judeo-Christian heritage seems almost complete. Marriage as the basic institution of family is becoming an increasingly rare phenomenon. The designations of husband, wife and spouse have given way to the more general culturally inoffensive and politically correct term, partner. Those who advocate same sex marriage have all but won the day. What are we to do? Does it take a majority to turn things around or change the course of a culture. It seems God in history has always used a dedicated and committed minority. What some have called, "God's Two Or Three.."
Singing The Lord's Song
Amazing Grace
Jesus Tells Us About Two Sinners At Church
How Jesus Changed A Life
THE KIND OF PEOPLE GOD USES
Is Your Church Different?
I Peter 2:1-9
Is it scripturally valid to be different or wish to be different? Of course, most of us would immediately respond that a desire to be different, just for the sake of being different, would not necessarily emanate from God nor find its genesis in the Word of God. But I am equally convinced that certain Godly differences are implicit in the Bible and that it is imperative that we accentuate these positive precepts and examples. Peter focuses on the crux of the matter when he says the people of a true New Testament Church are not ordinary people. We are a people of God's own choosing and possession. He strongly implies a very distinctive ownership. If this is the case, it is obvious we should be different. We should strive to reflect this blessed relationship in all we do. Our purpose for living is different. Our attitude should be different. If we are His and He is ours, we should always go by His Rule Book. We should always look to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith. We should always seek to know and do His will.
When Jesus Stilled A Storm
We would normally tell a story about a great storm by saying, "Terrible lightning flashed and deafening thunder roared all around as the ferocious wind lashed the sea into huge waves and spray filled the air etc." In this case, that’s not entirely true. It was a calm and pleasant day. Everything seemed to be going well. The little band of followers had watched their new teacher amaze the crowds with His griping stories. More and more people were coming out to hear Him. He had a marvellous ability to interest the crowds and stump the local religious leaders. Things were looking up. The crowds were growing so large that the teacher had to stand in boats in the lake just to find a preaching place.As they are on their way across ,without any warning, the usually placid lake becomes a raging sea.. The wind begins to rage. The water begins to break in large, violent waves. A storm has suddenly begun to wage war against these little boats. It's with this background that Jesus performs one of His most spectacular miracles. As the old hymn says: The wind and the waves obey His will when He says, "Peace, be still......."
Why Adversity?
I Peter 4:12-16
Why do God's people have adversity? As David asked, "Why do the wicked seem to prosper at the expense of God's people?" Why do terrible tragedies occur in the midst of times of great success and prosperity? Why do a multiplicity of calamities, as in the case of Job, seem to come one upon the heels of another? Why does the topography of trouble seem to continually undulate, taking us on a spiritual roller coaster ride? Why in our time of greatest distress, do our most heartfelt petitions and pleas seem to fall upon a deaf ear and fail to a heaven made of brass?
Adversity can be the deadliest source of discouragement or the greatest impetus for spiritual growth in the life of a believer. The difference depends upon and is determined by our understanding, attitude and response to the pressure involved. But just why might God allow adversity into the life of a child of God whom He loves?
What Jesus Showed Us About Baptism
Matthew 3:13-17
When Jesus came to the waters of the river Jordan to be immersed at the hands of John the Baptist, it was obviously an important and significant event in His life and ministry. He had walked some sixty-five kilometres from Galilee in the dangerous and desolate region beyond Jordan to the place John was immersing repentant Jews. Jews who were true believers in the Word of God and what it prophesied about their coming Messiah King. Cultural history of the era would lead us to believe such a journey may have taken up to five days. The importance of this special symbolic statement of His baptism is verified and validated by the direct personal participation of the two other Persons of the Holy Trinity in the occasion.
We should always remember that Jesus began His public ministry by submitting Himself to immersion by John the Baptist, By this simple symbolic act He publicly proclaimed Himself to be the only begotten Son of God and humbly submitted to the will of His Father. It is significant that the act of immersion marked His first step along His lonely road to Calvary.
This symbolic act portrayed the very essence of the drama of the gospel. His coming death, burial and resurrection was clearly demonstrated in this simple figurative pre-enactment. John recognised this when He cried out, ".. behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world."
Is it any wonder that the Holy Spirit would participate in this momentous event by expressing His personal approval of this act of obedience? Is it not understandable that the Father would cry out from heaven, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."?
How Jesus Dealt With Temptation
It is always wise to define terms when a subject or topic is under consideration. Before we really consider how Jesus dealt with temptation, let us first define temptation. One of the best definitions I have seen is simply, "Temptation is the act of enticement to do wrong, by the deceitful promise of personal pleasure or some profit or gain." If we closely examine the story of Satan's approach to Jesus on each of the occasions, it would seem this definition fits the situation aptly enough. Just think of it for a moment? Does that definition fit our human experiences in the matter as well? When we are tempted does the tempter approach us along these same lines and use the same time tested techniques? Even though they failed in the case of our perfect and sinless Savior, they all too often succeed in the lives of we who are His followers.
Freedom's Price
Freedom is never free. It always costs someone something. And that cost makes freedom all the more precious. As we celebrate our freedoms on such occasions as July 4th. Independence Day, we should consider the price that has been paid to purchase and preserve it and then ask ourselves if we are willing to stand up in be counted in the fight to preserve and expand freedom’s borders in our generation. We who are called today to fight or contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints should never forget that this precious faith was first purchased at the Cross of Calvary. There God gave His only begotten Son and that Son gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. At the cross, we find the eternal freedom only afforded those who have forgiveness of sin and are called to be the eternal sons and daughters of God.
We who live in nations blessed by a Christian history and heritage have much for which we should thank God. We have a faith that is powerful and unique to a Judeo-Christian culture. A culture that is the foundation upon which free and democratic institutions are based. We should never forget the price paid for our freedoms.
LEST WE FORGET FREEDOM’S PRICE let us look at some freedoms that are ours because of the
graciousness of our God and the sacrifice of those who have gone before.
(1) THE FREEDOM TO FIGHT FOR OUR FAITH.
(2) THE FREEDOM TO FEARLESSLY TELL FORTH THE FACTS OF THE GOSPEL.
(3) THE FREEDOM TO FACE OUR FEARS
They That Wait Upon The Lord
It is always good to examine the background of any passage of scripture. The text is always more clearly illuminated by the context. In this case, simple rules of Bible Analysis may help us get to the crux of the matter. Isaiah is speaking to the Jews who have gone into Babylonian captivity. They are far from home and, as might be expected, they are discouraged, downhearted and depressed. The Psalmist spoke of their dire circumstances and deep sorrow when he said, “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us [required of us] mirth, [saying], Sing us [one] of the songs of Zion...” (Psalm 137:1-4)
They had lost all they cherished and held dear. They yearned for the bygone days of relative freedom and prosperity in the promised land of their fathers. Their hearts cried out for their God-given heritage. They longed for a lifestyle they had come to despise and neglect before their captivity. They longed to go up to Jerusalem to worship Jehovah once more in His holy temple. They were frightened and fainthearted in a faraway land filled with strangers. Life seemed hard and hopeless and they were horribly homesick in that heathen land. They sat down and cried and hung their harps on the willows by the riverside. They had become useless and voiceless held in hands that hung down in helplessness. How could they sing the glad and joyous songs of Zion in such a weary land? They could not. They, as we, must patiently wait upon the Lord to deliver them. It has been truly said that man's extremity is God's opportunity; if we will only trust Him in our dire circumstances.
New Testament Discipleship
For many years I have been puzzled by the many voices laying claim to Biblical Christianity. Especially when it is so obvious that the Bible speaks of only one true faith. Here are just a few of the statements our Savior made on the subject of the singularity of Biblical truth: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt. 15:9) "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)
We can begin by understanding that the instructions of Jesus were very clear and concise. We do not have to guess or speculate about the steps of obedience to be followed. Nor do not need to speculate whether they followed these steps in every definitive detail in every case. We can read from the Word of God the examples of their clear obedience to the faith as it was delivered to them by the Person of Jesus and the Spirit of God. (See Matt. 28:18-20) We can know what consistently occurred when people became disciples or followers of Jesus Christ.It is very reassuring to know that all the examples we find in the New Testament in the first century are clearly consistent with the commands of our Savior and follow the progressive pattern we find in the passage we are considering. In all the examples, we have the same clear and common elements that are shown to us in this account of what occurred when Peter preached on Pentecost.
How To Survive Trouble
God has never guaranteed Christians immunity from trouble. Although Jesus said we could come to Him to have life more abundantly, He wasn’t inferring that life would be a rose garden or that we would be borne to heaven on flowery beds of ease. The person was right who said life wasn’t meant to be easy.
But just why is this so? Jesus says that in this world we shall have trouble didn’t He? We are, as the writers of the New Testament said, in the world, but are not of the world. This world is not our home. We are just sojourners, pilgrims, seeking a city whose build and maker is God. Paul envisioned us a colonisers in the Phillipian letter. And as ambassadors and living love letters from heaven in his Corinthian letters..
But God did not leave His children to wander around in darkness without a light and a guide to enable them to navigate the twists and turns of the committed Christian life. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE WE CAN TRUST THE THOUGHTS, TECHNIQUES AND TIMING WE FIND IN THE WORD OF GOD!
Knowing The Will Of God
If The First Mother Could Speak To Us Today
What Our Nation Needs Now
Jesus Seeks Another Sinner
Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman
Seeking Sinners
THE CRISIS OF THE CROSS
Matthew Chapter Twenty-Seven
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The Man Who Was Born To Die
Isaiah 53
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When Jesus Went To Jerusalem
"Jesus entry into His City, Jerusalem, is the beginning of that last week of His earthly ministry. These six days before His resurrection will be marked by many momentous events. He will purge the temple of God. He will preach His last sermon of warning to the Jews and Jerusalem. In the Upper Room, He will give lessons of comfort, humility and love to his disciples. He will observe the Passover for the last time; pointing forward to the cross, and then institute His Supper that will point back to the same cross. He will agonize in the Garden of Gethsemane. He will be betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter. He will be tried before both Herod and Pilate. He will be scorned, scourged and brutally beaten. He will be cruelly crucified for you and me. The stone will be rolled away and He will rise triumphantly from the grave."
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In His beatitudes in His Sermon on the Mount Jesus uses two very precise and powerful metaphors to teach us the importance or our influence in the world in which we live. These analogies clearly and concisely describe the positive as well as the negative possibilities of the Christian’s influence. We have examined, “ What Jesus Said About Our Saltiness.” Let us look at, "What Jesus Said About Our Lights."
Light, the symbolic object in His second metaphor, was very important in first century Palestine, as it is in every day and time. The role of light throughout the Old and New Testaments is clear. The Creator gave light from the beginning. It is significant that He was, is and always will be Light. A number of stories in the Old Testament centre upon the essentially of light in man’s continuing existence. The basic definition of light is important in understanding this metaphor. Light is the absence of darkness and darkness is the total absence of light. There is really no in between. I am sure the Creator and Teacher gave us this expansive symbol as well to help us understand our responsibilities relative to the essential nature of our influence for good or evil. His command: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” makes this abundantly clear.
Jesus uses two very precise and powerful metaphors to teach us the importance or our influence in the world in which we live. These analogies clearly and concisely describe the positive as well as the negative possibilities of the Christian’s influence. As a beginning background, we should consider the nature of salt and its function in the culture of first century Palestine as well as in our day and time. In the RomanEmpire servants were paid with salt. Our word, salary, comes from the Latin word, “salarium". In the days of old, a man could divorce his wife if she failed to place salt in his food. Middle Eastern cultures have historically looked upon salt as a sign of friendship and hospitality. Arabs who have eaten salt together become friends and therefore cannot fight. They say, “There is salt between us.” A bag of salt was just as valuable and precious as life itself. Salt was essential for the preservation of food. Without salt, men would face the awful prospect of hunger and starvation for much of the year.
Salt is a universally essential compound. Salt is a simple combination of the metal sodium and the gas chlorine. Yet, industrial chemists have found more than 15,000 uses for salt in the manufacture of many simple and complex compounds used in making exotic and everyday products. God designed the human body in such a manner that a form of salt is essential for its continuing life and healthy function. Salt can also cause harm. Expressions such as, “rubbing salt into his wounds,” reflect that obvious fact. The function of salt in adding good taste and flavour to food was perhaps even more important in that day than it is in our culture today.
Christ Calls Us To Compassion For Souls
Mark 2:1-12
When Jesus went to Capernaum It seems the word got around fairly quickly that a great miracle working Rabbi had come to town. As one might expect, great sensation seeking crowds sought to see Jesus whereever He went. But the masses were not necessarily wanting to repent of their sins and abandon their deadly religiosity. This happening clearly shows they were not necessarily interested in hearing and receiving the truth. That truth that could set them free from the legalistic chains binding them. It is made clear here they are not ready to turn their backs upon centuries of false rabbinical interpretation, teaching and application of their law.
In this happening, we see the deep compassion of our Savior. We see His care for suffering humanity. We see His primary concern for those who are universally afflicted with the deadly diseases inflicted upon man by sin. But more than this, we are shown that His main mission then, as now, was to bring eternal salvation to all who would truly believe. A salvation that transcends time and space. A spiritual healing that gives to the recipient forgiveness and a spiritual freedom and fulfilment reaching far beyond the temporary fix that any healing of the mortal body might bring.
The Essence of Real Love
JOHN 13:34-35 " A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
The essential nature of a child of God and a follower of Jesus Christ is love. This is the essence of the statement made here by our Savior on that momentous night before His crucifixion. He had just shown His disciples what love really means. How love involves a servant spirit that condescends first of all to the needs of others. He had not only given a submissive and practical illustration of how such love could be placed into action, but in doing so He had taught Peter and the others a parallel lesson on loving forgiveness.
Jesus' expression of the essence of Godly love was part of His living out and fulfilling the demands and requirements of the law. Here we see the Great Commandment fleshed out. (Matt. 5:43-48) This example also serves as a living illustration of the first fruit of the Spirit. Although every fruit is related to, and in one sense interdependent upon the other, without this love there can be no other real spiritual fruit.
Yes, the true essence of Christ-like love could be characterised as the expression of a submissive servant spirit. As someone has said, "Real Christ-like submission involves a total committal to first meet the needs of another."
The Requirement Of Faithfulness For The New Year
As we look back upon the year that has just passed into the annals of history, we can surely say that God gave all of us many blessings and much for which to be thankful. We could praise Him forever and never sufficiently express the gratitude our hearts should feel for the continuing love, mercy and grace He has poured out upon our lives. The value of our salvation and the abundant spiritual blessings He daily showers upon us defy definition and description. The blessings of family, friends and freedom are forever beyond our capacity to fully comprehend, much less truly be thankful for.
A backward glance will also reveal that the past year has been a year of sorrow and heartbreak for many. As we pause and survey the situation and set our face toward another New Year, it would be good to heed the admonition of the weeping prophet, "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD." (Lam. 3:40)
How to Have A Prosperous New Year
"What Is Christmas?
The Compassion Of Our Saviour
In this passage we see the deep compassion of our Savior. We see His care for suffering humanity. We see His primary concern for those who are universally afflicted with the deadly diseases inflicted upon man by sin. But more than this, we are shown that His main mission then, as now, was to bring eternal salvation to all who would truly believe. A salvation that transcends time and space. A spiritual healing that gives to the recipient forgiveness and a spiritual freedom and fulfillment reaching far beyond the temporary fix that any healing of the mortal body might bring. In doing this, He begins to focus more sharply upon the deep and eternal spiritual meaning behind the temporary physical miracles He is performing. As His ministry develops, He will increasingly continue this emphasis.. Surely His miracles were wonderful, but there was something so much greater for people to experience. They could repent of their sins. They could believe upon Him and His fulfillment of all the prophecies predicting the sacrifice He would make as the suffering Kinsman Redeemer. They could believe upon Him as the promised Messiah King. Then they could enter into the eternal Kingdom of God!
Why We Should Have Thanksgiving
John 8:32-36
Mark 12:29-34
Once Saved, Always Saved!
I John 5.1-13
God's Desire For His People
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Kind Of People God Can Use
Some Questions Worth Asking
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Standing For Truth
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The Mission Of The Great Commission
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The Challenge of Discipleship
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The Solution To All Our Problems
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The First Christians
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The Gospel In A Nutshell
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'
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The Biblical Ordinance of Baptism
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When Jesus Ascended To Heaven
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Resurrection Reactions
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Walking With Jesus
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The Testimony Of The Empty Tomb
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What Baptist Believe About The Bible
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What The Word Of God Is Good For
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The Compassion Of Christ
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Precious Promises
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JESUS SAID WE MUST EXPECT PERSECUTION
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The Great Physician
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How To Be A Happy Christian
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How to Have A Prosperous New Year
Bringing Gifts To Christ
What is Your Christmas Wish?
Have A Good Christmas
"Have a good Christmas," the shopkeeper said. I responded in kind, as I turned away with my first Christmas purchase safe in hand. But I could not help wondering, "How many people using that expression this season really know what makes a good Christmas?" Just what is involved in a good Christmas? Store aisles crowded with eager shoppers making the registers ring with the shrill sounds of shopping success? Bank accounts and credit card limits stretched to the breaking point? Post offices overflowing with those anxious to send that last minute card or package to family or friends in faraway places? Bus and train stations, airports and highways congested with record crowds? Christmas parties resounding with ribald humour and reeking with the fumes of an alcoholic revelry? A table groaning with a load of culinary delights and Christmas goodies guaranteed to break any diet or exhaust any medicinal remedy? An annual visit to a Christmas pageant or a carol sing? A good Christmas means much more than any of this. It must be a Christmas centred upon Jesus Christ the person whose birth is being celebrated. A Christmas focused upon the greatest of allgifts; the gift of God’s Son to a lost and dying world.
"What’s in a name? Would a rose by any other name smell the same?” There is something very special about names. Names are important. Solomon said, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." Of course, he is speaking of the good name one might earn or the reputation one might lose.
It is significant that the story of the birth of our Saviour informs us that God gave His Son some very special names even before He was born. The angel of the Lord said to Joseph: "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 'Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matt. 1:21-23) The angel not only reveals our Saviour’s primary name at this time, but He also makes reference to one of the many prophetic names that had been and are His in eternity (See Isa. 7:14) That the names of our Saviour are all wonderful, there can be no doubt. Is there any wonder that such a wonderful Saviour deserves such wonderful names? He is truly very God and man. (John 1:14) He is the complete embodiment of the Godhead. (Col. 2:9) He deserves all the honor and glory of such meaningful names.
Exodus 17
We have some great lessons in this story that may be learned and applied to God's people today. If there has ever been a day when God's people are engaged in a deadly spiritual battle with the forces of darkness and the enemy of men's souls, today is that day. We do not need to guess what is the ultimate and primary objective of Satan in every age. Since the ultimate and primary objective of God is to spread the Good News of salvation to every creature, then it can be assumed that Satan's objective is to defeat that plan. "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (II Cor. 4:3-4) Since His detailed plan for doing this is outlined in the Great Commission and He gave that Commission to His New Testament Churches in every age, we can assume Satan's grand strategy is to hinder and interfere with the only institution that has been commissioned to do this work of God on earth.
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Lest We Forget Freedom’s Price
John 8:32-36
Freedom is never free. It always costs someone something. And that cost makes freedom all the more precious. As we celebrate our freedoms on such occasions as Veterans and Remembrance Day, we should consider the price that has been paid to purchase and preserve it and then ask ourselves if we are willing to stand up and be counted in the fight to preserve and expand freedom’s borders in our generation. We who are called today to fight for or contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints should never forget that this precious faith was first purchased at the Cross of Calvary. There God gave His only begotten Son and that Son gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. At the cross, we find the eternal freedom only afforded those who have forgiveness of sin and are called to be the eternal sons and daughters of God.
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Easter Sermons
At this special time of the year please
take the time to read these Easter messages.
The Man Who Was Born To Die
There's Power In The Blood
Jesus Goes To Jerusalem
The Cross Of Christ
The Crisis Of The Cross
The Testimony Of The Empty Tomb
Resurrection Reactions
Preparation For Eternity
When Jesus Ascended Into Heaven
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New Testament Discipleship
For many years I have been puzzled by the many voices laying claim to Biblical Christianity. Especially when it is so obvious that the Bible speaks of only one true faith. Here are just a few of the statements our Savior made on the subject of the singularity of Biblical truth.
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39) "But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt. 15:9)
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)
Other New Testament writers confirm the exclusivity of walking in and contending for the true faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul speaking to the local church at Ephesus said, "Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism," (Eph. 3:21-4:5)
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39) "But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt. 15:9)
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)
Other New Testament writers confirm the exclusivity of walking in and contending for the true faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul speaking to the local church at Ephesus said, "Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism," (Eph. 3:21-4:5)
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Christ And Our Problems
We all always face the same basic problems. This has always been so. Paul tells the people at Corinth that the particular cultural problems they faced in their sin-cursed city of pagan gods and terrible immorality, were no different to those faced by the ancient Hebrews wandering in the wilderness of the Sanai. If you scratch beneath the surface of time, people, race and place, these archaic people faced the same problems, perplexities and pressures as those who live in the end times. We can look to the ancient history of God's people and understand that it has all happened before and should be an example for us to learn by. Unless we wish to perpetuate the proposition that, "The only thing man learns from history is that man does not learn from history."
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Special New Year Messages
Click on the title of each to read that message.
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Special Christmas Messages
The following Christmas messages are found in my book, "Seasonal Sermons," Click on the title of each to read that message.
A Merry Christian Christmas to all of you!
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A Wonderful Saviour!
“What’s in a name? Would a rose by any other name smell the same?’ There is something very special about names. People have been known to give their children some very peculiar names; especially after great calamities or earth shaking events. I am sure we have all heard of such people as, “Calamity Jane.” Pity the thousands of poor children that have already been given the name of the infamous Osama Bin Laden by his militant admirers. Wise and prudent parents often spend many hours to insure their child receives a proper name reflecting his heritage. A name hat will not be an embarrassment or handicap to him. Some are not as concerned or careful. Remember the popular song, “A Boy Named Sue?” Names are important. Solomon said, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” Let us look at the meaning of as wonderful name in the Scriptures.
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What Makes Heaven Special
Although there are many beautiful spots on God's green earth, none could compare to the marvellous wonder and beauty of heaven. Even so, the main attraction of heaven for the Christian is not the place but the people. The main Person Who draws us homeward and heavenward is Jesus Christ. In heaven we shall see Him face to face. Just as our roots sometimes tug at us, drawing us back to the places and people of our origins, so does our heart draw us to that land that is fairer than day.
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Our Mighty Fortress
Those who flee to the Word of God for succour in situations of struggle and stress, have long recognised Psalm 46 as a vital source of strength and support. When Martin Luther was under serious and severe stress brought about by continuing satanic attack, he saw in his study of this great Psalm that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” As he was tried in the test tube of trial and crushed in the crucible of crisis, he was moved to write the grand old hymn of the grand old faith entitled, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God, a Bulwark Never Failing.” If there has ever been a time in which God’s people need to read and heed the words of this Psalm and renew a personal and practical acquaintance with the God exalted by the hymn, this is the day.
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A Father’s Legacy
Why Father’s Day? We all could agree that Mother’s Day is a good idea. Mothers are renown for their love and their vital role in shaping a child’s life from the cradle to the grave cannot be debated or denied. But why Father’s Day? How did it come into existence?
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Why preach the gospel?
For those who have been born into the family of God, scripturally baptised by full immersion in water and blessed with the fellowship of the saints in a fundamental, Bible-believing and Bible-preaching New Testament Church, this simple question might seem redundant. But even in Paul’s day there were those who had already strayed from the basic task of preaching the gospel to all the world. Paul said to the church in Galatia,
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
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They That Wait Upon The Lord
The lesson Isaiah is urging upon Israel and us in this passage is unique and difficult for the natural man to accept. We must have faith that He is always there. We must always patiently let go of self and let God operate in our lives. That seems to be the import of what the writer of the Hebrew letter was saying when he said. “But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6) The meaning and context of this simple statement indicate that those who are facing great challenges must believe that He not only is alive and well on planet earth, but that He is operating in the affairs of His people to bring about their utmost good.
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Freedom's Price
Freedom is never free. It always costs someone something. And that cost makes freedom all the more precious. As we celebrate our freedoms on such occasions as July 4th. Independence Day, we should consider the price that has been paid to purchase and preserve it and then ask ourselves if we are willing to stand up in be counted in the fight to preserve and expand freedom’s borders in our generation. We who are called today to fight or contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints should never forget that this precious faith was first purchased at the Cross of Calvary. There God gave His only begotten Son and that Son gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. At the cross, we find the eternal freedom only afforded those who have forgiveness of sin and are called to be the eternal sons and daughters of God.
We who live in nations blessed by a Christian history and heritage have much for which we should thank God. We have a faith that is powerful and unique to a Judeo-Christian culture. A culture that is the foundation upon which free and democratic institutions are based. We should never forget the price paid for our freedoms.
LEST WE FORGET FREEDOM’S PRICE let us look at some freedoms that are ours because of the graciousness of our God and the sacrifice of those who have gone before.
(1) THE FREEDOM TO FIGHT FOR OUR FAITH.
(2) THE FREEDOM TO FEARLESSLY TELL FORTH THE FACTS OF THE GOSPEL.
We who live in nations blessed by a Christian history and heritage have much for which we should thank God. We have a faith that is powerful and unique to a Judeo-Christian culture. A culture that is the foundation upon which free and democratic institutions are based. We should never forget the price paid for our freedoms.
LEST WE FORGET FREEDOM’S PRICE let us look at some freedoms that are ours because of the graciousness of our God and the sacrifice of those who have gone before.
(1) THE FREEDOM TO FIGHT FOR OUR FAITH.
(2) THE FREEDOM TO FEARLESSLY TELL FORTH THE FACTS OF THE GOSPEL.
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A Voice In A Close Call
God has spoken to man in many ways. He spoke from a burning bush. He once used a donkey for a mouth piece. He spoke from a mountain top in thunderings and lightnings. He spoke in a whirlwind. He still speaks today when the earth and the heavens declare His handiwork and His glory. His still small voice still speaks to the hearts of men. But I believe He still He speaks in a special and personal way in close calls today. Life is filled with close calls and narrow escapes. It sometimes seems we are surrounded by disasters..
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Our Great God
What is your view and concept of God? What is God really like? Does he really exist? Can His existence be conclusively proven? I am sure there has never been an intelligent creature who has not
speculated upon the answers to these and other related questions. Of course, answers are as varied
as the background and view points of those asking such questions..."
speculated upon the answers to these and other related questions. Of course, answers are as varied
as the background and view points of those asking such questions..."
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When We Walk With Jesus
In his classic book of the same title, A. B. Simpson speaks of “The Christ of the Forty Days.” There are two “forty” day experiences in the life of our Lord. The first forty day experience is seen at the beginning of his ministry and was a period of temptation. This period of testing ended in a great triumph over Satan. The second forty day experience follows the greatest triumph of all, the resurrection of a Living Saviour and is and of itself a period of further triumph.
Luke, the writer of the Book of Acts, speaks of this triumphant period with this words: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:” (Acts 1:1-3)
Let us refresh our memories relative to some of the literal appearances of our living Saviour during that forty day period. He appeared to the women as they departed from the tomb. (Matt 28:9) He appeared to ten of the disciples. Thomas was missing. (John 20:24) He later appeared to all eleven as they ate. (Mark 16:14) He appeared to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. (John 21:1-2) He appeared to Cleopas and another man as they walked on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:15) He appeared to over 500 at one time. (1 Cor 15:6 Let us look at an incident that occurred as He walked with the two on the road to Emmaus...
Luke, the writer of the Book of Acts, speaks of this triumphant period with this words: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:” (Acts 1:1-3)
Let us refresh our memories relative to some of the literal appearances of our living Saviour during that forty day period. He appeared to the women as they departed from the tomb. (Matt 28:9) He appeared to ten of the disciples. Thomas was missing. (John 20:24) He later appeared to all eleven as they ate. (Mark 16:14) He appeared to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. (John 21:1-2) He appeared to Cleopas and another man as they walked on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:15) He appeared to over 500 at one time. (1 Cor 15:6 Let us look at an incident that occurred as He walked with the two on the road to Emmaus...
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A LIVING SAVIOUR
To the early Christian the tremendous triumph of the resurrection was much more central to their daily existence and witness than to the nominal Christian today. It seems for many years following
this eventful resurrection morning it was impossible for these simple fisher folk, men and women of the true faith, to even meet casually and unexpectedly without greeting each with the triumphant, enthusiastic and heartfelt cry, “He is risen!” And then receive in response from a brother or sister of
the faith an equally excited exclamation, “The Lord is risen, indeed!” For many years thousands of such true believers met daily in their simple assemblies of immersed believers in almost every provincial city or village in the Roman Empire. As they came together they greeted each other with the cry, “He is risen!” The central focus of their coming together and going out into the world to share the gospel was the good news of a living Saviour.
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The Theology Of A Thief
It has been said that there are no atheists in fox holes. Many stories and accounts have been written about those coming to Christ in the very last moments of their earthly existence. Anyone who has been in the ministry for any length of time has probably witnessed what some might term “death bed conversions.” Some of these accounts and experiences may seem dubious, but others may seem very real and genuine. Even though surviving relatives and friends are given great hope and encouragement by such a profession, only eternity will determine the truth of the matter.
In any case, in this passage we have a clear example of such a conversion. We do not need to speculate about the genuineness of it. Our Savior makes it clear that this thief hanging on the cross beside Him was truly saved by the grace of God at the very last moment of his earthly existence. What stronger evidence could one ask or what greater assurance could one receive than to be told by the Savior Who was dying for his sins, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”? In this passage also we have a clear and concise account of the theology of a thief.
In any case, in this passage we have a clear example of such a conversion. We do not need to speculate about the genuineness of it. Our Savior makes it clear that this thief hanging on the cross beside Him was truly saved by the grace of God at the very last moment of his earthly existence. What stronger evidence could one ask or what greater assurance could one receive than to be told by the Savior Who was dying for his sins, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”? In this passage also we have a clear and concise account of the theology of a thief.
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Amazing Grace
Just what is the grace of God? It has been simply defined as the unmerited love and favour of God. This is true. But I like say it this way: “The unmerited love and favor of God acting on our behalf now and forever..” The grace of God not only saves us through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, but it also enables and empowers us to love and serve Him in every aspect of the Christian life. The testimony of the writer of these verses is a tremendous tribute to the grace of God. His story is a story of a classic and complete conversion. His simple statement, “ . . because I persecuted the church of God...” says it all. What happened to him on the road to Damascus is a clear and undeniable example of the most radical change and spiritual metamorphosis one could ever imagine. Only the amazing grace of God could explain the salvation of Paul, John Newton and wretches like you and me!
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The Judgement Seat Of Christ
We should never study the Word of God as if it is dry theology or speculative theory; detached from our everyday life as a Christian. Even when studying prophecy (future history) it is important to ask ourselves these personal questions: "Why did God choose to give me this glimpse into the future? What does He wish me to gain from this information? Since I understand that with knowledge comes increased responsibility, which of these future events are relevant to my life today? How should I respond and prepare for that future? What practical lessons can I learn? What impact should this knowledge have on my life?"
That we will participate in these future events and have a responsibility to prepare for them, should go without saying. Paul urges us to understand that all saved people must someday stand before their Savior, Who will then act in the role of the great Judge of this universe, and give account of our stewardship of the life He gave us. (II Cor. 5:10) Jesus speaks specifically about this stewardship and our future accountability on a number of occasions. (Mark 8:34-38) A number of His parables also focus upon the accountability that will be required at this important event. All His urging
That we will participate in these future events and have a responsibility to prepare for them, should go without saying. Paul urges us to understand that all saved people must someday stand before their Savior, Who will then act in the role of the great Judge of this universe, and give account of our stewardship of the life He gave us. (II Cor. 5:10) Jesus speaks specifically about this stewardship and our future accountability on a number of occasions. (Mark 8:34-38) A number of His parables also focus upon the accountability that will be required at this important event. All His urging
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The Fair Dinkum Christian
This Psalm is written by David. In it he is reiterating the kind of life he has tried to live for God and the kind of qualities he would like to emphasise in his life in the future.
He highlights the qualities that please God and the characteristics that are necessary to demonstrate his convictions to the world around him. It is obvious that his primary purpose in pursuing such a definitive lifestyle is to illicit the approval and approbation of God. He wishes to be a God-pleaser rather than a man-pleaser.
He highlights the qualities that please God and the characteristics that are necessary to demonstrate his convictions to the world around him. It is obvious that his primary purpose in pursuing such a definitive lifestyle is to illicit the approval and approbation of God. He wishes to be a God-pleaser rather than a man-pleaser.
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Christ Calls Us To Compassion For Souls
Mark 2:1-12
When Jesus went to Capernaum It seems the word got around fairly quickly that a great miracle working Rabbi had come to town. As one might expect, great sensation seeking crowds sought to see Jesus whereever He went. But the masses were not necessarily wanting to repent of their sins and abandon their deadly religiosity. This happening clearly shows they were not necessarily interested in hearing and receiving the truth. That truth that could set them free from the legalistic chains binding them. It is made clear here they are not ready to turn their backs upon centuries of false rabbinical interpretation, teaching and application of their law.
In this happening, we see the deep compassion of our Savior. We see His care for suffering humanity. We see His primary concern for those who are universally afflicted with the deadly diseases inflicted upon man by sin. But more than this, we are shown that His main mission then, as now, was to bring eternal salvation to all who would truly believe. A salvation that transcends time and space. A spiritual healing that gives to the recipient forgiveness and a spiritual freedom and fulfilment reaching far beyond the temporary fix that any healing of the mortal body might bring.
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The New Year Messages
To mark the beginning of a New Year we have posted four New Year's Sermons in our Sermons section. You are invited to have a look and enjoy or use any of the material for the glory of God.
The following new year messages found in my book, "Seasonal Sermons," are available to read. Please enjoy reading these New Year messages, Pastor John White December 31st, 2018
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"I like Christmas with all the glitter and glow that memories of Christmases past bring to mind. But what I like best about Christmas is best said in the following article I shared a number of years ago:
"What Is Christmas?
Is it an endless shopping list or a depleted bank account? Is it a fir tree, candy canes, holly wreaths, bells, tinsel or toys? To give Christmas a sacred touch do we switch channels for a moment and listen to the Christmas Concert, and then turn away for a self-satisfied sigh to that lavishly spread tea,set to make a glutton of the strongest? What is Christmas? "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Christmas is perishing men needing to be rescued and lost men needing to be saved. It is God giving His Son to the world and His Son giving Himself for the world. Christmas is the Son of God becoming the Son of Man that sons of men might become "sons of God." (I John 3:1) Christmas is much more than tinsel, ribbons, presents and parties, getting and giving. It is "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Cor. 8:9)"
The following Christmas messages found in my book, "Seasonal Sermons," are consistent with this theme. Please enjoy reading these Christmas messages, Pastor John White December 21st, 2018
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Great Questions of Christmas
For the Christian the most important questions relate to the meaning of Christmas. And even for the non-committed, this could be the critical and crucial time in your life. What better time to seek the truth about the Saviour who was born in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem? Let us ask ourselves the classic questions that have well served sincere truth seekers in every age:
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Psalm 95:1-7
Are you happy? Do you have any success in life? Let us suppose a person from a real third-world country or situation was suddenly transported to your place and became a part of your family - and suddenly was showered with all the blessings of your home, your world and this great nation? Then was told these and more blessings were his in the future. How would he react? How would he view and count your blessings? Do we deserve such blessings? Especially spiritually? It’s only by the grace of God we have escaped eternal death! In this Psalm we are given five major reasons why we should come before His presence with thanksgiving:
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What Our Nation Needs Now
II Chronicles 7:14 " If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
It cannot be denied that our nation stands at a crossroads. The destruction of our traditional values and standards based upon the moral absolutes of our Judeo-Christian heritage seems almost complete. Marriage as the basic institution of family is becoming an increasingly rare phenomenon. The designations of husband, wife and spouse have given way to the more general culturally inoffensive and politically correct term, partner. Those who advocate same sex marriage have all but won the day. What are we to do? Does it take a majority to turn things around or change the course of a culture. It seems God in history has always used a dedicated and committed minority. What some have called, "God's Two Or Three.."
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Psalm 137:1-4
What sort of singer are you? Could you thrill an audience with the beauty of your voice or are you like so many of us, better off singing your solos within the confines of the walls of your shower? It does not matter how melodic or mediocre our voice may be, we are all called to sing unto the Lord. Paul told the members of the churches at Ephesus and Colosse that God’s children are to sing hymns, psalms and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in their hearts unto the Lord.
Yes, we are all singers and if we are saved we have a special song of salvation to sing. It is a different and beautiful song that the world does not know or understand. God is both the composer and the lyricist. He gives it to us. Places it right in our heart when we are born again of His Spirit. Our new found joy soon moves us to give expression to it. It is the song of the redeemed. The song of Zion. If we love the Lord we must sing it. The redeemed of the Lord must say so.
What we should sing and why we should sing it is already determined in the Word of God. But when, where and how we sing is another matter. We are responsible for the time, place and manner the song of salvation is sung.
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Amazing Grace
Just what is the grace of God? It has been simply defined as the unmerited love and favour of God. This is true. But I like say it this way: “The unmerited love and favour of God acting on our behalf now and forever..” The grace of God not only saves us through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, but it also secures us, separates and sanctifies us and enables and empowers us to love and serve Him in every aspect of the Christian life. The testimony of the writer of these verses is a tremendous tribute to the grace of God. His story is a story of a classic and complete conversion. His simple statement, “ . . because I persecuted the church of God...” says it all.
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It seems in the day of Jesus many people were trusting in their own imagined righteousness and religiosity to gain entry to heaven. This was a problem Jesus dealt with constantly all through His brief ministry. The Jewish religious sect of the Pharisees were the prime religious offenders. Their religious self-righteousness was so extreme that some of them would routinely even cross the street to keep from meeting a Gentile face to face. Jesus had some very scathing remarks and severe indictments of such hypocrisy. His extended condemnation of their religious hypocrisy (Matt. 23:13-33) is summed up in two simple assertions: "[Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel......" " Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." (Matt. 23:24 & 28)
Isn't it amazing that this simple parable Jesus spoke some 2,000 years ago so uniquely fits our day as well? Perhaps some may think that since they are saved by the grace of God that such a story has no real contemporary personal application to their situation. I can understand that. But if you tend to think that way, I would simply ask you this question. "Are you familiar enough with the parable and what it really teaches that you could repeat the story and weave the lesson taught into a soul winning conversation? Could you personally lead someone to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour by sharing the truths taught in this parable?" Through my years of door knocking and personal soul winning I have found this story to be a tool that the Holy Spirit will bless if we use it compassionately and boldly in that most blessed endeavour.
Isn't it amazing that this simple parable Jesus spoke some 2,000 years ago so uniquely fits our day as well? Perhaps some may think that since they are saved by the grace of God that such a story has no real contemporary personal application to their situation. I can understand that. But if you tend to think that way, I would simply ask you this question. "Are you familiar enough with the parable and what it really teaches that you could repeat the story and weave the lesson taught into a soul winning conversation? Could you personally lead someone to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour by sharing the truths taught in this parable?" Through my years of door knocking and personal soul winning I have found this story to be a tool that the Holy Spirit will bless if we use it compassionately and boldly in that most blessed endeavour.
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How Jesus Changed A Life
Mark Chapter Five records a day in the life of Jesus when He made His way to a man who is obviously utterly helpless, hopeless and headed to eternal disaster. A man without God and without Christ. Just as we once were. Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus speaks of the condition we all shared with this hapless man. "And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. .That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:" (Eph. 3:1-3, 13-14) Just as our Saviour made this man completely whole, He can still do the same today. He not only gave him eternal life, but He changed his heart and mind and healed his whole being, Such change is the very essence and evidence of salvation.
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THE KIND OF PEOPLE GOD USES
Judges 7:1-9
I am sure those of us who have had the love of the Lord shed abroad in our hearts and who find ourselves constrained to love Him, can agree on one thing. We, above all other things, wish to be the kind of people God can use in His service. We wish to have the approval of the Lord upon our lives and service. We wish to know the blessing of walking victoriously with Jesus each day of our life. To walk as Enoch walked or as both Paul and John urged: “...we are to walk, even as He walked.” We understand the implication of what Jesus said when He said, "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?" This rhetorical question cuts at the very heart of true discipleship. We wish to be real, genuine, true, fair dinkum, dinky di, disciples. The real McCoy. Not counterfeits.
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Is it scripturally valid to be different or wish to be different? Of course, most of us would immediately respond that a desire to be different, just for the sake of being different, would not necessarily emanate from God nor find its genesis in the Word of God. But I am equally convinced that certain Godly differences are implicit in the Bible and that it is imperative that we accentuate these positive precepts and examples. Peter focuses on the crux of the matter when he says the people of a true New Testament Church are not ordinary people. We are a people of God's own choosing and possession. He strongly implies a very distinctive ownership. If this is the case, it is obvious we should be different. We should strive to reflect this blessed relationship in all we do. Our purpose for living is different. Our attitude should be different. If we are His and He is ours, we should always go by His Rule Book. We should always look to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith. We should always seek to know and do His will.
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Why Adversity?
Why do God's people have adversity? As David asked, "Why do the wicked seem to prosper at the expense of God's people?" Why do terrible tragedies occur in the midst of times of great success and prosperity? Why do a multiplicity of calamities, as in the case of Job, seem to come one upon the heels of another? Why does the topography of trouble seem to continually undulate, taking us on a spiritual roller coaster ride? Why in our time of greatest distress, do our most heartfelt petitions and pleas seem to fall upon a deaf ear and fail to a heaven made of brass?
Adversity can be the deadliest source of discouragement or the greatest impetus for spiritual growth in the life of a believer. The difference depends upon and is determined by our understanding, attitude and response to the pressure involved. But just why might God allow adversity into the life of a child of God whom He loves?
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When Jesus came to the waters of the river Jordan to be immersed at the hands of John the Baptist, it was obviously an important and significant event in His life and ministry. He had walked some sixty-five kilometres from Galilee in the dangerous and desolate region beyond Jordan to the place John was immersing repentant Jews. Jews who were true believers in the Word of God and what it prophesied about their coming Messiah King. Cultural history of the era would lead us to believe such a journey may have taken up to five days. The importance of this special symbolic statement of His baptism is verified and validated by the direct personal participation of the two other Persons of the Holy Trinity in the occasion.
We should always remember that Jesus began His public ministry by submitting Himself to immersion by John the Baptist, By this simple symbolic act He publicly proclaimed Himself to be the only begotten Son of God and humbly submitted to the will of His Father. It is significant that the act of immersion marked His first step along His lonely road to Calvary.
This symbolic act portrayed the very essence of the drama of the gospel. His coming death, burial and resurrection was clearly demonstrated in this simple figurative pre-enactment. John recognised this when He cried out, ".. behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world."
Is it any wonder that the Holy Spirit would participate in this momentous event by expressing His personal approval of this act of obedience? Is it not understandable that the Father would cry out from heaven, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."?
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How Jesus Dealt With Temptation
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Freedom's Price
We who live in nations blessed by a Christian history and heritage have much for which we should thank God. We have a faith that is powerful and unique to a Judeo-Christian culture. A culture that is the foundation upon which free and democratic institutions are based. We should never forget the price paid for our freedoms.
LEST WE FORGET FREEDOM’S PRICE let us look at some freedoms that are ours because of the
graciousness of our God and the sacrifice of those who have gone before.
(1) THE FREEDOM TO FIGHT FOR OUR FAITH.
(2) THE FREEDOM TO FEARLESSLY TELL FORTH THE FACTS OF THE GOSPEL.
(3) THE FREEDOM TO FACE OUR FEARS
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They That Wait Upon The Lord
They had lost all they cherished and held dear. They yearned for the bygone days of relative freedom and prosperity in the promised land of their fathers. Their hearts cried out for their God-given heritage. They longed for a lifestyle they had come to despise and neglect before their captivity. They longed to go up to Jerusalem to worship Jehovah once more in His holy temple. They were frightened and fainthearted in a faraway land filled with strangers. Life seemed hard and hopeless and they were horribly homesick in that heathen land. They sat down and cried and hung their harps on the willows by the riverside. They had become useless and voiceless held in hands that hung down in helplessness. How could they sing the glad and joyous songs of Zion in such a weary land? They could not. They, as we, must patiently wait upon the Lord to deliver them. It has been truly said that man's extremity is God's opportunity; if we will only trust Him in our dire circumstances.
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New Testament Discipleship
Acts 2:38-47
For many years I have been puzzled by the many voices laying claim to Biblical Christianity. Especially when it is so obvious that the Bible speaks of only one true faith. Here are just a few of the statements our Savior made on the subject of the singularity of Biblical truth: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt. 15:9) "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)
We can begin by understanding that the instructions of Jesus were very clear and concise. We do not have to guess or speculate about the steps of obedience to be followed. Nor do not need to speculate whether they followed these steps in every definitive detail in every case. We can read from the Word of God the examples of their clear obedience to the faith as it was delivered to them by the Person of Jesus and the Spirit of God. (See Matt. 28:18-20) We can know what consistently occurred when people became disciples or followers of Jesus Christ.It is very reassuring to know that all the examples we find in the New Testament in the first century are clearly consistent with the commands of our Savior and follow the progressive pattern we find in the passage we are considering. In all the examples, we have the same clear and common elements that are shown to us in this account of what occurred when Peter preached on Pentecost.
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God has never guaranteed Christians immunity from trouble. Although Jesus said we could come to Him to have life more abundantly, He wasn’t inferring that life would be a rose garden or that we would be borne to heaven on flowery beds of ease. The person was right who said life wasn’t meant to be easy.
But just why is this so? Jesus says that in this world we shall have trouble didn’t He? We are, as the writers of the New Testament said, in the world, but are not of the world. This world is not our home. We are just sojourners, pilgrims, seeking a city whose build and maker is God. Paul envisioned us a colonisers in the Phillipian letter. And as ambassadors and living love letters from heaven in his Corinthian letters..
But God did not leave His children to wander around in darkness without a light and a guide to enable them to navigate the twists and turns of the committed Christian life. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE WE CAN TRUST THE THOUGHTS, TECHNIQUES AND TIMING WE FIND IN THE WORD OF GOD!
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Knowing The Will Of God
There are three questions any sincere Christian committed to Christ is constantly confronted with. The Word of God continually compels those who search its pages to seek God’s answers to these three questions. These questions are: Does God have a will or purpose for my life? Can I know God’s will for my life; and if so, how? Am I in God’s will right now?
Obviously the correct answers to these questions can only be found in God’s Book. The idea of calling the two divisions testaments or covenants, strongly implies that within their pages is the basis for an agreed plan and purpose for those who enter into covenant with Him by faith. It is clear that all these important questions about the will of God can and should be answered in the affirmative. God does have a will and purpose for every life. We can know that will and purpose. We not only can know God’s will at any particular moment of our life, but He wishes us to do so.
Obviously the correct answers to these questions can only be found in God’s Book. The idea of calling the two divisions testaments or covenants, strongly implies that within their pages is the basis for an agreed plan and purpose for those who enter into covenant with Him by faith. It is clear that all these important questions about the will of God can and should be answered in the affirmative. God does have a will and purpose for every life. We can know that will and purpose. We not only can know God’s will at any particular moment of our life, but He wishes us to do so.
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Adam and Eve just had one rule - but they broke it. Eve had just one command to keep, but she couldn't keep it and the result was a deadly disaster for her and all her descendants. I believe it was Franklin who first said, "Experience is a dear school, but fools will learn in no other." Someone else once said, "The only thing man learns from history is that he doesn't learn from history." Just a word to the wise should be sufficient, but often it is not. We certainly should profit by the mistakes of others. Let us speculate a moment, with this story as a basis, what the first woman, the mother of us all, would say if she could speak to us today. What would her message be?
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Proverbs 31:10-31
We all know just how important mothers really are. Our very existence tells us mother are absolutely necessary. Any progress we may have made toward growing up physically or otherwise is usually a testimony to the faithfulness of our mothers. Most of us could personally endorse old sayings such as, "God couldn't be everywhere (physically), so he gave us mothers." Or, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." Or, "Behind every great man stands a great woman."....
We all know just how important mothers really are. Our very existence tells us mother are absolutely necessary. Any progress we may have made toward growing up physically or otherwise is usually a testimony to the faithfulness of our mothers. Most of us could personally endorse old sayings such as, "God couldn't be everywhere (physically), so he gave us mothers." Or, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." Or, "Behind every great man stands a great woman."....
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What Our Nation Needs Now
On this Anzac Day weekend we remember in particular those who were willing to make the supreme sacrifice for God and country. It is true that many who paid the ultimate price did it for their mates and their kin folk at home in Australia. But we not only remember those brave men who laid it on the line 100 years ago, but we pay tribute to all who have willingly done so in subsequent just wars and conflicts. It may be well to remember that as far as the grand scheme of things is concerned, Australia’s contribution and participation numerically has not been at the top of the list. But no on could deny that Australia’s contribution has never been lacking in quality. Her per capita contribution has never been lacking either. Just as always has been the case, it often falls to the few to make the difference in times of great national crisis. So it is today. God has always used His two or three to stand up for the right and fight the good fight of the faith. Look at the Old Testament examples. Joseph in Egypt. Daniel and Shadrach, Meshack and Abendego down in Babylon. The remnant that would not bow their knee to Baal in Elijah’s day. David and his little sling. Gideon and his brave band of 300..
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The entire ministry of our Lord seems to be focused upon seeking those sinners who are lost. In fact, Jesus states that in verse ten of our passage. Is it not true that our ultimate objective should be the same as our Savior's? Should we not exist in order to glorify God by bringing salvation to homes here in our community? And homes around the world? Soul saving salvation? Life changing salvation? The ministry of Jesus was people oriented. Jesus, cared. Oh yes, He cared. He cared for sinners of all classes, kinds and descriptions. The short and the tall the rich and the poor the pious and the pitiful.
Let us consider the day our Saviour went into the home and heart of a poor, miserable, despised and rejected sinner. The day a life was changed forever. A day when the residents and angels of heaven made the heavens ring with sounds of rejoicing. A day that is so beautifully and poetically described in the old hymn, "O Happy Day.." I trust you have had such a day. But if you have not, I pray that you will consider your eternal destiny with eternal intensity as we examine how it all came to pass.
Let us consider the day our Saviour went into the home and heart of a poor, miserable, despised and rejected sinner. The day a life was changed forever. A day when the residents and angels of heaven made the heavens ring with sounds of rejoicing. A day that is so beautifully and poetically described in the old hymn, "O Happy Day.." I trust you have had such a day. But if you have not, I pray that you will consider your eternal destiny with eternal intensity as we examine how it all came to pass.
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Seeking Sinners
"The account of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well has come to be accepted as the ultimate example of skilful soul winning. For those who desire to learn to be effective and fruitful soul winners, studying and understanding this true story is essential. Many books, tracts and tapes have been published about the best Biblical methodology of soul winning. Some of these materials have been widely disseminated, accepted and placed into practice with good results. But the basic principles found in this account of the Master soul winner bringing one soul to a saving knowledge of His love and grace, underlies all scriptural and successful soul winning plans. Let us examine some obvious facts found in this passage about our Saviour Seeking Sinners and Winning Souls.
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THE CRISIS OF THE CROSS
The life and ministry of Jesus Christ might be summed up with one simple statement, "He set His face toward Calvary." He was truly born to die. Not as men die, but to die a complete and vicarious death; physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and eternally, that man need not do so. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Heb. 2:9) This death was not just an afterthought or the forced reaction of a Sovereign to His rebellious creation that was running out of control. This was God’s planned consummation of His eternal purpose for His eternal people. "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:" (Acts 2:23)
As we come to the end of the first gospel we come to the beginning of the absolute procurement and assurance of life eternal for all those who will truly accept His eternal sacrifice. When He cried out on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me," He was at that moment of time tasting eternal death for all those who will truly believe and receive His gift of everlasting salvation. At the very end of that day, the sun hid its face from the awful suffering and sacrifice being played out upon that cross. He then cried out, "It is finished!" The transaction of our redemption and salvation was eternally completed. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" (I Pet. 3:18)
As we come to the end of the first gospel we come to the beginning of the absolute procurement and assurance of life eternal for all those who will truly accept His eternal sacrifice. When He cried out on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me," He was at that moment of time tasting eternal death for all those who will truly believe and receive His gift of everlasting salvation. At the very end of that day, the sun hid its face from the awful suffering and sacrifice being played out upon that cross. He then cried out, "It is finished!" The transaction of our redemption and salvation was eternally completed. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" (I Pet. 3:18)
These words in Isaiah, penned nearly three thousand years ago by a Jewish prophet, have come to be called the gospel in the Old Testament. Isaiah’s inspired graphic description of the life, mission, purpose and conditions of the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ, could not have been written more clearly and accurately; even with the benefit of historical hindsight. This should not be surprising since God’s prophecy is truly history written in advance. We can find in Isaiah’s concise account a clear outline of the destiny of the One who will be born to die nearly a millennium later. The shame, suffering and scornful rejection that characterized His sacrificial offering of Himself for the sins of the world are brutally described; even the more minute aspects are clearly detailed. But the primary lesson for us today in this prophetic description of the suffering Savior relates to the gospel. The good news we can now share with the whole world; especially during this season of celebration of His death, burial and resurrection.
When Jesus Went To Jerusalem
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What Jesus Said About Our Lights.
In His beatitudes in His Sermon on the Mount Jesus uses two very precise and powerful metaphors to teach us the importance or our influence in the world in which we live. These analogies clearly and concisely describe the positive as well as the negative possibilities of the Christian’s influence. We have examined, “ What Jesus Said About Our Saltiness.” Let us look at, "What Jesus Said About Our Lights."
Light, the symbolic object in His second metaphor, was very important in first century Palestine, as it is in every day and time. The role of light throughout the Old and New Testaments is clear. The Creator gave light from the beginning. It is significant that He was, is and always will be Light. A number of stories in the Old Testament centre upon the essentially of light in man’s continuing existence. The basic definition of light is important in understanding this metaphor. Light is the absence of darkness and darkness is the total absence of light. There is really no in between. I am sure the Creator and Teacher gave us this expansive symbol as well to help us understand our responsibilities relative to the essential nature of our influence for good or evil. His command: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” makes this abundantly clear.
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What Jesus Said About Salt
Jesus uses two very precise and powerful metaphors to teach us the importance or our influence in the world in which we live. These analogies clearly and concisely describe the positive as well as the negative possibilities of the Christian’s influence. As a beginning background, we should consider the nature of salt and its function in the culture of first century Palestine as well as in our day and time. In the RomanEmpire servants were paid with salt. Our word, salary, comes from the Latin word, “salarium". In the days of old, a man could divorce his wife if she failed to place salt in his food. Middle Eastern cultures have historically looked upon salt as a sign of friendship and hospitality. Arabs who have eaten salt together become friends and therefore cannot fight. They say, “There is salt between us.” A bag of salt was just as valuable and precious as life itself. Salt was essential for the preservation of food. Without salt, men would face the awful prospect of hunger and starvation for much of the year.
Salt is a universally essential compound. Salt is a simple combination of the metal sodium and the gas chlorine. Yet, industrial chemists have found more than 15,000 uses for salt in the manufacture of many simple and complex compounds used in making exotic and everyday products. God designed the human body in such a manner that a form of salt is essential for its continuing life and healthy function. Salt can also cause harm. Expressions such as, “rubbing salt into his wounds,” reflect that obvious fact. The function of salt in adding good taste and flavour to food was perhaps even more important in that day than it is in our culture today.
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Christ Calls Us To Compassion For Souls
Mark 2:1-12
When Jesus went to Capernaum It seems the word got around fairly quickly that a great miracle working Rabbi had come to town. As one might expect, great sensation seeking crowds sought to see Jesus whereever He went. But the masses were not necessarily wanting to repent of their sins and abandon their deadly religiosity. This happening clearly shows they were not necessarily interested in hearing and receiving the truth. That truth that could set them free from the legalistic chains binding them. It is made clear here they are not ready to turn their backs upon centuries of false rabbinical interpretation, teaching and application of their law.
In this happening, we see the deep compassion of our Savior. We see His care for suffering humanity. We see His primary concern for those who are universally afflicted with the deadly diseases inflicted upon man by sin. But more than this, we are shown that His main mission then, as now, was to bring eternal salvation to all who would truly believe. A salvation that transcends time and space. A spiritual healing that gives to the recipient forgiveness and a spiritual freedom and fulfilment reaching far beyond the temporary fix that any healing of the mortal body might bring.
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The Essence of Real Love
JOHN 13:34-35 " A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
The essential nature of a child of God and a follower of Jesus Christ is love. This is the essence of the statement made here by our Savior on that momentous night before His crucifixion. He had just shown His disciples what love really means. How love involves a servant spirit that condescends first of all to the needs of others. He had not only given a submissive and practical illustration of how such love could be placed into action, but in doing so He had taught Peter and the others a parallel lesson on loving forgiveness.
Jesus' expression of the essence of Godly love was part of His living out and fulfilling the demands and requirements of the law. Here we see the Great Commandment fleshed out. (Matt. 5:43-48) This example also serves as a living illustration of the first fruit of the Spirit. Although every fruit is related to, and in one sense interdependent upon the other, without this love there can be no other real spiritual fruit.
Yes, the true essence of Christ-like love could be characterised as the expression of a submissive servant spirit. As someone has said, "Real Christ-like submission involves a total committal to first meet the needs of another."
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The Requirement Of Faithfulness For The New Year
As we look back upon the year that has just passed into the annals of history, we can surely say that God gave all of us many blessings and much for which to be thankful. We could praise Him forever and never sufficiently express the gratitude our hearts should feel for the continuing love, mercy and grace He has poured out upon our lives. The value of our salvation and the abundant spiritual blessings He daily showers upon us defy definition and description. The blessings of family, friends and freedom are forever beyond our capacity to fully comprehend, much less truly be thankful for.
A backward glance will also reveal that the past year has been a year of sorrow and heartbreak for many. As we pause and survey the situation and set our face toward another New Year, it would be good to heed the admonition of the weeping prophet, "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD." (Lam. 3:40)
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As we face a New Year I am sure we all would like to be successful and prosperous. But what is success as a Christian? How can it be achieved? Has God given us a formula or a set of Godly guidelines to ensure we can prosper and be successful Christians in the days and weeks ahead? In recent years there has been a plethora of publications purporting to present a sure fire plan for prosperity and success. The central theme of all these seems to be that life is very simple and all we have to do to succeed in life is to follow a few basic and simple rules that everyone else seems to overlook. We have books on how to win friends and influence others or how to become a millionaire in so many easy lessons. But someone has said the simplest way to become successful is to write a book about" how to" that will be gobbled up by the millions of insecure people in the world who seem to be always saying there must be more to life than this. These same masses are those who also seem to equate success with sensual pleasure, financial prosperity, worldly prominence and personal popularity. But for the committed Christian the really important question of the New Year is: "How Can I Prosper and Please God In The New Year?"
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"I like Christmas with all the glitter and glow that memories of Christmases past bring to mind. But what I like best about Christmas is best said in the following article I shared a number of years ago:"What Is Christmas?
Is it an endless shopping list or a depleted bank account? Is it a fir tree, candy canes, holly wreaths, bells, tinsel or toys? To give Christmas a sacred touch do we switch channels for a moment and listen to the Christmas Concert, and then turn away for a self-satisfied sigh to that lavishly spread tea,set to make a glutton of the strongest? What is Christmas? "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Christmas is perishing men needing to be rescued and lost men needing to be saved. It is God giving His Son to the world and His Son giving Himself for the world. Christmas is the Son of God becoming the Son of Man that sons of men might become "sons of God." (I John 3:1) Christmas is much more than tinsel, ribbons, presents and parties, getting and giving. It is "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Cor. 8:9)"
The following Christmas messages found in my book, "Seasonal Sermons," are consistent with this theme.
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The Compassion Of Our Saviour
Mark 2:1-12
In this passage we see the deep compassion of our Savior. We see His care for suffering humanity. We see His primary concern for those who are universally afflicted with the deadly diseases inflicted upon man by sin. But more than this, we are shown that His main mission then, as now, was to bring eternal salvation to all who would truly believe. A salvation that transcends time and space. A spiritual healing that gives to the recipient forgiveness and a spiritual freedom and fulfillment reaching far beyond the temporary fix that any healing of the mortal body might bring. In doing this, He begins to focus more sharply upon the deep and eternal spiritual meaning behind the temporary physical miracles He is performing. As His ministry develops, He will increasingly continue this emphasis.. Surely His miracles were wonderful, but there was something so much greater for people to experience. They could repent of their sins. They could believe upon Him and His fulfillment of all the prophecies predicting the sacrifice He would make as the suffering Kinsman Redeemer. They could believe upon Him as the promised Messiah King. Then they could enter into the eternal Kingdom of God!
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Why We Should Have Thanksgiving
In Australia we do not have a national Thanksgiving Day. We do not have a day set aside especially for giving thanks and praise to God for His blessings upon our nation. Of course, this does not mean that the people of God in our land do not have as much to be thankful for as others who have a national day of thanksgiving. Nor does it mean we should not pause at every opportunity and especially give thanks to our great God for His bounteous blessings upon our great land.
We should give thanks for the greatness of God. “For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3) We should give thanks for the goodness of God. Psalm 100:5 "For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)
We should give thanks for the gift of God. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (II Cor. 9:15)
We should give thanks for the greatness of God. “For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3) We should give thanks for the goodness of God. Psalm 100:5 "For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)
We should give thanks for the gift of God. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (II Cor. 9:15)
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Lest We Forget Freedom’s PriceJohn 8:32-36
Freedom is never free. It always costs someone something. And that cost makes freedom all the more precious. As we celebrate our freedoms on such occasions as Veterans and Remembrance Day, we should consider the price that has been paid to purchase and preserve it and then ask ourselves if we are willing to stand up and be counted in the fight to preserve and expand freedom’s borders in our generation. We who are called today to fight for or contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints should never forget that this precious faith was first purchased at the Cross of Calvary. There God gave His only begotten Son and that Son gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. At the cross, we find the eternal freedom only afforded those who have forgiveness of sin and are called to be the eternal sons and daughters of God.
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Love Is The Principle ThingMark 12:29-34
What is the strongest power in the universe? Is it nuclear fission or fusion? It is said that if man could fully unlock the power of controlled nuclear fusion, the power of the sun, he would have unlimited power to probe the uttermost recesses of the galaxy in which we live. Couple this with a viable superconductor and a second industrial and technological revolution of unimaginable dimensions would be possible. A cup of water could then provide the basic energy source to power a great city for a considerable period of time. We can only speculate on the ultimate impact of such power.
Yet there already exists greater motive power than this. Paul spoke of it when he spoke of the power of the gospel; which is based upon the love of God. What is really the greatest power in the universe? The power of love. In this time of terrorist threats, economic turmoil, political upheaval and social breakdown, what is the most powerful force that could be brought to bear to right the wrongs that exist in this world? An old song says it all. "What the world needs now is love." Not the mushy sentimental sort written about in the romantic ballads of bygone days. Nor the erotic, sensual, sexually exploitative sort of so-called love that permeates so much of today's world of entertainment. An emotion that could more accurately be defined and characterized as lust rather than love. But what the world needs now is the love that has it source in God. What the New Testament terms agape love. A Godlike love.
Yet there already exists greater motive power than this. Paul spoke of it when he spoke of the power of the gospel; which is based upon the love of God. What is really the greatest power in the universe? The power of love. In this time of terrorist threats, economic turmoil, political upheaval and social breakdown, what is the most powerful force that could be brought to bear to right the wrongs that exist in this world? An old song says it all. "What the world needs now is love." Not the mushy sentimental sort written about in the romantic ballads of bygone days. Nor the erotic, sensual, sexually exploitative sort of so-called love that permeates so much of today's world of entertainment. An emotion that could more accurately be defined and characterized as lust rather than love. But what the world needs now is the love that has it source in God. What the New Testament terms agape love. A Godlike love.
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Once Saved, Always Saved!
I John 5.1-13
The Assurance of Salvation, what a tremendous subject! Blessed assurance is one of the most important cornerstones of Christianity and the abundant Christian life. It would not be an exaggeration to say that a lack of real assurance of salvation is the basis of much Christian immaturity and unhappiness today. Although this whole passage is very important as a basis for our understanding of our eternal security in Jesus Christ, let us begin by focusing on verse thirteen. When we are born God gives each of us a small package of life. According to the psalmist, three score and ten, or seventy years. Some a bit more and others a bit less, but the average is seventy years. When we are born the second time God gives us eternal life. This is a life that goes on and on and never ends. God is an eternal God and His purpose in grace is to have for his eternal pleasure a loving and reciprocating relationship with His eternal Sons. This relationship begins at the point of salvation. When we are born again spiritually and are immediately made partakers of His eternal spiritual nature. The moment we are saved we have credited to our eternal heavenly account a life that is irreversibly eternal. The basis of our guarantee in the matter is the Bible. There are so many scriptures that speak of and support this proposition that it would be impractical to try to list them all in a short message. The foundation for our salvation and eternal life is our God's eternal Word. In Psalm 119:89 and Hebrews 6:18, 13:8 and many other places God anchors our ship of salvation in the harbour of the Word of God. Just as the old hymn says, "How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!"
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God's Desire For His People
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica is the first of the thirteen letters the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write. It is said that this letter was probably written around 52 -53 A.D. Paul, Silas and Timothy had ministered in for a time and then were forced to leave because the Jews envied the success of the gospel. They fled to Berea. Paul preached three Sabbaths in the synagogue, but was not allowed to. return. From Berea, Paul and Silas went on to Corinth, but sent Timothy back to ascertain the condition of the new church at Thessalonica. Timothy reported the manifestation of great faith among the assembly, but he also reported there were some misunderstandings among them; perhaps related to the brevity of the ministry Paul had enjoyed there. In response to the situation we have Paul's very first epistle, or letter, to a Church of Jesus Christ. As far as we can ascertain, this is also the very first written Word in the New Testament about the great doctrine of the Second Coming. In this passage Paul stronglydefines God's desire for His people in every age.
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The Kind Of People God Can Use
I am sure those of us who have had the love of the Lord shed abroad in our hearts and who find ourselves constrained to love Him, can agree on one thing. We, above all other things, wish to be the kind of people God can use in His service. We wish to have the approval of the Lord upon our lives and service. We wish to know the blessing of walking victoriously with Jesus each day of our life. To walk as Enoch walked or as both Paul and John urged: “...we are to walk, even as He walked.” We understand the implication of what Jesus said when He said, "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?" This rhetorical question cuts at the very heart of true discipleship. We wish to be real, genuine, true, fair dinkum, dinky di, disciples. The real McCoy. Not counterfeits. Through commands, precepts and examples, the Word of God informs us that there are certain kinds of people that God can and does use to do His great work. There's not always a great group of them. More often than not it is a little flock. A remnant. God's two or three, shall we say, that He ultimately chooses to do the yeoman's work. To fight the good fight. To run the good race. To stand when all others around them may cut and run or fail and fall by the wayside. Don't we want to be part of the little flock? One of God's two or three? A member of a little Gideon band. The kind of people God can use?
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The Power Of Words
The uncontrolled tongue can spark a human conflagration that can rage for days, months, or even years; out of control, destroying individuals, families, churches, or even nations. Wars are not only sometimes fought with words, but many wars have been fought over a few careless and thoughtless words. We should always remember that the tongue has the potential to light a fire that cannot be put out and cause destruction that cannot be reversed. But words also have the power to edify and encourage people as well. In fact, Paul tells us that edification should be a primary purpose of the Christian's words. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." (Eph. 5:29) Our English word edify comes from a Greek noun that denotes the act of building or constructing an edifice. The practical spiritual application in our relationships is evident. Words have the power to build up and help others in their spiritual growth. God through His Spirit can use our words of edification to strengthenand expand the spiritual lives of others. If there has ever been a time in history when fitly spoken words of edification and encouragement are sorely needed, it is now.
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Some Questions Worth Asking
"The confirmation and acid test of ones love for God is expressed in another questio that needs to be asked. DO YOU LOVE GOD'S COMMANDMENTS AND FIND OBEYING THEM A JOY AND A BLESSING? Do you rejoice to hear His Word taught and preached, even when the Sword of the Spirit cuts with conviction deeply into your heart? Those who are not saved feel quite the contrary. They hate the Word of God and flee from the conviction of sin it brings. If this is not so, why do we not have our pews always filled to the overflowing and a crowd standing outside clamoring to come in? Begging and demanding to hear the Word preached in all its purity? I mentioned an article recently critiquing the Purpose Driven Church philosophy. The whole thrust of the article and the underlying problem that is challenging and compromising true Biblebelieving churches, is the idea that a church should design its services and activities to attract, entertain and please the worldly crowd. The absurdity of such a philosophy is shown again and again by statements in the scriptures about the world's hatred for God, His Word and His people. The record of the deaths of millions of Christian martyrs through the centuries stands as an open testimony to this self-evident fact. The action of those who would compromise scriptural conviction in order to cater to the worldly crowd, depreciates the sacrifices our forefathers in the faith made to maintain the purity of their faith and testimony. Such action desecrates their memory.
If this is not the case, why does the culture in which we live so strongly oppose the principles for which we stand? Why do they make fun and call us Bible-bashers and wowsers? Why do they not only support immorality in our nation, but promote it as well? Why the drug scene, pornography and break down of marriage and family, if the world is does not hate the commandments of God and the people of God who would obey them? ..."
If this is not the case, why does the culture in which we live so strongly oppose the principles for which we stand? Why do they make fun and call us Bible-bashers and wowsers? Why do they not only support immorality in our nation, but promote it as well? Why the drug scene, pornography and break down of marriage and family, if the world is does not hate the commandments of God and the people of God who would obey them? ..."
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Standing For Truth
When we examine the letters Paul writes to this church at Thessalonica we find that not only is he calling the people back to the truths he has taught about the gospel and Second Coming, but he places a very strong emphasis upon the need for always standing for the whole truth of God's Word. This is consistent with all his writings. In every place he strongly condemns false teachers and false teaching and sincerely commends the proclamation of truth. He often speaks of the singularity of real truth. He tells the church at Galatia that there is just one true gospel and all others are patently false.
He informs the church at Ephesus that he has given them the word of truth in love. He summarizes that truth by saying there is just one faith, one Lord and one baptism. He makes it clear to young Timothy that New Testament churches are the pillar and ground of this one truth. He emphasized to the church Corinth that he could do nothing against the truth. Christ set this standard for truth when He said, "I am the truth..". He also said that those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. He correctly claims that only this truth can set man truly free.
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The Mission Of The Great Commission
The key concept in the Great Commission is mission. The concept of mission also involves a central purpose or message. Such a central purpose or message necessarily implies messengers or workers to get out the message or accomplish the mission involved. In the case of the mission of the Great Commission, the key concept is only translated into action when God’s people go with the gospel message. Go then becomes the operative word. We can speculate on every aspect of the truth. We can preach about all the great doctrines of the faith once delivered unto the saints. We can truly and proudly boast of the scriptural stand we take. But if we do not go, we are not being obedient to the heavenly vision and mission given to us by our Saviour. There is something very special about the concept and act of going. The chant of, “Go, go, go ..” by fans at a football game inspires and compels the players to give it their all. You can feel the enthusiasm in the air. Perhaps we should catch some of this sense of urgency in the matter of going for Jesus as well.
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The Challenge of Discipleship
The great admiring throngs that Jesus feed with the miracle of the loaves and fishes turn aside when He touches the most sensitive spot relative to committal. It's often not as important what, a person does, as why he does it. Motivation is always important, but especially so in obeying and serving the Lord. Obviously, this was a multitude with mixed motives. Some were evidently moved by no nobler a notion than a free meal ticket. Some seemed to have come along out of crass curiosity; curious but not converted. Others probably perceived His power as being primarily political in purpose and were ready to join in a rebellion. But these with mixed motives had one thing in common. A lack of real committal. These people of the periphery were listeners but not learners. When the signs gave way to the sermon, the attraction to the application and the miracles gave way to the Master's main message of meaningful dedication, they went away and followed Jesus no more. We often find the same reaction among the mixed multitudes filling so many pews of contemporary Christianity today.
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The Solution To All Our Problems
The Old Testament is filled with types, shadows, figures and symbolism that should speak to us today. A number of lessons are easily seen in the passage we examine in this message. Christ, as the Rock, speaks to us of His eternality and faithfulness to His people. We are warned of the dangers of lusting for material and worldly things. We see the chastening hand of God upon the awful sins of idolatry and fornication, both physical and spiritual. We get a glimpse of His judgement upon those who murmur against His appointed spiritual leadership. It is clear that Paul in this passage was exhorting those at Corinth that in spite of their problems, they did not have to follow the path of their spiritual forefathers. But that real and lasting solutions can only be found in Christ.
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The First Christians
One dictionary definition of a Christian reads: "One who has accepted Christ and His way of life..." "Belonging to or a follower of Christ." In Antioch, a great trading city of the Roman Empire, their sophisticated critics weren’t inventing a definitive or complimentary description of these simple followers of the man of Galilee. One might easily envision them as they passed by, stopping and pointing, and whispering in derision and scorn, "See the little Christs!" In every generation since this generation of the first Christians, true believers have always had their critics. In most generations their more severe critics eventually become their persecutors and even their murderers. As we examine this passage, it is easy to see three outstanding things about these who were first called Christians. They had made a CHOICE for Christ. They had been CHANGED by Christ. They were accepting a CHALLENGE for Christ.
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The Gospel In A Nutshell
What can we say that is new about the gospel? Of necessity, it is the same message we preached and shared last year, the year before and the year before that. It is the same gospel that was preached last century and the century before. The writers of the New Testament constantly warned that it should be so. (Gal. 1:8-9) "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."Why should we preach the same gospel today that has been preached since the day of Paul and the apostles? Especially since it has always been considered foolish and unsophisticated to do so? Because it still has the same saving power and remains the only solution for man's sin problem.
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The Biblical Ordinance of Baptism
When the word, baptism, is mentioned, most people automatically think of Baptists. This is especially true when the practice of immersion is mentioned. It is not unusual for many to think that immersion is some sort of new or odd religious or Christian practice. Nothing could be further from the truth. For over twelve hundred years immersion was the common practice of all who claimed to be Christian. It is significant that it has been discovered that baptisteries for full immersion existed in Roman Catholic church buildings through these early centuries. The Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church still practices immersion as their only form of baptism. Since they believe that babies are saved and added to their church by baptism, they normally only immerse babies.
The difference in Baptists and in other groups in the matter of baptism, is that Baptist believe and insist that not only should the ordinance of baptism follow the Biblical pattern of immersion, but that all other aspects of the ordinance must closely conform with Biblical teachings as well, if baptism is to be valid.
The difference in Baptists and in other groups in the matter of baptism, is that Baptist believe and insist that not only should the ordinance of baptism follow the Biblical pattern of immersion, but that all other aspects of the ordinance must closely conform with Biblical teachings as well, if baptism is to be valid.
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When Jesus Ascended To Heaven
One of the most inspiring aspects of this account of the ascension is the realization that someday we will have the same capacities demonstrated by our Saviour on this occasion. A simple statement in the Word of God clearly settles the issue for me. John, in speaking of eternal sons of God said, "We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.." If we are to know the fantastic future our Creator God has in store for those eternal sons he has chosen as the eternal objects of His love in Christ Jesus, we only need to know what He is like. What He is like, physically, intellectually and spiritually is the key to our eternal existence. What will that delightful dimension and glorious existence really be like? No one knows for sure but it is thrilling to speculate on it.
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Resurrection Reactions
Some 4,000 years ago a man named Job asked the question that has defined man's quest for immortality throughout the ages. He asked: “ If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” (Job 14:14) He then gave this divinely inspired answer to his own question: "For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth: And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; [though] my reins be consumed within me.” (Job 19:25-27)
In spite of all the obvious interest in the question of death and immortality in every age and every culture and the Christian’s firm belief in the historical and theological certainty of life after death, reactions to the resurrection of Jesus Christ on that resurrection morning some 2,000 years ago were varied. Throughout subsequent history man’s reaction to the resurrection of Jesus Christ has always been just as varied.
In spite of all the obvious interest in the question of death and immortality in every age and every culture and the Christian’s firm belief in the historical and theological certainty of life after death, reactions to the resurrection of Jesus Christ on that resurrection morning some 2,000 years ago were varied. Throughout subsequent history man’s reaction to the resurrection of Jesus Christ has always been just as varied.
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Walking With Jesus
"Let us look at an incident that occurred in the first week following our Saviour's resurrection. The story of what happened when He walked with two of His followers on the road to the village of Emmaus. Then let us consider what can happen when we walk with Jesus."
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The Testimony Of The Empty Tomb
Have you ever seen an old empty house in a deserted neighbourhood? Perhaps the doors stand ajar, sagging on hinges, loosened by the ravages of weather and time. Have you noticed the vacant stare of glassless windows? If you paused to listen you could almost hear the loud and boisterous cries of generations of happy children that once echoed from its walls and filled its now silent emptiness. If you pause and consider long enough, your mind’s eye might conjure up visions of familiar and nostalgic scenes of yesteryear. Of family circles unbroken. Of those that once gathered for joyous festive family feasts. Or of the tragic and traumatic events that changed things forever for those who once sheltered there. Of ordinary and natural happenings that led to its now sad and silent state. If its walls could speak, what tales might be told of the terrible tragedies or thrilling triumphs that were played out there?What testimony could they give to the human conditions of sorrow and sadness and love, joy, happiness?
In a land faraway there is a tomb with silent walls as well. If that tomb could speak to us what would it say? What would it tell us of the terrible, tragic and thrillingly triumphant events that transpired there some two thousand years ago? What would its testimony be? What is the testimony of that empty tomb today?
In a land faraway there is a tomb with silent walls as well. If that tomb could speak to us what would it say? What would it tell us of the terrible, tragic and thrillingly triumphant events that transpired there some two thousand years ago? What would its testimony be? What is the testimony of that empty tomb today?
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The Cross Of Christ
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To many, a cross is a mere trinket to hang around the neck; intended to make a vague assertion about one's religious pedigree. To some, the symbol has become the substance. When you really think about it, such representations of Christianity can be seen in some strange places and worn by some strange people today. Have you ever thought that some people who like to wear such crosses seem to personify everything else except real Christian committal? Notice, if you will, the number of drug promoting rock stars, promiscuous Hollywood personalities, alcohol consuming sports heroes and pretentious politicians, who seem to have a curious affinity for such sad secular symbolism. But in spite of misuse and misrepresentation, the cross is a powerful symbol.
An old hymn says it well, "In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o'er the wrecks of time; All the light of sacred story, Gather 'round its head sublime..."
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What Baptist Believe About The Bible
II Timothy 3:16-17 "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."
This study is from my study series on What Baptist Believe- Pastor John White
It is important to believe that the Bible is completely true. It could not just contain truth and still be a reliable guide. It could not show the way to God without being reliable in every way. The divine inspiration and inerrant infallibility of the Bible is the absolutely necessary foundation stone of a Biblical faith. Baptist believe that the Bible is the Book of Books. Either every word of the Word is divinely inspired or we have no Word from God. Over the years those who call themselves Christians have advanced and held to various theories to define and explain the divine inspiration of the Bible. Some seek to define inspiration in literary terms and explain a divine and miraculous phenomenon in a way that will satisfy rational thinkers and worldly philosophers. Some of these are good enough as far as they go, but often such theories do not start with the right premise. Any theory of inspiration that does not begin with the assumption of divine infallibility and inerrant revelation is destined to come to wrong conclusions.
It is important to believe that the Bible is completely true. It could not just contain truth and still be a reliable guide. It could not show the way to God without being reliable in every way. The divine inspiration and inerrant infallibility of the Bible is the absolutely necessary foundation stone of a Biblical faith. Baptist believe that the Bible is the Book of Books. Either every word of the Word is divinely inspired or we have no Word from God. Over the years those who call themselves Christians have advanced and held to various theories to define and explain the divine inspiration of the Bible. Some seek to define inspiration in literary terms and explain a divine and miraculous phenomenon in a way that will satisfy rational thinkers and worldly philosophers. Some of these are good enough as far as they go, but often such theories do not start with the right premise. Any theory of inspiration that does not begin with the assumption of divine infallibility and inerrant revelation is destined to come to wrong conclusions.
What The Word Of God Is Good For
(II Timothy 3:16-17)
The Word of God is absolutely unique. In the history and literature of man there is no other book or writing that even begins to compare with the influence, persuasion, and power of the Word of God. The derivation of the Word Bible clearly illustrates it’s vitality and essentiality. The word for Bible comes from Greek and Latin words for book. In relation to the Bible, the expressions came to mean The Book. The Book that became the standard against which all other books and every moral law and philosophy was to be measured. The measuring rod and canon against which all false doctrines and teachings were to be compared and accepted or discarded as the light of the Word was shone upon them. Paul is strongly asserting that the Word of God is not only unique, vital and essential, as to defy description, but that it is also peculiarly, particularly and practically beneficial to the Christian in his life and walk before the Lord. What makes the Word of God so unique and valuable? Because in and through it the Holy God and Creator of this universe ’ personally communicates with His beloved creature, man. In God’s eternal purpose to make unto Himself eternal son’s through eternal redemption, the Word of God was planned as man’s vital communication and connection link with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Word of God is absolutely unique. In the history and literature of man there is no other book or writing that even begins to compare with the influence, persuasion, and power of the Word of God. The derivation of the Word Bible clearly illustrates it’s vitality and essentiality. The word for Bible comes from Greek and Latin words for book. In relation to the Bible, the expressions came to mean The Book. The Book that became the standard against which all other books and every moral law and philosophy was to be measured. The measuring rod and canon against which all false doctrines and teachings were to be compared and accepted or discarded as the light of the Word was shone upon them. Paul is strongly asserting that the Word of God is not only unique, vital and essential, as to defy description, but that it is also peculiarly, particularly and practically beneficial to the Christian in his life and walk before the Lord. What makes the Word of God so unique and valuable? Because in and through it the Holy God and Creator of this universe ’ personally communicates with His beloved creature, man. In God’s eternal purpose to make unto Himself eternal son’s through eternal redemption, the Word of God was planned as man’s vital communication and connection link with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Compassion Of Christ
In the story in this passage we see above all the compassion of our Saviour. We see His care for suffering humanity. We see His primary concern for those who are universally afflicted with the deadly diseases inflicted upon man by sin. But more than this, we are shown that His main mission then, as now, was to bring eternal salvation to all who would truly believe. A salvation that transcends time and space. A spiritual healing that gives to the recipient forgiveness and a spiritual freedom and fulfillment reaching far beyond the temporary fix that any healing of the mortal body might bring.
Precious Promises
"Which of all the precious promises in the Word of God is the most precious to you? There are so many and so tremendous. His promises relating to the great doctrines of grace are overwhelming. Salvation, redemption, justification, security, separation, sanctification and eventually glorification are just a few that thrill our souls. A great number relate to His power and presence in our lives on earth as well. He has told us He will never leave nor forsake us. Can any child of His successfully accuse Him of doing so? Of course, we as faithless creatures may leave or forsake Him, but He, just as the prodigal’s father, is always lovingly, longingly; looking down the path of our backsliding, seeking our repentance and return.
JESUS SAID WE MUST EXPECT PERSECUTION
“Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” Job in the oldest book of the Bible tells us that man is born for trouble, just as surely as sparks fly upwards. He should surely experientially know the truth of his statement. It is not only the story of Job in the Old Testament that makes it clear that persecution and suffering has always been the lot of God’s people. The one constant in the lives of the patriarchs and prophets was their persecution that resulted from their proclamation of the Word of God. We can all agree their life experiences were clearly given to prepare us for the inevitability of adversity in the life of the follower of Jesus Christ. The Book of Acts indicates that suffering for the cause of Christ was the normal Christian life in the first century as well. The true church history of the Lord’s faithful people in the ages that followed can only be correctly characterized as a continuing trail of blood and tears. We who find ourselves the inheritors of their faith should also realize that our predicted an increase in persecution as the end of the approaches.
The Great Physician
Do you remember the verses of the old hymn, "Does Jesus Care?" The verses ask the question, naming and enumerating the conditions of afflictions. Then the chorus responds with a resounding response, "Oh Yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief. Though the days grow dreary and the long nights weary, I know my Savior cares!" If there is one characteristic clearly revealed in the ministry of our Savior, it is His caring and compassion. Because He cared He went about the country doing good; healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, making the lame to walk again, comforting the broken-hearted, and most of all, giving spiritual healing to the lost and condemned sinner. Because He cared he went to the cross and cried out in His agony, "Father forgive them.." He ultimately paid a terrible price just because He cared. Jesus truly was and is The Great Physician Who not only brought healing and help to the afflicted during His earthly ministry, but more than this He offers eternal spiritual healing today to all who will fully trust in Him!
How To Be A Happy Christian
If one were to ask what condition one would desire to live in, in the new year I am sure most might say, "Happiness." We are all interested in true happiness. A loving God surely has a desire to give His dear children His joy unspeakable in all circumstance. He is not some great cynical cosmic kill joy who sits upon the circle of the earth devising methods of punishing and causing His creatures constant pain and heartache. The Greek word translated blessed in these verses that are called the beatitudes can literally mean happy. The word emphasizes what we are, not what we have. It is clear that Jesus desires the state being described in these verses for all those who follow Him. Such a state should be considered the normal Christian life. Someone has said that ordinary Christians are so subnormal that if they lived normally the world would think they were abnormal. Perhaps this reflects an all too common attitude that only those who are super Christians can really serve and please God and influence the world around them. But this is not the case. Here Jesus tells us in the simplest terms how the ordinary Christian can be a happy and fruitful Christian.
How to Have A Prosperous New Year
As we face a New Year I am sure we all would like to be successful and prosperous. But what is success as a Christian? How can it be achieved? Has God given us a formula or a set of Godly guidelines to ensure we can prosper and be successful Christians in the days and weeks ahead? In recent years there has been a plethora of publications purporting to present a sure fire plan for prosperity and success. The central theme of all these seems to be that life is very simple and all we have to do to succeed in life is to follow a few basic and simple rules that everyone else seems to overlook. We have books on how to win friends and influence others or how to become a millionaire in so many easy lessons. But someone has said the simplest way to become successful is to write a book about" how to" that will be gobbled up by the millions of insecure people in the world who seem to be always saying there must be more to life than this. These same masses are those who also seem to equate success with sensual pleasure, financial prosperity, worldly prominence and personal popularity. But for the committed Christian the really important question of the New Year is: "How Can I Prosper and Please God In The New Year?"
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Bringing Gifts To Christ
Gift giving is one of the most meaningful and Biblically based tradition of our Christmas practices. But clearly this simple act often becomes so secularized and commercialized that it is difficult to focus on the real love such giving represents. This love of course focuses upon the whole gospel. It is encapsulated in a single verse of scripture that for centuries has been known as the golden text of the Bible. (John 3:16) Its eternal significance is summed up by Paul when he said, "Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift" (II Cor. 9:15)
----------- What is Your Christmas Wish?
Christmas is always a very exciting time of the year. Even though the weather is hot and much of the traditional symbolism of Christmas in Australia relates to colder climes, there is still a real sense of Christmas in the air. Even the songs played in shopping centers such as White Christmas, Sleigh Bells Ring, Chestnut Roasting, and Rudolph, give those born in the Northern Hemisphere that certain
feeling. Just yesterday I stood for a moment and watched some little ones waiting to sit on Santa’s knee and it was clear that the so-called magic of Christmas is still there. They could not wait to tell Santa their Christmas wishes - and that one special wish above all others.
----------- feeling. Just yesterday I stood for a moment and watched some little ones waiting to sit on Santa’s knee and it was clear that the so-called magic of Christmas is still there. They could not wait to tell Santa their Christmas wishes - and that one special wish above all others.
Have A Good Christmas
"Have a good Christmas," the shopkeeper said. I responded in kind, as I turned away with my first Christmas purchase safe in hand. But I could not help wondering, "How many people using that expression this season really know what makes a good Christmas?" Just what is involved in a good Christmas? Store aisles crowded with eager shoppers making the registers ring with the shrill sounds of shopping success? Bank accounts and credit card limits stretched to the breaking point? Post offices overflowing with those anxious to send that last minute card or package to family or friends in faraway places? Bus and train stations, airports and highways congested with record crowds? Christmas parties resounding with ribald humour and reeking with the fumes of an alcoholic revelry? A table groaning with a load of culinary delights and Christmas goodies guaranteed to break any diet or exhaust any medicinal remedy? An annual visit to a Christmas pageant or a carol sing? A good Christmas means much more than any of this. It must be a Christmas centred upon Jesus Christ the person whose birth is being celebrated. A Christmas focused upon the greatest of allgifts; the gift of God’s Son to a lost and dying world.
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A Wonderful Saviour"What’s in a name? Would a rose by any other name smell the same?” There is something very special about names. Names are important. Solomon said, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." Of course, he is speaking of the good name one might earn or the reputation one might lose.
It is significant that the story of the birth of our Saviour informs us that God gave His Son some very special names even before He was born. The angel of the Lord said to Joseph: "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 'Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matt. 1:21-23) The angel not only reveals our Saviour’s primary name at this time, but He also makes reference to one of the many prophetic names that had been and are His in eternity (See Isa. 7:14) That the names of our Saviour are all wonderful, there can be no doubt. Is there any wonder that such a wonderful Saviour deserves such wonderful names? He is truly very God and man. (John 1:14) He is the complete embodiment of the Godhead. (Col. 2:9) He deserves all the honor and glory of such meaningful names.
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In Australia we do not have a national Thanksgiving Day. We do not have a day set aside especially for giving thanks and praise to God for His blessings upon our nation. Of course, this does not mean that the people of God in our land do not have as much to be thankful for as others who have a national day of thanksgiving. Nor does it mean we should not pause at every opportunity and especially give thanks to our great God for His bounteous blessings upon our great land.
We should give thanks for the greatness of God. “For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3)
We should give thanks for the goodness of God. Ps 100:5 "For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)
We should give thanks for the gift of God. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (II Cor. 9:15)
We should give thanks for the greatness of God. “For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3)
We should give thanks for the goodness of God. Ps 100:5 "For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)
We should give thanks for the gift of God. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (II Cor. 9:15)
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One of the most challenging metaphors of the Christian life is presented in the Second Chapter of the Book of Second Timothy. Here, as in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul compares Christian life to a soldier called to wage spiritual warfare. (Eph. 6:10-18) Many of the militant calls in the Bible to spiritual battle are based upon this easily understood analogy. Grand old hymns of the faith have been penned about the challenges and responsibilities of Christian soldiers. Make no mistake about it, the battle of the ages is joined with Satan and his cohorts of evil. The war has been raging ever since his initial rebellion in the heavens. As the centuries pass, it only grows in its scope and intensity. As the population of planet earth explodes exponentially, more fodder is made available for the fight and more fuel is furnished for the fire of his fiendish, ferocious and vindictive wrath. In order to an effective combatant in this great battle of the ages we should note the parallel qualities and characterisics of the good military soldier and the Christian Soldier that Paul clearly outlines this analogy.
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"Although there are many beautiful spots on God's green earth, none could compare to the marvelous wonder and beauty of heaven. Even so, the main attraction of heaven for the Christian is not the place but the people. The main Person Who draws us homeward and heavenward is Jesus Christ. In heaven we shall see Him face to face. Just as our roots sometimes tug at us, drawing us back to the places and people of our origins, so does our heart draw us to that land that is fairer than day. By faith we can see it afar. It is a real place. It is not, as some may say, just a fantasy figment of a fertile imagination. It is not just an adult version of a big rock candy mountain. Nor is it pie in the sky by and by. It is the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people. Heaven is not only a real place, but it is a very SPECIAL PLACE.
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Have you ever wondered what message might be given to us by someone who has left this world and resides in the next world? What our loved ones who have entered into the joy and peace of the eternal presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ would say to us if they could speak to us? We have a record of some early New Testament saints who did get a peek into heaven. As Stephan, the first Christian martyr of record, was being stoned to death, he lifted his face toward heaven and joyfully cried out that he could see Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. Paul was caught up into the third heaven and saw marvelous things. But he said they were beyond communicating to man. Of course, we also have the prophetic vision of the prophets, including John the Revelator. But if we wish to have a real look into life and conditions in the world to come, Jesus our Saviour gave us a detailed account in His story of the rich man and Lazarus. In this real life historical account Jesus lets us hear a message from a voice beyond..
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In John Chapter Six we have a description of a very special miracle performed by Jesus during His earthly ministry. This event not only confirms the deity of Christ, but also gives us a thrilling insight into the power of Jesus to do the impossible. This miracle is the only one recorded in all four gospels. It is a miracle that is performed not only in the presence of His disciples, but it involves the personal participation of thousands of other people as well. If we examine the miracle, we can only conclude that it is an unique miracle. It does not involve the alteration of a natural phenomenon. It is not based upon the setting aside of some malignant condition. In this miracle, Jesus does what
only a Creator God can do. He in essence brings into existence huge quantities of food that did not exist previously. That is impossible in anyone’s book......"
only a Creator God can do. He in essence brings into existence huge quantities of food that did not exist previously. That is impossible in anyone’s book......"
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On the eve of the terrible crisis of the cross, Jesus gathers His followers around Him to take the Jewish Passover. This will be the last Passover any Israelite can correctly take as a prophetic prefigure of the coming sacrifice of the Messiah-Redeemer. He uses the symbols of the Old Covenant to institute His Supper, the Supper of Remembrance, that will mark the culmination of the old and the beginning of the new when He cries out from the cross, "It is finished.." It is characteristic of His ministry of perfection, that He uses this occasion to teach the great lessons found in chapters thirteen through seventeen of this book and those recorded in the parallel gospels. His great love, concern and compassion, compels Him to go even further and show His disciples the way of love in the object lesson of washing their feet. This last lesson of love could be summarized by the statement, "Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end." As He faces the awful agony of the cross, He pauses for a moment to teach us love and humility. The way of Christ and the way of the cross is the way of love. Paul described it as "..the most excellent way."
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"Just what is providence? How is it to be defined? I like this definition: "God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not in any wise to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures." The providence of God is based upon His absolute sovereignty. It is also based upon His directive as well as His permissive will. Since His Word tells us that every good and prerfect gift comes down to man from the Creator God and the Father of all His eternal sons and daughters, we can be sure this world is not ruled by the gods of chance or of luck but by a providential Almighty God who desires only good for His chosen people. We can be sure that ".... that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.." (Romans 8:28)"
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Our Saviour urged His followers to consider the concept that each one has a life to live for Him. Evidently the quality and quantity of that life will become evident at His Judgment Seat. He tells us that those who selfishly attempt to save their lives by living for themselves will ultimately lose it all when they stand before Him. Conversely, He informs us that those who selflessly lose themselves in His will and live their life for Him and His causes, will be gloriously vindicated and their life will shine as gold, silver and precious stone. We can then logically conclude that this matter of scripturally defining and understanding the Christian life is all important. The Word of God gives us a number of easily grasped images that place in the simplest terms just what life should be for the Christian."
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"In this passage (Philippians 3:13-21) Paul describes some changes that should mark the life of a believer. He sets the bar of Christian living very high for himself and for all those who profess to follow him as he follows the Lord Jesus Christ. He also clearly points out that among the Philippians there are those who are traitors to the cause. Those whose attitudes, actions and associations reflect a worldly focus rather than a heavenly outlook. He rebukes those and then urges those who are seeking to be true disciples to focus upon heavenly things.
The Philippians could easily understand the concept of colonization. Their fair city was the centre of a Roman colony. It was a busy cosmopolitan city. It was also a multicultural city. As a cultural trade center, its citizens came from all over the Roman Empire. Although they were Phiippians geographically, the one thing they had in common was their allegiance to Caesar and his Empire. The application to a New Testament Church in any city in any geographical area on earth at any time in history is clear. We are also already citizens of a COLONY OF HEAVEN. (In verse 21 the word "conversation" could easily be correctly translated as "citizenship", making the phrase read, "..for our citizenship is in heaven..") We who are children of God by faith in Christ Jesus should understand this world is not our home. We are just passing through this veil of tears on our way to our heavenly home. As indicated by the writer of the Hebrew letter, we have a continuing city whose Builder and Maker is God. We are wayfarers, pilgrims trekking to a better land."
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"Is it not true that all of us are required to live with the consequences of our decisions and actions? Whether they are brilliant or stupid? Whether they are good or bad? Just pause for a moment and cast your mind back over your life and confirm that I am not the only one who has had this experience. Yes, we all live with the consequences, don't we? We live with the consequences of the choices we have made. This is also true of a familiar Bible character known as "the man after God's own heart." Most of us know the all too familiar story. David had to live with the consequences of his sin. Psalm 3, written by David, gives a clear insight into living with the consequences and how God can give us strength for any struggle."
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God Is Always There
"The message was first prepared and presented immediately following the terrible events of 9/11. But the truths explored are just as applicable to today. But just what can we say in times like these to reassure those whose hearts tremble with fear and uncertainty? Is God still on His throne? Is His world still turning on the axis of His sovereignty? Is His plan for man still heading steadily toward the ultimate consummation of His eternal purpose? Has the omnipotent Creator and Ruler of this universe been deposed by the cruel and heartless acts of His evil and sinful creatures? If He is still there, how could He stand by mutely and impassively as ruthless and heartless terrorists slaughter thousands of innocents? We must admit that the answer to these perennial and perplexing questions does not come easily. Especially for those who have suffered terrible and traumatic loss. But I do know God has the answer. In fact, He has written a whole book about the matter. Through the ages He has again and again given those who need it most grace and faith to understand and accept His will for their lives; no matter how perplexing and painful it may be. In all this we must never forget that the love and mercy of God can be seen even in a time of great trouble. We must grasp the eternal truth that GOD IS ALWAYS THERE ...."
God Is Always There
"The message was first prepared and presented immediately following the terrible events of 9/11. But the truths explored are just as applicable to today. But just what can we say in times like these to reassure those whose hearts tremble with fear and uncertainty? Is God still on His throne? Is His world still turning on the axis of His sovereignty? Is His plan for man still heading steadily toward the ultimate consummation of His eternal purpose? Has the omnipotent Creator and Ruler of this universe been deposed by the cruel and heartless acts of His evil and sinful creatures? If He is still there, how could He stand by mutely and impassively as ruthless and heartless terrorists slaughter thousands of innocents? We must admit that the answer to these perennial and perplexing questions does not come easily. Especially for those who have suffered terrible and traumatic loss. But I do know God has the answer. In fact, He has written a whole book about the matter. Through the ages He has again and again given those who need it most grace and faith to understand and accept His will for their lives; no matter how perplexing and painful it may be. In all this we must never forget that the love and mercy of God can be seen even in a time of great trouble. We must grasp the eternal truth that GOD IS ALWAYS THERE ...."
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Jesus Is The Answer
John 6:66-69
"Surely when the Master preached one of the very greatest of His great messages focusing upon the Bread of Life versus mere physical bread, He was fully aware of the inevitable result; a diminishing of His followers and an overall decrease in His congregation. Is it any wonder He once said, “Woe be unto you when all men speak well of you."? Numbers are not always a correct criterion for claims of spiritual success or a perfect gauge of powerful preaching.
God is not always the God of the crowd or the majority. If you recall, a call for a democratic decision from the crowd attending Jesus' trial resulted in a unanimous vote for His crucifixion. God, as in the case of Gideon's band, is more often than not interested in the dedicated two or three. He looks on the inward man. He's a heart reader, not a head counter. Success achieved at the cost of compromise is no success at all.. Conscripts can scarcely be classed as converts nor draftees as devotees, no matter how many may swell the ranks of popular religion. When the pressure is applied by Satan, they too will turn back in the day of battle."
Jesus Is The Answer
John 6:66-69
"Surely when the Master preached one of the very greatest of His great messages focusing upon the Bread of Life versus mere physical bread, He was fully aware of the inevitable result; a diminishing of His followers and an overall decrease in His congregation. Is it any wonder He once said, “Woe be unto you when all men speak well of you."? Numbers are not always a correct criterion for claims of spiritual success or a perfect gauge of powerful preaching.
God is not always the God of the crowd or the majority. If you recall, a call for a democratic decision from the crowd attending Jesus' trial resulted in a unanimous vote for His crucifixion. God, as in the case of Gideon's band, is more often than not interested in the dedicated two or three. He looks on the inward man. He's a heart reader, not a head counter. Success achieved at the cost of compromise is no success at all.. Conscripts can scarcely be classed as converts nor draftees as devotees, no matter how many may swell the ranks of popular religion. When the pressure is applied by Satan, they too will turn back in the day of battle."
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The Power Of Words
James 3:3-10
There could be nothing further from the truth than the old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me." Words have the power to cause immeasurable harm and hurt. Those who work to bring help and healing to those who are hurting emotionally will tell you of the lasting psychological damage commonly caused when careless and cruel words were used as the primary weapons of war in an abusive relationship. Those who have grown up being constantly bombarded with harsh and hurtful criticism bear the brunt of hurtful words throughout their lifetime. Quite the contrary, words have tremendous power to edify and build up. To bring help and healing to those who need encouraging along life's way. This message explores both the positive and negative power of words. We are told that contentment is a learned process. We do not come by it naturally. Some may be born with a silver spoon in their month, but no man is born with golden globe of happiness in his hand. It must be worked at. Like any successful learning process, acquiring contentment requires a disciplined approach. A price must be paid. We know that the medical doctor who hangs that coveted degree on his wall, did not come by it easily. Hours, days, weeks, months and even years of hard study, sleep deprivation and exhausting work were necessary. The same could be
said of the endeavor of many others to reach the top of their professions.
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The Gospel In A Nutshell
John 3:16
We all know that the gospel is good news. But it is really more than good news. It is God's good news for our day and every day based upon the thrilling truth of God giving his Son as an all sufficient sacrifice for man's sin. It is good news but it is not new news. It is the same message preached by faithful men last year, the year before and the year before that. It is the same gospel that was preached last century and the centuries before that. The writers of the New Testament constantly warned that it should always be so. In this message this gospel is presented in the simple terms outlined in what is known as the golden text of the Bible.
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Keys To Contentment
Philippians. 4:4-19
Contentment must be possible in the Christian life. Otherwise Paul would not have given us his testimony of contentment. Nor would God have instructed him to write commanding followers of Jesus Christ to be content. Nor would he have indicated that such contentment is available to everyone - no matter what the situation or circumstance. His words are clear cut and concise, ". . . for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content." But it is clear that contentment is not an automatic state of being for a believer. It is clearly a learned process. This message shares common sense keys to contentment found in the Word of God.
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There’s Power In The Blood
John 19:28-34
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of
sins.” (Matt. 26:28) “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible
things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your
fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”
(I Peter 1:18-19)
John 19:28-34
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of
sins.” (Matt. 26:28) “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible
things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your
fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”
(I Peter 1:18-19)
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Preparation for Eternity
Matthew 27:62-28:7
We serve a risen Saviour and look forward to that day when we shall stand with Him in a glorious
heavenly home which He has prepared for all who have loved and served Him. At the end of his
life, the apostle Paul said, “ For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (II Tim. 4:6-8)
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A Simple Sort Of Scriptural Christmas
Luke Chapter Two
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8) In the true story of Christmas we see shepherds doing what shepherds do best; diligently caring for their sheep. It is significant that the God of this universe selected these simple shepherd folk to hear the greatest birth announcement of all time.
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God's Kind Of Mother
Proverbs 31:10-31
We all know just how important mothers really are. Our very existence tells us mother are absolutely necessary. Any progress we may have made toward growing up physically or otherwise is usually a testimony to the faithfulness of our mothers. Most of us could personally endorse old sayings such as, "God couldn't be everywhere (physically), so he gave us mothers." Or, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." Or, "Behind every great man stands a great woman."....
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A Clear Call To Complete Committal
Romans 12:1-2
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
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Jesus Speaks About Some Fools
Luke 12:16-23
Have you ever felt foolish? That you did something to make a fool of yourself? Did you ever look at someone and say, “That person is a fool..” We simple Bible believing Christians are seen by the unbelieving world as fools. They scorn and ridicule us in their media. They even sometimes make fun of us to our face. But I am sure they more often do so behind our backs.
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God's Kind Of Mother
Proverbs 31:10-31
We all know just how important mothers really are. Our very existence tells us mother are absolutely necessary. Any progress we may have made toward growing up physically or otherwise is usually a testimony to the faithfulness of our mothers. Most of us could personally endorse old sayings such as, "God couldn't be everywhere (physically), so he gave us mothers." Or, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." Or, "Behind every great man stands a great woman."....
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A Clear Call To Complete Committal
Romans 12:1-2
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
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Jesus Speaks About Some Fools
Luke 12:16-23
Have you ever felt foolish? That you did something to make a fool of yourself? Did you ever look at someone and say, “That person is a fool..” We simple Bible believing Christians are seen by the unbelieving world as fools. They scorn and ridicule us in their media. They even sometimes make fun of us to our face. But I am sure they more often do so behind our backs.
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