The Except Of Apostasy

Temple Baptist Church - 7-29-2012
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Introduction:

A. This chapter describes the times in which we now live. Over the past 3+ decades that I have been saved, I have seen a constant, serious decline in the fundamentalism of the local church. It amazes me, though I am familiar with what the Bible says on the subject, that we have come to the place where we now stand.

B. Now, let us look at the word except within the context. The Bible says that the Day of Christ cannot come without a general apostasy coming about.

1. Some theologians teach that the world will get better through revival which will bring about the coming of Christ and the setting up of His kingdom on earth.

2. The scriptures teach just the opposite: the world will wax worse and apostasy will be the rule of the day just prior to our Lord’s coming.

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

C. Apostasy is a satanic conspiracy! It is a planned attack! It is a manned attack! This apostasy has evolved through several mediums of which I will name two:

1. The arising of False Brethren and Prophets. We are now generations into the recruitment and infiltration of lost preachers who now permeate the pulpits of churches.

a) They are well disguised - Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

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.

b) They are articulate and well educated - Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

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.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

c) They are well thought of in religious circles - Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

d) They are heretical - 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.

1) They have left the Word of God - Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

2) They have left the Traditions of the Church - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

3) They have left the Old Paths of Separation - Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. (Their churches are characterized by worldly dress, worldly music, worldly philosophies, and worldly “converts.”)

2. The advancement of the Laodicean Church Age and, therefore, the apathy of its people.
a) The “Church” has taken a back seat to the materialistic world and the temporal outweighs the eternal.

b) The apathy of the majority of Believers. Though they realize to some degree that things are wrong, they are comfortable in the pews and do not wish to be disturbed.

c) The acceptance of shallow, charismatic, philosophical “teachers.” God’s people no longer allow strong doctrinal preaching.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

d) The avarice of the Local Church Pulpits. Preachers are afraid of losing both members and money! Men who once stood strong in fundamentalism have allowed their churches to compromise and are strangely silent! Most of the old “bastions of the faith” are gone! Churches and schools that once stood for truth and separation are now gone.

d. True believers and churches are now defamed!

1. Bible believing churches are called cultic.

2. Bible believing churches are called divisive.

3. Bible believing churches are called unloving.

4. Bible believing churches are called ignorant.


1. The Gathering of the Saints – vs. 1 It has been prophesied and is eminent! We live in the day of His coming.

2. The Troubling of the Saints – vs. 2 Many of God’s people are amazed at the “spiritual” trends of our day and are troubled. We do not need to be troubled nor do we need to adopt the philosophy of fatalism. It does matter how we live and we can still make a difference!

3. The Rise of Apostasy – vs. 3 In this verse, we find the phrase “falling away.” It is from this phrase that we get the commonly used word “apostasy.” APOSTASY – to defect from or to renounce a former belief or position or to stand away from a former position. Virtually every church in our county once stood where we now stand. They had separation, believed the right Bible, preached unapologetically, and fought the worldliness that now permeates their churches. Were they all wrong in the old days? Are they right and we wrong today? I think not.

4. The Revelation of the Wicked One – vs. 3-4 In order for the antichrist to be acceptable with all of his wickedness and worldly philosophy, there must be a preparation of the minds of the people. Today, right is wrong and wrong is right. Thank God for Chick-fil-A! thank God that Billy Graham has been vocal in a right way lately. He has done so much damage through his ecumenism over the years but at least has come forth in his mid-90’s to say that we now must stand with the scriptures.

5. The Permeation of Sinfulness – vs. 5-7 Our nation and our world is wicked to the core. Sexual perversion, drinking, drugs, a general breakdown of authority, morality almost nonexistent, and apathy in general concerning all of the above.

6. The Destruction of The Wicked One – vs. 8 God can and will bring Satan down! Satan has no power against our God, therefore, he has no hope of survival. One day, old “slew foot” will be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity.

7. The Deception of the Unsaved – vs. 9-10 The deception is strong in our day. The world has been deceived. Most churches and denominations have been deceived. Most “Christians” have been deceived because they received not the truth of God’s Word that they might be saved. Religion is comfortable to the world. Salvation demands a change of heart, mind, and actions.

8. The Damnation of the Unsaved – vs. 10-12 There are no second chances for those “Left Behind!” The wicked writers of that series have strengthened the resolve of the religious world to continue in their rebellion to God’s Word. God’s Word says to repent or perish. If they have heard the gospel prior to the Lord’s Coming, the Bible is clear in these verses that “ALL” will be sent strong delusion and “ALL” will be damned!


GOD COMMANDS SEPARATION FROM APOSTASY!

1. We Must Learn To Identify Apostasy! 1 Timothy 1:18-20 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (How do we recognize them? By measuring their ministry by God’s Word.)

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.

Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

2. We Are To Mark Apostasy! 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. (This goes over like a “lead balloon” today. Naming names is a vital part of “marking” the apostates. Without naming them, they remain safe from discovery. Wolf hunting is a vital part of the pastor’s ministry!)

MARK - AV-mark 2, take heed 1, look on 1, look at 1, consider 1; 6

1) to look at, observe, contemplate

2) to mark

3) to fix one’s eyes upon, direct one’s attention to, any one

4) to look to, take heed to thyself


3. We Are To Avoid Apostasy! 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.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

2 John 10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

4. We Are To Reprove Apostasy! Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Ephesians 5:8-12 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

Timothy

Temple Baptist Church - 7-25-2012
Philippians 2:19-24

Introduction:

A. In the latter half of this chapter, Paul mentions two men and their service to both him and the ministry. Paul is in prison and cannot do all that needs to be done for the churches that he has planted so he now has to rely heavily upon others to get the work done.

B. There comes a time in the life of every man of God when he is no longer able to do all that needs to be done. I am not nearly at that stage as this point but I do know that I am a lot older and less able to go than when I came here over 25 years ago. I am still mentally sharp and much better equipped to pastor than I was in those days but physically am slowing down rapidly.

C. As a young man, I had more zeal than knowledge but the Lord was merciful and gracious in my ignorance. He knew my heart and protected our church from some situations that I did not quickly respond to. I am not good at it now but, with the Apostle Paul, can say, “For I have learned.” I try not to repeat the same mistakes on a regular basis.

D. Paul realizes the needs of his church at Philippi needs leadership and, thank the Lord, has the means to provide for it even while in prison. He had two young men of different calibers who loved the Lord and were willing to “step up to the plate” when the old apostle had to to sit in the “dugout!”

E. Timothy is the first mentioned so I will deal with him first. Timothy would one day be the pastor of the church at Ephesus and some of the qualities of a man of God were already apparent in the early stages of his life. The name Timothy means “Dear to God.”

1. The importance of Timothy’s Home.
a. Timothy had a good family - 2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. (Nothing is said about Timothy’s father, who was a Greek, but we find here the importance of a godly mother and grandmother. Upbringing is vital to our children and grandchildren. Good examples are imperative!)

b. Timothy had a good home church - 2 Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (No doubt from these verses that Timothy was brought up under good men of God and was possibly won to the Lord under Paul’s preaching and teaching as he is called “my own son in the faith” by Paul in 1 Timothy 1:2.)
2. The importance of his discernment. Vs. 19. “when I know of your state”

a. Paul was confident that Timothy would “see” right. Spiritual discernment is one of the attributes of a good pastor. He must be able to see below the surface and recognize the condition and needs of the church.

b. Paul was confident that Timothy would “report” right. Timothy would give him an accurate report of the condition of the church at Philippi. Timothy would not paint a bad “picture” of the church unless it was doing well nor would he paint a good “picture” if it were doing badly.

3. The importance of Timothy’s Heart. Vs. 20-21.

a. He had a Pastor’s Care for the People. The brethren in the church love and care for their church but the heart of a pastor is different. He lives and dies for the church. His thoughts are continually upon its spiritual, physical, and financial well-being. The church is a pastor’s life!

b. He had a Pastor’s care for the Work. The pastor’s calling and work involves the church. People get so involved sometimes with their lives that the work of the church goes on the “back burner” but the pastor is different. He must have two “front burners!” He cannot neglect either his family or his church and must keep them both as his first priority.

4. The importance of Timothy’s Help. Vs. 23.

a. He was Close to God’s Man. This young man loved Paul with all of his heart. I cannot imagine the danger to this young man as he stayed with the imprisoned apostle. In those days, guilt by association would land you in the same cell! He was not ashamed to be associated with the jailed apostle nor did he fear for his life.

b. He was Critical to God’s Man. Paul said, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's” about Timothy. If this were so, then Timothy would be the likely choice to be sent to the church. I find in the next verse just how critical it was for Timothy to stay with Paul when I read, “Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.” The Apostle Paul needed Timothy more than the church needed him!

Conclusion:

A. We older men are passing quickly from the scene and I often wonder who will take our place? I asked another preacher, who had commented on his knowledge of several preachers getting ready to step aside because of age, “Who would pastor my church?” The “natural” desire of men is to one day retire. How many of you are retired? What a wonderful thing to be able to stay at home instead of going to work and doing what you would like to do for your remaining years.

B. I am no different when “naturally minded.” I know that I am not indispensable, as no man is; I also know that many churches in small communities are without pastors tonight. Fewer young men are surrendering to the will of God. Before God ever called me into the ministry, I surrendered my life to whatever will He had for me. My prayer is, “Dear Lord, please give us some young men with the heart to serve you in the place of us older men who are nearing home!”

Our Mediator: Jesus Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 7-22-2012

1 Timothy 2:5

Introduction:

A. One of the marvelous differences between the Old and New Testaments is the priesthood. The first mention of a “priest” is found in the Book of Genesis and there, we find the profound truths concerning the priesthood. Jesus Christ is our “High Priest” and we are individual “priests” in this dispensation. I will deal with the priesthood later as I want to look at the word “mediator” first.

B. Tonight, I want to look at the word mediator. The word mediator actually means middle. A mediator is one who sits between and settles disputes. A mediator is unbiased: He does not favor one side above another. Based upon the meaning of the word mediator, we find Jesus Christ in the middle between the sinful saint and the holiness and justice of Almighty God. By middle, I mean in the exact middle: standing exactly between us and God the Father. It is important that we realize this because our relationship with a thrice holy God is sonship! We belong to Him and He belongs to us! What a marvelous truth is found in the word mediator!” When I say exactly in the middle, I mean just exactly that!

1. Jesus Christ is as close to us as He is to the Father.

John 17:20-23 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; (21) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (22) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: (23) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one. (If Jesus Christ is one with the Father and He is and He is also one with us: then we are one with the Father through Jesus Christ.)

1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

2. He is as much for us as He is for the Father.

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (If Jesus Christ is for us and He is, then can the Father be against us?)

Hebrews 13:5b For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (If Jesus Christ will never leave us nor forsake us, then this must be so now while He is there to mediate for us.)

C. The believer’s relationship with God is a two way street. A normal two way street can be a blessing or a cursing. As long as everyone stays on his or her side and travels in the right direction, things go well. No wrecks and everyone arrives at the proper destination. The problem with a two way street is when one or the other gets on the wrong side of the road. Then, unless one or both corrects, there is a head on collision. Driving on a two lane highway is always a dangerous situation and requires vigilance.

D. Our two way relationship with God the Father is more like a boulevard. It is two way and directional but has a median or buffer in the middle to keep the way more safely. Thus, Jesus Christ is the “median” or “buffer” between a holy God and the sinful saint.

E. Jesus Christ is called both the Apostle and High Priest of our profession:

Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.

F. There is a dramatic difference between an Apostle and a High Priest. An Apostle represents God to man while a High Priest represents man to God. Thus, we find the present position of Jesus Christ, our Mediator. His work is thusly two-fold. He represents God to us in all of His holiness and beauty while, at the same time, He represents us to God in all our positional righteousness through the blood and finished work of Christ.

G. Now the message is as simple as it is profound. It is theologically beyond our ability to comprehend. There is so much more in verse 15 than I could ever “dig” out and only eternity will discover to us the immensity of this verse. We could spend years on this verse alone because it encompasses the nature of God, the mind of God, the mission of God, and the love of God towards His crowning creation—mankind! There are three things that I find in the mediation of Christ.

1. The Mediation of Christ as an Apostle. The word “apostle” means one who is commissioned and sent out on a mission with a message. In the early days of the church, the apostles were chosen to represent God to man after the ascension of Christ. The apostles were chosen of God, called by God, walked with God on this earth, and witnessed His miracles, glory, grace, love, compassion, gentleness, longsuffering, and mercy. They heard His gracious words, saw His passion, witnessed His resurrection, and were commissioned by Him to go to a lost world with the gospel message.

1 John 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (2) (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) (3) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (I believe that these verses explain well the relationship of the apostles both to God and our Lord Jesus Christ as well as to us as believers.)

a. Jesus Christ, our Apostle, was with God from the beginning. He has seen God the Father, He has heard God the Father, and He has handled God the Father. No one in the universe is better qualified to mediate between God the Father and mankind.

b. Jesus Christ, our Apostle, was commissioned by the Father. He was chosen with all of the approval of His Father. He was not One of many but was the only One approved of God as the Father said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

c. Jesus Christ, our Apostle, was send to this earth with a message. He walked with God on this earth, He was the image and glory of God [John 1:14], His message was the cross and salvation to all who believe, and—through His resurrection—He gave us hope.

d. Jesus Christ, our Apostle—as Mediator—continues to show us the grace, mercy, peace, love, longsuffering, and forbearance of God as He represents the Father to us.

2. The Mediation of Christ as our High Priest. As the Apostleship of Christ represents God to man, so the Priesthood of Christ represents man to God. One of the great blessings of understanding the priesthood of Christ is the knowledge that our Lord stands in the “exact middle.”

a. He is as interested in our forgiveness as He is in God’s justice. He represents us to the Father completely though we fail God.
b. Since the fall of man in the Garden, there has been mediation through sacrifice. Sacrificial Mediation was both before and during the Law and brought about appeasement through atonement. Atonement means “to exchange mutually” or “restoration through exchange.” The Old Testament exchanged the blood of sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.

c. The Priestly Mediation of Christ is established upon the blood of the New Covenant. It reveals the holiness of God by the shedding of blood (thus manifesting the wages of sin) and represents us to God THROUGH or based upon the propitiation of sacrifice and the application of that blood.

d. The Priesthood of Christ finds its fullness in the His humanity (The Man, Christ Jesus).

Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (The word behoved means to be under obligation. In other words, Christ was obligated to become like us in order to properly represent us to God.)

e. Our High Priest understands us perfectly.

Psalms 139:1-3 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. (2) Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. (3) Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. (There is nothing hid from the One who represents us to the Father. He knows our faults, our failures, our good days and our bad days, and our thoughts both good and bad before we think them. He is a worthy High Priest!)

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (He understands our feelings, our infirmities, and our temptations. He knows and understands, therefore, He is full well able to both succor us and plead His precious blood on our behalf.)

f. Our High Priest is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Psalms 103:8-14 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (9) He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. (10) He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. (11) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. (12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (13) Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (14) For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

g. Our High Priest has perfectly prepared for our mediation through sacrifice, sanctification, and supplication. He has offered His blood on the Mercy Seat in heaven and intercedes on our behalf. He is in the exact middle! He honors, loves, and agrees with God’s holiness and, yet, He died for our sins and pleads the blood on our behalf. He not only offered for us but He also prays for us and loves us because He is in the exact middle. He loves us as He loves the Father! Therefore, in His Mediation as our High Priest, He has the ministry of reconciliation concerning us and the Father as well as the ministry of the reasonableness of God toward our sins.

3. The Individual Priesthood of the Believer. One of the marvelous differences between the Old and New Testaments is the priesthood. 1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

a. In the Individual Priesthood of the believer, we find access. Matthew 27:50-51 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. (51) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; (There is no further need of the Old Testament priest under the Levitical Law as the veil that separated us from the holiness of Gods was rent and that veil was Christ’s flesh. We, as believers, are personally accountable to God.)

b. In the Individual Priesthood of the believer, we find equality. Hebrews 10:19-20 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (20) By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (Every believer has both the same access but also equality in that access. We can all come and we can all confess, finding forgiveness and mercy. God is no respecter of persons.)

c. In the Individual Priesthood of the believer, we find privacy! Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. (We have a High Priest that we can confess our sins to without having the world know our sinfulness. I thank God that I can go to Him and He protects my testimony before the world.)

d. In the Individual Priesthood of the believer, we find privilege. Hebrews 10:21-22 And having an high priest over the house of God; (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (We not only have the blessing of confession, we have the privilege of prayer and supplication. We can pray personally to God the Father through Jesus Christ and expect both hearing and answers. What a blessing!)

Conclusion: Jesus Christ, as our Mediator, stands exactly in the middle for us. He loves us as much as He loves the Father and He is as much for us as He is the Father. What a wonderful doctrine; what a wonderful Bible; what a wonderful Saviour!

Salvation’s Except

Temple Baptist Church - 7-22-2012

John 3:1-21

Introduction:

A. This morning, we have read one of the most profound portions of scripture found in the Bible: a story well known to all who have been in church for very long. It is the story of a religious man who came to Christ with some questions that needed to be answered. These questions revolved around the doctrine of salvation so they are pertinent to today’s society also.

B. There is so much unnecessary confusion in our county concerning salvation. The southeastern United States has been blessed to have produced some of the greatest preachers who have ever walked in “shoe leather!” Great men of God who uncompromisingly preached the unsearchable riches of this blessed old King James Bible. Preaching God’s Word as it is to men as they are. Great men producing great churches and universities where God’s Word was championed and taught.

C. Satan has certainly done his job well over the past couple of hundred years. In our county, the terminology of salvation is evident but the reality of salvation is strangely missing. “Saved” people live in almost every home but the churches are emptying at an alarming rate. Not just the mainstream denominations but also within the fundamental churches. As one old preacher said, “Something done gone wrong in da fields!” while preaching on the parable of the Wheat and the Tares.

D. Not everyone who claims to be saved is going to heaven: they, in one of these areas, have “missed the boat” when it comes to salvation. In our text, we find the “except” of the New Birth. “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The word “except” means that there are no exceptions to the rule but there are so many who have heard, memorized, and believe the bible who are not saved. The New Birth is a requirement for salvation and one cannot get to heaven any other way.

E. Nicodemus was:

1. A religious man – “Pharisee” - Nicodemus was a “church going man” who was sincere in what he was doing. Many people live like the devil all week and go hypocritically to church on Sunday morning but this man was sincere in his worship. Sincerity and faithfulness to church will not get a man to heaven when he dies.

2. A good man - “Pharisee” - The Pharisees lived impeccable lives as they made clean the outward man and adhered closely to the law. I have heard people say, “If any one makes it to heaven, he or she will.” They are saying that this or that individual was good enough to make it. Nicodemus’ goodness was not enough to get him to heaven.

3. A respected man – “a ruler of the Jews” - As far as I can discern from scripture, he was a highly respected man of great notoriety in Jerusalem. Being a well-respected individual among peers does not make one fit for heaven.

4. An honest man – “came to Jesus” - I am reminded of the rich, young ruler who ran and fell at Jesus’ feet and said, “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” He came to Christ for salvation and went away lost. Many come to church to be saved and go away lost. Nicodemus was honest in his approach but his honesty could not get him to heaven.

5. A biblically knowledgeable man – “we know that thou art a teacher come from God” – Nicodemus was well versed in scripture (A master of Israel), knowing both the Law and the prophecies concerning Messiah. Knowledge of the bible does not save anyone either. If it did, Satan would have eternal life because he quoted enough of it.

6. A lost man! – “I said unto thee, YE must be born again” A good man by all of man’s standards was a hell bound sinner in the sight of God. God limits His use of the word “must” in the bible as He is infamous for “reasoning” with man. “Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord!” There are some areas in which God does not reason and salvation is one of them: “Ye MUST be born again!” No exceptions; no alternative routes; it is the New Birth or there is no salvation. “Neither is there salvation in any other!”

The New Birth is a divine imperative, an absolute necessity, and an inescapable essential. You cannot go to heaven without it! Why?

1. Because there are no substitutes for the New Birth.

a. No Baptism. There is no cleansing power in the water nor is there merit with God. Baptism is an important part of our public confession of the work of the gospel in our hearts. Only the blood of Christ can take away sin!

b. No Church Membership. There is no reconciliation in a church letter nor is there peace with God. Church attendance is also an important part of our public confession of Christ but, unfortunately, lost people often are more faithful in attendance than the saved. Church membership will not save.

c. No Good Works. There is no reconciliation in works as, at their best, they are filthy rags in the sight of God.

d. What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus!


2. Because there is no satisfaction apart from the New Birth.

a. Religion leaves man guilty. Religion brings guilt while salvation brings about peace.

b. Religion leaves man empty. Religion drives man to achieve while salvation brings satisfaction and fulfillment.

c. Religion leaves man lost. Religion is manmade and cannot inherit the kingdom of God while salvation reconciles man to God and fits him for heaven.

3. Because there is no salvation without the New Birth.

a. God’s holiness demands it. By nature, Man is totally depraved while God is impeccably holy and cannot look upon the sinfulness of man. Man can only be reconciled to God through propitiation and mediation.

b. Man’s nature requires it. By nature, man is alienated from God. Sin and worldliness bring enmity. Man is sinful and cannot approach unto God without justification which comes only through salvation.

c. Christ’s cross provides it. It was upon the cross that Jesus Christ paid for the sins of the world an through the preaching of the cross that sinners are saved. Their faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

d. The Christian knows it! We that are saved realized our helpless and hopelessness without Christ and brought our “bankrupt” souls to Christ by faith. People who claim a measure of self-worth have no concept of who Christ is and what it takes to be saved. It is not reformation or moral goodness, it is a work of God in our hearts and we understand it.

What is the New Birth?

1. It Involves Recognition

a. Who you are – A helpless, hopeless sinner and a deserving one! There is not righteous and that includes you and me. We are sinners by birth and choice. We are hell bound and hell deserving.

b. What you need – As a sinner, you need to be saved. You need to be cleansed of all of your sin. Since there is no other way to Heaven, we must come God’s way or not come at all. God does not have a different standard for different people.

c. Who He is – Lord! Years ago, “Lordship Salvation” became the battleground of the fundamental Baptists. There was much misinformation and deception involved and the debate became much like the political arena of our day. Nobody was listening to what anybody was saying. Bowing to the Lord Jesus Christ is a recognition of who He is, not a recognition of who we are! He has always been Lord and there will never be a time when He is not. We have always been sinners and will continue to be until He takes us home.

2. It Involves Repentance

a. What we have done – sinned against a holy God

b. What God says about what we have done – it is wicked and unacceptable in the sight of God

c. Godly sorrow and a desire for change – heartfelt sorrow is a rarity in our day. There was a day when sinners came weeping to Christ and wanted not only to be saved but also a change in life. Most today want to go to heaven while continuing on their merry little way: living in sin.

3. It Involves Resolve

a. To believe the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection are essential to salvation. We are not saved simply through praying a sinner’s prayer. We are saved through believing the gospel.

b. To come to Christ – Our Lord said, “Come unto me!” We turn to Jesus Christ for salvation and Jesus Christ alone.

c. To trust – God said it and I believe it.

4. It Involves Rest – In my hand no price I bring; simply to thy cross I cling! Salvation is a finished work and that work is in Christ.

The Christian's Joy

Temple Baptist Church - 7-11-2012

Philippians 2:16-18

Introduction:

A. One thing that I often find missing among the people of God is that of joy! We are to be enjoying the things of God. Yes, I know that we have problems but thank God, one day, troubles and sorrows will all end and we have an eternity to enjoy the “riches of his grace!” Our sinfulness and, too often, our situations rob us of the joy that God wants us to have. Paul was having one of the hardest times of his Christian life when this epistle was written. In these verses, we find Paul imprisoned and, in verse 23, did nor know the outcome; he was having to send Timothy, who was his only comfort, because there was no one else who would love and care for them as Paul would; Epaphroditus had been sick, nigh unto death; and, yet, Paul still had the joy of the Lord in his heart and was continually rejoicing in the things of the Lord.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: (18) Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

B. All through the Bible, we find God’s will concerning joy, rejoicing, and happiness and the results of it. 

Nehemiah 8:10 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.

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

C. I could give a multitude of verses but I think we get the picture. We should be happy, well-adjusted as Christians and, yet, many believers endure church, the tithe, the fellowship of brethren, and the Christian lifestyle! We should enjoy the Lord, the Book, the fellowship of the brethren, the church, the tithe, the preaching, and the Christian life! Many times we are all guilty of losing the freshness of our salvation; the first love of the Saviour; and the excitement of service.

Where does the Christian find his or her 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.

2. 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:

3. Christian Joy Is Found In Security - Romans 8:38-39 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.

4. Christian Joy Is Found In The Sanctuary - 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.

5. Christian Joy Is Found In The Scriptures - Nehemiah 8:12 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.

6. Christian Joy Is Found In Service - 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.

7. Christian Joy Is Found In Surety - John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

What joy does do for the Christian?

1. Joy changes Duty into Delight! 1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 (18) Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. (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? (20) For ye are our glory and joy. 

2. Joy changes Persecution into Privilege! Acts 5:40-42 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

3. Joy changes Burdens into Blessings! Philippians 1:12-14 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; (13) So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; (14) And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

4. Joy changes Trials into Triumphs! James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

The Knowledge Of The Truth

Temple Baptist Church - 7-8-2012

1 Timothy 2:4

Introduction:

A. Verse 4 corresponds with “The Great Commission” or, as it is often called, either The Great Commandment” or “The Apostolic Commission.” The last time I preached out of this verse, we saw that the Lord wants every man who has or will ever be born to be saved. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world and that includes every one everywhere in every time.

B. This second part of the verse also corresponds with the second part of the commission: after they are led to the Lord, they are to be taught: “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have command you.” Last week, we saw that the Lord wants every man who has or will ever be born to be saved. 

C. This second part of the verse also corresponds with the second part of the commission: after they are led to the Lord, they are to be taught: “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have command you.” Teaching is as important as preaching in the local church. Most church goers in the Bible Belt have very little scriptural knowledge and become a prey to the cults, neo-evangelicals, charismatics, and worldly churches. The churches that make an attempt to “teach” make sure that they only teach those things that are palatable to their members. They are afraid to teach and preach the whole counsel of God therefore leaving their people babes in Christ.

D. Preachers and churches go directly against the clear teachings of the Bible and these church members think that it is great. Just look at our small city! In the past couple of years, we have had half a dozen of these “contemporary” churches spring up and they are not gaining their membership through visitation and soul winning. They are proselyting from the more traditional churches.

E. Seven times, the Apostle Paul—in one form or another—used such terminology as “I would not have you to be ignorant brethren.” Biblical ignorance was a real problem in the early days of the church and has certainly escalated in these last days.

Amos 8:11-12 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.

F. There are several reasons for biblical ignorance:

1. There is a lack of structured Bible teaching and preaching in many churches. Many churches in our area have gone to Quarterlies over the past 60-70 years. These Sunday School lessons have a lot of incorrect doctrinal teaching to go along with the shallowness of the writers. The best Sunday School material is the Bible. In many churches, either the pastor is afraid to preach or the people will not allow him to preach. God’s Word must have free course and be glorified.

Isaiah 28:9-10 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. (10) For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

a. Teaching must be doctrinally sound – vs. 9

b. Teaching must be structured – vs. 10a

c. Teaching must be systematic – vs. 10b

2. There is a lack of willingness to hear doctrinal preaching and teaching. People who are looking for a church to attend are generally looking for all of the wrong reasons. Their interest is shown in such questions as “what do you have for the young people?” If I were looking for a church, my first questions would be doctrinal in nature. You can have something for the young people and what you give them be wrong.

Hebrews 5:11-14 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (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. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

a. They must hear the truth – vs. 11

b. They must desire the truth – 12

c. They must grow in the truth – vs. 13

3. There is a lack of saved people in many churches. We have to be careful in this area because there is little difference between the untaught saved and the taught unsaved! People can get saved and not grow because of being in the wrong churches. People can be in the right churches and not learn because they have no Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth. The natural man still cannot receive the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. The Bible says, “Neither can they know them.” 

1 Corinthians 2:9-14 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. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

a. Spiritual truth is beyond human experience - vs. 9

b. Spiritual truth is revealed by the Holy Spirit – vs. 10-13

c. Spiritual truth cannot be either understood or received by the natural man – vs. 14

Conclusion: It is important to be saved and know it but it is also important to grow up and show it!

What America Needs

Temple Baptist Church - 7-8-2012

Zephaniah 3:1-7

Introduction: 

A. America has been and still is the greatest nation on the face of the earth. America has truly been blessed:

1. A Land Of Freedom – From shore to shore; from border to border. 

a) We have Personal Freedom – you can do anything you want; you have the right to believe what you want; say what you want; vote how you want; we are blessed of God. 

b) We have Religious Freedom – the world and our nation may not agree with what we teach and believe but they give us the right to worship after the way of our fathers. We are here this morning because we are a free nation.

c) We have Physical Freedom – freedom to come and go as we wish with no roadblocks or questions asked. Go to California; go to Florida; go to Maine; go to Alaska; go where you wish and stay as long as you like. Move there if you choose because you are free.

2. A Land Of Plenty – The ability of self-reliance. (I say that in a good way).

 

a) National Resources – America has the ability to be self-sufficient! We have become dependent upon other nations because of greed. We have the natural resources to feed our people; clothe our people; be fuel independent; God has blessed America but “enough seems not to be enough.”

b) Personal Resources – in the eyes of the world, Americans are rich beyond comprehension. America has become the Utopia of the world with immigrants standing in line to become one of us. We are truly the “dream” of the world. We have food, clothing, homes that are comfortable, automobiles that run more often than not, money to pay our bills and eat out occasionally. We are blessed of God.

3. A Land Of Opportunity – You can be anything you want to be. You are limited by your ambitions and willingness to work. You and I have the blessed right to choose your vocation or lifestyle.

B. Someone once said South America was founded by men looking for Gold, North America by men looking for God. When the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock they got on their knees before an open Bible and prayed to God in Thanksgiving. Our nation was founded upon faith in the Bibles and religious freedom. Our founding fathers were men of both faith and integrity.

C. America has undergone great change in the past 236 years. They have gone from God to gold and greed. They have gone from obedience to rebellion, holiness to sinfulness, and faith to fatness. In our text, we find the example of Jerusalem and the people of Israel. We can learn great lessons from history as it repeats itself. 

1. Vs. 1 – Israel Became Sinful – “filthy and polluted”

2. Vs. 2 – Israel Became Disobedient To God’s Word – “obeyed not the voice”

3. Vs. 2 – Israel Became Stiff Necked – “she would not receive correction”

4. Vs. 2 – Israel Became Self Reliant – “trusted not in the Lord”

5. Vs. 2 – Israel Became Willful - “drew not near to her God”

6. Vs. 3 – Israel Became Politically Corrupt – “Her princes”

7. Vs. 4 – Israel Became Religiously Apostate – “Her prophets…priests”

8. Vs. 5 – Israel Became Shameless – “knowth no shame”

9. Vs. 8 – Israel Became Doomed To Destruction – “Therefore”

D.  America will also fall according to Scripture if things do not turn around. It is my prayer to God for American that she turns back to her great beginnings. America began with “In God We Trust!” 

Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. 

"We find freedom when we find God; we lose it when we lose Him." — Paul E. Scherer

E. What can we do to help America to get right with God?

1. Be Light And Salt

2. Be A Fervent Witness

3. Be A Particular People

F. We will do what we can but America’s hope will be found in these four things.

1. America’s Hope Will Be Found In America’s Pulpits

a. The Black Regiment of the Revolutionary War: the British placed this name on the courageous and patriotic American clergy. Its reference was to the black robes they wore. The British blamed the Black Regiment for American Independence and rightfully so. It is true that there is not a right asserted in the Declaration of Independence which had not been discussed by the New England preachers before 1763. The rights listed in the Declaration of Independence were nothing more than a listing of sermon topics preached from the pulpit in the two decades leading up to the American Revolution. It was not just the British who saw the American pulpit as largely responsible for American independence and government. Our own leader agreed! John Adams rejoiced that “the pulpits have thundered” and specifically identified several ministers as being among the “characters the most conspicuous, the most ardent, and influential” in the “awakening and a revival of American principles and feelings” that led to American independence. The American Quarterly Magazine of 1833 said, “As a body of men the clergy were pre-eminent in their attachment to liberty. The pulpits of the land rang with the notes of freedom.” Bibliotheca Sacra [British Periodical, 1856], “If Christian ministers had not preached and prayed, there might have been no revolution as yet – or had it broken out, it might have been crushed.” B. F. Morris, HISTORIAN, 1864, said, “The ministers of the Revolution were, like their predecessors, bold and fearless in the cause of their country. No class of men contributed more to carry forward the Revolution and to achieve our independence than did the ministers….By their prayers, patriotic sermons, and services they rendered the highest assistance to the civil government, the army, and the country.” Alice Baldwin, HISTORIAN, 1918, said, “The constitutional Convention and the written Constitution were the children of the pulpit.” The ministers during the Revolutionary period were simply continuing what ministers had been doing to shape American government and culture in the century and a half preceding the Revolution. The first movement toward democracy in America was inaugurated in the house of God with blessing of the minster of God. In 1636, the Baptist preacher, Roger Williams, established the Rhode Island Colony and its representative form of government, explaining that “the sovereign, original, and foundation of civil power lies in the people.” Daniel Webster (the great “Defender of the Constitution”) agreed: “To the free and universal reading of the bible in that age men were much indebted for right views of civil liberty.” Christian ministers were also at the forefront of resisting encroachments on the civil and religious liberties that they had helped secure.

b. We are not here to preach politics per se, but we are here to preach the blessed Word of God upon which our nation was founded and our predecessors were grounded! America’s pulpits have left the Word of God and now make their appeal to the pocketbooks of men! Sin is tolerated; worldliness in accepted; unfaithfulness is rampant; and sinners are dying without Christ on the pews of the churches! God help our pulpits. Pulpits of America, PREACH!

2. America’s Hope Will Be Found In Remembrance 

a. America was founded on “In God We Trust!” (Not Islam, not Buddism, not far eastern cults, but Christianity!) 

b. George Washington’s Farewell Address to Nation -- "Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics." 

c. George Washington also said, "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”

d. President Thomas Jefferson in an address to Danbury Baptists -- "The 1st amendment has created a wall of separation between church and state, but that wall is a one directional wall, it keeps the government from running the church, but it makes sure that Christian principles will always stay in government."

e. American must remember both her beginning and blessings were in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of Israel! Go to an Islamic Nation and you will find that Allah is their God; Mohammad is their prophet; and they are unapologetic about it! Come to America and you will find that Jehovah God is no longer our God! The Muslims here are unapologetic; the cults here are unapologetic; the athiests here are unapologetic; only the true church serving the One and only true God cowers in the background while His wonderful name is blasphemed. Burn the Koran and the Islamic people revolt; ban the Bible and “Christianity” says nothing. America, REMEMBER GOD!

3. America’s Hope Will Be Found In True Repentance

a. Another 9/11 revival will not get the job done.

b. Another Katrina revival will not get the job done.

c. Only true repentance will get the job done. Jonah 3:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? (Only true repentance is acceptable to God and will turn His judgment. America, REPENT!) 

4. America’s Blessing Will Be Found In A Return To Godly Principles

a. Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do (return) the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

b. Our government will have to get right with God. (They need to obey the constitution, not interpret it! It was clearly written to keep our nation right with God and His principles.)

c. Churches will have to get right with God. (We have God’s Word, the King James Bible. We need to obey it, not interpret it! It was clearly written to keep our churches right with God and His principles.)

d. God’s people will have to get right with God. (We have both the Bible and the Holy Spirit. We need to obey them, not grieve them. [Jesus is the Word of God]. They were given to help us walk uprightly in this present evil world!)

          E. America, RETURN!

Conclusion: Pray for America! Pray for those in authority! Pray for the church!