Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Fruit of the Vine
Prov.23:30-35 Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. "They struck me," you will say,"but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink." While drinking in and of itself is not forbidden, there certainly are some cautious words of wisdom in the bible. The only ones forbidden to drink alcohol were the Levitical priesthood. That being said, drunkenness was strictly forbidden.Eph.5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the SpiritTitus 1:7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain1 Tim. 3:2-3 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.Let us remember what happened to Noah and Lot, just to name a few, who got drunk and lost control. Gen.9:21-22 He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside.Gen.19:32-36 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father." So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose. The next day, the firstborn said to the younger, "Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine tonight also. Then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father." So they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father.Lord, I pray for the ones who have become a slave to drinking. Deliver them from the certain path of destruction. Let us be Your servant and trust you for deliverance. In Jesus name, Amen
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
By The Open Statement of Truth
2 Cor.4:1-2 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
There is no trick to it! There are no hidden meanings to it! The gospel is just the plain truth, that Jesus saves sinners.
2 Cor.4:5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
2 Cor.4:7-18 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. How is Jesus able to save?2 Cor.5:21 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Heb.10:11-14 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. By God's command!Acts 4:10-12 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Lord, by Your power. Amen
There is no trick to it! There are no hidden meanings to it! The gospel is just the plain truth, that Jesus saves sinners.
2 Cor.4:5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
2 Cor.4:7-18 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. How is Jesus able to save?2 Cor.5:21 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Heb.10:11-14 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. By God's command!Acts 4:10-12 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Lord, by Your power. Amen
Monday, September 12, 2011
Unmerited Blessings
We who are guilty, sinful, and worthless creatures receive many unmerited blessings from a holy and just God when we really deserve judgement.
Job 2:7-10 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes. Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die." But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?"In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
You see here that Job knew the truth, that we are being blessed all the time with blessings we do not deserve. He knew that we were doomed to hell without a merciful God who would send His beloved son to die for the sin of man. Why? Because there was no other way to be reconciled to a holy and just God but through the blood of an acceptable sacrifice!
These following words are from this past Sunday's preaching.
God is good and God is great! Can He prevent evil? Yes! Why does He permit evil? We live in a fallen world, evil exists because of sin! That is why we should hate sin. Sin brings death! The existence of evil point us to the existence God. In our hearts we know that some things are bad and some are good.
Romans 2:15-16 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
God relates to sin in many ways, He prevents sin, He permits sin, He limits sin, and He uses sin.
Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Gen.20:6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.
Gen. 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
In Scripture, God never sins, directly causes sin or is blamed for sin.
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
God is sovereign over all things: evil nations and rulers, the devil and demonic spirits, trials and temptations, suffering and persecution, moral atrocities, natural disasters, disease and death.
Deut.32:39 "'See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.
No one is good and righteous but God!
Romans 3:9-12 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."
God allowed His only son, Jesus to be murdered by sinful man!
Acts 2:22-23 22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know-- this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
O death, where is your victory?
1 Cor.15:55-57 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev.21:22-26 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 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. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. Ps.2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
Lord, we ask for the nations. Amen
Job 2:7-10 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes. Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die." But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?"In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
You see here that Job knew the truth, that we are being blessed all the time with blessings we do not deserve. He knew that we were doomed to hell without a merciful God who would send His beloved son to die for the sin of man. Why? Because there was no other way to be reconciled to a holy and just God but through the blood of an acceptable sacrifice!
These following words are from this past Sunday's preaching.
God is good and God is great! Can He prevent evil? Yes! Why does He permit evil? We live in a fallen world, evil exists because of sin! That is why we should hate sin. Sin brings death! The existence of evil point us to the existence God. In our hearts we know that some things are bad and some are good.
Romans 2:15-16 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
God relates to sin in many ways, He prevents sin, He permits sin, He limits sin, and He uses sin.
Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Gen.20:6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.
Gen. 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
In Scripture, God never sins, directly causes sin or is blamed for sin.
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
God is sovereign over all things: evil nations and rulers, the devil and demonic spirits, trials and temptations, suffering and persecution, moral atrocities, natural disasters, disease and death.
Deut.32:39 "'See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.
No one is good and righteous but God!
Romans 3:9-12 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."
God allowed His only son, Jesus to be murdered by sinful man!
Acts 2:22-23 22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know-- this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
O death, where is your victory?
1 Cor.15:55-57 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev.21:22-26 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 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. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. Ps.2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
Lord, we ask for the nations. Amen
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Veil
2 Cor.3:14-17 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Lord, thank You for freedom in Jesus. Without him there is no reconciliation to You. He intercedes for us night and day and is our only hope of salvation. Our veil has been lifted and we see what you reveal to us. Teach us precious Master. Amen
2 Cor.4:3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
My prayer: Eph.6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel
Lord, thank You for freedom in Jesus. Without him there is no reconciliation to You. He intercedes for us night and day and is our only hope of salvation. Our veil has been lifted and we see what you reveal to us. Teach us precious Master. Amen
2 Cor.4:3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
My prayer: Eph.6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death
We all are walking through, the valley of the shadow of death, we simply choose not to think of it. The minute God gives us life, our death clock starts ticking. So even the smallest of newborn babies are starting their walk in the valley of death. And as we get old, if God wills us to be old, we are in the final valley of the shadow of death.
Ps.23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
It is not by fate that you have many days or not so many days of life but by the divine hand of God!
Ps.139:16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
I had a cousin die a few days ago. I had lost touch with him and was sad to see he had died so young. My mind was flooded with many questions about him, well really about his eternity. As I began to sort out the questions, God's word began to resound in my head. If we deny the sovereignty of God, man is without excuse! It has been made plain to us by His creation. He will not be denied! His Word says or "the rocks will cry out!"
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.
Luke 19:40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Ask someone about Christ today! He is working on their hearts already.
Lord, grant us souls today. Amen
Ps.23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
It is not by fate that you have many days or not so many days of life but by the divine hand of God!
Ps.139:16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
I had a cousin die a few days ago. I had lost touch with him and was sad to see he had died so young. My mind was flooded with many questions about him, well really about his eternity. As I began to sort out the questions, God's word began to resound in my head. If we deny the sovereignty of God, man is without excuse! It has been made plain to us by His creation. He will not be denied! His Word says or "the rocks will cry out!"
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.
Luke 19:40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Ask someone about Christ today! He is working on their hearts already.
Lord, grant us souls today. Amen
Friday, September 9, 2011
Every Good Work
If we think we are the author of every good work, we had better think again! God alone, our teacher and creator is the driving force behind every good work! We are not wise and sufficient unto ourselves but dependent on God for every good and wise thing. The power of sin is broken by a merciful God through Jesus. It is not through anything we do, but by the power and the mercy of God, on wicked sinners.
Prov.16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Prov.15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Prov.16:9 9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Prov.16:20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Walk with the Lord in everything. Keep your heart on His word!
Prov.16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Awesome Lord, we need You every day. Your word is precious and gives us life. Teach us! Amen
Prov.16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Prov.15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Prov.16:9 9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Prov.16:20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Walk with the Lord in everything. Keep your heart on His word!
Prov.16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Awesome Lord, we need You every day. Your word is precious and gives us life. Teach us! Amen
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Choices
Prov.9:10-12 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Here is a stern warning for the choices we make and the consequences we will endure because of them.
Prov.10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
The wisdom of our hope in Christ: 1 Cor.15:21-22 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
What we fight against: 1 Cor.15:34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
Eph.2:1-3 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
God's response: Eph.2:4-10 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.How can you turn your back on Christ and deny Him? All the evidence needed is all around you in His creation in plain sight so that you are without excuse!Lord, forgive sinners for their lack of wisdom. Your Word is full of life while they except an eternity lost and separated from You. Help us to reach the lost, to speak the right words from Your Word, to open their hard hearts. For apart from you we can do nothing but with You all things are possible! In Jesus name I ask for souls. Amen
Here is a stern warning for the choices we make and the consequences we will endure because of them.
Prov.10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
The wisdom of our hope in Christ: 1 Cor.15:21-22 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
What we fight against: 1 Cor.15:34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
Eph.2:1-3 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
God's response: Eph.2:4-10 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.How can you turn your back on Christ and deny Him? All the evidence needed is all around you in His creation in plain sight so that you are without excuse!Lord, forgive sinners for their lack of wisdom. Your Word is full of life while they except an eternity lost and separated from You. Help us to reach the lost, to speak the right words from Your Word, to open their hard hearts. For apart from you we can do nothing but with You all things are possible! In Jesus name I ask for souls. Amen
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