The Mystery Of Iniquity

Temple Baptist Church - 2-19-2017

2 Thessalonians 2:7

Introduction: 

A.  The Book of 2 Thessalonians prophesies the end-time and eminent return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  “Our gathering together unto him” is a direct reference to the Rapture of the Church.

B.  We find many signs of the end-time in the New Testament and one of the more descriptive is found in this passage where we find the words “falling away.”

C.  We are certainly amid the apostasy with things very quickly changing in the past few years. 

1.  Apathy has settled within the walls of the church house.

2.  Sinfulness and immorality has escalated.

3.  Acceptance of such atrocities as sodomy, fornication, adultery, drinking, drugs, abortion, etc. is in full swing, even among God’s people.  Nothing shocks or horrifies the believer anymore.

D.  Things are changing at a horrific rate, but—in these verses-- we find something that has been consistent throughout the centuries:  the Mystery of Iniquity.

E.  The word mystery is derived from a Greek verb meaning “to close.”  This is about either or both the lips and the eyes.  In common usage, a mystery is a description for something which is inconceivable, unknown or unexplainable.

F.  The word iniquity is derived from a Latin word meaning “uneven.”  It speaks biblically of a gross injustice or a wicked act.

G.  The phrase “mystery of iniquity” gives this meaning:  a wickedness that may be observed but not fully understood outside of the realm of God’s Word and illumination of the Holy Spirit.  In other words, something seen and understood by God’s people but not by the world.

H.  Paul states in verse 7 that the Mystery of Iniquity “doth already work.”  The Mystery of Iniquity was alive and doing well in Paul’s day and long before, therefore, these verses do not so much refer to the Mystery of Iniquity working as much as it does to the Mystery of Iniquity’s culmination!  It will culminate in the manifestation of the Antichrist after the Rapture of the Church.

I.  I want to spend a few minutes this morning looking at what the Mystery of Iniquity does and how it deceives.  Then I want to look at its manifestation spiritually in these last days.

THE MYSTERY – The natural man does not understand.

1.  The Conception Of Iniquity – Satanic - Ezekiel 28:15  Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.  (All sin springs from one source:  Satan!)

2.  The Commencement Of Iniquity – Sensual - Hebrews 11:25  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Job 20:5  That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?   (If sin were not pleasurable it would not be as seductive.)

3.  The Continuance Of Iniquity – Seasonal – Proverbs 5:22  His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. 

Hebrews 11:25 says, “for a season” while James 1:15 says, “And sin, when it is finished.”  (The master always becomes the slave and the slave always becomes the master!)

4.  The Consequences Of Iniquity – Sorrow –  James 1:15-16  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16  Do not err, my beloved brethren.  (Sin always ends in sorrow because we reap what we sow.) 

THE MANIFESTATION – To make manifest means to make plain or to understand.

1.  The Mystery Of Iniquity Is Manifest In “All Deceivableness of Unrighteousness.”

Romans 7:11  For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

2 Corinthians 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God,should shine unto them. 

1 John 2:11  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. (Sin so deceives in its character and manifestation that the sinner has no concept of what is taking place.  American and the world are so blinded that they think that they are doing right in their rejection of God and all that is good.  Even some churches and so-called believers are blinded as such.)

THEY ARE DECEIVED BY UNRIGHTEOUSNESS

2.  The Mystery Of Iniquity Is Manifest In “A Rejection Of The Truth.”  Vs. 10

Romans 1:21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  (They KNEW God and willfully rejected Him; therefore, rejecting Truth.)

Titus 1:14  Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.  (To have come face to face with truth and turn away:  an intentional act.)

2 Timothy 3:7-8  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  8  Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.  (They never learn truth because they resist it.  Each time God tries to speak they pull away the shoulder and stop their spiritual ears.)

2 Peter 2:2  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  (They speak evil of truth and, therefore, of God Himself.)

THEY REJECT PLAIN TRUTH

3.  The Mystery Of Iniquity Is Manifest In “A Pleasure In Wickedness.”  Vs. 12

Romans 1:28-32  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.  (Sinners enjoy both the fellowship and fruit of sin.  Sinners are certainly “Birds of a feather!)  They would have it no other way!)

THEY LOVE THEIR SIN

Conclusion:  We live in perilous days.  Days of wickedness like no other generation has been faced with and the culmination of that wickedness will be Antichrist, whom the world will accept and love!  For a while!

Why Do The Heathen Rage?

Temple Baptist Church - 2-19-2017

Psalms 2

Introduction: 

A.  Psalm 2 is an interesting Psalm.  The opening verse describes the mentality of two different types of people.

1.  The “heathen.”  A word used to describe a pagan, an infidel, an idolatrous person, or an unbeliever.

2.  The “people.”  I believe that “the people” reference the nation of Israel and can be rightly applied to the children of God.

B.  Therefore, this verse shows the mentality of both the world and God’s people concerning the sovereignty and ability of God! 

1.  The “heathen rage!”  Proverbs 14:16  A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.  (I think a raging river: one that is out of control.  The world has no respect for nor a fear of God and this is evidenced by the tumultuous lifestyles of the sinful!)

2.  The “people imagine a vain thing!”  The “people” is a reference to God’s nation of Israel: God’s people!  Imagine?  That means to ponder or to murmur about something blown up in one’s mind.  We often “imagine” the very worst when in trouble.  A “vain thing” means something of no avail: empty or worthless.

C.  As the world has no fear of God, God’s people often have no confidence in Him. 

1.  The heathen rage and God seemingly allows them to get away with it. 

2.  God’s people then began to imagine:  God does not care; God cannot do anything about it; God can but will not respond!

D.  We live in a world gone mad.  A world that has adopted an amoral philosophy:  both ungodly and godless. 

1.  This world hates the Person of God – they have developed their own “god.”  One who accepts the person of the wicked!

2.  This world hates the Word of God – they have rejected both its veracity and its authority.  Even among so called fundamental Baptists.

3.  This World hates the People of God – a generic “Christianity” and a “social gospel” is the rage of the day while the “Old Paths” are despised and rejected.  Even among so called fundamental Baptist who have accepted the methods and philosophy of the liberals.

E.  The actions of the world occasionally induce the Christian to react as the Psalmist and say, “Why, Lord!”  This is a problem that God’s people have faced through the ages and this generation is possibly the worst of all.  Why does God allow certain things to happen?

1.  Because He is longsuffering.  The Lord is not willing that any should perish and takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.

2.  Because sin must run its course.  James 1 says that there is a finishing to sin.  God does not always judge at the moment one begins to sin.  Sin has a course and God lets it run.

3.  Because God’s ways are not our ways.  Just leave “God’s Toys” to God.  He knows what He is doing.

F.  It is easy for the believer to get his or her eyes on the circumstances and fall from their own steadfastness.  This Psalm should be an encouragement to God’s people. 

G.  The Lord answers the Psalmist’s question in these few verses by summing up man’s rebellion and God’s righteous judgment. 

1.  The Attitude Of The Ungodly – vs. 1-3

a.  The Fact Of Their Rebellion – “Why do the heathen rage” - Isaiah 5:20  Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (They are not atheistic, but rather anti-God!  These are both haters of God and haters of good.  It is one thing to use the name of the Lord as a byword in ignorance and entirely another to curse His person!)

b.  The Fierceness Of Their Rebellion – “rage” - Zechariah 7 says, “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.  Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.”  (The world has gone “wild!”  There is nothing sacred; there is nothing “black or white” morally; the conscience of many people has been seared!  “If it feels good, do it” is the theme of our day.)

c.  The Focus Of Their Rebellion – “against the Lord” - Acts 5:39  But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.  Romans 1:30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  (This world system is anti-God.  Anything and everything that God says or stands for is under attack.  It will climax in the battles of “Armageddon” and “Gog and Magog.” Just how foolish can man get?  Fight against the God of heaven who can create or destroy with the Word of His mouth?  This world has no concept of just who God is.)

2.  The Answer From The Lord – vs. 4-9

a.  God’s Derision – vs. 4  “shall laugh…derision” - Proverbs 1:26-30  I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;  When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.  Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:  For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:  They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.  (God laughs at man’s foolishness; God will mock them in the day of calamity.)

b.  God’s Displeasure – vs. 5  “He shall speak unto them in his wrath”  Psalms 50:21  These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.  (Don’t think that God is going to take what man does to Him!  He is still angry with the wicked every day.  God hates sin and loves sinners but there will one day be an end to His graciousness and mercy.)

c.  God’s Destruction – vs. 5  “and vex them in his sore displeasure”  Psalms 50:22  Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.

Isaiah 11:4  But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

d.  God’s Declaration – vs. 7  “I will declare”

1) A Declaration Of Kingship – vs. 6  (The world rejected the King!)

2) A Declaration Of Kinship – vs. 7

a) Jesus was eternally the Son of God - 1 John 1  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

b) Jesus was incarnately the Son of God - Matthew 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

c) Jesus was manifestly the Son of God - 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;)

d) Jesus was gloriously the Son of God - 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.

e.  God’s Desire – vs. 8  “Ask of me, and I shall give thee” - Psalms 22:27  All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

f.  God’s Determination – vs. 9  “Thou shalt break them...dash them” - Psalms 21:8  Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

3.  The Advice To The Wicked – vs. 8-12

a.  They Need To Hear Him – vs. 10  “be instructed”  - Hosea 14:9  Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

b.  They Need To Fear Him – vs. 11  “with fear…with trembling” - Ecclesiastes 12:13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

c.  They Need To Be Near Him – vs. 12  “Kiss the Son” - 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Matthew 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The Psalm of the Holy Spirit - The Blessed Man

Temple Baptist Church - 2-12-2017

Psalms 1

Introduction:

A.  This great Psalm may take more than one service because of both its importance as a preface to 150 chapters, which makes it the longest of all books of the Bible. 

1.  It is a Psalm of great content as it sets forth the beginning and end of both godliness and sinfulness. 

2.  This little Psalm is one of great encouragement as living for Christ is rewarded in this life as well as the life to come.  The blessedness of living for Christ is often shrouded by a worldly view of “much is good and little is not.” 

Luke 12:15  “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”  (Life does not consist of the possessions that we have but the peace that we have with God and the peace that we find as we live a life with little regret.  Godliness great gain – It will be worth it all when we see Christ!)

3.  It is a Psalm of dire warning as it also shows the beginning and end of the wicked, both in this life and the life to come.  As the “god of this world” has blinded the minds of the lost to the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, he has also blinded their minds to the result of sinfulness. 

Ecclesiastes 8:11  Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

B.  Several things stand out in this first Psalm that I think are important to look at.

1.  The Psalm has no title.  Other than the 1st and 2nd Psalm, the rest of the Psalms have titles that give either a general or specific backdrop.  Because of the structure and contend of the 1st Psalm, it has been called by some “The Preface of the Holy Ghost” or “The Psalm of the Holy Ghost.”   

2.  The Book of Psalms has also been called “The Hymn Book of Israel.”  Think of our hymn book for a moment.  It is a book filled with songs of Worship!  The songs that we sing are meant to glorify our wonderful Lord in both the good and the bad times of our lives.  I love to sing!  What a blessing to come to church and have the blessed opportunity to worship the Lord with a grateful heart.  Come before His presence with singing.  These Psalms were meant to glorify Jehovah God!

3.  Our hymnal is not a Book of Complaints or Disappointments.  The hymns are to elevate the Lord and to encourage the child of God.  There is much in the Psalms where God’s people did not understand their suffering, the seemingly elevation and blessedness of the wicked, the silences of God through many of the hard times of their lives.  The Psalms elevated God above the strife of this present world.

C.  What makes the Bible a “God Book” instead of the writings of man is the absolute honesty that it shows. 

1.  The Psalms show man what he is as well as tell man who and what God is.  This “preface” to the Psalms divides naturally into two nearly equal portions.

a)  In Psalm 1:1-3 the essence of the righteous is described, and his reward is promised.

b)  In Psalm 1:4-6 the condition of the wicked is considered, and his ultimate destruction predicted.

D.  The first Psalm is an expanded version of a proverb as it contrasts wisdom and foolishness. 

E.  The Book of Psalms is the “Hymn Book” of the Jewish nation.  It is a “Prayer Book” and a “Worship Hymnal” combined.  I have gotten more help from the Psalms over the past few years than from any other place in the Bible.  It encourages us to remain faithful and trust; it illuminates us to God’s ways; it glorifies His holiness and impending judgment on the wicked; it is the resting place of the soul that is endangered or discouraged.

F.  It begins with the word “blessed.”  Many will substitute the word “happy” in the place of “blessed” but I believe that it is a cardinal mistake.  Though both “blessed” and “happy” come from the same root word (which means to be straight, to be level, to go forward, to be honest, to prosper, happy), the words are a little different in their meanings.

1.  To be happy is a manner of disposition.  It always means happiness or to be extremely glad in your circumstances.  Everyone wants to be happy but we are not always so for life is hard at times and we wish things to be different.

2.  To be blessed is a word that pertains to our personal welfare.  You can be unhappy and still be blessed.  Do you see what I mean?  In the worst of circumstances, you can be unhappy but still be blessed.  That is what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  Not to be thankful for cancer, death, or sinfulness but to be thankful that you are saved, God is meeting your needs, etc. during these hard times.

G.  Psalm 1 tells us how to be “blessed,” not “happy.”  I am glad that the things in this Psalm will ultimately (and sometimes instantly) make you happy but they will ALWAYSmake you blessed.

1.  The Conditions Of God’s Blessings

a.  The Blessed Man Finds His Counsel In God’s Word – “walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly”  This means to both listen and agree with the counsel of the world.  Their counsel is anti-god.  “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

b.  The Blessed Man Finds His Pleasure In The Things Of God – “standeth in the way of sinners.”  The wages of sin is still death!  “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

c.  The Blessed Man Finds His Fellowship With The People Of God – “nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”  Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.  The world scorns (to have in derision) the things of God.  They mock you if you serve God and will make you mock those who serve the Lord if you run with them.  “Evil communications corrupt good manners!”

d.  The Blessed Man Finds His Delight In The Law Of The Lord – “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”  Proverbs 19:23 says, “The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.”  We will have problems but God will deliver us out of them all!

2.  The Characteristics Of God’s Blessed

a.  God’s Blessed Are Prominent - “he shall be like a tree.”  God’s people will “stand out” and “stand above” the world!  “They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” The world may not like you but they will recognize you and most of the world will respect you.

b.  God’s Blessed Are Planted – “planted by the rivers of water.”  The child of God will be vibrant, lively, and lovely during the most horrible spiritual droughts!  They will have a constant, unending source of both life and strength.

c.  God’s Blessed Are Productive – “that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.”  The child of God will produce godly fruit that will be both observed and beneficial to others.  You never know who is watching your life but you do know who you want to follow in your footsteps!  “If my kids follow me they will be drug free” is a familiar bumper sticker.  If my kids follow me, they will follow the Lord!

d.  God’s Blessed Are Perpetual – “is leaf also shall not wither.”  One of the greatest of spiritual assets is that of predictability!  When the world not only recognizes a life of godliness in the believer but expects to see it every time they come around.  Not shocked that our lives have changed but expectant of our spiritual consistency.

e.  God’s Blessed Are Prosperous – “whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”  The believer will be successful in both his public and personal life.  That does not mean that we will have no problems but it does mean that we shall come through them victoriously!  We can overcome hardship with the help of an ever present, all powerful, and graciously loving God at our side.

Conclusion:  The ungodly are not so!!!

Departing Without Being Desired

Temple Baptist Church - 2-5-2017

2 Chronicles 21:1-20

Introduction:

A.  I was reading in the Old Testament (2 Chronicles) Tuesday morning and a phrase that I had read many times “stuck out” to me.  I have always known exactly what that phrase meant but, this time—as I am getting older—it became more personal to me.

B.  Though Jehoshaphat was not a perfect king, he was one of the better ones.  The Lord gave 4 chapters in 2 Chronicles that showed the life of this man.  He began well but did not end as well as he should have and his latter days “set the table” for failure in his son, Jehoram, who became king when Jehoshaphat died.

1.  Jehoshaphat’s beginning. 

2 Chronicles 17:3-4  And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;  (4)  But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

2.  Jehoshaphat’s ending.

2 Chronicles 20:35  And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:

C.  Jehoshaphat left his children great riches monetarily but destitute spiritually. 

2 Chronicles 21:3  And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.

D.  Jehoshaphat gave the kingdom to his firstborn, Jehoram.

1.  Jehoram slew his brothers. 

2 Chronicles 21:4  Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

2.  Jehoram married the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, followed Ahab, with whom Jehoshaphat had affinity. 

2 Chronicles 21:6  And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which wasevil in the eyes of the LORD.

E.  At age 40, Jehoram died.  The Bible says that he “departed without being desired.”  

1.  No one missed him when he was gone!  It does not mean that no one loved him for I am sure that some people did but no one missed his wisdom, the path that he left, or the legacy of his life. 

2.  A wasted life that his son followed!  Be careful, moms and dads, where you lead your children!!!  Will your life lead your family to godliness and heaven, ungodliness and hell, or simply LEAD THEM NOWHERE!

2 Chronicles 22:1-4  And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.  (2)  Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Athaliah the daughter of Omri.  (3)  He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly.  (4)  Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.

F.  Will our lives be “desired” by those who follow us.

1.  I have often thought about my life and wondered how my life will end.  My desire is to leave a legacy of godliness and faithfulness for my family to see and follow.  This is not a thing of pride but one of desire. 

2.  I started right when the Lord saved me and I want to finish right.  I do not want to die “without being desired.”  I do not want to die in failure or with a life that brings reproach to the Lord and my family.

G.  How do we depart “being desired” instead of “without being desired?”

1.  By having a visible conversion to Christ.  I want my wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends to know that what I have is real!  God wrought a wonderful change in my life when I came to Christ and I want the world to know it.

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Acts 4:12-13  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.  (13)  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

2.  By having an unshakable allegiance to Christ.  I want the Lord to be first!  Not what I want but what He wants in my life. 

Matthew 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  (18)  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

3.  By living a consistent life for Christ.  People may not agree with who and what I am but I want them to see consistency in my life.  It they see me, then I have failed, but, if the see Christ in me, I have succeeded!

Colossians 3:3-4  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  (4)  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

2 Timothy 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

4.  By having a blessed assurance of being with Christ.  As most of you know, my favorite song is “Blessed Assurance.”  I certainly know what I believe but I am so glad that I know Who I have believed and that He knows me.

Song of Solomon 6:3  I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

2 Timothy 1:12  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Acts 7:56, 59  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God ... Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Conclusion:  I want to depart with others having a desire to follow me as I have followed Christ.  I do not want to die “without being desired.”