The Consummation of God's Kingdom

Rev.21:3
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

Sermon by pastor David, thanks for your truth in teaching God's word.

Living between two worlds...
Pilgrims...
on a journey in this country today

Citizens...
of a kingdom of a country yet to come

We live between two times...
The birth of Christ.
The King has come.
The kingdom of God is a present reality.

The return of Christ...
The King is coming.
The kingdom of Christ is a future hope.

We live for one purpose...
To experience the consummation of God's kingdom.

A kingdom...
People are ruled by the King.
A place where the King has dominion.
A purpose for the King and His kingdom.

God's kingdom...
God is bringing his people...
To his place...
For His purpose...

God's people...
God's final blessing and judgement...
For all who have revered the King...
There will be inexpressible joy.
Heaven exemplifies God's eternal blessing for conquerors who have turned from this world to Christ.

For all who have rejected the King...
There will be irreversible justice.
Hell exemplifies God's eternal judgement for cowards who have turned from Christ to this world.

In God's place: Eternal fellowship
We will be with Him.
Death will replaced by life.
No more sin, sorrow, sickness, or separation.


Night will be replaced by light.
Corruption will be replaced by purity.
Curse will be replaced by blessing.
We will see His face.
We will reign with Him.
Our bodies will be resurrected.
All creation will be restored.
For God's purpose: God's Glory Enjoyed By All Peoples
See His diverse throng...
Every nation, people, tribe, and tongue living, loving, working, and worshiping together!
Hear their unified song...
Worthy is the Lamb!
Glory to our God!

Rev.21:1-27

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." 
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 
6 And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 
7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 
8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." 
The New Jerusalem
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, "Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb." 
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 
11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 
12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed-- 
13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 
15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 
16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 
17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement. 
18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, clear as glass. 
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 
20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass. 
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 
24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 
25 and its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there. 
26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 
27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. 

Rev.22:1-5 

1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 
2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 
4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 
5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Lord, by Your mercy alone are we forgiven. Pour out Your spirit of truth on this place so that we can not be silenced. Give us courage beyond understanding as we preach Your gospel. Amen

The Reconciler

1Tim.3:1-7
1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Jesus is the only way man can be reconciled to God. Jesus was appointed by God the Father, as His mediator between God and men.

Father, the gift of eternal life is through Christ. Speak to hearts today and give them hope that is in Christ alone! Amen

The Day of the Lord Will Come

2 Peter 3:2-10

2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 

3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 

4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." 

5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 

6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 

7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 

God, who is rich in mercy, lingers so that all will not perish! On this day of the Lord, He will in all His glory, judge evil! Man has every breathing moment to repent!

Lord, prompt man to know that You will judge. In Jesus name show mercy to those who are struggling with sin. Amen

A Great Light

Matt.4:16-17

16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." 

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

There are two witnesses that attest to the light which is Christ, all creation and man's conscience! These will not be denied! From the beginning, God created all things! Man tries and does indeed copy some things, but can man, as God from the beginning did, create? No! Everyone of us know that small quite voice in our being that prompts us not to do something wrong, and we either listen and will not rebel or we ignore the warning and fall head long into sin!! You can except this or not because we do have free will. But in either choice, there will be consequence! One leading to obedience, the other leading to life separated from God! Today is the day of salvation for we do not know if God will give us our next breath! Use this day as a blessing and tell others of the hope you have found in Christ. If you do not know Christ, open your bible, for a starting point and read the book of Romans. Then ask Christ to forgive you, repent from sin and follow His teaching. There is no other way to enter God's kingdom! You must have faith that Christ's death and resurrection have the power to save you from hell. Christ alone by faith alone!

Father, pour out Your forgiveness to the ones who struggle and are in bondage to Satan. Open the blind eyes to life everlasting found in Christ! Amen

Romans 3:23

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:9 What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.

Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,

Romans 11:32 For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Romans 5:9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!

The Fruits of Faith

God is our eternal judge! He will judge you on your deeds, good and bad. Your salvation does not depend on your deeds. Your salvation depends on your faith in Christ for the grace of salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace. You can not earn salvation for your best deed is not acceptable to God. Christs' death and Resurrection are the only acceptable payment for sin.

Faith in Christ...
Col.2:6-15

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 

7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 

10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 

11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 

12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 

14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 

15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

At the cross, Satan was defeated....

Heb.2:14-18

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 

15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 

16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 

17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 

What we are sure of...
God is sovereign!
Satan is subordinate!
He is limited and bound.
He is doomed to be defeated.
The gospel will advance through the church.
Jesus will return for the church.
At the end of history, every single one of us will be judged by God!!

Fruits of faith...
Did we put our faith in Christ's work?
Was there evidence of faith in our work?
Were we faithful in our worship?
Were we faithful in our witness?
Did we fight against sin?
Did we trust amidst suffering?

Lord God, forgive us when we think we have done something good. For You alone are good! Our faith in Christ is our only hope! Amen
Blessings on pastor David for this message of hope.

The Final Say

Is.66:1-2

1 Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? 

2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

Is.66:16

16 For by fire will the LORD enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the LORD shall be many.

Is.66:18

18 "For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory

Is.65:12

12 I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter, because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen, but you did what was evil in my eyes and chose what I did not delight in." 

While it is true that God is merciful, there will come a time for judgement. Judgement will come to those sinners who do not repent and turn and follow Jesus. The choice must be made while Christ is calling you to repent! God has always had the final say! When the doctor tells you that you have a few months to live, they are basing it on science, but God the creator has the final say.

Ps.139:13-17

13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 

15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

2 Timothy 1:9 
9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time

Father in heaven, You have sent Your Son with the power to save mankind! You do indeed have the final say! We prayerfully wait for Christs' return to fulfill Your holy purpose! Amen

A Strong Delusion

2 Thess.2:11-12
11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,
12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

No one has the power to forgive sin! God alone, through Christ gives forgiveness and mercy, not the pope, not your pastor, not your confidant, not your endless and dead statues. The world believes a lie! You pray to dead saints when you should fall on your knees, through Christ the eternal Priest, before a holy God! You reject the truth of the gospel and have eyes that can't see and ears that are deaf! The bread and the wine of the Lord's supper is remembering Christ death and resurrection and the power it holds through faith! There is no penance you can do for forgiveness, it is through the blood of Christ alone!


2 Timothy 4:4 
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Jer.5:21 21 

"Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not. 

Mark 4:12

12 so that "they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven." 

How my heart aches for foolish man! Christ is offering eternal hope and man is rebellious, sinful, all for a moment of pleasure, power, or pride!

Oh Lord, forgive man for he truly knows not what he does! Only You Lord can open eyes to see and ears to hear. Forgive us for chasing after worthless things of this world. Help me to teach your gospel truth and to live it and when I fail, have mercy. Amen

Here Am I

By God's mercy...

Is.65:1
1 I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, "Here am I, here am I," to a nation that was not called by my name.

God speaks to rebellious man. Rebellious man is sinful. Every sin, every secret thought of his heart are known and will be judged by God! So we can conclude that God is merciful as He has given an open invitation to all without exception, to those who seek Him. That open invitation is found in the preaching of the gospel. Therefore, this precious covenant not believed by the Jewish nation, that was once only for the Jews, is now open to all nations through Christ, the cornerstone.

1 Peter 2:10
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Ephesians: 2:20 
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone

1 Corinthians 3:11 
11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ

Through Jesus...

1 Tim.3:16
16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Mark 16:19
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

John 1:14
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

1 Peter 1:18-21

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 

19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 

20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 

21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Lord, Your word is good! It hold the keys to eternal life to all who will seek You and obey. You are the only way, there is no other. By God's mercy, You have been sacrificed for man's sin and by this sacrifice, we are raised from death to eternal life. Amen

The Rider on the White Horse

Yes, Christ is love...
Romans 5:8
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us
Yes, Christ is an avenging warrior...
Romans 12:19

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Yes, Christ shows mercy to those who seek Him...

Titus 3:5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
Yes, Christ will conquer His enemies...
John 12:31 
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out

1 Corinthians 15:24 

Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power 

1 Corinthians 15:26

The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Man-centered worldliness will ultimately be overcome by God-centered worship!!


Rev.19:1-5

1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 

2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants." 

3 Once more they cried out, "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever." 

4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!" 

5 And from the throne came a voice saying, "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great." 

6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 

7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 

8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"--for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 

9 And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." 

10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 

12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 

13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 

14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 

15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 

16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. 

17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, "Come, gather for the great supper of God, 

18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great." 

19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 

20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 

21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. 

God orchestrates all of history to display His glory!

God ordains all of His people to enjoy His glory!

So bow before the splendor of God the Father!

God the Father is victorious, glorious, omnipotent, just, eternal, mighty, and He is sovereign!!

Behold the supremacy of Christ the Son...

He is faithful and true, righteous judge, and Messianic warrior.

He sees all, knows all and judges all.

There are many crowns on His head.

There is much mystery to His name.

He conquers God's enemies.

He reveals God's Word.

He ends the history of the world.

He rules the nations of this world.

He brings God wrath upon this world.

Upon sinful men and women.

Upon Satanic agents and ambassadors.

He is King of kings and Lord of lords!

Let us revere Him, rejoice in Him, and be ready for His coming!

Let's walk by faith in Him.

Let's work by grace from Him.

For we will reign with Him forever!!!

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Pastor David and the gift of sharing the gospel which You have given him. He is a blessing to all who seek You and Your truth! Amen

Praying To A god Who Can Not Save

Is.45:20
"Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. 

Is.44:18
They know not, nor do they discern, for he has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their hearts, so that they cannot understand.

Jer. 10:5
Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good." 

Is.44:17
And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, "Deliver me, for you are my god!"

Is.45:22
"Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 

Is.45:23
By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.' 

Is.46:8-10
8 "Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 
9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 
10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,' 

Do you understand? There is but one true God! He is the maker of all things! He has given me an opportunity to teach His gospel to all who will listen. He will open your eyes and heart if you seek Him and want His eternal salvation. Satan is here to distract all of us from the truth! But Satan is defeated by the cross and he knows it! Some of our teams went to a remote village to love on the people there. They were very receptive to the gospel. One man said" this place was like hell before you came with the gospel". We do not live in a remote place where the gospel is not shared but still people are blinded because they do not seek God!

Romans 1:20 

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

A Christian friend recently told me that she had a dull heart and that she did not know who she was in Christ anymore. This is an attack by Satan on Christ and His church. We are the church, Christ is the head, Satan wants to destroy the church but knows he can not. So, what does he do? He puts doubt in the heart of a Christian! What does the Christian do? Pray, assemble ourselves together and go to the Word! We remember that the word is sharper than a two edged sword!!!

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God's Word convicts us! Christ is our living priest, He died for our sin, He intercedes for us before God, He offers mercy and grace, and when we are drawing our last breath, He will comfort us with the knowledge that we have been forgiven! He has given us a new heart!

Ephesians 5:26 

to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,

1 Thessalonians 2:13 

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe

1 Peter 1:23 

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Lord, this is my prayer;

Ps.51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Amen

See To It That No One Takes You Captive

Col.2:8-158 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.9For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,10and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.11In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,12having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.13And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,14by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.15He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
We are under great debt to Christ! There is no way for that debt to be paid by any human being now or ever! Christ has given His life as a propitiation for our sin, in a way that the Father has deemed as wholly acceptable! God wanted a holy, one time sacrifice! Christ, being obedient to God, willingly went to the cross. Satan knows that he is defeated! However, his demons of deception are always devising schemes of wickedness. These schemes do involve people who are teaching false doctrine. How do we know? By the study of God's holy word, the bible. We must study! We must pray! We must share the gospel in truth and love! These attacks on God's word can be so subtle that if you do not study and know, you will be taken captive! Let us receive God's truth, mercies and wisdom with thanksgiving  and gratitude!
Lord. I pray for wisdom in presenting the whole truth of the gospel. Let hearts be prepared to receive Your truth. In Jesus name, Amen
Phil.2:6-116who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,7but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men.8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross.9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Heb.2:1717Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Heb.10:11-1211And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.12But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,

The Danger of Worldly Desires

Where do you place your trust?
Where is your security?
What has your undivided attention?
Where does God fit in your life?
Real questions for real people who will spend eternity in heaven or eternity in hell.

Rev.17

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 
2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk." 
3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 
4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 
5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations." 
6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 
7 But the angel said to me, "Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 
9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 
10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 
11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 
12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 
13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 
14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." 
15 And the angel said to me, "The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 
16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 
17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 
18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth." 

Rev.18

1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 
2 And he called out with a mighty voice, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. 
3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living." 
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; 
5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 
6 Pay her back as she herself has paid back others, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed. 
7 As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, 'I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.' 
8 For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her." 
9 And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 
10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, "Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come." 
11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 
12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 
13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls. 
14 "The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you, and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you, never to be found again!" 
15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, 
16 "Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! 
17 For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste."And all ship masters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 
18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, "What city was like the great city?" 
19 And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, "Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste. 
20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!" 
21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more; 
22 and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more, 
23 and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. 
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth." 

What is going on?

An attractive woman who symbolizes worldly seduction...

A symbol of infidelity, idolatry, and immorality.

Sitting on a beast who symbolizes worldly persecution.

Seven heads symbolizing seven mountains and seven kings.

The woman is devoured by the beast.

According to the purpose of God.

The woman disappears from the earth.

As a result of the judgement of God.

What does this mean?

What we learn about this world...

This world is full of deceptive attractions, sensual pleasures, and material possessions.

This world promises satisfaction, the hope of security, encourages an insatiable lust for power and the subtle lure of pride.

This world is headed to a definite conclusion.

This world will be destroyed completely, suddenly, and eternally.

What we learn about sin and Satan...

Sin is self destructive and eventually damning!

Satan is a destroyer who knows he is inevitably doomed.

What we learn about Jesus...

By His overcoming grace, He calls us to be saved!

With His overcoming power, He calls us to be faithful! 

What we learn about our lives...

Love for the world and love for God cannot coexist!

Love for the world pushes out love for God!

Love for God pushes out love for the world!

Every one of us has a choice...

We can love the things of this world.

Our pleasures will always be fleeting!

Our destiny will be hell!

We can love the God of this world...

Our pleasure will be unfading!

Our security will always be in heaven! 

Thanks Pastor David!!

Faith in Christ alone!!

Phil. 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--

Faith in Christ shown to the world!!

James 2:14-26

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 

15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 

16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 

17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 

18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 

19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder! 

20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 

22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 

23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God. 

24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 

25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 

26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. 

Dear Jesus, This message is at the core of our failure to obey Your word. Teach us to know the difference in the true blessings of food, shelter and clothing and chasing after the things this world offers that distract us from loving You! Help us to keep our heart trained on You and our mission to share the gospel with the perishing souls in this world! Amen.

For the Lord is our Judge

Is.33:22 
For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us.

James 4:12 

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?

Acts 17:30-31

30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 

31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead." 

Messiah, King, Judge, Redeemer, these are are just a few of the names which belong to the Christ! He is merciful but He will judge our rebellion! We are here to preach the truth of the gospel!

2 Timothy 4:1-4

1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 

2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 

3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 

4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Sweet Jesus, help us teach, help us to walk the straight and narrow, help us to show compassion and yes Lord, help us to be bold in speaking the gospel to the lost! Amen

The Living Cornerstone

To the lost souls who are searching!

Eph.2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone

Isaiah 28:16 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.

Isaiah 42:1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him--

Christ is the chief cornerstone of the church! The cornerstone makes the building secure so it will stand. Christ alone is our security! We will not stand without Christ! He is our redeemer! He is our coming King! He will bring justice to the nations! Christ is the covenant of grace! Faith in Him alone brings salvation, peace, joy, hope, comfort and eternal happiness! This is God's plan, that through His Son, we might have eternal life!

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This gift was not free! Christ gave His life in your place! There is no other way, no other religion, no works you can do, no good life you can lead, and salvation can not be bought with money. The fee was a sacrificial lamb, spotless, worthy and willingly obedient to the Father! What will you say to Him when you see him face to face?

Lord, the gospel is amazing! Open hearts to receive it! Amen