HIS KINGDOM FIRST!

HIS KINGDOM FIRST!

Matt 6:30-33

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The current clash of political philosophies has produced the largest early voter turnout in many years. The focal point of those two philosophies is the same and neither group fully presents what the Scripture tells us is God’s primary concern which is His own kingdom. We worry and fret over the state of our pocket or pocket book; whether empty or full. The group who most convincingly promises to keep our pockets full wins our support but the truth is our focus is fuzzy.

The Greek word for “kingdom” is basileia which means the entire realm of the king. It is, or should be, the great concern of every ambassador to promote the welfare and success of the country he represents. His concern is not for his own financial gain but for the increase of his government. Lest God should be misunderstood regarding his kingdom He quickly adds “and his righteousness” to the command.

2 Cor 5:20

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Christianity is a friend to man because it produces a community of caring and generously giving people. A worldly spirit is the enemy of peace because it produces a community of grabbers and hoarders. One philosophy gives to those in need while the other steals crumbs from widows.

Matt 10:7-8

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

The Greek for “seek” is zeteo which means to “worship” or to “plot how we may obtain” the kingdom and God’s righteousness. It is our first focus to which, when we find it, all other blessings are connected.

Dear Lord, you are the great giver. Do not let me then focus on the gifts for when I have you I have all. AMEN

MY LIFE AS A PRAYER!

MY LIFE AS A PRAYER!

1 Thess 5:17

17 Pray without ceasing.

The short verse above seems intrusive if not impossible. How can I pray constantly without stopping? I have a life to live after all! These might be the thoughts of one who does not realize that life itself should be a prayer unto God. Every moment of every day should be spent in constant contact with the God of Heaven.

Our first thought in the morning should include God. Our first impulse should be to worship. When our morning prayer is done and the “amen” is said we should not think our prayer is finished. Let me suggest several areas in which we should pray all day.

1. MY MIND!

Ps 19:14

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

2 Cor 10:4-5

4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2. MY MOUTH!

Eph 4:29

29 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.

Let our speech be free from profanity, from contempt of God, from ridiculing serious things. Our words should build up and not tear down.

3. MY SELF!

Rom 12:3

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Henry Ward Beecher said: “The prouder a man is, the more he thinks he deserves; and the more he thinks he deserves; the less he really does deserve. A proud man – the whole world is not big enough to serve him.”

4. MY RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS!

Matt 10:8

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Rom 12:10

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

We should ask God to keep us honorable and generous in our dealings with others.

5. MY DESTINY!

1 Peter 1:3-4

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

My spiritual inheritance is on deposit with God in the bank of heaven. Let me think of this all day long.

Dear Lord, let me live this day as a prayer unto you. Place a guard on my mind, my mouth and myself. Let my relationship with others be honorable and benevolent. Comfort and encourage me with the knowledge that my life is hid with you and my reward is in heaven. AMEN

OFFERINGS ARE PART OF WORSHIP!

OFFERINGS ARE PART OF WORSHIP!

Gen 4:3-4 KJV

3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

It didn’t take long for fallen man to realize that God was the giver of all good things and that a portion of what God had given should be returned as an offering. In fact this is probably not a single act but a series of acts as if the story should have said “they were in the habit of bringing.”

The difference in the offerings and the two boys who offered has long been discussed. I think there are two things that need to be investigated.

1.  THE DIFERENCES!

Ø     Abel comes as a sinner without any claim on God.

Ø     Abel acknowledges the curse of death to be his own and brings a lamb as a substitute for his own blood.

Ø     Cain acknowledges only his connection with nature and so brings of the fruit of the ground.

Ø     Cain’s offering was “toil” represented by tilling and tending the ground. Cain’s was an offering of self effort.

Ø     Abel’s offering was of life-for-life. He knows that his relationship with Jehovah is based on the sacrifice of another.

Ø     Abel comes with blood on his hands and feels that he dare not approach God without it.

2. THE BEST OFFERING!

Eph 5:1-2 KJV

5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Isa 53:4-5 KJV

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

3. WHY CHRISTIANS GIVE OFFERINGS?

Mark 12:41-44 KJV

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Ps 96:7-9 KJV

7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

The widow gave not to make God or even His Temple rich. Yet she attracted the attention of Jesus! She gave because she loved God and wanted to honor him.

Dear Lord, I don’t have much in this world’s goods but I am rich with all the things you have provided by grace. Please accept my offerings as you did the poor widow. AMEN

OUT OF THIS WORLD!

OUT OF THIS WORLD!

John 15:18-19 KJV

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Jude 22-23 KJV

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

The idea of being taken “out of” the world and being snatched “out of” the fire is the same. We would never consider returning to the flames once we had been snatched from destruction and neither should we ponder returning to the world.

WHY THE WORLD IS SO DESTRUCTIVE TO TRUE BELIEVERS!

1. PRACTICAL ATHEISM.

Those who are in the world are atheistic in spirit, behavior and purpose. When the world knew God they glorified him not as God but for all practical purposes conducted their lives as if He did not exist. (Romans 1:21) Most of the time God was never thought of but at those times when it was expedient to have a god nearby he was benign and grotesque.

2. FUNCTIONAL MATERIALISM.

The world without God has no practical recognition of a spiritual universe. The wonderful acts of creation are not attributed to God but to immeasurable time, explosions and gaseous mixtures. The satisfaction of the flesh and the accumulation of stuff are the goals of the worldly system.

3. MERCILESS SELFISHNESS.

Phil 2:21 KJV

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

James 4:1-3 KJV

4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

The “world” is antagonistic to and irreconcilable with God!  “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:6-7)

Dear Lord, I am in the world but by your mercy I have been taken “out of” the world. Keep me unspotted and uncomfortable with the world’s system until we meet face to face. AMEN

A SPIRITUAL SELF – TEST!

A SPIRITUAL SELF – TEST!

Who am I and what kind of Christianity do I really practice on a daily basis? I believe that is a question we should ask ourselves from time to time. If today is a convenient time for you to ask let me suggest a few probing questions.

1. AM I CONTENT WITH THE PERSON I AM BECOMING?

Eph 4:22-24 KJV

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Every day – sometimes multiple times within that day – there is a need to put off and put on! As I mature am I growing into a wise person who can provide answers to those who follow after me? If I should ever leave my office as a pastor will I have anything left to fill the vacuum?

2. IS THE CORE OF MY LIFE QUIET?

Ps 46:10-11 KJV

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

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

I read somewhere that the motto of most people is: “When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!”

3. DO I HAVE A GROWING PRAYER LIFE?

Are my daily decisions made with prayer or are they driven by personal desires?

Phil 4:6-7 KJV

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

4. AM I BECOMING TRULY HUMBLE?

Phil 2:3 KJV

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Nothing is more arrogant than false humility. I do not need to deny the talents I have but I must remember that those talents are a product of God’s working in me. If God has given me a talent or an ability then He intends to direct the use of both for His purposes and His glory.

5. AM I OBEDIENT IN SMALL MATTERS?

1 John 2:3-4 KJV

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

The above verse is strong medicine and needs no comment from me!

6. IS THERE JOY IN MY LIFE?

John 15:11 KJV

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is a result of pleasant “happenings!” Joy is the result of knowing that God is in control of every situation – even the unpleasant ones.

Dear Lord, running headlong in my direction today are both good things and bad. Help me to face them both with calm and confidence. AMEN

HE’S IN CONTROL!

HE’S IN CONTROL!

Mankind fell through a desire to cast off God’s control. Satan’s great enticement was that we would “be as gods knowing both good and evil” and, therefore gain control. Man quickly learned that God retained control and still maintains it today.

1. HE’S IN CONTROL OF NATURE’S LAWS!

Jer 5:22 KJV

22 Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

2. HE’S IN CONTROL OF MY ADVANCEMENT!

Ps 75:6-7 KJV

6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

3. HE’S IN CONTROL OF GOVERNMENTS!

Dan 2:21 KJV

21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Matt 24:6 KJV

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

4. HE’S IN CONTROL OF MY PERSONAL SAFETY & MY FUTURE!

Rom 8:31 KJV

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Matt 10:29-31 KJV

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Heb 13:6 KJV

The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Dear Lord, today I rest in the knowledge that you are, as always, in control. AMEN

OVERCOMING TESTIMONY!

OVERCOMING TESTIMONY!

Rev 12:10-11 KJV

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

At the conclusion of games 6 of the American League Championship the Texas Rangers were headed for the World Series for the first time in the club’s history. The final score of 6 to 1 over the New York Yankees caused the usual celebrations with one unusual exception.

On the field the team sprayed one another with ginger ale instead of the usual Champaign in honor of outfielder and slugger Josh Hamilton who is a recovering substance abuser and an outspoken Christian.

In our text three things are said to be the powerful elements in defeating Satan.

1. THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB!

The blood of Jesus signals the defeat of Satan. It is the good news that sin is covered and God’s demands had been satisfied.

Rev 15:2-3 KJV 

2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

2. THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY!

It was not that they demanded others to conform to their standard of morality nor did they brag about their spiritual accomplishments. Their testimony was a constant and bold declaration and affirmation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The focus was on the Savior and not the saint.

Rev 6:9 KJV

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

3. THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES!

Mark 8:35-37 KJV

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Dear Lord, I claim the covering of your blood. Help me to give clear testimony with my life and to not fear. AMEN

I’M GLAD IT’S SUNDAY!

I’M GLAD IT’S SUNDAY!

Ps 122:1 A Song of degrees of David.

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

Ps 84:10

10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

When I was a kid we would twine our fingers together just so and stick both forefingers up together while we said: “Here is the church; here is the steeple; open the door and see all the people.” Then we would turn our fists inside out and wiggle our fingers animating the people inside. I’m not sure even now what that illustrated but it is almost a universal childhood favorite.

Now that I am a pastor the great joy of my heart is to “see all the people.” Each one energizes me as I greet them on Sunday morning. Fresh from a week of toil and sometimes trouble there is a change that comes over them as they enter the house of the Lord. You can see the smiles and sometimes hear the sighs as the hurt drains from them when they clasp hands in brotherhood.

“Church clothes” have changed considerably in recent days and may be a full business suit but often it is simply a clean, fresh and comfortable garment of praise. Whatever their business, they have set aside the gritty garments of toil. Their faces shine. The regulars gather to renew fellowship with their once-a week friends.

The choir assembles along with a tumble of musicians and the sweet sounds of worship rise in honor of our Lord. Singing is a joy whether the songs are new or old. The object of our praise is the Ancient of Days! The very idea of harmony celebrates diversity amidst unity. I’m really glad it’s Sunday.

Ps 95:1-6

95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Dear Lord, my heart is rejoicing because soon I will join with my brothers and sisters, my friends, in worshipping you. Thank you for Sundays. AMEN

SURRENDER IS THE KEY!

SURRENDER IS THE KEY!

Ps 66:1-7 KJV

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:

2 Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

We like to think of ourselves as autonomous beings with the power to do what we want; a relative omnipotence. We have listened to the serpent in the garden when he promised us that “we shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” We want to demand that all our wishes be satisfied and that we should never be disappointed.

We view surrender to the will of another, even to the will of God, as a challenge to our rule. It is an invasion of our kingdom by another king so surrender is not easy for us.

1. ARE YOU FEARFUL OF THE FUTURE?

Are you fearful that the bottom may drop out from under you, that some calamity will ruin your plans, the only thing that will quell these fears is surrender to the loving heavenly Father.

Jer 17:7-8 KJV

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

2. ARE YOU HAVING RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS AT HOME OR AT WORK?

Are you puzzled and hurt by the actions and attitudes of another? Do you feel misunderstood or mistreated? The key to inner peace is to surrender.

Col 3:12-13 KJV

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

3. ARE YOU FEARFUL REGARDING YOUR FINANCES?

Are you afraid that you might lose control? Are you fearful that your job may disappear or that your investments may drain away? The answer once again is surrender.

Prov 27:24 KJV

24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

Ps 37:23-25 KJV

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

4. ARE YOU FEARFUL REGARDING YOUR HEALTH?

Are you afraid of getting sick or growing old? Are you afraid that a family member might die prematurely leaving you alone? While we are in these bodies there is no guarantee of a pain-free life without sorrow. The answer once again is surrender.

Ps 56:3 KJV

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Ps 103:1-3 KJV

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Ps 23:5-6 KJV

…thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

If God is God and he most certainly is, then I must surrender to Him. If He is wiser at His worst than I am at my best, then I must surrender to Him. If He is rich beyond imagination then He is able to care for me. If He loves me with an everlasting love then His thoughts toward me are benevolent. I can rest in His authority for His banner over me is love.

Lord most high, rule over me with strength. Manage my affairs from heaven and reign over me with love. AMEN

RAIN IN DUE SEASON!

RAIN IN DUE SEASON!

Lev 26:2-4 KJV

2 Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

3 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

4 Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Thunder woke me early this morning and while the coffee was still gurgling in the pot a sudden downpour beat noisily upon the metal roof of the carport so noisy in fact that I wondered if there were hail mixed with the rain. As I retrieved the morning paper I knew that we had been spared hail and that the noise was only huge drops of rain that could no longer maintain their flight.

The Bible speaks of rain as a blessing from God. It is part of God’s cyclical system of growth; a phenomenon of nature which God maintains effortlessly. We are aware in Scripture of what is called the early and the latter rains and we remember the childhood ditty that reminds us that April showers bring May flowers.

THE LATTER RAIN, IN THE SPRING, CAUSED THE SEEDS TO SPROUT!

By the first or former rain we are to understand that which fell in Judea about November, when they sowed their seed, and this served to moisten and prepare the ground for the vegetation of the seed. The latter rain fell about April, when the corn was well grown up, and served to fill the ears, and render them plump and perfect. (From Adam Clarke's Commentary)

THE EARLY RAIN, AFTER HARVEST, PREPARES THE EARTH FOR SOWING!

Deut 11:14 KJV

14 That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.

Now the big round bales of hay stand sentry along the fence row. The pumpkin, squash and apples paint a colorful collage all around. The lawn has begun to lie dormant and we welcome a rest from the mowing. Now the land reclines in satisfaction awaiting her blanket of snow.

RAIN IS A REMINDER OF OUR COVENANT WITH GOD!

2 Chron 7:11-14 KJV

11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.

12 And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

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.

Lord, the rain reminds me of your faithfulness. Help me to remain steadfast to you. AMEN

IGNORANCE OF GOD!

IGNORANCE OF GOD!

John 16:1-3 KJV

16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

We are currently suffering an obscene ignorance of God. Our cultural god is a consensus creature put together by folklore and human intelligence so called. There is evidence everywhere of gross misunderstanding and misapplication of the Holy Bible. Even those who attend worship services seem blissfully unaware of some of the foundational truths of their religion. The result is a gypsy stew in a troublesome cauldron.

1. What are some of the evidences of this ignorance?

Ø     A world without love or natural affection.

Rom 1:28-31 KJV

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Ø     A religious system without obedience.

1 John 2:4 KJV

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Ø     A monstrous self-manufactured religion.

Rom 10:3 KJV

3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Titus 1:16 KJV

16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

2. The great need of compassionate religious activism!

Jude 21-23 KJV

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Heb 5:1-2 KJV

1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

1 Tim 1:12-13 KJV

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Dear Lord, keep me from presumptuous sins today and give me a compassionate heart. AMEN

MEANS IN AVOIDING HELL!

MEANS IN AVOIDING HELL!

Luke 16:27-31 KJV

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Lazarus had died and likewise the rich man. Lazarus went to be with father Abraham in paradise but the rich man went to a place of fiery torment. The rich man asks for Lazarus to bring him just a drop of water to cool his tongue but Abraham explains that boundaries prohibit it. Now the rich man, painfully aware of his eternal fate, asks only that his five brothers are warned not to join him.

1. THE WRITTEN WORD IS THE KEY TO HEAVEN!

“Moses” referred to the first five books of the Bible called the Pentateuch. The Law and the Prophets present man with the existence of God, the creation, the fall of man and the commandments of God. “The Prophets” refer to the remainder of what we call the Old Testament.

Isa 53:5-7 KJV

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth : he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Ps 22:14-16 KJV

14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

The Old Testament could have provided adequate warning for the rich man’s brothers.

2. THE RICH MAN ASKED FOR ONE RAISED FROM THE DEAD!

I find this to be astounding because, while Abraham said it would not be enough for an unbeliever, it is exactly what Jesus provides!

John 20:26-28 KJV

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

3. BELIEF IS ESSENTIAL!

John 20:29 KJV

29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Heb 4:2 KJV

2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Dear Lord, I believe! Help Thou my unbelief. AMEN