Temple Baptist Church - 8-27-2008
2 Corinthians 2:1-4, 13-15
Introduction:
A. We have seen the Prophecies of the Apostasy and understand that it was prophesied over 2,000 years ago.
B. We have seen the Period of the Apostasy know that we live in the time of the “falling away.” Deception has been a progressive process as the “god of this world” has continually “blinded the minds” of those “which believe not” “lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
C. We have seen the People of the Apostasy. Not only the lost but also carnal, immature “babes in Christ” that permeate churches. Even fundamental, Bible believing churches have these babes who are so easily “blown about with every wind of doctrine.”
D. I want to look at the “Prophets of Deception” for a while tonight. They are everywhere! In Seminaries, in churches, sitting on the pews of the local church. Who are they? How did they get in? What do they teach? What is their end? These are good questions that need to be answered. Every good “Wolf Watching Pastor” needs to both recognize these prophets and want their people!
1. These Are Ungodly Men - Jude 3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Because they deceive the people and destroy the “faith once delivered!” Do not feel sorry for them. Do not protect them. They are enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Gospel!)
2. These Are Satanic Men - 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Acts 13:8-10 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? (They work for the wrong “god!” They are not only lost but also belong to Satan! Once again, they are enemies of both God and the Truth!)
3. These Are Ordained Men - Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ordained – designated! This has nothing to do with Calvinism. As God chose Pharaoh because he was reprobate, He also has chosen these men who made their choices.)
a. These Men Choose – A some point in their lives, they rejected the Truth and gave themselves over to fables and science falsely so called.
b. These Men Creep – They slip in a little at a time and gain both power and the confidence of men.
4. These Are Deceived Men - 2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Ezekiel 14:9 And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.
5. These Are Charismatic Men - Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (They are articulate! They have charisma! They are good dressers!)
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (Feigned – molded or formed words! Not only are their words articulate but they are also developed through much practice. They not only know what to say but they also know how to say it.)
6. These Are Powerful Men - Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Satan has great power and has given his power to these deceivers.)
Acts 8:9-10 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. (The people thought he was of God because of his great power.)
Job 1:16 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. (Satan ordered this fire, not God!)
Job 1:19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Revelation 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
Revelation 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
7. These Are Deceiving Men - 2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
a. Deceiving In Their Persons – “many shall follow” (Few follow truth!)
b. Deceiving In Their Paths – “pernicious (destructive or damnable) ways . . . the way of truth . . . evil spoken of”
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
c. Deceiving In Their Preaching – “feigned words” (articulate and persuasive)
Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
d. Deceiving In Their Purposes – “make merchandise” (They always get into your pocket book)
Philippians 3: 17-19 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
8. These Are Damned Men – “swift destruction”
a. There Is The Denial Of Salvation – “denying the Lord that bought them” (They claim to know the Lord, but in doctrine they deny Him)
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (“Even denying the Lord that bought them!”)
Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
b. There Is The Deception Of Self – “whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not” (Because judgment in not instant, they think that they have gotten away with their actions.)
Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity. And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
c. There Is The Damnation Of Their Soul – “swift destruction . .. slumbereth not” (Hell will be hot for those who knew the truth and turned from it.)
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
2 Peter 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It’s Love In Salvation From Start To Finish
Temple Baptist Church - 8-24-2008
Song of Solomon 2:1-7
Introduction:
A. I fear that we have seen salvation in an unbiblical light in most of our lives. We do not see the whole picture because we are obsessed with living in this present world. The Bible says that dying is gain and I am glad that Heaven is going to be beyond our most wonderful expectation. We cannot comprehend with our wildest dreams what Heaven is going to be like.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
B. The Bible also says that Christ is our life here.
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
1. Salvation is much more than just being saved from Hell and going to Heaven
2. Salvation is much more than being forgiven and our load of guilt removed.
3. Salvation is much more than just the blessings of the life through Christ
4. Salvation is a blessed, intimate relationship with the Lord of the universe who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscience.
C. Salvation is being under the loving umbrella of God’s providence, provision, and protection.
D. Salvation is experiencing the very Person of our Lord Jesus Christ with all that He can offer!
Psalms 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
E. In these verses that we have read tonight, we see the life of the Christian from Calvary to the Rapture. I do not want to look at the physical blessings of our salvation here as much as I do the spiritual.
1. The Lord Cleanses Me – vs. 1 “the lily”
a. Positionally, we are without spot or blemish! Absolute sinless perfection! Faultless!
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Romans 4:8 Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
b. Because of the sinfulness of our flesh, cleansing is a daily task based upon our confession and Christ’s faithfulness.
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Spiritual cleansing is greater than our daily physical blessings.)
2. The Lord Protects Me – vs. 4
a. He certainly protects me physically - Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
b. He also protects me spiritually - Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (We are no match for demonic power! It is the Lord that keeps us safe in our spiritual warfare.)
3. The Lord Loves Me – vs. 4 (We will spend much time on this subject in the Song of Solomon.)
a. He loves me for who I am - Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
b. He loves me for who I shall be - 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
4. The Lord Upholds Me – vs. 5, 6a,
a. He upholds me when I fail - 2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Psalms 78:38-39 But he, [being] full of compassion, forgave [their] iniquity, and destroyed [them] not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. 39 For he remembered that they [were but] flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. (uphold or sustain me when my strength fails)
b. He upholds me when my strength is gone - 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
5. The Lord Comforts Me – vs. 5-6
a. He comforts me in sorrows - 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
b. He comforts me in tribulations - 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
6. The Satisfies Me – vs. 7 (I want the Lord to come but I will abide satisfied in the mean time.)
a. He satisfies my living - Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
b. He satisfies my longing - Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Song of Solomon 2:1-7
Introduction:
A. I fear that we have seen salvation in an unbiblical light in most of our lives. We do not see the whole picture because we are obsessed with living in this present world. The Bible says that dying is gain and I am glad that Heaven is going to be beyond our most wonderful expectation. We cannot comprehend with our wildest dreams what Heaven is going to be like.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
B. The Bible also says that Christ is our life here.
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
1. Salvation is much more than just being saved from Hell and going to Heaven
2. Salvation is much more than being forgiven and our load of guilt removed.
3. Salvation is much more than just the blessings of the life through Christ
4. Salvation is a blessed, intimate relationship with the Lord of the universe who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscience.
C. Salvation is being under the loving umbrella of God’s providence, provision, and protection.
D. Salvation is experiencing the very Person of our Lord Jesus Christ with all that He can offer!
Psalms 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
E. In these verses that we have read tonight, we see the life of the Christian from Calvary to the Rapture. I do not want to look at the physical blessings of our salvation here as much as I do the spiritual.
1. The Lord Cleanses Me – vs. 1 “the lily”
a. Positionally, we are without spot or blemish! Absolute sinless perfection! Faultless!
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Romans 4:8 Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
b. Because of the sinfulness of our flesh, cleansing is a daily task based upon our confession and Christ’s faithfulness.
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Spiritual cleansing is greater than our daily physical blessings.)
2. The Lord Protects Me – vs. 4
a. He certainly protects me physically - Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
b. He also protects me spiritually - Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (We are no match for demonic power! It is the Lord that keeps us safe in our spiritual warfare.)
3. The Lord Loves Me – vs. 4 (We will spend much time on this subject in the Song of Solomon.)
a. He loves me for who I am - Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
b. He loves me for who I shall be - 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
4. The Lord Upholds Me – vs. 5, 6a,
a. He upholds me when I fail - 2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Psalms 78:38-39 But he, [being] full of compassion, forgave [their] iniquity, and destroyed [them] not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. 39 For he remembered that they [were but] flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. (uphold or sustain me when my strength fails)
b. He upholds me when my strength is gone - 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
5. The Lord Comforts Me – vs. 5-6
a. He comforts me in sorrows - 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
b. He comforts me in tribulations - 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
6. The Satisfies Me – vs. 7 (I want the Lord to come but I will abide satisfied in the mean time.)
a. He satisfies my living - Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
b. He satisfies my longing - Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Abiding And Joy
Temple Baptist Church - 8-24-2008
John 15:11; Nehemiah 8:10
Introduction:
A. What was the joy of Christ?
Psalms 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.
Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psalms 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Psalms 119:24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
Psalms 119:47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
Romans 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
B. Most Christians live in discouragement with little joy. Why? The answer is simple.
1. Because Of Our Sinfulness - Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (God’s people are not drunks and harlots, but sin creeps in and we now walk at a guilty distance from God and the joy is gone.)
2. Because Of Our Situations - Matthew 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
C. Many Christians live in defeat with no joy at all.
1. For The World, Joy Is Found In Circumstances – Luke 12:16-21 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
2. For The Christian, Joy Is Found In Spite Of The Circumstances - 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
1 Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
D. Loss of joy comes through:
1. Losing the freshness of our salvation.
2. Losing the burning love for our Saviour.
3. Losing the excitement of our service.
WHERE THE CHRISTIAN FINDS HIS JOY
1. Christian Joy Is Found In Salvation - Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Psalms 35:9 And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalms 132:16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
2. Christian Joy Is Found In The Holy Ghost - Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Joy Is Not Found In The Things Of The World - Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
3. Christian Joy Is Found In God’s Word - Nehemiah 8:9-12 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
4. Christian Joy Is Found In Church - Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
a. The Joy Of Singing - Psalms 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
b. The Joy Of Praise - Psalms 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
5. Christian Joy Is Found In Worship - Nehemiah 12:43-46 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
6. Christian Joy Is Found In Hope - Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
7. Christian Joy Is Found In Eternity - Psalms 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
8. Christian Joy Is Found In Sinners Saved - Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
9. Christian Joy Is Found In A Finished Course - Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
10. Christian Joy Is Found In The Saviour - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
John 15:11; Nehemiah 8:10
Introduction:
A. What was the joy of Christ?
Psalms 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.
Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psalms 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Psalms 119:24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
Psalms 119:47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
Romans 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
B. Most Christians live in discouragement with little joy. Why? The answer is simple.
1. Because Of Our Sinfulness - Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (God’s people are not drunks and harlots, but sin creeps in and we now walk at a guilty distance from God and the joy is gone.)
2. Because Of Our Situations - Matthew 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
C. Many Christians live in defeat with no joy at all.
1. For The World, Joy Is Found In Circumstances – Luke 12:16-21 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
2. For The Christian, Joy Is Found In Spite Of The Circumstances - 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
1 Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
D. Loss of joy comes through:
1. Losing the freshness of our salvation.
2. Losing the burning love for our Saviour.
3. Losing the excitement of our service.
WHERE THE CHRISTIAN FINDS HIS JOY
1. Christian Joy Is Found In Salvation - Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Psalms 35:9 And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalms 132:16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
2. Christian Joy Is Found In The Holy Ghost - Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Joy Is Not Found In The Things Of The World - Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
3. Christian Joy Is Found In God’s Word - Nehemiah 8:9-12 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
4. Christian Joy Is Found In Church - Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
a. The Joy Of Singing - Psalms 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
b. The Joy Of Praise - Psalms 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
5. Christian Joy Is Found In Worship - Nehemiah 12:43-46 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
6. Christian Joy Is Found In Hope - Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
7. Christian Joy Is Found In Eternity - Psalms 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
8. Christian Joy Is Found In Sinners Saved - Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
9. Christian Joy Is Found In A Finished Course - Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
10. Christian Joy Is Found In The Saviour - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
The Characteristics Of Not Abiding
Temple Baptist Church - 8-24-2008
John 15:1-17
Introduction:
A. Our Lord said, “I am the true vine.” The implication is this: If there is a True Vine, there must also be “False Vines!” There Are Worldly Vines that you can get your life from:
B. The Vine of Worldly Music – It can be Rock Music, Country Music, Contemporary Christian Music, New Age Music, or even just music in general. Music opens the “gate of the soul.” Don Robertson, whom I do not endorse, studied music and the effect that it has upon people spiritually, said this:
“Music has a definite effect on people, animals, and plants. In fact it can have a powerful influence on our body, mind, and emotions. Music with a ‘beat’ can stimulate your body; music with powerful melodies and harmonies performed with feeling can make you weep or cry out with joy; and music like the fugues of Bach and Mozart can be mentally invigorating. Every Hollywood movie producer is aware of the power of music, and that is why it plays such a key role in motion pictures. The music that accompanies movies grabs our feelings.”
C. Music can destroy the soul. Jimmy Hendrix, Janice Joplin, Beatles, and many others have died early deaths because of the effects of their music coupled with alcohol and drugs.
D. The Vine of Alcohol and Drugs – As a general rule, alcohol and drug abuse will end in premature death and or destruction of life.
E. The Vine of Sex and Perversion – Perveresion leads to more perversion because it does not satisfy. Many pedophiles and murders got their start in pornography and sexual captivation. Sex is a wonderful fulfillment of marriage but when indulged in outside of marriage will destroy your mind and body. Aids and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases have destroyed both the health and future happiness of many.
F. The Vine of Worldly Pleasure – Pleasure is a gift from God when it is found in the right things. Our world is pleasure mad. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God is the biblical description and such pleasure leaves you both unfulfilled and empty!
G. Your Vine Gives You Your Characteristics! Being Attached To The Right Vine:
1. Gives us purpose – vs. 1
2. Gives us productivity – vs. 2, 4, 8
3. Gives us purity – vs. 3
4. Gives us power – vs. 7
HERE ARE SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF ONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE IN THE TRUE VINE
1. Lives A Life That Harms The Cause Of Christ - vs 2 “taketh away” (I know that the proper interpretation of this is the Husbandman pruning the vine but I want to give an application) - Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (We are either “gathering” or we are “scattering.”)
2. Lives A Life That Is Unclean - vs 2-3 “purgeth ... clean” - 2 Corinthians 12:21 [And] lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
3. Lives A Life That Fails To Produce Fruit - vs 4 “no more can ye” - Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Without producing spiritual fruit, we cannot produce physical fruit and one is dependent upon the other.)
4. Lives A Life Void Of God’s Power - vs 5 – “ye can do nothing” - John 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. (Speaking of Christ.)
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Do all things verses do nothing and the key is abiding.)
5. Lives A Life Of Total Spiritual Defeat - vs 6 “withered…burned” - 2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
6. Lives A Life That Does Not Contain The Blessings Of God - vs 7 “ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” - Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (I am not preaching a “Prosperity Gospel,” but I am saying that God will bless you for your faithfulness to Him.)
7. Lives A Life That Does Not Bring Glory To God - vs 8 “Herein is my Father glorified” - 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
8. Lives A Life That Is Void Of Spiritual Joy - vs 11 “my joy…remain…your joy…full” - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
9. Lives A Life Of Unfriendliness Towards God - vs 14 “Ye are my friends, if” - James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (The Lord is always our Friend! We need to be His friend!)
John 15:1-17
Introduction:
A. Our Lord said, “I am the true vine.” The implication is this: If there is a True Vine, there must also be “False Vines!” There Are Worldly Vines that you can get your life from:
B. The Vine of Worldly Music – It can be Rock Music, Country Music, Contemporary Christian Music, New Age Music, or even just music in general. Music opens the “gate of the soul.” Don Robertson, whom I do not endorse, studied music and the effect that it has upon people spiritually, said this:
“Music has a definite effect on people, animals, and plants. In fact it can have a powerful influence on our body, mind, and emotions. Music with a ‘beat’ can stimulate your body; music with powerful melodies and harmonies performed with feeling can make you weep or cry out with joy; and music like the fugues of Bach and Mozart can be mentally invigorating. Every Hollywood movie producer is aware of the power of music, and that is why it plays such a key role in motion pictures. The music that accompanies movies grabs our feelings.”
C. Music can destroy the soul. Jimmy Hendrix, Janice Joplin, Beatles, and many others have died early deaths because of the effects of their music coupled with alcohol and drugs.
D. The Vine of Alcohol and Drugs – As a general rule, alcohol and drug abuse will end in premature death and or destruction of life.
E. The Vine of Sex and Perversion – Perveresion leads to more perversion because it does not satisfy. Many pedophiles and murders got their start in pornography and sexual captivation. Sex is a wonderful fulfillment of marriage but when indulged in outside of marriage will destroy your mind and body. Aids and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases have destroyed both the health and future happiness of many.
F. The Vine of Worldly Pleasure – Pleasure is a gift from God when it is found in the right things. Our world is pleasure mad. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God is the biblical description and such pleasure leaves you both unfulfilled and empty!
G. Your Vine Gives You Your Characteristics! Being Attached To The Right Vine:
1. Gives us purpose – vs. 1
2. Gives us productivity – vs. 2, 4, 8
3. Gives us purity – vs. 3
4. Gives us power – vs. 7
HERE ARE SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF ONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE IN THE TRUE VINE
1. Lives A Life That Harms The Cause Of Christ - vs 2 “taketh away” (I know that the proper interpretation of this is the Husbandman pruning the vine but I want to give an application) - Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (We are either “gathering” or we are “scattering.”)
2. Lives A Life That Is Unclean - vs 2-3 “purgeth ... clean” - 2 Corinthians 12:21 [And] lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
3. Lives A Life That Fails To Produce Fruit - vs 4 “no more can ye” - Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Without producing spiritual fruit, we cannot produce physical fruit and one is dependent upon the other.)
4. Lives A Life Void Of God’s Power - vs 5 – “ye can do nothing” - John 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. (Speaking of Christ.)
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Do all things verses do nothing and the key is abiding.)
5. Lives A Life Of Total Spiritual Defeat - vs 6 “withered…burned” - 2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
6. Lives A Life That Does Not Contain The Blessings Of God - vs 7 “ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” - Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (I am not preaching a “Prosperity Gospel,” but I am saying that God will bless you for your faithfulness to Him.)
7. Lives A Life That Does Not Bring Glory To God - vs 8 “Herein is my Father glorified” - 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
8. Lives A Life That Is Void Of Spiritual Joy - vs 11 “my joy…remain…your joy…full” - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
9. Lives A Life Of Unfriendliness Towards God - vs 14 “Ye are my friends, if” - James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (The Lord is always our Friend! We need to be His friend!)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The People Of Deception
Temple Baptist Church - 8-20-2008
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Introduction:
A. In our first message on “False Teachers,” we saw the prophecies concerning the spiritual deception of these last days. If someone did not believe the Word of God is just that for any other reason, the prophecies concerning these last days should convince the most ardent critic. You can read your newspaper headlines in a Bible written thousands of years ago. They always speak of Nostradamus and his “famous predictions” but never refer to the veracity and faithfulness of the Bible!
B. In our second message on “False Teachers,” we saw the progression of spiritual deception from Satan’s foolishness in Heaven to the end of the Millennium. Satan has had at least 6,000 years to build and perfect his deception of the people to the extent that he has become the “god of this world” instead of the Lord Jesus Christ. People are spiritually deceived by Satan into a false security based upon good works and idols!
C. Tonight, I want to look at the “People of Deception.” Who are these people whom Satan has so completely deceived. Not everyone is deceived in these last days and there are good reason for this. There is simply no excuse for a saved, spiritual child of God falling into the pits of deception that Satan has dug! We have the blessed Holy Spirit—the Author of Truth—living within our hearts as well as the King James Bible—the perfect Word of God—in our hands.
D. Then why are people so deceived and who are they? I believe the answer is both simple and obvious to the believer. It is good to understand that Satan is both subtle and selective. It is not that he does not temp all people but he is wise in his methods of selection. “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” is an old saying that is true. Though all of us are susceptible to deception because of the sinfulness of our flesh, here are four of his most frequent choices.
1. The Deception Of A Lost World – The world has had the Word of God at one time or the other. In the days of the Apostles, the world was turned upside down as these men of God traveled and preached. Africa has had the Word of God. Asia has had the Word of God. Europe has had the Word of God. South America has had the Word of God. It has touched virtually every continent and island in the world in the past 2, 000 years.
a. They have had the light of Nature - Psalms 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Romans 1:19-21 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
b. They have had the light of Scripture - Jeremiah 8:9 The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
2. The Deception Of Lost Church Members – I cannot emphasis enough to our people that many of these people who are “gobbled up” by the heretical churches and cults are unredeemed! The Spirit of Truth will lead the believer into all truth! (2 Timothy 3:1-6, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
a. Lost Pew Sitters – Matthew 13:25-27 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
TARE - Any of various weedy plants of the genus Vicia, especially the common vetch. Weedy plants that grow in grain fields. An unwelcome or objectional element
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (I understand the interpretation of this verse [antichrists] but application can also be made to these deceived pretenders. Churches are full of lost, baptized members who “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”)
b. Lost Preachers - Matthew 7:21-11 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (False preachers love false doctrine! “Snuff” said!)
3. The Carnal Believers – There are many (today we can probably safely say most) people who are truly born again who—for various reasons—never come to maturity as believers. No amount of doctrinal teaching penetrates the darkness of their hearts and they eventually either end up in a false doctrinal church or sitting at home watching their favorite televangelist. These can sit in fundamental, Bible believing churches or on the pews of the most liberal, ungodly of churches and feel right at home. Unteachable brethren are “blown about” and become “easy” prey to false doctrine
a. They are controlled by flesh and not by Sprit – Galatians 5:16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
b. They fail to be “doers of the word” through failing to hear - Zechariah 7:11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. (I understand that many people have not sat under good, doctrinal preaching but, many have and still fail to grow in the Word. These carnal believers have both the Spirit and the Truth and, yet, have refused to hear.)
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Ephesians 4:11-16 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
1 Corinthians 11:17-22 Now in this that I declare [unto you] I praise [you] not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
4. The Deception Of Silly Women (This one will get me into trouble for sure! Before you dear ladies get “up in arms” at the preacher, let me explain this point.) –Not all women are “silly!” This is not a description of women in general. The Holy Ghost only specified certain women in this verse. Some of the most spiritual people that I have met in over 20 years of the pastorate have been women. There are women who are godly, Spirit sensitive, knowledgeable, and sincere and are a great asset to both the local church and this pastor.
a. The women of deception - 2 Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (“Silly” comes from the Greek word “gune” – Sounds like “goony” to me! Notice with me the qualities of these “silly women.”)
1) These are disobedient women – “creep…lead” - 1 Corinthians 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. (They are led by the false teachers instead of their husbands or their pastor. I know that not all women have “spiritual” husbands who can teach and lead them in right doctrine but God also gave these women a pastor!)
2) These are sinful women – “laden with sins…led away with divers lusts” - James 1:14-16 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
b. The reason of deception - 1 Timothy 2:9-14 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. (Women are “heart creatures” and allow their emotions to overrule their logic. Homes, government, and churches are in serious jeopardy when led by women! Women who think more about their looks than their lives! They are sensual and seductive but not spiritual!)
Isaiah 3:16-4:1 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: 17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. 18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, 20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, 21 The rings, and nose jewels, 22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, 23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. 24 And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. 25 Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war. 26 And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground. 1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Introduction:
A. In our first message on “False Teachers,” we saw the prophecies concerning the spiritual deception of these last days. If someone did not believe the Word of God is just that for any other reason, the prophecies concerning these last days should convince the most ardent critic. You can read your newspaper headlines in a Bible written thousands of years ago. They always speak of Nostradamus and his “famous predictions” but never refer to the veracity and faithfulness of the Bible!
B. In our second message on “False Teachers,” we saw the progression of spiritual deception from Satan’s foolishness in Heaven to the end of the Millennium. Satan has had at least 6,000 years to build and perfect his deception of the people to the extent that he has become the “god of this world” instead of the Lord Jesus Christ. People are spiritually deceived by Satan into a false security based upon good works and idols!
C. Tonight, I want to look at the “People of Deception.” Who are these people whom Satan has so completely deceived. Not everyone is deceived in these last days and there are good reason for this. There is simply no excuse for a saved, spiritual child of God falling into the pits of deception that Satan has dug! We have the blessed Holy Spirit—the Author of Truth—living within our hearts as well as the King James Bible—the perfect Word of God—in our hands.
D. Then why are people so deceived and who are they? I believe the answer is both simple and obvious to the believer. It is good to understand that Satan is both subtle and selective. It is not that he does not temp all people but he is wise in his methods of selection. “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” is an old saying that is true. Though all of us are susceptible to deception because of the sinfulness of our flesh, here are four of his most frequent choices.
1. The Deception Of A Lost World – The world has had the Word of God at one time or the other. In the days of the Apostles, the world was turned upside down as these men of God traveled and preached. Africa has had the Word of God. Asia has had the Word of God. Europe has had the Word of God. South America has had the Word of God. It has touched virtually every continent and island in the world in the past 2, 000 years.
a. They have had the light of Nature - Psalms 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Romans 1:19-21 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
b. They have had the light of Scripture - Jeremiah 8:9 The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
2. The Deception Of Lost Church Members – I cannot emphasis enough to our people that many of these people who are “gobbled up” by the heretical churches and cults are unredeemed! The Spirit of Truth will lead the believer into all truth! (2 Timothy 3:1-6, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
a. Lost Pew Sitters – Matthew 13:25-27 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
TARE - Any of various weedy plants of the genus Vicia, especially the common vetch. Weedy plants that grow in grain fields. An unwelcome or objectional element
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (I understand the interpretation of this verse [antichrists] but application can also be made to these deceived pretenders. Churches are full of lost, baptized members who “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”)
b. Lost Preachers - Matthew 7:21-11 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (False preachers love false doctrine! “Snuff” said!)
3. The Carnal Believers – There are many (today we can probably safely say most) people who are truly born again who—for various reasons—never come to maturity as believers. No amount of doctrinal teaching penetrates the darkness of their hearts and they eventually either end up in a false doctrinal church or sitting at home watching their favorite televangelist. These can sit in fundamental, Bible believing churches or on the pews of the most liberal, ungodly of churches and feel right at home. Unteachable brethren are “blown about” and become “easy” prey to false doctrine
a. They are controlled by flesh and not by Sprit – Galatians 5:16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
b. They fail to be “doers of the word” through failing to hear - Zechariah 7:11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. (I understand that many people have not sat under good, doctrinal preaching but, many have and still fail to grow in the Word. These carnal believers have both the Spirit and the Truth and, yet, have refused to hear.)
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Ephesians 4:11-16 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
1 Corinthians 11:17-22 Now in this that I declare [unto you] I praise [you] not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
4. The Deception Of Silly Women (This one will get me into trouble for sure! Before you dear ladies get “up in arms” at the preacher, let me explain this point.) –Not all women are “silly!” This is not a description of women in general. The Holy Ghost only specified certain women in this verse. Some of the most spiritual people that I have met in over 20 years of the pastorate have been women. There are women who are godly, Spirit sensitive, knowledgeable, and sincere and are a great asset to both the local church and this pastor.
a. The women of deception - 2 Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (“Silly” comes from the Greek word “gune” – Sounds like “goony” to me! Notice with me the qualities of these “silly women.”)
1) These are disobedient women – “creep…lead” - 1 Corinthians 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. (They are led by the false teachers instead of their husbands or their pastor. I know that not all women have “spiritual” husbands who can teach and lead them in right doctrine but God also gave these women a pastor!)
2) These are sinful women – “laden with sins…led away with divers lusts” - James 1:14-16 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
b. The reason of deception - 1 Timothy 2:9-14 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. (Women are “heart creatures” and allow their emotions to overrule their logic. Homes, government, and churches are in serious jeopardy when led by women! Women who think more about their looks than their lives! They are sensual and seductive but not spiritual!)
Isaiah 3:16-4:1 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: 17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. 18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, 20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, 21 The rings, and nose jewels, 22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, 23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. 24 And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. 25 Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war. 26 And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground. 1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Banqueting House
Temple Baptist Church - 8-17-2008
Song of Solomon 2:1-7
Introduction:
A. In chapter 1, we found the drawing of the Bride.
1. The Description Of God’s Love – vs. 2 “better than wine”
Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (To know the unknowable and to comprehend the incomprehensible. God draws the unlovable and the undesirable. Greater love hath no man than this!)
2. The Drawing Of God’s Love – vs. 4 “Draw me”
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me. (In 1976, He drew me unto Himself! When I could not come to Him, He came to me! I will never understand what He saw in me but will forever praise Him for His love.)
3. The Desiring Of God’s Love – vs. 4 “we will run…we will be glad…we will remember”
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (You have to get thirsty before you drink. Our Lord said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink!” I remember the day I got thirsty and got hold of that living water.)
B. In chapters 1-2, we found the description of the Bride.
1. The Curse of Her Sin – vs. 5-6 “black”
Ezekiel 16:6 And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee [when thou wast] in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee [when thou wast] in thy blood, Live.
2. The Comparison Of Her Saviour – vs. 5, 8-9 “but comely”
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
3. The Comprehending Of Her Splendor – vs. 2:1 “rose…lily”
Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
THE BANQUETING HOUSE - There Will Be A Gathering - On many formal invitation, we find the letters “R.S.V.P.”
RSVP "Répondez s'il vous plaît", a French phrase that translates to "reply, please." or literally "reply, if it pleases you" [1]. It is with this meaning that invitation cards and similar documents are often marked with "R.S.V.P." It is standard practice to reply to an RSVP request whether confirming attendance or declining.
1. The Decision Of The Gathered - Luke 14:16-24 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. (Whosoever will and whosoever won’t! Eternal life and death are in the decisions of the lost!)
2. The Division Of The Gathered - 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him,
1 Thessalonians 4:14-16 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive (to have been quickened – Ephesians 2:1) [and] remain (Not to have seen death) unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:
Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
1. The Jewish Trumpet Was Blown To Start A Journey (Num 10:6)
2. The Trumpet Was Blown To Call Men To War (Num 10:9)
3. The Trumpet Was Blown To Signal Holy Days (Num 10:10; Lev 25:9)
4. The Trumpet Was Blown To Call The Camp Of Israel To A General Assembly (Num 10:7)
5. The Trumpet Will Be Blown To Inaugurate The Rapture (I Thes 4:16; I Cor 15:52; Rev. 4:1)
6. The Trumpet Will Be Blown To Announce the Beginning of The Tribulation (Joel 2:1, 2)
7. The Trumpet Will Be Blown To Sound The Judgments Of The Tribulation (Rev 8:1-9; 11:15-19)
8. The Trumpet Will Be Blown to Signal The Re-gathering of Israel To The Land (Mat. 24:31)
3. The Designation Of The Gathered – “His banner over me was love”
a. A Special Place Designated - Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (There’s no place like home! “man goeth to his long home.”)
b. A Special People Designated - Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Joel 3:17 So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. (Billy Kelly used to sing a song which goes like this: “I’ll not be a stranger when I enter that city; I’m acquainted with folks over there!”)
c. A Special Purpose Designated - 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Home! I’m going home! Never more to roam!)
Conclusion: There will be a Gathering. There will be a Guest. There will be a Garnishing!
Song of Solomon 2:1-7
Introduction:
A. In chapter 1, we found the drawing of the Bride.
1. The Description Of God’s Love – vs. 2 “better than wine”
Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (To know the unknowable and to comprehend the incomprehensible. God draws the unlovable and the undesirable. Greater love hath no man than this!)
2. The Drawing Of God’s Love – vs. 4 “Draw me”
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me. (In 1976, He drew me unto Himself! When I could not come to Him, He came to me! I will never understand what He saw in me but will forever praise Him for His love.)
3. The Desiring Of God’s Love – vs. 4 “we will run…we will be glad…we will remember”
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (You have to get thirsty before you drink. Our Lord said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink!” I remember the day I got thirsty and got hold of that living water.)
B. In chapters 1-2, we found the description of the Bride.
1. The Curse of Her Sin – vs. 5-6 “black”
Ezekiel 16:6 And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee [when thou wast] in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee [when thou wast] in thy blood, Live.
2. The Comparison Of Her Saviour – vs. 5, 8-9 “but comely”
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
3. The Comprehending Of Her Splendor – vs. 2:1 “rose…lily”
Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
THE BANQUETING HOUSE - There Will Be A Gathering - On many formal invitation, we find the letters “R.S.V.P.”
RSVP "Répondez s'il vous plaît", a French phrase that translates to "reply, please." or literally "reply, if it pleases you" [1]. It is with this meaning that invitation cards and similar documents are often marked with "R.S.V.P." It is standard practice to reply to an RSVP request whether confirming attendance or declining.
1. The Decision Of The Gathered - Luke 14:16-24 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. (Whosoever will and whosoever won’t! Eternal life and death are in the decisions of the lost!)
2. The Division Of The Gathered - 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him,
1 Thessalonians 4:14-16 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive (to have been quickened – Ephesians 2:1) [and] remain (Not to have seen death) unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:
Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
1. The Jewish Trumpet Was Blown To Start A Journey (Num 10:6)
2. The Trumpet Was Blown To Call Men To War (Num 10:9)
3. The Trumpet Was Blown To Signal Holy Days (Num 10:10; Lev 25:9)
4. The Trumpet Was Blown To Call The Camp Of Israel To A General Assembly (Num 10:7)
5. The Trumpet Will Be Blown To Inaugurate The Rapture (I Thes 4:16; I Cor 15:52; Rev. 4:1)
6. The Trumpet Will Be Blown To Announce the Beginning of The Tribulation (Joel 2:1, 2)
7. The Trumpet Will Be Blown To Sound The Judgments Of The Tribulation (Rev 8:1-9; 11:15-19)
8. The Trumpet Will Be Blown to Signal The Re-gathering of Israel To The Land (Mat. 24:31)
3. The Designation Of The Gathered – “His banner over me was love”
a. A Special Place Designated - Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (There’s no place like home! “man goeth to his long home.”)
b. A Special People Designated - Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Joel 3:17 So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. (Billy Kelly used to sing a song which goes like this: “I’ll not be a stranger when I enter that city; I’m acquainted with folks over there!”)
c. A Special Purpose Designated - 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Home! I’m going home! Never more to roam!)
Conclusion: There will be a Gathering. There will be a Guest. There will be a Garnishing!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Pruning Of The Branches
Temple Baptist Church 8-17-2008
John 15:1-6
Introduction:
A. We have been studying these verses in light of “abiding” or remaining in the will of God as one of His dear children. In this context, we find the “pruning” of the vine. In verse 2, speaking of the branch that does not bear fruit, we find the words “he taketh away.” I want to look closely at these verses to glean God’s truth concerning believers who are disobedient to God.
B. The Armenian denominations who teach losing one’s salvation love these verses. They try to uphold their doctrine of “falling from grace” through not rightly dividing the Word of Truth in this portion of Scripture.
C. These verses teach just the opposite of “falling from grace.” They teach the doctrines of eternal life and the chastening of the child of God.
D. There are several things that cause these branches to fail to produce and be broken off.
1. Storms Often Break Branches Off
a) God is our stability and protection during the storm but we often fail to turn to Him and become discouraged. and dislodged.
b) Discouragement brings about dislodging and the branch is broken off.
2. Blight Often Destroys The Branches – Sin will destroy the believer and, if he or she does not confess and forsake it, it will bring about their demise.
3. Failing To Produce Brings About Pruning – Unfortunately, some branches are disobedient and are like the “suckers” that we pluck from the vines.
E. Notice several things with me:
1. These Branches Are Truly Saved – vs. 2 “Every branch in me”
a) They Are Branches – Born of the sap of the Vine. The sap is a wonderful type of the Holy Spirit.
b). They Are In Christ Jesus The Vine
2. These Branches Do Not Produce Fruit
a) They Have The Same Source As The Others
b) They Have The Same Capability As The Others
3. These Branches Are Taken Away – vs. 2, 6
a) They Are Taken Away Because Of Their Choice – vs. 6 “If a man”
b) They Are Taken Away By The Husbandman
4. These Branches Are Destroyed Physically – vs. 6
a) They Are Cast Forth By God
b) They Become Withered Because Of Detachment
c) They Become Burned By Men – Pruning is simply chastening.
Hebrews 12:6-7 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
1. Chastening Is A Sign Of God’s Love – “whom the Lord loveth” It Is Done In Love And Not Hate!
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
2. Chastening Is A Guarantee Of Son-ship – “every son whom he receiveth” –It Is A Product Of Eternal Life!
2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
3. Chastening Is A Purposed Process – “if ye endure chastening” “corrected” –It Removes Sin’s Penalty And Restores Spiritual Fellowship!
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
4. Chastening Is A Progressive Process – “chasteneth…scourgeth” –You Can Turn Around At Any Time And Do Not Have To Continue In Chastening!
a. Chastisement is a valley of our own making. It is chastisement for sin. - James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
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.
b. Chastisement is a valley whose depth is up to us. It is according to our sin. - 1 Corinthians 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
c. Chastisement is a valley whose length is up to us. It is according to our hard headedness. - Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (Chastening turns into scourging.)
d. Chastisement is a valley whose darkness is up to us. In other valleys you find God’s blessing while in this valley you find God’s displeasure. - Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 12:28-29 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.
e. Chastisement is a valley whose results are up to us.
1) There can be continued and progressive punishment for sin.
2) There can be the restoration of the believer to a place of fellowship.
5. Chastening Is A Blessing – “it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness” – It Is Positive In That It Produces Righteousness And Testimony In The Believer!
Job 5:17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
Psalms 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
a. Chastening Removes Sin’s Penalty – (The wages of sin is still death!)
b. Chastening Restores God’s Power – (Sin causes a loss of power with God!)
c. Chastening Regains The God’s Victory – 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (Sin brings about spiritual defeat!)
d. Chastening Renews God’s Favor – (Favor is better than wrath any day!)
e Chastening Revives God’s Peace – (Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.)
f. Chastening Re-establishes Worship – (Sin removes the worship of spirit and truth!)
g. Chastening Re-affirms God’s Word – (What God promises God delivers!)
h. Chastening Removes The Unrepentant! – (Sin’s end is still death. Do not err, my beloved brethren!)
John 15:1-6
Introduction:
A. We have been studying these verses in light of “abiding” or remaining in the will of God as one of His dear children. In this context, we find the “pruning” of the vine. In verse 2, speaking of the branch that does not bear fruit, we find the words “he taketh away.” I want to look closely at these verses to glean God’s truth concerning believers who are disobedient to God.
B. The Armenian denominations who teach losing one’s salvation love these verses. They try to uphold their doctrine of “falling from grace” through not rightly dividing the Word of Truth in this portion of Scripture.
C. These verses teach just the opposite of “falling from grace.” They teach the doctrines of eternal life and the chastening of the child of God.
D. There are several things that cause these branches to fail to produce and be broken off.
1. Storms Often Break Branches Off
a) God is our stability and protection during the storm but we often fail to turn to Him and become discouraged. and dislodged.
b) Discouragement brings about dislodging and the branch is broken off.
2. Blight Often Destroys The Branches – Sin will destroy the believer and, if he or she does not confess and forsake it, it will bring about their demise.
3. Failing To Produce Brings About Pruning – Unfortunately, some branches are disobedient and are like the “suckers” that we pluck from the vines.
E. Notice several things with me:
1. These Branches Are Truly Saved – vs. 2 “Every branch in me”
a) They Are Branches – Born of the sap of the Vine. The sap is a wonderful type of the Holy Spirit.
b). They Are In Christ Jesus The Vine
2. These Branches Do Not Produce Fruit
a) They Have The Same Source As The Others
b) They Have The Same Capability As The Others
3. These Branches Are Taken Away – vs. 2, 6
a) They Are Taken Away Because Of Their Choice – vs. 6 “If a man”
b) They Are Taken Away By The Husbandman
4. These Branches Are Destroyed Physically – vs. 6
a) They Are Cast Forth By God
b) They Become Withered Because Of Detachment
c) They Become Burned By Men – Pruning is simply chastening.
Hebrews 12:6-7 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
1. Chastening Is A Sign Of God’s Love – “whom the Lord loveth” It Is Done In Love And Not Hate!
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
2. Chastening Is A Guarantee Of Son-ship – “every son whom he receiveth” –It Is A Product Of Eternal Life!
2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
3. Chastening Is A Purposed Process – “if ye endure chastening” “corrected” –It Removes Sin’s Penalty And Restores Spiritual Fellowship!
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
4. Chastening Is A Progressive Process – “chasteneth…scourgeth” –You Can Turn Around At Any Time And Do Not Have To Continue In Chastening!
a. Chastisement is a valley of our own making. It is chastisement for sin. - James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
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.
b. Chastisement is a valley whose depth is up to us. It is according to our sin. - 1 Corinthians 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
c. Chastisement is a valley whose length is up to us. It is according to our hard headedness. - Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (Chastening turns into scourging.)
d. Chastisement is a valley whose darkness is up to us. In other valleys you find God’s blessing while in this valley you find God’s displeasure. - Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 12:28-29 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.
e. Chastisement is a valley whose results are up to us.
1) There can be continued and progressive punishment for sin.
2) There can be the restoration of the believer to a place of fellowship.
5. Chastening Is A Blessing – “it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness” – It Is Positive In That It Produces Righteousness And Testimony In The Believer!
Job 5:17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
Psalms 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
a. Chastening Removes Sin’s Penalty – (The wages of sin is still death!)
b. Chastening Restores God’s Power – (Sin causes a loss of power with God!)
c. Chastening Regains The God’s Victory – 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (Sin brings about spiritual defeat!)
d. Chastening Renews God’s Favor – (Favor is better than wrath any day!)
e Chastening Revives God’s Peace – (Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.)
f. Chastening Re-establishes Worship – (Sin removes the worship of spirit and truth!)
g. Chastening Re-affirms God’s Word – (What God promises God delivers!)
h. Chastening Removes The Unrepentant! – (Sin’s end is still death. Do not err, my beloved brethren!)
False Teachers - Part 2
Temple Baptist Church - 8-13-2008
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw the fulfillment of 2 Thessalonians 2 and other portions of Scripture dealing with the “falling away” of these last times.
B. The deception is strong! Wolves have “crept in unawares” and are now in prominent positions in pulpits, seminaries, television, and radio. Ignorant people listen to ignorant preacher and cleave to ignorant, damnable doctrines. Our pulpits are seemingly silent because “name calling” is no longer politically correct. People become offended when their idols are attacked. The Bible still says to identify these “wolves” and “mark” them for avoidance. These false brethren must be identified to our people. That is a vital part of the work of the under shepherd!
C. Yes, this “name calling” makes us “narrow minded.” A man once said that he was so narrow minded that a gnat could light on the bridge of his nose and kick out both eye balls at the same time. Narrow mindedness may be a problem in some areas of life but, spiritually, it is of necessity. Our minds should be as narrow as the Word of God is narrow! There is still:
Ephesians 4:4-6 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Notice the repetitive use of the word “one!” The worldly religion and false prophets teach “many.”)
D. There is still only one Bible, one way of salvation, one correct doctrine, one Heaven, one hell, and one correct interpretation of Scripture!
E. I want to continue looking into this satanic deception that has taken both the world and most churches by storm in the last few decades. The deception is growing strong, the delusion is widespread, and the destruction is serious.
1. The Period Of Deception. – Once again, when you have a 2nd of two books in the New Testament, this 2nd book always deals with apostasy and the last days. Satanic deception has been from the beginning and will continue to the end of time as we know it.
a. There Was Deception In Heaven - Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Satan was self-deceived and took down innumerable angels with him in the deception. How powerful must that deception have been to deceive these created beings who lived in the very presence of God!)
b. There Was Deception In Adam’s Day - Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Satan questioned God’s Word.)
Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (Satan called God a liar! He attacked the veracity of God’s Word to the “weaker vessel.”)
c. There Was Deception In Moses’ Day - Deuteronomy 13:1-5 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. (Though they may even perform miracles the end of their path shows the director of their dreams and the performer of their powers. Satan!)
d. There was Deception In Israel’s Day - 1 Kings 13:18 He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him. (Decietful and wicked men who knowingly speak lies with seared consciences! Hell must have a special place for these reprobates.)
e. There Was Deception In Elijah’s Day - 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table. (Lying prophets tied to the political system through Roman Catholicism!)
f. There Was Deception In The Apostle’s Day - John 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. (The Apostles and preachers of this day were not at all popular. These false prophets and religionists hated God’s men and tried to defame and destroy them!)
g. There Will Be Deception In The Tribulation Period - Daniel 9:26-27 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Revelation 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. (The “good guys” wear the white hats! He is the antitype of the coming Christ in Revelation 19.)
h. There Will Be Deception In The Millennium - Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (The delusion has always been strong and continually strengthening. As long as there is a devil, there is a deception! Deception has been from the beginning and we are now seeing the fruit of 6,000 years of “fine tuning.”)
i. There Is Deception In These Last Days - 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people (past tense), even as there shall be false teachers among you (future tense), who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (Here we are in 2008! In the midst of the deception and “falling away” in the midst of the local churches. As the worldly song once said, “There is a whole lot of shaking going on.”)
j. Here are some portions of the Bible that well define our day of deception.
1) 1 Timothy 4:1-2
2) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
3) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
4) 2 Timothy 3:1-9
5) 2 Timothy 4:1-4
6) 2 Peter 3:1-10
7) 1 John 2:18-29
8) 2 John 7-10
9) Jude 3-19
Conclusion:
Isaiah 21:11-12 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? 12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.
Another song once said, “Heavenly shades of night are falling, it’s twilight time.” It is now getting spiritually “dark” outside. We have watched—in our generation—the fulfilling of John 9:4, which states, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” The “night” is the coming Tribulation period when our work day is done and we will be home. “I’ll be home before dark!”
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw the fulfillment of 2 Thessalonians 2 and other portions of Scripture dealing with the “falling away” of these last times.
B. The deception is strong! Wolves have “crept in unawares” and are now in prominent positions in pulpits, seminaries, television, and radio. Ignorant people listen to ignorant preacher and cleave to ignorant, damnable doctrines. Our pulpits are seemingly silent because “name calling” is no longer politically correct. People become offended when their idols are attacked. The Bible still says to identify these “wolves” and “mark” them for avoidance. These false brethren must be identified to our people. That is a vital part of the work of the under shepherd!
C. Yes, this “name calling” makes us “narrow minded.” A man once said that he was so narrow minded that a gnat could light on the bridge of his nose and kick out both eye balls at the same time. Narrow mindedness may be a problem in some areas of life but, spiritually, it is of necessity. Our minds should be as narrow as the Word of God is narrow! There is still:
Ephesians 4:4-6 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Notice the repetitive use of the word “one!” The worldly religion and false prophets teach “many.”)
D. There is still only one Bible, one way of salvation, one correct doctrine, one Heaven, one hell, and one correct interpretation of Scripture!
E. I want to continue looking into this satanic deception that has taken both the world and most churches by storm in the last few decades. The deception is growing strong, the delusion is widespread, and the destruction is serious.
1. The Period Of Deception. – Once again, when you have a 2nd of two books in the New Testament, this 2nd book always deals with apostasy and the last days. Satanic deception has been from the beginning and will continue to the end of time as we know it.
a. There Was Deception In Heaven - Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Satan was self-deceived and took down innumerable angels with him in the deception. How powerful must that deception have been to deceive these created beings who lived in the very presence of God!)
b. There Was Deception In Adam’s Day - Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Satan questioned God’s Word.)
Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (Satan called God a liar! He attacked the veracity of God’s Word to the “weaker vessel.”)
c. There Was Deception In Moses’ Day - Deuteronomy 13:1-5 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. (Though they may even perform miracles the end of their path shows the director of their dreams and the performer of their powers. Satan!)
d. There was Deception In Israel’s Day - 1 Kings 13:18 He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him. (Decietful and wicked men who knowingly speak lies with seared consciences! Hell must have a special place for these reprobates.)
e. There Was Deception In Elijah’s Day - 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table. (Lying prophets tied to the political system through Roman Catholicism!)
f. There Was Deception In The Apostle’s Day - John 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. (The Apostles and preachers of this day were not at all popular. These false prophets and religionists hated God’s men and tried to defame and destroy them!)
g. There Will Be Deception In The Tribulation Period - Daniel 9:26-27 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Revelation 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. (The “good guys” wear the white hats! He is the antitype of the coming Christ in Revelation 19.)
h. There Will Be Deception In The Millennium - Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (The delusion has always been strong and continually strengthening. As long as there is a devil, there is a deception! Deception has been from the beginning and we are now seeing the fruit of 6,000 years of “fine tuning.”)
i. There Is Deception In These Last Days - 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people (past tense), even as there shall be false teachers among you (future tense), who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (Here we are in 2008! In the midst of the deception and “falling away” in the midst of the local churches. As the worldly song once said, “There is a whole lot of shaking going on.”)
j. Here are some portions of the Bible that well define our day of deception.
1) 1 Timothy 4:1-2
2) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
3) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
4) 2 Timothy 3:1-9
5) 2 Timothy 4:1-4
6) 2 Peter 3:1-10
7) 1 John 2:18-29
8) 2 John 7-10
9) Jude 3-19
Conclusion:
Isaiah 21:11-12 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? 12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.
Another song once said, “Heavenly shades of night are falling, it’s twilight time.” It is now getting spiritually “dark” outside. We have watched—in our generation—the fulfilling of John 9:4, which states, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” The “night” is the coming Tribulation period when our work day is done and we will be home. “I’ll be home before dark!”
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Apple Tree
Temple Baptist Church - 8-10-2008
Song of Solomon 2:1-3
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw the beauty of the bride in verse 1. “The Rose of Sharon” and “The Lily of the Valleys.”
B. I cannot emphasize enough how much Christ loves His Church and how beautiful that we are to Him. He sees none other! He desires none other!
C. In Christ, we find the faithfulness of the “Beloved” to His “Love.” God has been faithful in our unfaithfulness because He cannot deny Himself! His faithfulness is based upon His character and not ours!
D. In verse 3, the Bride compares the Bridegroom to an “Apple Tree.” Among the “trees of the wood,” the Apple Tree stands out. Though there are many beautiful abd useful trees in the woods, most are not life sustaining for us. I know that they help to produce products that make life more comforting and, also, help to produce oxygen for breathing, but the Apple Tree is different from them.
E. In this comparison, we find several different aspects that are mentioned. I will deal with them individually.
1. The Apple Tree Speaks Of Christ’s Protection – “Shadow”
a. The Shadowing of His Gathering - Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not! (Salvation brings protection! Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!)
b. The Shadowing of His Loveingkindness - Psalms 36:7 How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. (Salvation brings the lovingkindness of the Lord. We have an old saying, “The Lord is good all of the time!”)
c. The Shadowing of His Grace - Psalms 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast. (Salvation brings grace to the believer. Grace abundant, manifold, and always sufficient for every concern and every need.)
d. The Shadowing of His Help - Psalms 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. (I thank God for His grace and mercy but I also thank God for His being a “very present” help in time of need. His is able and willing to aid His children.)
2. The Apple Tree Speaks Of Christ’s Pleasure – “great delight”
a. The Pleasure of Our Heart’s Desires - Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. Now physical wants or needs, but our spiritual wants and needs.)
b. The Pleasure of Our Encouragement - Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it]. (A song says, “When the waves are over your head they are under His feet.” In the midst of valleys, God will help us to soar with wings as eagles.)
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
c. The Pleasure of Our Church - Psalms 43:4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. (I thank God for this church and its people! Several times a week, I get a call from one of you to encourage me. I love God’s house and God’s people!)
Psalms 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company.
d. The Pleasure of His Presence - Psalms 104:34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. (In His presence is fullness of joy. When I am with Him, the pleasures of this world certainly grow dim.)
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
3. The Apple Tree Speaks Of Christ’s Provision – “his fruit”
a. The Promise of His Provision - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (The unlimited provision of His riches in glory! Our economy runs off of “supply and demand” but God’s off of “supply and need.”)
b. The Peace of His Provision - Psalms 23:1-2 The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (He maketh me to lie down unafraid! He leadeth me into the stillness of my soul!)
Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
c. The Performance of His Provision - Genesis 48:15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
d. The Possession of His Provision - Nehemiah 9:15 And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them. (What God promises God performs! He will take care of this preacher and his family until the day He either comes for me or calls me home.)
Conclusion:
a. You see, we are a Rose of Sharon and a Lily of the Valleys to Christ. These are important things because they are things of beauty but have little or no value outside of that beauty. God loves us for who we are and not for what we can do for Him!
b. Christ is our Apple Tree! Yes, we can consort with others trees of the woods but it is Christ that meets both our physical and spiritual needs. We are the Apple of His eye! He is the Apple of ours!
Song of Solomon 2:1-3
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw the beauty of the bride in verse 1. “The Rose of Sharon” and “The Lily of the Valleys.”
B. I cannot emphasize enough how much Christ loves His Church and how beautiful that we are to Him. He sees none other! He desires none other!
C. In Christ, we find the faithfulness of the “Beloved” to His “Love.” God has been faithful in our unfaithfulness because He cannot deny Himself! His faithfulness is based upon His character and not ours!
D. In verse 3, the Bride compares the Bridegroom to an “Apple Tree.” Among the “trees of the wood,” the Apple Tree stands out. Though there are many beautiful abd useful trees in the woods, most are not life sustaining for us. I know that they help to produce products that make life more comforting and, also, help to produce oxygen for breathing, but the Apple Tree is different from them.
E. In this comparison, we find several different aspects that are mentioned. I will deal with them individually.
1. The Apple Tree Speaks Of Christ’s Protection – “Shadow”
a. The Shadowing of His Gathering - Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not! (Salvation brings protection! Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!)
b. The Shadowing of His Loveingkindness - Psalms 36:7 How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. (Salvation brings the lovingkindness of the Lord. We have an old saying, “The Lord is good all of the time!”)
c. The Shadowing of His Grace - Psalms 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast. (Salvation brings grace to the believer. Grace abundant, manifold, and always sufficient for every concern and every need.)
d. The Shadowing of His Help - Psalms 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. (I thank God for His grace and mercy but I also thank God for His being a “very present” help in time of need. His is able and willing to aid His children.)
2. The Apple Tree Speaks Of Christ’s Pleasure – “great delight”
a. The Pleasure of Our Heart’s Desires - Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. Now physical wants or needs, but our spiritual wants and needs.)
b. The Pleasure of Our Encouragement - Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it]. (A song says, “When the waves are over your head they are under His feet.” In the midst of valleys, God will help us to soar with wings as eagles.)
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
c. The Pleasure of Our Church - Psalms 43:4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. (I thank God for this church and its people! Several times a week, I get a call from one of you to encourage me. I love God’s house and God’s people!)
Psalms 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company.
d. The Pleasure of His Presence - Psalms 104:34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. (In His presence is fullness of joy. When I am with Him, the pleasures of this world certainly grow dim.)
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
3. The Apple Tree Speaks Of Christ’s Provision – “his fruit”
a. The Promise of His Provision - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (The unlimited provision of His riches in glory! Our economy runs off of “supply and demand” but God’s off of “supply and need.”)
b. The Peace of His Provision - Psalms 23:1-2 The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (He maketh me to lie down unafraid! He leadeth me into the stillness of my soul!)
Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
c. The Performance of His Provision - Genesis 48:15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
d. The Possession of His Provision - Nehemiah 9:15 And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them. (What God promises God performs! He will take care of this preacher and his family until the day He either comes for me or calls me home.)
Conclusion:
a. You see, we are a Rose of Sharon and a Lily of the Valleys to Christ. These are important things because they are things of beauty but have little or no value outside of that beauty. God loves us for who we are and not for what we can do for Him!
b. Christ is our Apple Tree! Yes, we can consort with others trees of the woods but it is Christ that meets both our physical and spiritual needs. We are the Apple of His eye! He is the Apple of ours!
Abiding And Purging
Temple Baptist Church - 8-10-2008
John 15:1-5
Introduction:
A. In John 15, we find the “purging” of the abiding branches of the vine. One of the most important aspects of growing fruit of any kind is that of maintaining the branches. As a norm, when growing grapes, you choose one main trunk or “runner” and grow your produce from it. Then, as the branches grow from the trunk, you have to prune them properly in order to produce much fruit.
PURGE - an act of removing by cleansing
B. I am not an expert in this matter as I normally kill my wife’s roses or, at the least, hamper them greatly by over pruning. Each year as I mention that it is pruning time again, she shudders at the prospect. To cut the branches back too much or at the wrong time can greatly damage the fruit bearing.
C. If you cut the branch back too far, it will only produce personal growth the next year and you will have little or no fruit. Even my fig trees have greatly suffered at the hands of my pruning shears!
D. If you cut the branch back at the wrong time, it will cause the branch to “bleed” and the life giving sap will simply drip to the ground instead of producing fruit. Grape vines are notorious for large amounts of “bleeding” when either pruned or injured during the producing season. There is a season for pruning and maintenance as well as a season for fruit bearing.
E. Here in these verses, we find the progression of fruit bearing as we see: 1) “fruit” in verse two 2) “more fruit” in verse two 3) “much fruit” in verses five and eight. This increase in fruit bearing is a direct result of the “purgeth” in verse two.
f. The word “purgeth” is present in tense (a never ending action for the branch), active in voice (the subject “He” is the doer of the action as purging is an act of the Lord), and indicative in mood (a simple statement of fact as purging has occurred, is occurring, and will occur—it is a never ending process).
G. We find the “purgeth” or pruning of the branch takes place through the Word of God in verse 3. Once again, we find the importance of the Word of God. While men place little importance to God’s Word, He magnified it above His name.
1. God’s Word is imperative in our salvation - 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (You cannot be saved without it!)
2. God’s Word is imperative in our sanctification - Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
3. God’s Word is imperative in our service - John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
1. The Process Of Purging
a. It is a Uniform Process – It is to happen to all if we are to bear fruit.
1) Through Teaching - John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
2) Through Chastening - Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
b. It is an Important Process – Without Christ’s help, which comes only through the purging process, we can do nothing! Vs. 5b
2. The Power Of Purging – Purging takes an abundance of water. A trickle will not do the job!
a. It Takes A Saturation of God’s Word - Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].
b. It Takes A Meditation in God’s Word - Psalms 1:2 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
c. It Takes A Dedication To God’s Word - Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Proverbs 3:17 Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace.
3. The Purpose Of Purging – Fruit bearing that glorifies God.
a. Spiritual Fruit Bearing – 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord. (The branches carry the characteristics of the Vine.)
b. Physical Fruit Bearing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him]. (The sole purpose of the brance is to bring forth the fruit of the Vine.)
4. The Perpetuality Of Purging – He made the heavens and the earth and all that in them is in just six days but He is still working on each of us believers.
a. It is an Essential Process - 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
b. It is an Enduring Process - 2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. (Not found “in Him” for we that are saved are eternally in Christ Jesus but “found of Him!” When Christ returns, will He find me loving and living for Him?)
John 15:1-5
Introduction:
A. In John 15, we find the “purging” of the abiding branches of the vine. One of the most important aspects of growing fruit of any kind is that of maintaining the branches. As a norm, when growing grapes, you choose one main trunk or “runner” and grow your produce from it. Then, as the branches grow from the trunk, you have to prune them properly in order to produce much fruit.
PURGE - an act of removing by cleansing
B. I am not an expert in this matter as I normally kill my wife’s roses or, at the least, hamper them greatly by over pruning. Each year as I mention that it is pruning time again, she shudders at the prospect. To cut the branches back too much or at the wrong time can greatly damage the fruit bearing.
C. If you cut the branch back too far, it will only produce personal growth the next year and you will have little or no fruit. Even my fig trees have greatly suffered at the hands of my pruning shears!
D. If you cut the branch back at the wrong time, it will cause the branch to “bleed” and the life giving sap will simply drip to the ground instead of producing fruit. Grape vines are notorious for large amounts of “bleeding” when either pruned or injured during the producing season. There is a season for pruning and maintenance as well as a season for fruit bearing.
E. Here in these verses, we find the progression of fruit bearing as we see: 1) “fruit” in verse two 2) “more fruit” in verse two 3) “much fruit” in verses five and eight. This increase in fruit bearing is a direct result of the “purgeth” in verse two.
f. The word “purgeth” is present in tense (a never ending action for the branch), active in voice (the subject “He” is the doer of the action as purging is an act of the Lord), and indicative in mood (a simple statement of fact as purging has occurred, is occurring, and will occur—it is a never ending process).
G. We find the “purgeth” or pruning of the branch takes place through the Word of God in verse 3. Once again, we find the importance of the Word of God. While men place little importance to God’s Word, He magnified it above His name.
1. God’s Word is imperative in our salvation - 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (You cannot be saved without it!)
2. God’s Word is imperative in our sanctification - Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
3. God’s Word is imperative in our service - John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
1. The Process Of Purging
a. It is a Uniform Process – It is to happen to all if we are to bear fruit.
1) Through Teaching - John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
2) Through Chastening - Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
b. It is an Important Process – Without Christ’s help, which comes only through the purging process, we can do nothing! Vs. 5b
2. The Power Of Purging – Purging takes an abundance of water. A trickle will not do the job!
a. It Takes A Saturation of God’s Word - Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].
b. It Takes A Meditation in God’s Word - Psalms 1:2 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
c. It Takes A Dedication To God’s Word - Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Proverbs 3:17 Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace.
3. The Purpose Of Purging – Fruit bearing that glorifies God.
a. Spiritual Fruit Bearing – 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord. (The branches carry the characteristics of the Vine.)
b. Physical Fruit Bearing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him]. (The sole purpose of the brance is to bring forth the fruit of the Vine.)
4. The Perpetuality Of Purging – He made the heavens and the earth and all that in them is in just six days but He is still working on each of us believers.
a. It is an Essential Process - 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
b. It is an Enduring Process - 2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. (Not found “in Him” for we that are saved are eternally in Christ Jesus but “found of Him!” When Christ returns, will He find me loving and living for Him?)
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Saved, Sure, and Secure
Temple Baptist Church - 8-6-2008
John 10:22-30
Introduction: It is the spiritual birthright of every Christian to know they are saved. As Christians we do not have to wonder or hope we are saved. Every Christian can sing with Fanny Crosby: Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine Oh what a foretaste of glory divine.
1. We have been thinking about the greatness of our salvation. I want to share with you one more reason why our salvation is “so great salvation,” and that our salvation is an eternal salvation. One of the things that make our salvation so great is the great truth of the eternal security of the believer.
2. In the first Church I pastored there was a older man there when I would preach on the eternal security of the believer. He would get so mad smoke would come out his ears. He would even go so far as to offer me money not to preach it.
3. May I say that the doctrine of eternal security should not make you mad. It ought to make you glad. It ought to make you shout “glory” that you can’t lose your salvation and that once you are saved you are eternally saved. Someone says, “Oh, that’s just what you Baptist believe. No, it is not just what the Baptists believe; it is what the Bible says.
4. I say AMEN! Our salvation is a “so great salvation” because our salvation is eternally secure. In John 10 we are told that we have eternal life. Let’s look at what Jesus said about our eternal security.
I. CONSIDER A SALVATION THAT IS PROVEN. (V.27)
1. At the very beginning let me say that you cannot have eternal life until first of all you have life. I am talking about being saved. You can’t be eternally saved unless you have been saved. Notice in verse 27 that what Jesus said about eternal security is addressed to, “My sheep.” He is talking about people that belong to Him. He is talking about saved people.
2. One of the arguments that is always presented against the doctrine of eternal security is that it is a doctrine that teaches you can live anyway you want to and still be saved. Let me be very clear. No, that is not what the doctrine of eternal security teaches. Eternal security is not a license to sin. The Bible teaches us that if a person can live anyway they want to it is because they were never saved in the first place.
3. When Jesus spoke of “My sheep” he was talking about true sheep. He was talking about those who were really saved, not just those who professed to be saved. The kind of salvation that Jesus is describing is one that is proven by the kind of life they live. They bear evidence in their life that they are indeed saved.
A. Notice one characteristic of the Lord’s sheep: They Hear His Voice.
1. Jesus said in (V.27) “My sheep hear my voice.” In (Vs.4-5) Jesus said that His sheep “know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” True sheep hear the voice of the Shepherd and do not listen to the voice of strangers. Matthew Henry says that the Lord’s sheep have “a discerning ear.”
2. One of the marks of a saved person is that there is a discernment of spiritual things. One of the first things I realized after I got saved is that as a Christian I should live as a Christian. There is a way God wants His people to live and people who are saved—really saved—are conscious of the life God desires they live. They hear his voice.
3. Do you remember when you got saved how things bothered you that did not bother you before? You would do something wrong and it was like a little voice on the inside said, “That’s wrong” or “This doesn’t please the Lord.” That was the voice of the Lord. There is the voice of the Lord and His sheep hear His voice.
B. Notice another characteristic of the Lord’s sheep: They Heed His Voice.
1. Jesus said in (V.27) “they follow me.” True sheep not only hear His voice, but they also heed His voice. They follow Him. They follow His Word. They follow His will. They do what the Lord wants them to do. People who say a person can be saved and live anyway they want do not understand what it really means to be saved. To be saved means that a person will want to live for the Lord.
2. Saved people will want to go to Church. Saved people will want to read their Bible. Saved people will want to live like a Christian. Why? The Lord’s sheep hear and heed His voice.
3. . I have seen people come to the altar, make a profession, get baptized and afterwards the FBI could not find them. They never come to Church and have no desire to come to Church. They live like they always did and they have no desire to honor God in their lives. The Bible says in 1 John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” Saved people hear the Lord’s voice and they follow Him. Saved people have a salvation that bears evidence that it is real.
4. Notice that Jesus said in (V.27) “I know them.” He knows those that hear His voice and heed his voice. Jesus is saying these are mine and the evidence that they are mine is they hear My voice and follow me.
II. CONSIDER A SURETY THAT IS PROMISED. (V.28)
1. Jesus said in (V.28) “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” Jesus is telling us that we can be sure about our salvation. He is telling us that we do not have to worry about losing our salvation.
2. One of my favorite hymns is I Know My Name Is There: My name is in the Book of Life, Oh, bless the name of Jesus; I rise above all doubt and strife, And read my title clear. I know, I know, My name is there; I know, I know, My name is written there. My name once stood with sinners lost, And bore a painful record; But by His blood the Savior crossed, And placed it on His roll. I know, I know, My name is there; I know, I know, My name is written there.
3. The Bible says in (1 Joh.5:13) “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” The Bible tells us that we can know that we are saved. A Christian does not have to live in doubt and uncertainty. We can be sure!
A. Notice we see that eternal life is: A Gift of God.
1. Jesus said, “I give unto them eternal life” (V.28). Being saved does not depend on what we do. It depends entirely on what Christ has done for us. The same thing is true about eternal life. Eternal life is not gained by us, it is given to us. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8 that salvation is a gift of God. Eternal life is a gift as well. Jesus gives us eternal life.
2. I want you to notice that Jesus does not say, “I will give unto them eternal life,” making eternal life something we receive in the future. He says, “I give unto them eternal life,” making it something we have at the present. If you are saved you don’t have to wait until you die to know for sure you are saved. Eternal life is something you have the moment you are saved.
3. If you could lose your salvation it would not be eternal. The word “eternal” simply means “everlasting, for ever and ever.”
4. When Jesus said He gives us “eternal life” He is telling us that He has given us a salvation that will last more than 100 years, more than 1,000 years, more than 1 million years, and even more than 1 billion years. He is giving us a salvation that is eternal. To have eternal life is to be saved eternally.
B. Notice we see that eternal life is: A Guarantee of God. (V.28)
1. This guarantee is found in the words “they shall never perish”. Jesus couldn’t say it any plainer. If you are saved you will never perish.
2. The word “never” is a double-negative. If you remember your English classes you know that a double negative occurs when two form of negation occur in the same sentence. A double-negative in English is not considered proper grammar. You would not say “I don’t want nothing.” However, in Greek double negatives were used to strengthen the denial. In other words, you could read what Jesus said: “they shall never, not at all, in no case, nor ever perish.”
3. There are four Greek words meaning “never.” One means “not at all.” One speaks of “time, place, and purpose.” One means “male or female.” One means “perpetually or eternally.” If you put them all together you would have the full scope of what Jesus said: “I give unto them eternal life and they shall not at all, by any means, in any case, in any place, for any purpose, whether they be male or female, perpetually or eternally perish.”
III. CONSIDER A SECURITY THAT IS PROVIDED. (V.28-29)
1. Eternal security teaches us that it is not up to us to keep ourselves saved. It is God who keeps us saved. This is our security. God is doing the keeping. Paul said in (2Tim.1:12) “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” Paul was not trying to keep himself saved. He was persuaded that God would keep him saved.
2. The security of the believer is that God is keeping us. In closing, I want you to notice what Jesus said about how we are kept by the Father.
A. Notice The Place of Our Keeping.
1. Jesus said in verse 28, “neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” First, I want you to see that we are in the hand of Jesus.
2. It gets even better. In verse 29 Jesus said, “no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” We are not only in the hands of Jesus, but we are also in the hands of the Father. We have a double security. It is not a case of us holding onto God’s hand. He is holding onto our hand. And you can be certain He will never let you go.
B. Notice The Power of Our Keeper.
1. In verse 28 Jesus said no one could “pluck” us out of His hands. In verse 29 Jesus also stated that no one could “pluck” us out of the Father’s hands. There is nothing or no one that can pluck us out of the hands of Jesus and the Father. Why is that? Jesus said in verse 29, “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all.”
2. There is no person or power that can break the grip the Father and the Son has on us. The power of the Father and the Son is greater than the power of any man, any demon, or the devil himself. The Father is omnipotent and He alone is all-powerful.
John 10:22-30
Introduction: It is the spiritual birthright of every Christian to know they are saved. As Christians we do not have to wonder or hope we are saved. Every Christian can sing with Fanny Crosby: Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine Oh what a foretaste of glory divine.
1. We have been thinking about the greatness of our salvation. I want to share with you one more reason why our salvation is “so great salvation,” and that our salvation is an eternal salvation. One of the things that make our salvation so great is the great truth of the eternal security of the believer.
2. In the first Church I pastored there was a older man there when I would preach on the eternal security of the believer. He would get so mad smoke would come out his ears. He would even go so far as to offer me money not to preach it.
3. May I say that the doctrine of eternal security should not make you mad. It ought to make you glad. It ought to make you shout “glory” that you can’t lose your salvation and that once you are saved you are eternally saved. Someone says, “Oh, that’s just what you Baptist believe. No, it is not just what the Baptists believe; it is what the Bible says.
4. I say AMEN! Our salvation is a “so great salvation” because our salvation is eternally secure. In John 10 we are told that we have eternal life. Let’s look at what Jesus said about our eternal security.
I. CONSIDER A SALVATION THAT IS PROVEN. (V.27)
1. At the very beginning let me say that you cannot have eternal life until first of all you have life. I am talking about being saved. You can’t be eternally saved unless you have been saved. Notice in verse 27 that what Jesus said about eternal security is addressed to, “My sheep.” He is talking about people that belong to Him. He is talking about saved people.
2. One of the arguments that is always presented against the doctrine of eternal security is that it is a doctrine that teaches you can live anyway you want to and still be saved. Let me be very clear. No, that is not what the doctrine of eternal security teaches. Eternal security is not a license to sin. The Bible teaches us that if a person can live anyway they want to it is because they were never saved in the first place.
3. When Jesus spoke of “My sheep” he was talking about true sheep. He was talking about those who were really saved, not just those who professed to be saved. The kind of salvation that Jesus is describing is one that is proven by the kind of life they live. They bear evidence in their life that they are indeed saved.
A. Notice one characteristic of the Lord’s sheep: They Hear His Voice.
1. Jesus said in (V.27) “My sheep hear my voice.” In (Vs.4-5) Jesus said that His sheep “know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” True sheep hear the voice of the Shepherd and do not listen to the voice of strangers. Matthew Henry says that the Lord’s sheep have “a discerning ear.”
2. One of the marks of a saved person is that there is a discernment of spiritual things. One of the first things I realized after I got saved is that as a Christian I should live as a Christian. There is a way God wants His people to live and people who are saved—really saved—are conscious of the life God desires they live. They hear his voice.
3. Do you remember when you got saved how things bothered you that did not bother you before? You would do something wrong and it was like a little voice on the inside said, “That’s wrong” or “This doesn’t please the Lord.” That was the voice of the Lord. There is the voice of the Lord and His sheep hear His voice.
B. Notice another characteristic of the Lord’s sheep: They Heed His Voice.
1. Jesus said in (V.27) “they follow me.” True sheep not only hear His voice, but they also heed His voice. They follow Him. They follow His Word. They follow His will. They do what the Lord wants them to do. People who say a person can be saved and live anyway they want do not understand what it really means to be saved. To be saved means that a person will want to live for the Lord.
2. Saved people will want to go to Church. Saved people will want to read their Bible. Saved people will want to live like a Christian. Why? The Lord’s sheep hear and heed His voice.
3. . I have seen people come to the altar, make a profession, get baptized and afterwards the FBI could not find them. They never come to Church and have no desire to come to Church. They live like they always did and they have no desire to honor God in their lives. The Bible says in 1 John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” Saved people hear the Lord’s voice and they follow Him. Saved people have a salvation that bears evidence that it is real.
4. Notice that Jesus said in (V.27) “I know them.” He knows those that hear His voice and heed his voice. Jesus is saying these are mine and the evidence that they are mine is they hear My voice and follow me.
II. CONSIDER A SURETY THAT IS PROMISED. (V.28)
1. Jesus said in (V.28) “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” Jesus is telling us that we can be sure about our salvation. He is telling us that we do not have to worry about losing our salvation.
2. One of my favorite hymns is I Know My Name Is There: My name is in the Book of Life, Oh, bless the name of Jesus; I rise above all doubt and strife, And read my title clear. I know, I know, My name is there; I know, I know, My name is written there. My name once stood with sinners lost, And bore a painful record; But by His blood the Savior crossed, And placed it on His roll. I know, I know, My name is there; I know, I know, My name is written there.
3. The Bible says in (1 Joh.5:13) “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” The Bible tells us that we can know that we are saved. A Christian does not have to live in doubt and uncertainty. We can be sure!
A. Notice we see that eternal life is: A Gift of God.
1. Jesus said, “I give unto them eternal life” (V.28). Being saved does not depend on what we do. It depends entirely on what Christ has done for us. The same thing is true about eternal life. Eternal life is not gained by us, it is given to us. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8 that salvation is a gift of God. Eternal life is a gift as well. Jesus gives us eternal life.
2. I want you to notice that Jesus does not say, “I will give unto them eternal life,” making eternal life something we receive in the future. He says, “I give unto them eternal life,” making it something we have at the present. If you are saved you don’t have to wait until you die to know for sure you are saved. Eternal life is something you have the moment you are saved.
3. If you could lose your salvation it would not be eternal. The word “eternal” simply means “everlasting, for ever and ever.”
4. When Jesus said He gives us “eternal life” He is telling us that He has given us a salvation that will last more than 100 years, more than 1,000 years, more than 1 million years, and even more than 1 billion years. He is giving us a salvation that is eternal. To have eternal life is to be saved eternally.
B. Notice we see that eternal life is: A Guarantee of God. (V.28)
1. This guarantee is found in the words “they shall never perish”. Jesus couldn’t say it any plainer. If you are saved you will never perish.
2. The word “never” is a double-negative. If you remember your English classes you know that a double negative occurs when two form of negation occur in the same sentence. A double-negative in English is not considered proper grammar. You would not say “I don’t want nothing.” However, in Greek double negatives were used to strengthen the denial. In other words, you could read what Jesus said: “they shall never, not at all, in no case, nor ever perish.”
3. There are four Greek words meaning “never.” One means “not at all.” One speaks of “time, place, and purpose.” One means “male or female.” One means “perpetually or eternally.” If you put them all together you would have the full scope of what Jesus said: “I give unto them eternal life and they shall not at all, by any means, in any case, in any place, for any purpose, whether they be male or female, perpetually or eternally perish.”
III. CONSIDER A SECURITY THAT IS PROVIDED. (V.28-29)
1. Eternal security teaches us that it is not up to us to keep ourselves saved. It is God who keeps us saved. This is our security. God is doing the keeping. Paul said in (2Tim.1:12) “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” Paul was not trying to keep himself saved. He was persuaded that God would keep him saved.
2. The security of the believer is that God is keeping us. In closing, I want you to notice what Jesus said about how we are kept by the Father.
A. Notice The Place of Our Keeping.
1. Jesus said in verse 28, “neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” First, I want you to see that we are in the hand of Jesus.
2. It gets even better. In verse 29 Jesus said, “no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” We are not only in the hands of Jesus, but we are also in the hands of the Father. We have a double security. It is not a case of us holding onto God’s hand. He is holding onto our hand. And you can be certain He will never let you go.
B. Notice The Power of Our Keeper.
1. In verse 28 Jesus said no one could “pluck” us out of His hands. In verse 29 Jesus also stated that no one could “pluck” us out of the Father’s hands. There is nothing or no one that can pluck us out of the hands of Jesus and the Father. Why is that? Jesus said in verse 29, “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all.”
2. There is no person or power that can break the grip the Father and the Son has on us. The power of the Father and the Son is greater than the power of any man, any demon, or the devil himself. The Father is omnipotent and He alone is all-powerful.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
False Teachers - Part 2
Temple Baptist Church - 8-6-2008
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw the fulfillment of 2 Thessalonians 2 and other portions of Scripture dealing with the “falling away” of these last times.
B. The deception is strong and our pulpits are seemingly silent because “name calling” is no longer politically correct. The Bible still says to identify these “wolves” and “mark” them for avoidance
C. Yes, this makes us “narrow minded.” A man once said that he was so narrow minded that a gnat could light on the bridge of his nose and kick out both eye balls at the same time. Narrow mindedness may be a problem in some areas of life but, spiritually, it is of necessity. Our minds should be as narrow as the Word of God is narrow! There is still:
Ephesians 4:4-6 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
D. There is still only one Bible, one way of salvation, one correct doctrine, one Heaven, one hell, and one correct interpretation!
E. I want to continue looking into this satanic deception that has taken both the world and many churches by storm in the last few decades.
1. The Period Of Deception. – Once again, when you have a 2nd of two books in the New Testament, this 2nd book always deals with apostasy and the last days. Satanic deception has been from the beginning and will continue to the end of time as we know it.
a. Here are some portions of the Bible that well define our day of deception.
1) 1 Timothy 4:1-2
2) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
3) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
4) 2 Timothy 3:1-9
5) 2 Timothy 4:1-4
6) 2 Peter 3:1-10
7) 1 John 2:18-29
8) 2 John 7-10
9) Jude 3-19
b. There Was Deception In Heaven - Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Satan was self-deceived and took down innumerable angels with him in the deception. How powerful must that deception have been to deceive these created beings who lived in the very presence of God!)
c. There Was Deception In Adam’s Day - Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Satan questioned God’s Word.)
Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (Satan called God a liar! He attacked the veracity of God’s Word to the “weaker vessel.”)
d. There Was Deception In Moses’ Day - Deuteronomy 13:1-5 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. (Though they may even perform miracles the end of their path shows the director of their dreams and the performer of their powers. Satan!)
e. There was Deception In Israel’s Day - 1 Kings 13:18 He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him. (Decietful and wicked men who knowingly speak lies with seared consciences! Hell must have a special place for these reprobates.)
f. There Was Deception In Elijah’s Day - 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table. (Lying prophets tied to the political system through Roman Catholicism!)
g. There Was Deception In The Apostle’s Day - John 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. (The Apostles and preachers of this day were not at all popular. These false prophets and religionists hated God’s men and tried to defame and destroy them!)
h. There Is Deception In These Last Days - 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people (past tense), even as there shall be false teachers among you (future tense), who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (Here we are in 2008! In the midst of the deception and “falling away” in the midst of the local churches. As the worldly song once said, “There is a whole lot of shaking going on.”)
i. There Will Be Deception In The Millennium - Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (The delusion has always been strong and continually strengthening. As long as there is a devil, there is a deception! Deception has been from the beginning and we are now seeing the fruit of 6,000 years of “fine tuning.”)
Conclusion:
Isaiah 21:11-12 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? 12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.
Another song once said, “Heavenly shades of night are falling, it’s twilight time.” It is now getting spiritually “dark” outside. We have watched—in our generation—the fulfilling of John 9:4, which states, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” The “night” is the coming Tribulation period when our work day is done and we will be home. “I’ll be home before dark!”
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw the fulfillment of 2 Thessalonians 2 and other portions of Scripture dealing with the “falling away” of these last times.
B. The deception is strong and our pulpits are seemingly silent because “name calling” is no longer politically correct. The Bible still says to identify these “wolves” and “mark” them for avoidance
C. Yes, this makes us “narrow minded.” A man once said that he was so narrow minded that a gnat could light on the bridge of his nose and kick out both eye balls at the same time. Narrow mindedness may be a problem in some areas of life but, spiritually, it is of necessity. Our minds should be as narrow as the Word of God is narrow! There is still:
Ephesians 4:4-6 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
D. There is still only one Bible, one way of salvation, one correct doctrine, one Heaven, one hell, and one correct interpretation!
E. I want to continue looking into this satanic deception that has taken both the world and many churches by storm in the last few decades.
1. The Period Of Deception. – Once again, when you have a 2nd of two books in the New Testament, this 2nd book always deals with apostasy and the last days. Satanic deception has been from the beginning and will continue to the end of time as we know it.
a. Here are some portions of the Bible that well define our day of deception.
1) 1 Timothy 4:1-2
2) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
3) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
4) 2 Timothy 3:1-9
5) 2 Timothy 4:1-4
6) 2 Peter 3:1-10
7) 1 John 2:18-29
8) 2 John 7-10
9) Jude 3-19
b. There Was Deception In Heaven - Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Satan was self-deceived and took down innumerable angels with him in the deception. How powerful must that deception have been to deceive these created beings who lived in the very presence of God!)
c. There Was Deception In Adam’s Day - Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Satan questioned God’s Word.)
Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (Satan called God a liar! He attacked the veracity of God’s Word to the “weaker vessel.”)
d. There Was Deception In Moses’ Day - Deuteronomy 13:1-5 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. (Though they may even perform miracles the end of their path shows the director of their dreams and the performer of their powers. Satan!)
e. There was Deception In Israel’s Day - 1 Kings 13:18 He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him. (Decietful and wicked men who knowingly speak lies with seared consciences! Hell must have a special place for these reprobates.)
f. There Was Deception In Elijah’s Day - 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table. (Lying prophets tied to the political system through Roman Catholicism!)
g. There Was Deception In The Apostle’s Day - John 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. (The Apostles and preachers of this day were not at all popular. These false prophets and religionists hated God’s men and tried to defame and destroy them!)
h. There Is Deception In These Last Days - 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people (past tense), even as there shall be false teachers among you (future tense), who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (Here we are in 2008! In the midst of the deception and “falling away” in the midst of the local churches. As the worldly song once said, “There is a whole lot of shaking going on.”)
i. There Will Be Deception In The Millennium - Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (The delusion has always been strong and continually strengthening. As long as there is a devil, there is a deception! Deception has been from the beginning and we are now seeing the fruit of 6,000 years of “fine tuning.”)
Conclusion:
Isaiah 21:11-12 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? 12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.
Another song once said, “Heavenly shades of night are falling, it’s twilight time.” It is now getting spiritually “dark” outside. We have watched—in our generation—the fulfilling of John 9:4, which states, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” The “night” is the coming Tribulation period when our work day is done and we will be home. “I’ll be home before dark!”
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