The Mystery Of The Indwelling Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 2-27-2013

 

Colossians 1:24-29

 

Introduction:

A. Paul, in these verses addresses the reality and mystery of the body of Christ and the indwelling Christ. At the moment of salvation, the believer is placed into the body of Christ through the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (Notice the word “Spirit” which is a direct reference to the Holy Spirit. All are baptized by ONE Spirit into one body. This is not a “second blessing” or a separate work of the Spirit of God. Baptized simply means to be immersed or place completely into something. This “body” cannot be a local church because I was not baptized into the local church by the Holy Ghost. I was baptized by my pastor.)

Romans 6:3-6 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Once again, notice that this particular “baptism” is the placement into Jesus Christ, not the local church.)

Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Notice here the baptism “into Christ.” Once again, this is not the local church as the Bible is clear that, in the body of Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female. In our local church, we have Jew and Greek, male and female, I am not sure about the bond of free because of our society but you get the point. The local church makes a distinct difference between male and female and their roles. Here, the distinction is done away with as we are all children of God by faith.)

B. One day soon, the Lord Himself will come for His church and, as the song writer so beautifully described it, “I’ll fly away, O glory!” When He comes, the next service time, most churches—unfortunately—will be “well attended.” But, until the second coming of Christ, I am so glad that He has given to me His Spirit! We hear much about receiving the Holy Ghost after salvation but the Bible is also clear on this subject.

Romans 8:9-11 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (If a man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is not saved according to this verse. The moment I came to Christ, I was immediately and miraculously changed. I was not a perfect man but my desires changed.)

C. The spirit of Christ is found in the fullness of the Holy Ghost which indwells every believer. What the indwelling Christ brings.

1. He brings equality. Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

2. He brings spiritual growth. 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.

3. He brings comfort. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

4. He brings love. Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

5. He brings guidance. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

6. He brings relationship. Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

7. He Brings hope. Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

False Teachers

Temple Baptist Church - 2-24-2013

 

1 Timothy 6:3-5

 

Introduction:

A. In Verses 3-5, we once again see the possibility of false teaching affecting the believer and tainting the local church.

1. False teachers have always been. The serpent lent his person to the deceptive teachings of Satan in the Garden of Eden. Throughout both Old and New Testaments, we have seen their continual attack upon the truth of God’s Word.

2. Today, with the aid of technology, the possibilities of spiritual deception are endless. There are many “voices” in this world and, unfortunately, most are satanic. As the “falling away” is in full swing, false teachers are growing in both number and popularity. Many of God’s people listen to and watch these men and women who openly defy the Bible with their heresies. Women preachers and teachers, perverted bibles, and blatantly unscriptural doctrines permeate the airways and churches.

3. I cannot control the “airways” but I can control the “airways” in my home. I cannot control the “airways” within your homes but you can. I can and will control what comes into Temple Baptist Church. I do not allow either apostates or liberals to have a voice in the church. Both Sunday School classes and this pulpit must and will remain closed to false doctrine or teachings that are inconsistent with the teachings of this pastor.

B. We live in the days of 2 Thessalonians 2 which describes the spiritual deception of our day. We are in the midst of the “falling away” prophesied in this chapter. Good, fundamental churches are no longer “politically correct” in our society where sin is not only tolerated but also promoted. To preach against sin is the “unpardonable sin” of our day.

C. Dr. Harold Sightler once said this about the deception: “It is a Planned attack and it is a Manned attack.” From the serpent in the Garden of Eden to the wicked, money hungry charlatan who counterfeits God’s healings on the television set—to the false brethren who continue to “creep” into universities and churches—destroying both their faith and fellowship, the apostasy continues to deceive.

D. Here are a few things that we need to consider when it comes to false teachers and false doctrine.

1. Satan is the great counterfeiter! He is good at what he does to the point that the Bible says:

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.

a) Satan counterfeits churches. God has never ordained liberalism at any level! Liberal churches are counterfeit churches! People who are ignorant of what the Bible says often make this statement: “It does not matter where you go to church as long as you go.” It does matter! It matters to God! It matters to this preacher!

Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

b) Satan counterfeits saints. Matthew 13 deals with the different soils and characterizes the different results. This same chapter also prophesies the “planting” of the tares among the wheat.

Matthew 13:27-28 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? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

c) Satan counterfeits preachers.

1) There are “sincere” false preachers - Matthew 7:22 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? (These are ignorant false preachers who may have the best of intentions but are false none the less. My mind goes back to Saul of Tarsus before his conversion: he was sincere in his efforts to serve God though in error and causing much harm.)

2) There are “satanic” false preachers - Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 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. (These men know that they are not saved! These men make merchandise of spiritual things! These men laugh at and mock those ignorant “disciples” who follow them! These men will receive the “greater damnation!”)

3) Satan uses both of these types of “false preachers” to introduce false doctrine into the local church. God’s people need to learn to:

1a) Identify them - Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Look at their disciples! Worldly and ungodly!)

2a) Mark and avoid them - 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. (Look at their doctrine! Contrary to clear scripture! God will never operate contrary to His Word!)

2. Understanding and recognition of false teachers or preachers is not difficult task for the diligent Bible student who knows Christ Jesus and has the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, living within.

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.

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.

3. God’s Word brings about stability and doctrinal pureness in the believer. There is one absolute authority and that is the Bible! If you want to know the truth or how to identify false teachers, simply go to God’s Word.

Ephesians 4:11-14 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;

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples (students and learners) indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

For Without Faith

Temple Baptist Church - 2-24-2013

 

Hebrews 11:6

 

Introduction:

A. Hebrews 11 and 12 deal with this thing called “faith.” Bear with me over the next 2-3 weeks as I deal with Hebrews 11:6 for it is one of the most important verses in the Bible! I know of no easy or quick way to expound this verse in order to get its meaning. I will take my time for it is foundational to salvation and “if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

1. The Principles of Faith are found in verses 1-3:

a) Faith has Confidence – “substance of things hoped for”

b) Faith has Conviction – “evidence of things not seen”

c) Faith has Consequence – “for by it the elders obtained a good report”

d) Faith has Comprehension – “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God”

2. The People of Faith are found in verses 4-40 (Which we are will be dealing with.)

a) The Description of their Faith – verses 1-3 (Faith adhered to – having not seen the end yet trusting.)

b) The Demonstration of their Faith – verses 4-38 (Faith in action – a faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.)

c) The Disposition of their Faith – verses 39-40 (Faith in anticipation – received not the promise but trusted God for something better.)

3. The Pattern of Faith – verses 12: 1-29

B. What is faith?

1. Faith is a principle by which we live every day. We exercise faith in the unseen with complete confidence as we use cell phones, turn on light switches, watch TV, listen to the radio, etc. We exercise our faith when we use the switch, turn on the water, pick up the remote, etc. and then watch for the results.

2. The results of our faith come only after faith is exercised. If we do not try the switch, remote, phone, etc. then no results will be forth coming. We exercise these acts of faith because we have experienced or observed the results of such actions. Spiritual faith is no difference. In our verse, we find that faith is pleasing to God and is rewarded.

3. We teach our children the same faith principles when we teach them to personally use these devices. Neither we nor they understand how it all works but delight in the results. When a switch fails, we do not stop using other such devices. Though we have few electricians and computer “geeks,” we have a nation that is well trained in the use of modern conveniences. Thus it is with our faith in the Lord. He does not fail but, oft times, His ways are not our ways and His time certainly is not our time.

C. In verse 6, we find that faith is essential to pleasing God. Let’s take a look at the progression of such faith in reverse order: Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

1. Faith is rewarded by God. When men “diligently seek” God: that is to not only realize that there is a “Higher Being” but to actively seek to know Him, their faith will be rewarded in the knowledge of God. When the Lord began to stir my heart in 1976, I began to actively seek to know Him. My faith was rewarded! With the Apostle Paul, I can say, “I know whom I have believed!”

2. Faith is the agent that causes men to seek after God. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is.” I have been blessed in that I have never doubted the existence of God. Not just from my upbringing but from the very nature of the world and the things in it. I full well understand why the Bible declares a man to be a fool if, in his heart, he declares that there is no God. I am not talking about with his mouth for men may doubt but this verse deals with the man who has made up his mind—being fully persuaded—that there is no God.

3. Faith is the only way to please God. “For without faith it is impossible to please him!” The Bible also declares that whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Man was made by God in the image of God for God! We are born in this world with purpose. Man is different from all of the rest of God’s creation as he is a trichotomy: a whole divided into three parts.

D. The Foundation of our Faith is the Word of God. Romans 10:8-17 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; (9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

E. If the foundation of our faith is the Word of God, then it is imperative that we have the Word of God.

1. It is impossible to comprehend an incomprehensible God without revelation from God. Our faith in God comes from seeing His fingerprint in nature. The creation of the heavens and earth declare the glory of God. There is no possibility of such design and perfection being the result of a random act. A random act will always produce a random result but our universe and all of creation work as a perfectly synchronized unit.

2. Checks and balances are found throughout nature as things exist in harmony with one thing depending upon another for its existence. From the birds that eat the mites that pester the rhinoceros to the bee that is essential to the pollination of a flower or tree. This list could go in infinitely. God’s universe is in perfect harmony which requires intelligent design.

3. The Bible declares that man is made in God’s image while the evolutionist calls man an “animal” likened to all other animals. Man is different from all animals while all animals have common threads of actions and thinking. Our faith is not some “blind faith” in a Creator unseen but rather a faith with both substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. Just to see the “fingerprint” of “intelligent design” in nature, though it reveals that God is, will not give knowable information about Him.

4. The first step is Faith in our Bible. An incomprehensible God has been made comprehensible through divine revelation. In the beginning, the “voice” of God walked with Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden and that same “voice” has remained in one form or another ever since. We must have a revelation that is divine in order to know God. It is IMPERATIVE that we have God’s Word!

In Whom

Temple Baptist Church - 2-20-2013

 

Colossians 1:12-23

 

Introduction:

A. I do not want to preach a series on either Theology or Christology as I preach through Colossians but there is a lot about the Lord that I want to look at for a few minutes.

1. The question is often asked, “Who or what is God?” Though the question is legitimate, the answer is beyond our comprehension. I guess God said it best when He proclaimed “I AM THAT I AM.”

2. The Bible begins with “In the beginning God.” God offers neither explanation nor does He allow for argument. It is as simple as this: we either believe or we do not.

B. Now, who is this Christ Jesus?

1. Verse 15. In the metaphysical realm (a study of what is outside objective experience), He is the image of the invisible, eternal God. It is beyond the realm of our experience and, therefore, beyond our ability to know. God always was, is, and always will be. Before there was anything, God was. This is beyond human comprehension, so do not try to “figure God out.” He that cometh to God must believe that He is! He is everywhere all of the time. He knows the end from the beginning. Power belongeth to Him in heaven and earth. He needs no one or anything. He is self-existing. He is eternal. He is God.

2. Verses 15, 19. In the physical realm, He is the fullness of the Godhead bodily. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. In Him we see the glory of God. In Him we see grace and truth. He is the only begotten Son of God with all of the attributes of the Trinity. Jehovah God immaculately conceived, virgin born, and sinlessly perfect. . As Jesus Christ walked this earth, the question was asked, “What manner of man is this?” Devils were subject to Him; the dead resurrected, the lame walked, the lepers healed; He fed the multitudes with little; He stilled the storm as the wind and waves obeyed His voice; He walked on water; He spake as no other man ever spake; and declared Himself to be the great “I Am” of old. He had every frailty of man with all of the power and glory of God. He was God in flesh.

3. Verses 16-17. As God, He is the creator of all things. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” These verses say it all. He created everything! He owns everything! He sustains everything! He sets government up and takes government down. He raises men up and takes them down.

4. Verse 18. As Lord, He is the Head of the church. Though He is Head of the local church, this reference is to the body of Christ. I am not a “universal church” man! I believe that the local church is God’s sole instrument on earth through which He works. But, I also recognize the body of Christ which has neither organization nor function. It encompasses the total number of the redeemed. It is the “called out ones” not yet assembled! One day, He will call the church out of this world. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the arch angel, and the trump of God: the dead in Christ will come forth and we will be caught up together with them in the clouds and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

5. Verse 20. As the Lamb, He is the sinner’s Sacrifice. He died for all according to this verse. I totally reject, as heretical, the damnable doctrine of Calvinism! It is biblically corrupt and morally damning. Christianity is the only religion where God lived and died for sinner. In all other religions, man lives and dies for God. Christianity is the only religion where the heart of sinful man is totally rejected as sinful and salvation is totally an act of God. In all other religions, man is declared righteous through the works of his own hands. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world and He died for me.

6. Verses 21-23. As Resurrected, He is the Reconciler of the saved. Reconciliation comes only through the perfection of His sacrifice and the acceptance of His Lordship. He is Prophet, Priest, and King simultaneously. It is through Christ that we are found holy, unblamable, and unreprovable in the sight of a thrice holy God! We have been forgiven through the blood of Christ and will be presented faultless before the throne of His glory with exceeding joy.

Practical Christianity Brings Unity

Temple Baptist Church - 2-17-2013

 

1 Timothy 6:1-2

 

Introduction:

A. These are interesting verses as Paul is writing to Timothy concerning: 1) the operation of the church and 2) the protection of the church.

1. Both are equally important as you can run the church well and fail to protect it or you can try to protect it and fail to run it properly. The local church is destroyed either way.

2. Here, Paul is protecting the unity of the local church. Paul mentions the importance of the testimony of God’s children before the world because it is a reflection of our salvation in Christ. “That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed!”

3. As King David gave the enemies of God an occasion to blaspheme when he sinned with Bathsheba, so have many churches given the enemies of God ammunition to speak evil of God through His church. I have often said, “If you load a gun and give it someone, do not blame them when they pull the trigger.”

 B. There is a distinct difference between Positional Sanctification and Practical Sanctification.

1. Positional Salvation is blood based and devoid of personal merit. We are not saved by what we are doing; we are saved by what Jesus Christ has done for us. So many people have a problem differentiating between salvations relationship and fellowship.

2. Practical Salvation is the effect of God’s saving grace manifested in the lives of His people. We are not saved by works but we are saved “unto” good works.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

C. There are many aspects of Practical Sanctification and unity within the local body is an important one.

1. Paul deals with one aspect in these verses as it was a problem that the believers faced in the early days of the church. The local church, in general, was comprised of many poor people who were described as “rich in faith.” Many of these poor believers were servants, either bond or free.

2. These poor believers worked under “masters” who, according to the Bible, had the right of ruling over them in the work place. Verse 2 teaches these workers or servants the right of the business owner to govern. This is one of the reasons that unions are unbiblical in their nature. They do, in many cases, help the worker to some degree but also take away the rights of the employer to govern or run their own business.

D. The problem that arose within the local church was the possibility of the rich being saved and also attending the same church.

1. Things were very different in those days because, today, all of the “bosses” go to the “First Church” while the workers attend church here. Don’t you just love it? In the church, all are on the same plane as God is no respecter of persons and neither should the local church be such.

2. We have a wonderful advantage over the Colossian church though: we have app. 70 Baptist churches in our county that a disgruntled church member can go to and be as welcome as the flowers in the spring time. J

E. Therefore, the possibility of conflict or dissatisfaction in the work place spilling over into the local church has always been present. But, for the most part, our problems are minor and carnal in nature. The unity of the local church is of the utmost importance. If and when such problems within the church body arise, they must be dealt with in a biblical, corporate manner.

F. I do a lot of preaching on “How To Get Along In Church” because it is an ever-recurring problem. Now, through Practical Sanctification, we will have unity in the local church and a good testimony before the world. Rest assured, if there is a church split or argument within the church, the world will normally be the first to know. Keep disunity out of the church!

1. Always Give Others The Benefit Of The Doubt - 1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

2. Learn To Forgive And To Forget - Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

3. Keep Your Eye Focused Upon The Purpose - Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

4. Esteem Others Better Than Self - Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Philippians 2:1-4 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5. Learn To Be Quiet When There Is A Problem - Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Enoch

Temple Baptist Church - 2-17-2013

 

Hebrews 11:5; Genesis 5:21-22

 

Introduction:

A. As we begin this morning, I want to look at the order of chapter 11, or the “Hall of Faith.”

1. We saw the definition of faith. It has both substance and evidence. “You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.” The world may think I am foolish, but I know something they do not know.

2. We saw faith exercised in salvation through Abel’s sacrifice. It’s still the blood and nothing in this world can change that! By the way, it is Colossians 1:14, not Ephesians 1:7, that the new perverted bibles leave out “through his blood.”

3. This morning, I want to look at the “Hall’s” next example of faith. As Abel came to God in salvation by faith, Enoch put salvation into practice by walking with God by faith. Enoch’s walk with God was not a casual stroll as some might presume.

Jude 14 says, “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints.” It was a spiritually productive walk with God.

B. Nothing is said concerning Enoch’s first 65 years of life.

1. I rest assured that he was brought up to know the Lord and placed his personal faith in the coming of the Promised Seed. These years were his years of development where he made his choices concerning life and what it was all about.

2. Life is so much more than just growing up, getting a job, getting married, raising a family, and retirement. Life is about whom you are, not just what you do. This life is the prelude for eternity!

C. Little is said about Enoch and, yet, volumes have been written about him. We “read between the lines” of Scripture concerning Enoch based upon our personal walk with Christ.

1. Three Things About Enoch’s Walk

a. It had a Commencement. I do not believe that it began at age 65 with the birth of Methuselah. The Bible simply states that, after the birth of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years. This does not mean that he did not walk with God the first 65! I thank the Lord that I was saved when my two sons were small. I began my walk with God in front of my family and friends. I have tried to be consistent over these years. I was not and am not perfect, but I want my life to reflect the change that only the Lord can make. When and where Enoch made the personal choice to walk with God is not stated but, somewhere, he made a choice to be all that God would have him to be.

b. It had a Consistency. Three hundred years in days of evil that led up to the destruction of the flood. Days when men who were called the “sons of God” allowed their fleshly imagination fulfill the desires of their sinful flesh. Days like ours where the Bible says, “as in the days of Noe.” Enoch never looked back!

c. It had an End. After 365 years of life with the majority walking with God, God took Enoch home: a beautiful type of the Rapture where those who are “alive (quickened) and remain (not dead)” will be “caught up” and eternally with the Lord. This should be the desire of every child of God and is our blessed hope.

2. What Characterizes A Walk With God?

a. It is by faith that a convicted, repentant sinner comes to Christ in salvation. Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

b. It is by faith that we live for God. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

c. It is by faith that we stand for God. Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

d. It is by faith that we walk before God. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

e. It is by faith that we resist the devil. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

f. It is by faith that we commune with God. Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

g. It is by faith that we overcome the world. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

h. It is by faith that we please God. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Luke 18:8b Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?