How Are You Going To Die?

Temple Baptist Church - 4-14-2013

 

Hebrews 11:13-16

 

Introduction:

A. “These all died!”

1. Death is a reality that each of us will one day have to face. There is no escape from it as it is divine in its appointment: Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

2. Death is a timed event - Ecclesiastes 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3. Death is a physical event - Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

B. One event happens to us all, both to the saved and the unsaved. We will all face the day of death.

1. The unsaved die without Christ and, therefore:

a) Without Help – Ecclesiastes 8:8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. (Dr. Harold Sightler often said that God’s people die well and I agree. I have watched both saved and lost breathe their last and the difference is visible.)

b) Without Hope – 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (Hell is truth realized too late. I have been to the funerals of both saved and lost and, once again, the difference is visible.)

2. The saved die in Christ and, therefore:

a) They have help - Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

b) They have hope - Philippians 1:21-23 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (22) But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. (23) For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

C. Now, look at the verses with me.

1. These ALL died in faith. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises.” The verse says that they did not “receive the promises.” A lot of things come after death, not before and God’s people do not always get all that they want when they want it. Too many professing believers, when they do not get what they want when they want it, turn away and quit. I still want to love and serve the Lord as long as I live regardless of what comes. I know that is a strong statement because I do not know what lives ahead but that is my honest desire.

2. These ALL have seen them afar off and were persuaded. “having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them.” I may not get to see all of my family and friends saved in my lifetime but I believe God! I may not see all that I pray for come to fruition in my lifetime but there are some things that I believe with all of my heart and will hold on to the hope within me. Never give up!

3. They ALL knew that this world was not their home. “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.” I love life and I love living but there is a part of me that is looking forward to eternity. Satan, sin, and the curse gone; earth restored; a new body to live in; and a wonderful place to live.

4. They ALL made the choice to follow the Lord instead of the world. “And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.” In days of “falling away” and “turning back,” I thank the Lord that, in these last days, there are still those who have chosen to “STAY THE COURSE” that they began when they gave their hearts to Christ. My salvation was the changing point of my life and I am in it for the long haul.

5. The ALL made God proud! “wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” You see, God has placed you and me in the “Hall of Faith” also if we keep our faith in Him. Heaven will be “out of this world” and there will be no one there who does not want to be there. I, for one, am looking forward to it. I may not understand everything here and I may not get all that I desire in this life but it will still be worth it all when I see Christ.

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.

You Are Richer Than You Think!

Temple Baptist Church - 4-7-2013

 

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Introduction:

A. Here at Temple Baptist, we do not have “rich people” who attend. It seems that all of the doctors, lawyers, business owners, executives, CEO’s, etc. always join one of the 3 “first” churches downtown. Why?

1. One, because the bible, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, says “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

2. I am not saying that all of these are unsaved but, the bible says that most probably are not! Mark 10:25-27 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (26) And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? (27) And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

3. Thank the Lord, there are some men of money, position, or power that come to the Lord. Most of these will seek a good bible preaching church which leads me to the second reason.

4. Two, because these rich people are seeking the prestigious churches that can advance their business interests. “Birds of a feather” still “flock together” and rich folks “hobnob” with rich folks as a general rule.

5. Three, because bible believing, bible preaching churches “have too much for them!” Most people are looking for a church where nothing is expected from them and they can do as they please in comfort.

B. Now, I am through with that crowd. It would be a blessing to world missions if they were here but we certainly would not want them to be uncomfortable. If they had been here tonight, I would have hit them but—since they will not come to us, I am going to apply tonight’s verses to you and me! You may think, “Preacher, I am not rich!” But, you are so wrong.

C. By the world’s standards, Americans are rich! I have lived in Germany (an industrialized nation) and have visited third world nations. In the nations that I have visited and lived in, there has been none that can compare to the USA. We are the standard for wealth and comfortable living! America is a utopia in the eyes of the world and that is why we are the largest nation of immigrants in the world.

D. Now, let us apply these verses.

1. Do not be proud. “be not highminded” Thank God for all that you have while remembering that all came from Him. We are given health, opportunity, jobs, etc. by the Lord. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

2. Trust not in uncertain riches. “trust not in uncertain riches” Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. (5) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

3. Trust the Lord. “but in the living God” Psalms 146:3-5 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. (4) His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. (5) Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

4. Enjoy the blessings that the Lord has given to you. “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

5. Remember the work of the Lord. “That they do good” Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

6. Use the finances that you have in the Lord’s work. “ready to distribute, willing to communicate” 1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

7. Seek heavenly treasures over temporal ones. “Laying up in store” Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Sarah: Faith Restored

Temple Baptist Church - 4-7-2013

 

Hebrews 11:11-12; Genesis 18:10-15

 

Introduction:

A. Now, for the first time, we find the mention of a woman in the Hall of Faith. Her inclusion is not something out of the norm because she is a woman. It is different because of her initial lack of faith.

1. In Genesis 18, we find the story of the angels on their way to Sodom stopping to talk with Abraham. God had promised a much younger Abraham a child by a much younger Sarah. Now, the years have passed with no child and it had ceased to be with Sarah after the “manner of women” and the loins of Abraham were now dead.

2. The bible records that both Abraham and Sarah laughed when told of the coming of a child. Sarah was rebuked for her laughter because it was the laughter of unbelief. Abraham was not rebuked and the New Testament gives the reason why.

3. Romans 4:18-20 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. (19) And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: (20) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

4. Abraham’s laughter was the laughter of joy because of the promise of a child coming through his barren wife. According to Romans 4:18-29, his faith was unwavering in the face of the impossible.

B. This is not an attack upon the spirituality of women.

1. Some of the greatest people of faith are women; some of the most faithful in the churches are women; some of the best workers in the local church are women; and some of the greatest prayer warriors are women. Women are not “second class Christians” when it comes to either position or faith.

2. Ladies, God made you special! God made the weaker vessel strong; God blesses the faithfulness and labor of women. We find their mention throughout the bible. Some of the most faithful disciples that the Lord had were the women who remained with Him, even at the foot of the cross when most of the men fled.

C. Somewhere between the laughter and the birth of Isaac, Sarah’s faith changed.

1. The faithfulness of God to Abraham brought forth conception though Sarah doubted. God blessed in spite of Sarah’s unbelief.

2. The result of God’s faithfulness was conception and Sarah saw that what God had promised, He was fully able to perform—even when it became a physical impossibility. God helped Sarah to restore her faith in Him who is able to do the impossible.

3. The faith of Sarah, who willingly left the Ur of the Chaldees with her husband, was gloriously restored to the point that she is not recorded for unbelief in Hebrews 11 but for her faith.

D  When faith fails, it can be restored! Failure in faith is not the will of God but neither is it the end of the world. We can still get back on track after failure.

E. These verses are of great help to the majority of us because we, for the most part, are not Abrahams. Too often, we are like Sarah! So often, our faith does fail as circumstances overwhelm us and physical sight says, “No way.” It is easy to believe God when the situation only seems improbable but, when it becomes humanly impossible, preaching on faith is so much easier than living it!

F. Here are some biblical illustrations that show the circumstances where faith often fails.

1. Our faith sometimes falters when we get our eyes off the Lord. Matthew 14:28-31 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. (29) And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (30) But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. (31) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

2. Our faith sometimes falters when unfaithfulness grows in our lives. John 20:27-29 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (28) And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (29) Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

3. Our faith sometimes falters when self-confidence arises. Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: (32) But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

4. Our faith sometimes falters when the storms of life are raging. Matthew 8:24-27 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. (25) And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. (26) And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (27) But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

5. Our faith sometimes falters when finances get tight. Matthew 6:28-34 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: (29) And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

6. Our faith sometimes falters when sickness strikes. Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (24) And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

7. Our faith sometimes falters when death becomes a reality. Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

The Resurrection

Temple Baptist Church - 3-31-2013

 

John 20:1-18

 

Introduction:

A. This morning, we will once again celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. What a glorious morning we read about as Mary, out of whom our Lord cast our 7 devils, came to the garden tomb and found a resurrected Lord as well as an empty tomb. Countless times God’s people have read this account with joy, weeping, and hope!

B. Often called the “Capstone of Christianity” because Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God by the bodily resurrection. Only God can give life to the physical body! He breathed life into Adam and all men are born inherently with Adam’s life.

C. Jesus Christ is called the firstfruits of the Resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

D. Because of His glorious resurrection, the believer has a blessed hope beyond the grave. John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

E. There are several other resurrections mentioned in Scripture and I want to look at them for a few minutes as each has its importance to mankind.

1. There was the resurrection of the Old Testament saints found in Matthew 27: 51-54. These O.T. saints went to Abraham’s Bosom and remained there comforted until the death of our Lord. The Lord went to Abraham’s Bosom and, at the resurrection brought these saints to heaven with him. He brought “captivity captive” and gave gifts to men.

2. There is the resurrection of the believer found in the New Birth (John 3:3-7; Ephesians 2:1; Romans 6:1-6). At the moment of salvation, the believer is born again into the spiritual realm and endowed with a new life in Christ. No resurrection, no New Birth!

3. There will be the resurrection of the bodies of the dead saints at the rapture of the church. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:52-58). When the Lord comes for His church, the body of Christ, those who have died in the Lord will have their bodies resurrected and we will all be changed. We will be given a glorious body like unto His that will be eternal in nature.

4. There will be the resurrection of those believers who are martyred during the Tribulation Period. (Revelation 6:9-11) These will be the souls under the altar crying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”

5. There will be the resurrection of the “two witnesses” during the Tribulation Period. (Revelation 11:3) These two witnesses will lay dead in the streets of Jerusalem for 3 ½ days and come to life again. They will ascend into heaven is the sight of the world.

6. There will be the resurrection of the unsaved dead at the Great White Throne Judgment. (Revelation 20:11-15) Those who have denied or rejected the Lord will one day stand before Him, be judged according to their works, and be cast alive into a lake of fire for all eternity.

F. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is both the foundation and capstone of our faith. I am excited about the prospect.

1. The Prospect of Eternal Life With Christ! John 14:3 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.

2. The Prospect of A New Body. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

3. The Prospect of God’s People. Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

4. The Prospect of a New Heaven and a New Earth. Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

5. The Prospect of the New Jerusalem. 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.

Ye Are Complete In Him

Temple Baptist Church - 3-27-2013

 

Colossians 2:9-11

 

Introduction:

A. There is much controversy within major denominations concerning our position in Christ. It has been debated for years and will never be settled until such a time as everyone finds their doctrine bible based alone. Such questions arise as:

1. Is salvation through faith alone or is it mixed with human merit? This question even arises on occasion within the independent Baptist ranks as some believe that salvation before Christ and after the rapture is a mixture of faith and works.

2. Is our position in Christ secure? Can a saved person ultimately be lost? Is our security in Christ works based or faith based? Does the believer have to endure in either works or faith in order to be ultimately safe or does his security rest in the finished work of Christ alone?

B. There are those who break down these views into two distinct groups: Calvinist and Armenian.

1. The Calvinist believes that the sovereignty of God requires salvation to be totally of God to an elect few. The elect are predestined and have no choice in salvation. Those elected are therefore secure.

2. The Armenian believes that salvation is through faith but kept through human merit. Therefore, the believer can ultimately be lost through either sinfulness or loss of faith.

C. The true bible believer is neither Calvinist nor Armenian and believes that salvation is by grace through faith. Man has a choice to believe or disbelieve and salvation is eternal in nature. Herein we stand.

D. The believer’s position in Christ is set forth in the words “ye are complete in him.”

1. We are complete in Christ for the world that now is. 2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (Practical Salvation is what Jesus Christ does through us and involves both a conversion—which brings about the new creature—and either obedience or lack of obedience to God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is difficult for us to realize just how secure that we are in Christ! Nothing that we do can separate us from the love of Christ! [Romans 8:38-39])

a. He gives us His Spirit. John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. (38) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (39) (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

b. He gives us His Word. Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

c. He gives us His Power. Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

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

2. We are complete in Christ for the world to come. 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. (Positional Sanctification is a work of God in salvation and is totally void of human merit. Notice the wording of this particular verse: “As he is, so are we in this world.”)

a. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We are not “gods” neither are we the “only begotten” sons of God but we are the sons of God by faith. 1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

b. Jesus Christ is with God. Our Lord now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven as he “ever liveth” to make intercession for the saints. You and I that are saved are also seated with God in heavenly places. Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

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

c. Jesus Christ is faultless before God. Our Lord is the sinless, absolutely pure, and forever holy Son of God! We are “hid with Christ in God” positionally and, in Him, is not sin. The seed of God remaineth in us and there is a part of us sealed until the day of redemption that “cannot sin” according to 1 John 3:9: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”

Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

d. Jesus Christ lives eternally. He is the eternal Son of God. He does not have life, He is life! We that are saved have eternal life. We are not on probation; we have salvation. We are kept by the power of God through faith, not by our obedience or goodness. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Never Forget Who You Serve!

Temple Baptist Church - 3-24-2013

 

1 Timothy 6:13-16

 

Introduction:

A. As we get toward the end of the Book of 1 Timothy (one of the Pastoral Epistles), we find a doxology. Paul gives doxologies in several of his epistles. A doxology is an expression of praise, sometimes spoken as it is in this epistle or set to music and used in a worship service.

B. This particular expression of praise deals with certain attributes and titles given to God alone.

1. These are often hidden from the eyes of the world because of unbelief. Not being experiential, we find that faith is essential in seeing God as He is. The world denies the attributes and position of God though His “fingerprint” is everywhere.

a) Nature declares the glory of God on every hand. The perfection of the universe is found in its precision. The balance found nature as every plant, animal, bird, insect, and bacteria are essential.

b) The very existence and makeup of man declares the glory of God. Fearfully and wonderfully made are the words given in the bible to describe him. I stand amazed when I watch the wonder of conception and birth. The DNA that so intricately forms each individual is beyond comprehension. I sat the other day observing two of my grandchildren play and saw the absolute perfection in every detail of their makeup: the same and yet completely different in every aspect.

2. Paul is writing to young Pastor Timothy because of the possibility of forgetting just who and what this great God is that he served.

a) Circumstances often shroud His person. In times of trouble or perplexity, it is easy to lean upon our own strength instead of “tapping” the unlimited resources found in God alone. We row and bail while the Master of our “seas” remains in the ship un-approached.

b) Business often shrouds His person. It is so easy to be so busy serving that we forget to spend those invaluable minutes with Him.

C. These verses are a reminder to the pastor of the church as well as to the saints. Never forget who and what He is! Paul does not set forth all that is God in these verses, but gives a short reminder in two areas.

1. He Is Sovereign.

a. He is the ONLY Potentate! “mighty ruler” The Lord is not a ruler, He is the Ruler. He made it all, He sustains it all, He owns it all! He has no rival in the universe. Do not worry about Him being overruled or overpowered.

b. He is King of kings. He rules and overrules in the affairs of men.

Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Colossians 1:15-17 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (16) 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: (17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

c. He is Lord of lords. He is pre-eminent. He is Lord of all.

Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2. What He is. He is eternally the same.

a. Immortality – “deathlessness” Eternal in life. John 1:4 “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” The Lord does not have life, He is life! “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” He neither diminishes nor dies. “I AM THAT I AM” gives the biblical description of Jehovah God. “I AM” means to “continue to exist” and comes from a word meaning “to breathe.” Therefore, the Lord not only exists continually but that existence is a living one. Something inanimate can exist. He is not only eternal but also eternally the same.

b. Purity and Holiness. God dwells in an inapproachable light. 1 John 1:5 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Absolute in purity; absolute in holiness; absolute in righteousness; absolutely just in all His ways and decrees! He is the Standard of all that is right; He is the Benchmark from which all are measured; and He imputes holiness and purity to you and me! Oh, what a Saviour!

Conclusion: Let us never forget who He is; who we are by faith; and who we serve!