Glorifying God

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-28-2026

1 Corinthians 10:31
 

Introduction:

 

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (32) Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: (33) Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

 

1. Let us keep these verses in their context. Paul has been dealing with the eating or not eating of sacrifices offered to idol that were sold in open market for food.

 

2. The meat was just that, meat. Nothing wrong with the meat but with some, it was offensive because of where it came from.

 

3. Paul is settling the matter in these last three verses. He referenced this earlier in the Epistle, but it was evidently still an issue.

 

1 Corinthians 8:8-13 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. (9) But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. (10) For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; (11) And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (12) But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. (13) Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

 

1. Paul set both a biblical and personal principle in these verses.

 

2. The biblical principle is found in Verse 12, which says that it was a sin to offend a weaker brother.

 

3. The Personal principle is found in Verse 13 where Paul says that, if meat offends his brother, he would not eat it while the world standeth.

 

A. With this in mind, I want to make an application as we do not face this problem in our day. I have an old saying, “I will eat anything that doesn’t eat me first.”

 

B. The supreme purpose of the Christian life is to glorify God. One of the best Scripture verses on this subject is found in Romans 11:36:

 

Romans 11:36 — For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

 

1. All things originate of Him.

 

2. All things are accomplished through Him

 

3. All things exist for Him.

 

C. Therefore, it is both fitting and necessary that God be glorified in every aspect of our lives.

 

1. To glorify means to praise, magnify, and honor in worship; to ascribe honor in thought, word, and deed. God is glorified when His excellency above all things is acknowledged with due admiration.

 

2. The Lord alone is worthy of all honor and glory, for He is the source of all power and sufficiency. Jesus plainly said, “without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

 

3. Whatever goodness, grace, or accomplishment is found in us is by Him, through Him, and to Him.

 

D. 1 Corinthians 1:30–31 declares: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (31) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

 

1. Salvation is of the Lord.

 

2. Sanctification is of the Lord.

 

3. Security is of the Lord.

 

4. Supply or Sustenance is of the Lord.

 

5. The quicker that we learn these things, the more we have to praise Him for.

 

E. As professing believers, we bear the name of Christ before a watching world. All that we do reflects upon His holy name. Therefore, our lives must be ordered so that God is glorified in all things.

 

F. How to Glorify God in our lives.

 

1. Glorify God in your Walk - 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

a. In Our Bodies - Romans 12:1–2 “Present your bodies a living sacrifice… which is your reasonable service.” The believer’s body belongs to God by creation and redemption. Our daily conduct, habits, and choices must reflect His ownership and holiness.

 

b. In our Daily Walk - 3 John 4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” A consistent walk in truth glorifies God and testifies of genuine faith.

 

2. Glorify God in Your Work - Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

a. Our work—whether vocational, domestic, or ministerial—is an opportunity to reflect God’s character.

 

1 Peter 2:12 “They may by your good works… glorify God in the day of visitation.”

 

b. We are saved unto good works, not by good works, and God is honored when they are done for His glory.

 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

 

3. Glorify God in Your Woes. God is glorified not only in our obedience, but also in our suffering. Job 1:21–22 The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

 

a. In our Trials

 

Psalm 50:15 — Call upon me in the day of trouble… and thou shalt glorify me.

 

b. In our Persecution.

 

1 Peter 4:16 — If any man suffer as a Christian… let him glorify God on this behalf.

 

c. In our Poverty.

 

1 Timothy 6:6–8 Godliness with contentment is great gain.

 

d. In our Sickness.

 

John 11:4 — This sickness is… for the glory of God.

 

e. In our Death.

 

John 21:19 — Signifying by what death he should glorify God.

 

f. Even in life’s darkest hours, God receives glory when His people trust Him.

 

4. Glorify God in Your Worries. Anxieties and inward struggles become instruments of God’s glory when they drive us to deeper faith and dependence upon Him.

 

1 Peter 1:7 — That the trial of your faith… might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

 

 

5. Glorify God in Your Whippings (Chastening). Divine chastening is not wrath, but loving correction. When we submit to it humbly, God is glorified through the righteousness it produces.

 

Hebrews 12:11–14 — Afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

 

6. Glorify God in Your Worship. Ultimately, all of life flows back to worship. Worship—both private and corporate—is the conscious, joyful expression of a life lived for God’s glory.

 

Psalm 108:1 — O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise.

 

Psalm 22:23 — Ye that fear the LORD… glorify him.

 

Romans 15:6 — That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God.

 

Conclusion:

 

1. Whether in our walk, our work, our wounds, or our worship, the believer’s calling is the same:

 

1 Corinthians 10:31 — Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

2. May our lives declare His excellency until that day when all creation gives Him glory forever. Amen.

Mount Zion, The City of God

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-26-2025

Psalm 87

 

Introduction:

A. This particular Psalm is about Mount Zion, the City of God. This psalm is both historical and prophetic, reflecting God's special love for Zion and His plan to make it the joy of the whole earth.

 

Psalms 48:1-3 A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. (2) Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. (3) God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

 

B. I want to take a biblical, historical, contemporary, and prophetic look at “The City of God.”

 

1. Contemporary first, as it is the day in which we live. After being a wilderness for a millennium or more, we find the Jewish people returning to their national and eternal homeland.

 

2. Historically, the Jewish people were scattered after 70 AD because they rejected Jesus Christ, their Messiah, and pronounced a curse upon themselves and their children.

 

Matthew 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

 

3. The Allenby Declaration of 1917, the Balfour Declaration, designated Palestine as the national homeland of Israel. In 1948, Israel was recognized as a nation, and the Israeli Flag, the Star of David, was raised.

 

4. Today, I often hear the word “Zionist” when referring to a specific part of the people of Israel. Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu is referred to as such.

 

5. A Zionist is someone who supports Zionism, which is the movement for the return of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland and the establishment (and continuation) of a Jewish nation in the land of Israel—specifically, the area historically known as Zion, or Jerusalem.

 

6. Zion is an Old Testament term for Jerusalem, used by today's Jews because it predates the coming of the Messiah whom they still reject. Today’s Orthodox Jews remain faithful to the Old Testament, which anticipated the Messiah, while rejecting the New Testament and the Messiah who came unto His own.

 

7. Now, we see Mount Zion, Jerusalem, the City of God, being readied for the beginning of Jacob’s Trouble and the restoration of the Nation of Israel to its former glory.

 

C. Much is said about Zion and Jerusalem in the Bible.

 

1. Salem. The First Mention is found in the word “Salem.” Salem – four mentions in the Bible, three times in Genesis 14 and once in Hebrews 7:13.

 

a) Salem shâlêm shaw-lame' “Full or Perfect Peace” ; peaceful; Shalem, an early name of Jerusalem, and today’s Jews use the word “Shalom” as a salutation, meaning Peace.

 

b) In type, Melchizedek is a type of Christ, the Prince of Peace, who will reign after the Order of Melchizedek during the Millennium.

 

Genesis 14:18-20 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. (19) And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: (20) And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

 

Hebrews 7:1-3 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; (2) To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; (3) Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

 

2. Zion. Used 153 times in the Bible. All 153 mentions are found in the Old Testament.

 

a) Zion means conspicuous, a waymark, or a monumental or guiding pillar.

 

b) The First Mention of Zion – 2 Samuel 5:7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

 

c) Here, it is called a “strong hold … the city of David.

 

3. Jerusalem. Used 814 times in the Bible, emphasizing its eternal importance.

 

a) Jerusalem – dual, founded peacefully. Dual refers to the two main mountains that make up Jerusalem: Mount Zion and Mount Moriah.

 

b) The first Mention – Joshua 10:1 Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;

 

c) The Last Mention – Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

 

1. Verse 1 – “His foundation is in the holy mountains.” The “foundation” refers to God’s establishment of Zion. The Lord Himself founded Jerusalem upon the holy mountains—Mount Zion and Mount Moriah. This is not man’s doing; it is God’s chosen dwelling place.

 

Psalms 132:13-14 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. (14) This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

 

a. Spiritually, Mount Zion and Mount Moriah are important.

 

1) On Mount Moriah, our Lord and Saviour died. Raised, lifted from the earth for all the world to see.

 

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

 

2) On Mount Zion, our Lord and Saviour will reign.

 

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

 

b. Mount Zion is a stronghold, a beacon for all the world to see. It speaks of the unshakable in its strength and enduring in its stability of God’s purposes.

 

Verse 2 – “The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” Here we see God’s preference. Though He blessed all the dwellings of Jacob (the tribes of Israel), He loves Zion uniquely because it is the place of His presence and worship.

 

a. Gates - “Gates” symbolize access—the entry point into worship and fellowship with God. This is a covenant relationship with Israel.

 

Luke 13:34-35 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (35) Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

 

b. Zion – The place of God’s delight today. Hebrews 12:22-24 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (23) To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (24) And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

 

Verse 3 – “Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.”

 

a. Declaration - The title “City of God” reveals the intimate relationship between God and Jerusalem. It’s not merely Israel’s capital—it’s God’s dwelling on earth.

 

Psalms 48:1-2 A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. (2) Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

 

b. Prophetically – The future glory when Zion will be the center of Christ’s millennial reign (Isaiah 2:2-3; Zechariah 8:3).

 

Zechariah 2:10-13 Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. (11) And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. (12) And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. (13) Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

 

c. Selah – a call for reflection and meditation on the greatness of Zion’s eternal destiny.

 

Verse 4 – “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.” Prophetic of the conversion of nationalities.

 

a. The Nations – Rahab (a poetic name for Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia were Gentile nations and often the enemies of Israel and God.

 

b. The People – This man was born there—the Covenant through the Gospel to all who will come.

 

Galatians 3:27-29 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. (29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

Verse 5 – “And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.”

 

a. A New Birth - This and that man was born in her. We were not physically born there but, in the spiritual sense, we were.

 

b. A New Jerusalem to hover over Mount Zion in Revelation 21.

 

1. Historically: God protected and preserved Jerusalem

 

2. Prophetically: God will establish the New Jerusalem eternally (Revelation 21:2–3).

Zion’s strength is not political or military, but divine.

 

Verse 6 – “The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.”

 

a. God Himself keeps the record of His people. What a privilege to be written among the citizens of Zion! When the roll of God’s citizens is written, it will include those born into Zion—not by natural birth, but by spiritual birth into God’s family.

 

b. Their names will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

 

Verse 7 – “As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.” This closing verse is a song of joy and worship.

 

a. Praise now - The singers and players on instruments represent united praise—heavenly harmony flowing from redeemed hearts.

 

b. “All my springs are in thee” – All sources of life, joy, and blessing are found in Zion—in God Himself.

 

c. Zion thus becomes the fountainhead of eternal joy.

 

Conclusion:

 

a. From David’s Zion to the New Jerusalem, the Bible unfolds one great story — God dwelling with His people through the reign of His Son.

 

Marching to Zion

Words by Isaac Watts (1707)
Refrain by Robert Lowry (1867)

 

Verse 1
Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne,
And thus surround the throne.

Verse 2
Let those refuse to sing,
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King,
But children of the heavenly King,
May speak their joys abroad,
May speak their joys abroad.

 

Verse 3
The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets,
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets,
Or walk the golden streets.

 

Verse 4
Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
To fairer worlds on high,
To fairer worlds on high.

 

Refrain:
We’re marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We’re marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.

 

Biblical Inspiration:

 

Psalm 125:1–2 – “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion…”

 

Hebrews 12:22 – “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…”

 

Revelation 21:2 – “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven…”

 

 

b. Jerusalem’s history is sacred, its prophecies are sure, and its destiny is glorious — for the Lord shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously (Isaiah 24:23). Psalm 48:1–2 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion…

 

Theology: The Doctrine of God - Part 9

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-18-2025

Exodus 33:18-34:8

 

II.  The Attributes of God

 

“The Glory of God’s Person” Part 2

 

A.  A couple of weeks ago, we found Moses asking God to reveal His glory. An attribute of God that has never been fully revealed to man: The Glory of God’s Presence. Yet, in many ways, through divine revelation and the Word of God, we have touched the hem of His garment.

 

B.  God’s Presence is an unapproachable Light.  Neither the Old nor the New Testament believer can look at His face and live.  Yet, God chose to reveal His Shekinah glory (His presence with man) throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

 

C.  Because of “that which is perfect,” the Word of God, we no longer need to walk by sight.  We walk by faith.

 

D.  Having said that, we also see the Person of the Lord revealed in His performance among mankind here in Exodus. 

 

1.  In Exodus 33:20-23, God revealed His “back parts,” or afterglow, to Moses.  That alone was enough to make Moses wear a veil before the people of Israel because his face shone in such brightness.

 

2.  In verse 19, the Lord proclaimed, “I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.”

 

3.  Though we do not see the Shekinah glory of God in our day, we can see the Person and Performance of God, which is a revelation of God’s glory.

 

E.  When the Lord passed by Moses, hidden in a cleft in the rock and covered by the hand of God, this is what He proclaimed.  In His proclamation of His Person, He is the Potentate, the Monarch, the Absolute Ruler, and the Owner of the heavens and the earth.  His Glory is not only found in His Presence, unapproachable light, it is found in His glorious Person.

 

1.  The Glory of His Person.  “The LORD, the LORD God”  “LORD” is the Jewish national name for God.  “JAH” or “the LORD most vehement.”  The self-existing One; the eternal One; the I AM THAT I AM!

 

a.  The Glory of God is found in His condescension!  Psalms 40:5  Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 

 

That God Almighty, who needs nothing or anyone, would even recognize a poor lost sinner like you and me is beyond comprehension.

 

b.  The Glory of God is found in His compassion!  1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

 

He not only knows me, but He also cares for me.

 

2.  The Glory of His Salvation.  “merciful and gracious”

 

a.  The Glory of God is found in His mercy and grace.  Lamentations 3:22-23  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 

 

Mercy signifies that we do not receive what we deserve. Every person in this church deserves nothing but hell! I am so grateful that hell will never be my eternal home because of the great love and compassion of the Lord. He certainly has not repaid any of us according to our iniquity. If you are saved, you should thank God every day for His mercy.

 

b.  The Glory of God is found in His grace.  Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

 

Grace means that we receive what we do not deserve. Not only is hell not my eternal home, but heaven is my eternal home! God has been more than gracious to all of us, and one day, by God’s marvelous grace, we will step on “the other side” and experience all of the goodness of God for all of eternity.

 

3.  The Glory of His Longsuffering.  “longsuffering”  God not only saves and secures us through His wonderful grace but He also “puts up with us!”

 

a.  The Glory of God is found in His longsuffering.  Psalms 86:15  But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. 

 

He never gives up on us and loves us in spite of who we are and what we represent. As we continue to love our children, He continues to love us. He’s still working on me!

 

b.  The Glory of God is found in His forgiveness.  1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

 

"Until seventy times seven” shows the forgiveness of God. As often and as many times as we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness!

 

4.  The Glory of His Faithfulness.  “goodness and truth.”  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

 

a.  The Glory of God is found in His goodness.  Psalms 100:4-5  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  (5)  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. 

 

God is good to us at all times. We need nothing today because of His goodness. Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from God. God is good!

 

b.  The Glory of God is found in His truthfulness.  Psalms 100:5  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. 

 

What God says is right, and He will never change His mind on the subject. He is the same today as He always was and will be the same tomorrow as He is now. You can completely depend on Him!

 

Conclusion: The glory of God is not found in our circumstances; rather, it is found in His person.

My Lord and My God

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-22-2025

John 20:24-29

 

Introduction:

 

A. After the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we find in Scripture the accounts of His personal appearances to Mary Magdalene and His disciples.

 

1. In the first part of this chapter, He appeared unto Mary Magdalene in the Garden before His first ascension.  When He spoke her name, she said, “Rabboni!”  Master!  Our Lord said to her:

 

John 20:17  Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 

 

He is our Father!  He is our God!

 

2. In the later part of chapter 20, He appeared to the disciples who were assembled secretly for fear of the Jews.  (vs. 19)  He said, “Peace be unto you.” 

 

Thank the Lord for His peace that comes through salvation.  I’ve got peace today!  It is well with my soul!  It is well with my life!  Not everything is as I would have it, but the Lord has been good, gracious, and gentle with this preacher!

 

3. In our text verses, we find our Lord’s appearance for a third time.  Thomas, who was not present when Christ appeared to the disciples earlier is now present.  After the earlier appearance, Thomas was told of Christ’s visit and declared,

 

“Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  (John 20:25)

 

B. Thomas will, until Christ comes again, always be labeled “Doubting Thomas!”  I wonder how things would have been if Thomas had been with the other disciples when Jesus appeared? 

 

In these verses, we find that Thomas did not have to “see” or “put” or “thrust” as he stated but declared, “My Lord and my God!”

 

C. I want to concentrate on the words of Christ, made after Thomas’ confession, in verse 29.  Thomas saw and believed but, we who are now saved, have never seen and yet believe.  Our Lord said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” 

 

I am BLESSED today!  You are BLESSED today!  I believe!

 

D. Here are just a few things that I have not seen and yet I believe:

 

1.  I Believe That Jesus Christ Was Almighty God Manifested In The Flesh!  John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

 

1 John 1:2  (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;) 

 

I believe that Jesus Christ is God!  There is none like Him; there was none before Him; there will never be another like Him!  He is one of a kind! I believe and therefore I am BLESSED!

 

2.  I Believe That Jesus Christ Is The Only Begotten Son Of God!  Acts 8:36-37  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  37  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

 

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

 

I believe!  He is the One!  I believe that He is the only One!  I believe that I am His and He is Mine! I believe and therefore I am BLESSED!)

 

3.  I Believe That Died On The Cross For My Sins!  1 John 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

He is the Propitiation for my redemption!  He is the Payment for my sins!  He paid for my sins—past, present, and future!  I am free from the penalty of sin!  I am free from the power of sin!  Thank God I will one day be free from the presence of sin!  Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to take my place, to pay my price, and to purchase my pardon!  I believe and therefore I am BLESSED!

 

4. I Believe That Jesus Christ Was Buried And Bodily Rose Again!  1 Corinthians 15:3-4  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 

 

I was not there but I have heard; II was not there but I have believed; I was not there but I have accepted!  “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”  I was not there but I was on His mind when He was on my cross!  “Were you there when He rose from the grave?”  No, I was not there but I believe!  I believe and therefore I am BLESSED!

 

5. I Believe That I Am Eternally Saved Through Christ And Christ Alone!  Titus 3:4-5  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 

 

I am nothing!  I was nothing when He found me!  I was nothing when He saved me!  I am nothing outside of Him!  I am somebody in Him!  I am glad that it is not by work because I could not do enough to be saved or be good enough to stay saved!  I believe and therefore I am BLESSED!

 

6. I Believe That Jesus Christ Is Coming Again Just Like He Said!  John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  2  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. 

 

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow!  I expect Him today!  I am looking for Him today!  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!  I believe and therefore I am BLESSED!

 

7. I Believe That Heaven Is A Reality Soon To Be Realized!  John 14:2  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.

 

Revelation 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 

 

That sounds like home to me, like where I want to be!  There’ll be no tears to dim our eyes again!  Heaven!  Home!    I believe and therefore I am BLESSED!

 

8. I Believe That Hell Is A Reality Realized Too Late!  Revelation 14:11  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

 

Revelation 20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. 

 

I believe that Hell is real!  I believe that Hell is hot!  I believe that Hell is “hell!”  I believe that Hell is eternal!  I believe that I will not be there!  I believe and therefore I am BLESSED!

 

9. I Believe That Eternity Is A Long, Long Time!  Revelation 22:5  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 

 

Life here is short and death is sure, but I will live forever and ever with Him in Heaven!  I am immortal because He is immortal!  When the day comes that I am not here, I will be THERE!  I believe and therefore I am BLESSED!

 

“blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”