Children Matter :: 2/15/15 PM

Children Matter

Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Intro:  Jesus loves children.

·         Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Jesus was extremely upset at those that prevented the children from experiencing His touch.

We need to be cautious that our lifestyle, our home life, our hobbies, our actions, our words, our attitude doesn’t prevent our children from getting close enough to God to experience His touch.

·         Matthew 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

OFFEND: to cause to stumble or fall; to lead astray; to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey

God has harsh words for those that hinder the spiritual growth of a child!

Back to our text: Proverbs 20:11, notice:

I. The Significance of a Child – “Even a child…”

God can use children in a mighty way.

·         SEE II Kings 5:2-4 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.  And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

This little girl was used to change a life; a family; a home; a nation.

God also judges children as adults many times.

·         SEE II Kings 2:23 So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.  And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

Paul noted the influence that the Scripture had on Timothy in II Tim. 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

II. The Statement of a Child – “…is known by his doings…”

A child needs to be taught that even they have the capacity to have a testimony – a reputation.

A child is KNOWN BY HIS DOINGS.

A child doesn’t need to start being concerned with having a “good name” when he’s in his 20’s.

He should understand that even at the age of 12, Jesus subjected himself to Mary and Joseph in Luke 2:51, 52 and he increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.

Children can have a favorable relationship with God as well as with others.

III. The Service of a Child – “…whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”

Look at John 6:9

·         John 6:9  There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

Our children need to be taught that they can WORK – serve in the ministry.

This lad learned the blessings of sacrificial giving – giving his all to the Lord, and watched God bless thousands.

Conclusion: Children matter.  Love them, lead them, train them, guide them, encourage them, be an example to them and watch God transform our church and our city by using our children. 

Some Things We Can Be Sure About :: 2/22/15 PM

Some Things You Can Be Sure Of

2 Timothy 3:14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

Intro: In today’s world, it is difficult to be sure of anything!  In fact, it’s best if you always expect the unexpected.  Relationships fail; friends walk away; financial deals fall through; your stuff breaks; you name it – it is pretty much unpredictable.

In the Bible we find some consolation. There are a few things that we can be SURE of!  I have made a short list of things that GOD said we could be sure of.  Some are sobering, some are thrilling, but all are comforting.  In a world of uncertainties – there are Some Things You Can Be Sure Of!

You can be sure of the fact…

I. That Satan will not let you serve God without a Fight

·         Exodus 3:19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

In these verses, God is speaking to Moses at the burning bush.  This is where he got his Divine commission to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt.  God makes an interesting statement here.  We know that God is Omniscient – all knowing.  But for God to predict the future with the statement, “…I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you…” is most unusual.

We know that Pharaoh is a type of Satan. When God said he was sure that Pharaoh wouldn’t let the nation of Israel go, we can learn that Satan will also be very determined to keep his slaves under his power.  They wanted to go WORSHIP, but Pharaoh wasn’t for it.

            A. He will not let you go (without a fight) if you are UNSAVED.

If you are here tonight and you’ve never been saved, don’t think that Satan won’t lie, and deceive, and make empty promises and tempting offers to get you to either forget it or procrastinate!

            B. He will not let you go (without a fight) if you are UNSURE.

If you are here tonight and you are dealing with doubt about your salvation, Satan will haunt you for the rest of your life with doubts and uncertainties until you get it settled!  Don’t live in doubt – get it settled!

            C. He will not let you go (without a fight) if you are UNSATISFIED.

If you are not content living for God, and abiding in Him and living by His word, Satan will give you a run for your money!! 

He will throw everything imaginable and a few things you never imagined into your life to distract you and destroy you.  The following verse demonstrates the critical dilemma a person gets in when they are plagued by doubts and do not live the Christian life in faith and confidence.

·         Romans 14:23  And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

II. That your Sin will Find you out

·         Moses to the Nation of Israel - Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

·         The story of David and Bathsheba - II Samuel 12:12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

·         Jesus talking to the Disciples – Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

III. That what you Sow will bear Fruit

·         Proverbs 11:18  The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

·         2 Corinthians 9:6  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

·         Galatians 6:7, 8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

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Quote: Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.

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IV. That the Scripture is true Forever

We are outnumbered if we are Bible believers.  They ought to put us on the ENDANGERED SPECIES list!

Gallup (2011-MAY) reported the results of a national poll on Biblical inerrancy. Those polled were asked which of three statements comes closest to describing their personal views about the Bible.

·         30% believe that "The Bible is the actual word of God, and is to be taken literally, word for word."

·         49% believe that "The Bible is the inspired word of God, but not everything in it should be taken literally."

·         17% believe that "The Bible is an ancient book of fables, legends, history, and moral precepts recorded by man."

·         4% were uncertain or didn't answer.

George Barna, president of Barna Research Group found that an alarmingly high number of church members have beliefs that fall far short of orthodox Christianity.

·         41 PERCENT OF ADULTS BELIEVED IN THE TOTAL ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE.

·         40 percent believed Christ was sinless, and only 27 percent believed Satan to be real.

Of the Baptists surveyed:

·         57 percent said they believed that works are necessary in order to be saved

·         45 percent believed Jesus was not sinless

·         44 percent did not believe that the Bible is totally accurate

·         66 percent did not believe Satan to be a real being.

Pastor Michael Youseff's gave statistics of a poll that was conducted. Here is what the poll revealed:

·         85% of students at America's largest Evangelical Seminary don't believe in the inerrancy of Scripture.

·         74% of the Clergy in America no longer believe in the inerrancy of Scripture.

However, God’s Word makes it clear – His Word is SURE!!! (Whether it’s believed or not!)

·         Psalms 19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

·         Psalms 93:5  Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.

·         Psalms 111:7  The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

·         2 Peter 1:19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

V. That the Savior is a Sure Foundation

·         Isaiah 28:16  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

·         Ephesians 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

·         2 Timothy 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

·         Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

If you make your family, or your friends, or your job, career or self your foundation – you will FALL.

If you make your church, your pastor, your experiences or your past your foundation – you will FALL.

But if you make Christ your foundation – and build on HIM – you will NEVER FALL!!

·         Col. 2:6-8 6  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

The Life of the Lame :: 2/15/15 PM

The Life of the Lame

2 Samuel 4:4 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.

A. The Definition of his Lameness

 Lame: crippled or physically disabled, especially in the foot or leg so as to limp or walk with difficulty, impaired or disabled through a defect or injury; weak, inadequate, unsatisfactory, clumsy

Being lame means that something that was supposed to work, doesn’t and never will.

ILLUSTRATION: It could be your marriage, your home, your plans for your life, etc.

Being lame means that there’s a part of you that’s disabled and you are going to have to learn to live with it.

Being lame means that there’s some things others can do that you can’t do.

Being lame means you are going to have greater difficulty doing things that some people do with ease.

Being lame means having people feel sorry for you, even if you’ve gotten used to being lame.

Being lame means having to work hard to limit the disability from getting worse or affecting you in other areas.

Being lame means having to make sure that being lame isn’t what defines you. (FDR was crippled, but nobody thinks of him as a cripple.)

His lameness was what defined him.

·         2 Samuel 4:4  And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet.

·         2 Samuel 9:3  And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.

Everybody that knew him, referred to him as lame on his feet.

His entire life was affected because of his lameness.

Where he lived, what he did, who he was all determined by his lameness.

You can ignore your lameness, but it won’t ignore you.

You are a product of your past experiences and past hurts and past pains.

B. The Disappointment of his Lameness

Being lame is bad enough.

Nobody wants to be lame.

We would all agree that it is a sad thing for somebody to be lame.

But there are several elements of this story that make it even sadder.

1. His lameness came after he had experienced the joy and pleasure of walking and running. (he was 5 yrs. old)

He was old enough to know what he was missing.

He’d been able to walk and to run, but now missed that pleasure.

There’s nothing as frustrating to a crippled as the remembrance of not being crippled.

2. His lameness was a direct result of the destructive patterns of his family.

His family had been deprived of their rightful inheritance.

They were supposed to rule Israel for generations.

That was the normal course of events.

His grandfather, Saul was crippled in that he was stripped of his kingdom. - I Sam. 15:27, 28

His father, Jonathan was crippled because he chose to follow his father rather than David, God’s anointed.

I Sam. 18:4 - Jonathan gave David his robe, his garments, his sword, his bow and his girdle – but not his shoes.

He kept following his disobedient, scheming, jealous father, and it killed him.

It was his family’s destructive patterns that endangered his life as just a 5 year old boy.

3. His lameness was the result of somebody that was supposed to protect him from being hurt.

His nurse was the one person in his life that was supposed to keep him safe.

It was her job to care for and protect him – no matter what happens.

It was her place to make sure he made it out alive – even if everybody else tried to destroy him.

Ironically, it was the nurse that fell – she literally let him down.

It was the nurse’s fault that he became lame.

Many people today become lame because someone that they looked up to and respected let them down.

Parents – Peers – Preachers – Partners (husband or wife)

4. His lameness might could have been avoided if he’d been cared for properly after the fall.

I’m not sure what the details were of his fall, but surely they had doctors back then.

Surely if they could have gotten him to the right person right after it happened, it may have changed his situation.

There’s a lot of people that get hurt, and then don’t deal with it.

They try to hide it.  Or deny it.  Or allocate blame.  Or blame themselves.  But as they delay, it grows worse.

They get bitter, they get broken, and what started out as a hurt has now redefined their life.

C. The Diminishing of his Lameness

Mephibosheth never stopped being lame; but there came a day when his lameness didn’t stop him.

It eventually got to the place where Mephibosheth’s lameness became a secondary, almost irrelevant issue.

Thanks to several important things, the king helped make his lameness a non-issue.

            1. Diminished by his Furnishings – vs. 9

David made one of Saul’s servants by the name of Ziba responsible for Mephibosheth’s welfare.

He was Saul’s servant, so David made him the servant to Mephibosheth.

He ordered him to take his sons and his servants and till the land.

It was his job to till the land and bring the fruit of the land to him.

Would this be a problem? Not according to the latter part of verse 10.

·         2 Samuel 9:10  Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

He was no longer “Mephibosheth the cripple”.

He went from living with Machir in the land of Lodebar to having his own land and property.

He’s no longer Pitiful.  Now he is Powerful.

He went from being a story of Sadness to a story of Substance.

He went from being at the Mercy of others, to the Master of others.

            2. Diminished by his Fellowship – vs. 10 …but Mephibosheth shall eat bread always at my table.

He was welcomed into the home of David.

He sat at his table and ate continually.

He was treated as a son. – vs. 11

            3. Diminished by his Family – II Sam. 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha.

God gave him the chance to raise a family that didn’t have to run.

God gave him a son that WASN’T lame.

Conclusion: Yes. Mephibosheth became lame.  And he stayed that way.  He was lame on both his feet. 

·         Vs. 13 - So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.

But it was OK.  David didn’t mind.  David didn’t hold it against him. In fact, being crippled was probably that only thing that saved his life.  If he hadn’t been lame, he may have tried to rise up against David and usurp his throne.  As it turned out, becoming lame was probably one of the best things that ever happened to Mephibosheth.

However: I’m thankful tonight for the fact that God has “handicap parking” for those that are lame!

The Confident Christian :: 2/15/15 AM

The Confident Christian

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Intro: We live in a society that brands and ostracizes anybody that tries to stand for what is right.

                ILLUSTRATION: Dr. Ben Carson was put on the extremist watch list by a far left liberal group for saying that homosexuals do not have the right to re-define marriage.

                ILLUSTRATION: People today are quick to label a church a cult if they believe in the King James Bible, the importance of Christian education for their children, confrontational soul-winning, living holy, dressing modestly and abstaining from worldliness.  (It’s usually people that do not even know the meaning of the word – if they disagree with you, that makes you a cult in their opinion!)

New Testament, Bible-believing, sold-out Christians are confident Christians.

The millions of believers that have been martyred didn’t die for their faith because they were shy, bashful, timid, weak, politically correct or tongue-tied.

 I want to qualify this statement.  Christians should be confident - but their confidence is not in themselves.  Paul said “…I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST…”  Yet, CHRIST said,

·         John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Our confidence is essential to a healthy existence.

God doesn’t want His children walking around with an inferiority complex and an attitude of “I can’t…”

·         Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Not only should a child of God have confidence, but they should have MUCH confidence.

·         Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

ILLUSTRATION: Paul was an extremely intelligent man; but he prayed for boldness many times. (Eph. 6:21, 22)

Paul realized that his ability was not good enough.  He needed God.

·         1 Timothy 1:12  And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

In our text, Paul’s statement of confidence was in the context of making through tough, financial times.

Several examples of biblical confidence:

I. Confident because of Exposure To God

·         Caleb – Numbers 13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

CALEB WAS CONFIDENT BECAUSE OF HIS EXPOSURE

How could Caleb be so confident?  Look at Numbers 14:6-9

Their confidence was in God.

Their confidence was also AIDED in their GREAT DESIRE to EXPERIENCE the goodness of God!

Caleb saw something that created an UNDYING DESIRE in his heart.

TURN TO JOSHUA 14:6-15

II. Confident because of Experiences With God

·         David – I Samuel 17:32

He was the youngest.

They had more EXPERIENCE; EDUCATION; EQUIPMENT.

But David had more confidence.  Why??

Because David had established a track record of watching God HELP HIM DO THE IMPOSSIBLE.

DAVID WAS CONFIDENT BECAUSE OF HIS EXPERIENCES (the lion and the bear)

His attitude of courage and confidence made his brethren angry.

It worried the king. (he offered his own armor)

David RAN TOWARD THE GIANT.

·         1 Samuel 17:48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

III. Confident because of Expectations From God

The Three Hebrew Children – Daniel 3:16, 17

Understand the scene: This is the CNN version of what was going on. 

There’s a world class band playing on a world class stage.  There’s a fire in the fireplace.

Everybody that is anybody is there. Fall is in the air. (everybody WAS falling down)

There was no three strikes and you’re out policy with King Nebuchadnezzar.

These boys were in serious trouble with the boss.

Notice their response when they were hauled in before the king.

“…we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.”

NOTE: Their confidence was not in their EXPOSURE to the Promised Land. (they were in bondage)

Their confidence was not in their EXPERIENCES of watching God deliver them from the fire. (they didn’t know He would)

The confidence was in the fact that they were very clear about GOD’S EXPECTATION of them!

Notice verse 18 – WE WILL NOT SERVE THY GODS.

They were confident because they were doing the right things – there was no gray area at all.

There was no uncertainty. 

NOTE: Where God has put a period, don’t put a comma.

Never doubt in the dark what God has spoken in the light.

Their obedience to God’s Word was not a bargaining chip.  They were going to obey – regardless.

Conclusion: 1 John 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Our God versus Their Idols :: 2/11/15 PM

Our God versus Their Idols

Psalm 115

Intro: We live in a society saturated with idolatry. Money, materialism, family, friends, parties, addictions, technology, education – all of it has become a graven image in the hearts and lives of many people.

The Bible has much to say about the sin of idolatry.

·         1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

·         Galatians 5:20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

·         Colossians 3:5  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

·         1 John 5:21  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

In this chapter, we see a stark contrast in OUR GOD and THEIR GOD. Let’s notice the contrasts:

I. The Contrast of their Place – vs. 3 …our God is in the heavens…

Look at Psalm 113:4-6 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

II. The Contrast of their Power – vs. 3-7

·         vs. 3b …he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Our God does WHAT He wants to; WHEN He wants to; WHERE He wants to; HOW He wants to.

Their God can do nothing!

            A. Evident in their Construction – gold and silver; cold, hard, impersonal

But our God is a spirit – John 4

            B. Evident in their Character

                        1. Limited Proclamations – vs. 5 no mouth

·         John 6:68 – thou hast the words of life…

·         John 7:46  The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

                        2. Limited Perception – vs. 5 they see not…

·         Proverbs 15:3  The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

                        3. Limited Prayer – vs. 6 they hear not…they smell not

Altar of Incense – picture of the prayer life of God’s people

Our God smells the prayers of his saints;

·         Rev. 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

False god have a nose, but cannot smell.  The prayers of their faithful followers are unheard.

                        4. Limited Participation – vs. 7 they have hands, but they handle not…

Our God can handle it!

                        5. Limited Presence – vs. they walk not;

Contrast Psalm 23 “Yea though I walk…thou art with me.”  We have a God that walks with us!

ILLUSTRATION: 3 Hebrew children in the fiery furnace; walking with them.  Disciples saw Him walking on the waves.

Song: He walks with me and he talks with me, and he tells me I am His own.

III. The Contrast of their Pattern – vs. 4b, 8

The false gods are created in the likeness of man.

We were created in the likeness of our God.

GO TO Isaiah 44:9-19

Vs. 13 says they fashion their God after the “figure” of a man.

I’m glad I haven’t “figured” out my God.  He’s “figured” me out.

The false gods are made in the likeness of us.

But our God – there is none like Him!

·         Jeremiah 10:6  Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.

·         2 Samuel 7:22  Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

NOTE: In these verses, it tells us that the false gods is made from the “residue” – it diminishes their god to meet their need.

My God can diminish our need and is not ONE BIT diminished!! AMEN!

Conclusion:

He said, ‘THEY THAT MAKE THEM ARE LIKE UNTO THEM.”

What that means is this: those that worship idols are dead and without life themselves.

SEE Eph. 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Who can trust in Him?  Vs. 9-11

The Israelites.  That’s not me.  The house of Aaron.  That’s not me.  Those that fear Him.  That’s me!!!

Jesus Is Coming Again :: 2/8/15 PM

Jesus Is Coming Again

John 14:1-4

Intro: One Bible scholar has concluded that one out of every twenty-five verses in the Bible deal with the Second Coming.  I’ve not counted, them, but one thing is clear – the event that we call the Rapture is a vital Biblical doctrine.  In fact, it is such a major doctrine that it has become one of the basic fundamentals of the faith.  R.A. Torrey included this doctrine in his list of fundamentals, along with the Inspiration of Scripture, the Doctrine of the Resurrection, the Substitutionary Atonement of Christ, and the Virgin Birth.  There are many other vital doctrines, but these have been called the Fundamentals.

One’s belief in the Rapture will “fundamentally” affect how they live their life. Many people profess to believe that Jesus is coming again, but to look at their life, you wonder if they really do believe it.

ILLUSTRATION: I read a book many years ago entitled “Peace Child” by Don Richardson.  He also wrote “Lords of the Earth” about his experiences in Papua New Guinea back during the days of cannibalism and his early mission work.  He told of a story when they were building a landing strip in the jungle.  The men he hired wouldn’t work when he left the jobsite.  When he returned, he’d find them sitting down talking. So he took his glass eye out and set it on a stump and told them to keep busy because he had his eye on them.  They worked non-stop when they thought that his eye was on them!!

Are we living like we believe he’s coming back?

·         Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

I. The Cautions of His Coming

                A. Against Disbelief – II Peter 3:1-4 Where is the promise of his coming…”

Illustration: A book is out now entitled “Left Behind and Loving It” written by Mark Davis

The author denies the biblical account of a rapture.  His book summary states:

“Left Behind and Loving It is a cheeky critique of popular writings about the end times. Rather than presenting a steroid-buffed Jesus wrapped in an American flag and "coming again in clouds of gunfire," Left Behind and Loving It invites readers to approach some of the most controversial and scary portions of the Scriptures with the utter confidence that "God's steadfast love endures forever." Rather than asserting a hope premised on a few chosen ones escaping the world, Left Behind and Loving It argues that if it is Jesus who is to return (and not his evil twin), then the second coming has redemption written all over it. Many today cannot accept the escapist, violent, end-of-the-world scenario envisioned by "Left Behind" theology. Left Behind and Loving It invites readers not to fear but to trust in God's steadfast love and look at the finitude of the world with hope in an infinitely loving God.”

One of the “experts” that recommend this book is a theologian in a so-called Bible College.

"Rapture theology has become a great chuffing beast, feeding on fear, imperial aspirations, and our growing sense of alienation from God's good creation. Mark Davis aims a few well-chosen arrows at the beast, and lo, the rapture business turns out to be nothing more than a lot of hot air. This book points us toward our home on this earth, where God, whose steadfast love endures forever, dwells with us."

-Stanley P Saunders; Columbia Theological Seminary

                B. Against Delusion – SEE Luke 12:35-40 at an hour when ye think not…

Many true believers have convinced themselves that Jesus is really not going to come back.

They’re living under the delusion that the Rapture is imminent, just not anytime soon…

·         Luke 12:54-56 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.  Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

                C. Against Distraction

·         1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

II. The Conditions of His Coming

                A. During a time of Slumber

Throughout the Scriptures, many passages of Scripture refer to the coming of Christ at a time when His people are sleeping.  He constantly warned us as believers to stay awake and to watch for His coming.

·         Mark 13:33-37 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.  For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

·         Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

B. During a time of Sin

·         Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

 III. The Comfort of His Coming – John 14:1-3

                A. It is Comforting because of its Source – ye believe in God, believe also in me.

God said it; that settles it!

He knows our hearts, and he knows our susceptibility to be troubled.

TROUBLED: disquieted, distressed, disturbed, to become doubtful

God doesn’t calm our doubts by denying our present problems; He calms our doubts by drawing our attention to the prospective promises.

                B. It is Comforting because of its Supply – I go to prepare a place for you…

Most of people’s life is spent working and struggling simply to provide a place to live.

Their house, their abode and the surrounding costs dominate a huge portion of their time and money.

It is a comfort to know that the God of heaven is working to prepare me a place.

A permanent place.  A perfect place. A peaceful place.  A personal place.

                C. It is Comforting because of its Security – where I am, there ye may be also

When We See Christ

Written by Esther Kerr Rusthoi (1941) Died at the age of 53 from ill health. Married to an evangelist and pastor…

Verse 1

Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear, We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;

But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away, All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

Verse 2

Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past, We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;

We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown, The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.

CHORUS

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus, Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase, So bravely run the race till we see Christ.