The Benediction Of Grace

The Benediction of Grace Romans 16. 25 Now to Him Who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. There was a time when we were not so concerned about how many people attended the church as we were that those who attended were established in Christ. Recent conversations continue to show the church’s attempt to compromise with the world. More than ever before the world and all that is in it is setting the agenda for the church in America. This is not the way it should be. This is not what the Word teaches. We are being warned that there is persecution coming for the church in America. This past Thursday for the first time in years we did not have a National Day of Prayer Gathering in our nation’s capital! A sign of the times. A.W. Tozer said, “I believe a time is coming when we will not be able to take our Christianity as casually as we do now.” As the battle intensifies a firm foundation is more important than ever. This Benediction of Grace in the last lines of Romans speak to this. He is Able To establish you Make stable, place firmly, strengthen, set fast, make constant Even those of us who are more emotional than others He is able to establish us. He can make us stable so that our emotions stop ruling our lives. Our feelings are not good judges for what we should be doing. They can lead us to slippery slopes. Even in the worst of times. Rome would soon begin to persecute Christians, Paul executed, John on the Isle of Patmos because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. We are established by the Word of God. Matthew 8:3 God's Word is obvious in this miracle. If something requires cleansing, "the washing of water by the word" must be actively present (Ephesians 5:26). God does not work apart from His Word. From the creation of the world to the present, the place of God's Word in His work has been essential: "In the beginning was the Word [the One who became Jesus Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made" (John 1:1-3). In addition, the phrase "God said" is found ten times in the creation account (Genesis 1). The Bible is God's written Word, as the Father had the Word (Jesus Christ, the Spokesman) inspire and reveal it. Many professing Christian churches have pushed Scripture to the back burner, into irrelevance, taking an a la carte spiritual meal from it as if they have the authority to choose which doctrines to swallow and which to refuse. If the true church is to do a work for God, it must be established and built on God's Word rather than on tradition He is able: To accomplish what concerns you today. He will supply all our needs. Philippians 4.19 He will give us peace that surpasses all understanding. Philippians 4.7 To do more than you could ever ask or imagine Ephesians 3.18-20 To do anything Nothing is too difficult for Him! “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32.27 In this Benediction of Grace we have... The Revelation of Jesus Christ The mystery of the Gentiles coming in The Disciples struggled with this. Slowly they were taught by Jesus and led by the Holy Spirit. Acts 9,10 Peter and Paul SyroPhonecian woman Mark 7.24-30 Cornelius Paul’s call The mystery of Israel believing Romans 11 Israel’s Messiah... the Savior of the world, God’s Son, God in the flesh The mystery of death and eternal life Of Godliness... I Timothy 3.16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. Prophecy told of the New Covenant. Jesus revealed it. He is the fulfillment of the Ages. I Corinthians 10.11 The Opening of the Holy of Holies The Temple Curtain Matthew 27.51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split We can come with confidence Hebrews 4. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. We can come anytime... this was New! - [ ] We can come anywhere, not tied to a locale John 4 Rather tied to a disposition of the heart. The Salvation Christ Made Possible Hebrews 2.3 How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the LORD, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. To God Be The Glory! For the Hope of the Ages For those who have come For Eternal Life in Heaven So Paul closes this wonderful letter with this benediction of Grace. May all of what we shared today grow strong in your heart. May your trust be in the LORD and in Him alone always.

Endurance

Endurance Romans 15.1-13 Paul the apostle used imagery of the Olympic Games in his writings. He describes the Christian life as a marathon. Running this race requires perseverance and endurance. The beginning of a race and the end of a race are very exciting. I remember hearing the official say, “Runners take your mark, set” and then the gun would go off. The gun would be fired again as the race entered its final lap, then came the finish line. The most important part of the race was in the middle. Endurance was the key to running long distance. Great starts did not guarantee great finishes. I saw many races where there was a great start and the end the runner was nowhere near the front. I even had a race the coach pulled me out of at Hofstra. I began in first place and ended in last. If we finished too strong the Coach would say, “You didn’t run hard enough. You had too much left over.” The key to long distance running, to this race we are in, is endurance. Endurance is the key to successfully following Christ. Jesus said that whoever endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24.13 The beginning of walking with Jesus is exciting. We must guard against losing our first love. The end is glorious. The long haul requires perseverance and endurance. In Luke 21. 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Hebrews 12.1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. A key to endurance is not growing weary and losing heart. Coach filled our minds with positive thoughts when we practiced. Growing weary and losing heart are closely related. So many have fallen away. So many have dropped out of the race. Some are becoming weary in doing good. Some are losing heart. We used to sing, “Though no one join me, still I will follow.” We are being sifted today. God is cleansing His Church. He is doing a work that is beyond our comprehension or understanding. God is trimming back His church. The Spirit is saying to the Church in America today, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains...” Revelation 3:2 I encourage you this day to: * Stand Firm * Let nothing move you * Fix your eyes upon Jesus * Fight the good fight of the faith * Finish well * Long to hear those words, “Well, done good and faithful servant.” Endurance... * Endurance Produces Hope. v.4 Endurance= Steadfastness, constancy In the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. A stedfast constancy in the things of life produces hope. Blessed is the man who keeps his oath even when it hurts. Psalm 15.4 James 1. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the LORD has promised to those who love Him.” Hope= joyful expectation of eternal salvation We need hope today. The world needs hope today. Hope that is rooted in Christ and God’s plan for the last days. Many are living in hopelessness. Endure hardship as discipline. God is treating you as sons. I believe all too often we pray for deliverance when we should be saying, “Teach me, LORD.” Look at the example of Jesus in Hebrews. Hebrews 5.7-8 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the One Who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered. Learning is part of endurance. It is in the long haul life lessons are taught. Hebrews 12. 3 Consider (think over, ponder) Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. * God Gives Endurance v.5 gives= supply or furnish Too many believers are looking to other sources than the LORD Himself to be their strength. Strength= safety, protection, refuge, stronghold, harbor We need to look to Him. We need to look to His Word. He is the strength of our lives. Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” I John 2:27 As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in Him. * We Are Called To Overflow With Hope John 7.37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. Rivers of Living Water gushing from within us. Hope is in that river! People we touch ought to be filled with Hope. They don’t need just our sympathy. They need Christ. We overflow with hope by staying in the Word of God and being filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, May the God Who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus may the God of hope fill you with great joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15.5, 13

The Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God Romans 14.13-28 I Corinthians 4.20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. Acts 1. 3 After His suffering, he presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Romans 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit Jesus said, Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness... What is the Kingdom of God? What it is not... not a matter of talk, not a matter or eating or drinking, not of this world. * It is a matter of power Look at the context of Acts 1 v.3 v.6-8 Power= dü'-nä-mes strength, ability, power to do miracles, from reliance on forces or armies We need to be baptized anew into the Holy Spirit and power today. That is the singular greatest need in the church, our church It is not a matter of speeches, words embodying a concept or idea. It is a matter of power. It is a matter of planting seeds and watching God work in amazing ways... * It was a group of people gathering in the mid 1940’s from the Patchogue and Bellmore Churches of the Nazarene and holding services in Bay Shore. It was Pastor Rapalje coming in the 1970’s and leading the buildings where we sit today and never borrowing any money to do so. * It is this same building which will host 2 other congregations today. * It is work in Haiti and now Columbia that came out of these churches. * It is these congregations giving to our denomination’s missions in a time of challenge for all churches. * It is what Jesus is doing in your life today... what He is about to do. * It is what Jesus is doing by His Spirit all over the world. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,     and Your dominion endures through all generations. Psalm 145.13 * It is a matter of righteousness Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness Matthew 6.33a Righteousness= being acceptable to God. integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting God setting up His rule in my life and me joining Him is setting up His rule on this earth. Obedience to the law is crucial in these days. Obedience to Christ is supreme. It is not some hard rigid relationship. It is one of fellowship, love and adventure. Seek= seek in order to find The kingdom of God is among you. His Kingdom is already active on the earth today! It is attainable. It is possible to live in Kingdom come. The Kingdom of God ... * It is a matter of peace National Tranquility Harmony between individuals Condition after death of the devout Romans 12. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. People you cannot have peace with: Those with haughty eyes,         a lying tongue,         hands that shed innocent blood,         a heart that devises wicked schemes,         feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies         and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6.17-19 Titus 3:10, “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them." I Timothy 6.2b These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. Blessed are the peace makers. James 3.18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. Peacemakers don’t argue seek to bring people together forgive enjoy the fellowship of Him Who is our peace. Ephesians 2.14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, A matter of power, righteousness, peace and... * It is a matter of joy in the Holy Spirit We are not talking about happiness, which is dependent on circumstances. Joy is Knowing my name is written down in heaven. Knowing God Strength, of the LORD The Kingdom of God is a party! Here and all over the world. * It is an Everlasting Kingdom Psalm 145.10-13 Zechariah 14.9 Revelation 22. 12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[a] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Living in Kingdom Come: His power His righteousness His peace His joy His return, longing for it, loving it

Understanding The Present Time

Understanding The Present Time Romans 13.11-14 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. While there is much concern about the future we must live in the present. There is much excitement and not a little anxiety and certainly a lot of press that makes for fascinating reading and sleepless nights. Yet when all the data is analyzed it becomes apparent that our crystal ball remains filled with fog no one knows for sure what will happen. Will there be collapse? Will we thrive? Will we transition? One fact, however, is certain; something Historical is happening in our lifetime! - Richard Swenson Margin 1992 In his book Dr.Swenson was talking about the need for Margins in our lives. Time, money and activity is out of control. Eating, Entertainment and Sports are too. We need to reel it back in a bunch. What is going become of our poor country? The Word of God is being disregarded. National Laws are opposed to God’s Law. Spiritual life is at a low place. The church has lost the fire of faith. What do we need today? I Chronicles 12. 32 from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command; There are very few people who understand the present time. Predictions are being made about the Pandemic and the economy and the nation and church that are not accurate. We are in a time of excessive national debt, a time when the government is trying to redefine family, a time of depression, a time when we are losing young people to the Opioid Crisis. We, as believers in Jesus and followers of His should be leading the way. Of all people we should be understanding the times. We are the light of the world. This is our time! We are called by God through Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Romans to... * We are told to understand the Present Time To see with the eyes, perceive, discern the present time... a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for The return of Jesus Christ is nearer now than it has ever been before This is the context of the rest of this paragraph. Jesus warned about His Coming and recognizing the time Luke 12.56 You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? Matthew 16.2-3 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. Luke 19. 41 As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Having this understanding of the times, now we are told what we need to do The men of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel (governed by God) should do. We are told to wake up The hour has come definite time, point of time, moment Jhn 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour G5610 is come, that the Son of man should be glorified This is it. No more half hearted commitment to Jesus. All out for Him until the end which is close for all of us, even young people. Understanding the times can only be done if we are awake and alert. A drowsy kind of faith will miss much of what we need to know. We can only perceive the times if we our eyes are open. God is looking for broken people in this present time. Psalms 119:136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. He is looking for people Whom He can cry through. Look at the Father in the Prodigal Son, the waiting Father. It easy to be disgusted. It is hard to be broken. Psalm 79.8 May Your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. The night is nearly over This time of darkness is coming to an end, soon! The Day is almost here It won’t be long! We are told to put aside the deeds of darkness Get rid of any sin in your life. Ephesians 5.16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil Put away things that are sinful, be done with them! Seize each moment. We are in a Day of Evil but God is in control. We are more than conquerors through Christ! We are told to put on The Armor of Light Armor because we are in a spiritual battle, a war for souls. Ephesians 6.10-18 There are two extremes we need to avoid. * Giving too much attention to the Devil, Satan Don’t talk to him, Don’t talk too much about him. * Being unaware of him. II Corinthians 2. 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. Right behavior Living to please God I Thessalonians 4.1 As for other matters, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. Clothed in Jesus Christ Turning away from sin. We need to remember This is a message of grace and warning. A message to the church in America! This is a call to awaken, to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you. To stop the rush, to be still but to be active in the Kingdom. To be ready when that day comes and Christ returns or calls you home.

More Blessed Than The Eyewitnesses

More Blessed Than The Eye Witnesses John 20. 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later His disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My LORD and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” I have a friend that said would not it had been cool to be here when Jesus was here, to watch Him, to talk with Him. As wonderful as that would have been we are told by Jesus that we are blessed because we have believed without seeing... more than the eyewitnesses? It seems like Jesus is implying that here. There is a special blessedness in believing without seeing, a blessing even the Apostles of Jesus could not enjoy. It seems that there were some regrets floating around from following Jesus... after He died, before they believed He had risen by His Appearances. The two on the Road to Emmaus, we had hoped Peter saying earlier, we have left everything to follow You, then going fishing in John 21 Thomas’ skepticism As I have attempted to follow Jesus all my life I have no regrets. I have had a glorious journey with Jesus. I am enjoying serving Him now. Dr. Mary Grace Garis, a clinical psychologist wrote of the 5 regrets people have at the end of their lives. “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.” “I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.” “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.” “I wish I had let myself be happier.” Thomas did not have regrets over not being there when Jesus appeared the first time. People who are overwhelmed with doubt about God often have no regrets. Filled with doubt he made his statement about Jesus’s Resurrection. He had to see it, touch Him or he would not believe. It did not bother him that he was not there. He had to see it to believe. He was not going to take his companions word for it. Eye witnesses have their place, an important place. Take an accident... or news... or court, they can sway a jury. One of the priorities of the Apostles were to serve as Eye Witnesses of the Resurrection. Reliable witnesses are needed. The word, witness, is the Greek word, μάρτυς, martys. Does this mean all witnesses die? Yes, in one sense... we are taking up our crosses, we are living sacrifices. We will suffer at least... II Timothy 3.12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. How are we more blessed than the eye witnesses? I Peter 1. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. We are talking about faith. Hebrews 11.1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Thomas saw and believed. We have not seen and believe. Jesus pronounces a blessing on us. ...blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” What ways is it blessed to believe without seeing? * We Love Him without seeing Him. We know Him. We serve a Risen Savior He walks with us and talks with us and assures us we are His own. This is faith. We walk by faith. We are going to see Him face to Face! Jesus prayed for us! John 17. 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in you. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. The blessedness of not seeing but believing * We Believe In Him and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him We walk with Him, we trust in Him. In Him we have put our hope. We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. Psalm 33.20 Genesis 12. 4 So Abram went, as the LORD had told him... Abraham believed and obeyed. I Samuel 17.47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” David believed and defeated Goliath with the tools of a shepherd. Jesus calls us to faith... Faith in Him John 7. 38 Whoever believes in Me as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” He prayed for us to be with Him. We wonder what that Day will be like. Like no other. We are waiting for that Day! * We are Filled With An Inexpressible and Glorious Joy It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! Right now we have this overflowing experience Jesus spoke of. Joy in the Holy Spirit! John 7. 37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. Acts 13:52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 16:25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; 1 Thessalonians 1:6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 1 Peter 4:13-14 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. * We Are Receiving The End Result Of Our Faith, The Salvation Of Our Souls. Heaven is not on earth. We are not home yet. We have heaven in our hearts as we hobble there. We will be home one day. As we walk this pilgrim pathway... But when traveling days are over!

Why We Believe Jesus Rose From The Dead

Why We Believe Jesus Rose From The Dead Mark 16.1-14 We can only imagine what this was like! The shock, the joy, the feeling of, “Is this really happening?!” It was a surreal time. They could not take it in at first. Miracle of miracles! Hope restored. He is Alive! I believe in Jesus. I believe He is the Son of God. I believe He died and rose again. We believe... reasons for our firm faith... Why We Believe Jesus Rose From The Dead: * The Scriptures said He would and He did. He never spoke of His suffering and death without speaking about His resurrection. Every word of God is flawless. His word is truth. What Jesus says he will do He does! He often said, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after three days He will rise." Mark 9.31 Living by the Word of God Having it proved true in our lives Watching the Proverbs unfold in front of us. Standing upon His Promises. We have no reason to doubt and every reason to believe! Why We Believe Jesus Rose From The Dead: * There is an EmptyTomb in Jerusalem today. I have been there. He is not there. He is risen. Tombs of Mao Tsa Tong, Paul Revere, Grandparents in New Jersey. All contain their remains. The place where they laid the LORD is empty because He rose again. His disciples came in the night and stole His body. No way would they have even thought of this. Their hopes were dashed. Fear was larger than that stone in front of the tomb. If you are frightened and hiding you would not dare to attempt such a feat. The Empty Tomb means: Death is defeated. Christ is LORD. Our last enemy will not win. We will live with Jesus forever All the tombs/graves will be emptied one day! I Thessalonians 4. 13 Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage/comfort one another with these words. Encourage, console, comfort, strengthen, admonish pä-rä-kä-le'-o The word for the Holy Spirit is Paraklete. It has these meanings but the first meaning is to come alongside. Jesus spoke of His going and the coming of the Spirit on the night He was betrayed. He is with us and in us! Let us call others aside in the grief. Why We Believe Jesus Rose From The Dead: * He continues to Build His Church. Baptisms Hospitals, schools, wells and cisterns Feeding programs The church around the world... in Haiti and Colombia! Feeding 100 poorest families this week there and now have 16 going to Colombia this summer! My Mom and those in need. The widows and the orphans throughout the centuries... in the 21st Century Through Livestream and YouTube and blogs! Why We Believe Jesus Rose From The Dead * He Continues to Answer Prayer Today. We are seeing some amazing answers to prayer! God is working. I am saying, “Thank You” to the LORD more than ever before. I love to look back on my prayer journals! How often have we experienced this: Philippians 4. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. * He Lives Within My Heart. The witness of His Spirit with our spirit Romans 8.16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8.11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you. Wasting away outwardly, inwardly being renewed day by day. * He Walks with Us! Even through the Valley of the Shadow of Death! We have experienced that. On our Emmaus Roads Luke 24 Each day as we journey in His Word and follow Him * He Is Coming Again! John 14.1-3 I will come and receive you unto Myself That keeps us. That gives us hope. He is our Hope. That helps us persevere. Billy Graham said that he could give the argument for God in one word, “Israel.” We Believe Jesus Rose From The Dead

In View of God’s Mercies

In View Of God’s Mercies Romans 12.1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. We commemorate Jesus’ Palm Sunday Ride into Jerusalem today. It was by the mercy of God He did this. In view of God’s mercies... Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King Matthew 21.1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to Me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the LORD needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion,     ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey,     and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” The mercy of God is here, Jesus coming into Jerusalem knowing that by the end of the week they would put Him to death. He had been talking to His disciples, taking them aside, teaching them, explaining very clearly what was going to happen. He knew what was ahead. John 12. 20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me. 27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your Name.” Mercy here means compassion and pity. This is a quality of God. It is also one we ought to be having in increasing measure. Bellevue... beautiful view The view of God’s mercies is beauty beyond compare! In view of them our hearts melt. We are filled with mercy and a desire to serve. You will not regret being merciful when you obtain mercy. Three biggest regrets in life at the end: I did not live my dreams. I did not share my love. I did not forgive. -Hospice Chaplain on the Today Show this week God is merciful. His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3.22-23 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. So great is God’s mercy that each morning brings a fresh new measure of it! It is why we are not consumed. It is why America is not judged... yet. Compassion and pity As I grow in my faith my compassion and pity grow. When I look at situations people have gotten themselves into more and more I have pity on them. This is not of myself. It is God. He is merciful. Mercy looks at the situation with pity and compassion. Legalism wants to know whose fault it was. Policeman vs. Paramedic. Mark 10.48 “Son of David, have mercy on me.” Here mercy means to help one who is afflicted Mercy is spiritual. Having mercy on a person who has sinned. Mercy here is for a physical affliction. He made the blind to see. Jesus had compassion. He also had the ability to heal both the soul”s diseases and physical affliction. They can have something to do with each other. Mark 2. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” In view of God’s Mercy we see... God is faithful. Isaiah 53 His Mercy and His Faithfulness endure. Jesus’ suffering was foretold by Isaiah. God kept His Word! Jesus willingly laid down His life for us.. In view of God’s mercies we discover... God’s Will Can Be Known Test and approve It is good, pleasing and perfect. Some have said that Luke chapter 9 verse 51 is the most courageous verse in the Bible. 51 As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Why did He do this? * He knew it was God’s Will. * He is the Master of Love. * He knew Jerusalem would not be His final work. Sometimes it is His will for us to suffer. Isaiah 53.10  Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer Jesus embraced the cross, His cross. Jesus cried out my God my God why have you forsaken me. It was the last blow for the man of sorrows. Live by faith. Fenelon Be merciful. Imitate God. You will obtain mercy. You will become like Christ.