Theme: Be Thankful For Mercy

Text: Ps 103:8‑12

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us. NIV

Hastings: November 6, 2011

Introduction: This month is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving. As we get near Thanksgiving, I want to remind you of blessings and promises and responsibilities concerning giving Thanks.

I do want to remind that God does instruct us to be thankful throughout the year.

Eph 5:19‑20

19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV

One of the blessings we have been given is mercy.

Mercy according to the dictionary: compassion or forgiveness shown towards an enemy or offender in one's power.

One interesting fact about mercy, is that you cannot have mercy unless you have been offended or sinned against. In other words, if a person is your friend and he treats you great, you don’t have to have mercy on him. But if someone does something against you, that is when you have opportunity for mercy. The people of the world will punch the offender, while the Christian will choose to have mercy. Not strike back.

            In the case of God, we all have sinned against Him.

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, NIV

            So we all deserved death. But God has offered us eternal life.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV

            That is the ultimate mercy. To offer us something we do not deserve.

On a daily basis we are offered mercy…

I think of how each of us needs mercy on a daily basis, there is not one of us who go through a day without sinning.

We are given mercy every morning...

Lam 3:22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. NIV

I appreciate how God does not keep track of how many sins we have committed previously.

Ps 130:2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. NIV

God has an incredible memory, but he chooses not to remember our sins of yesterday. God demonstrates an incredible love for imperfect people.

When Apostle Paul writes about love, he mentions how love agape love does not keep a record of wrongs.

1 Cor 13:4‑7

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self‑seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. NIV

Agape love is a special love, a love that contains mercy.

Imagine if God treated each one of us like we deserved to be treated...

If we would be treated like we treat others.

Ps 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us. NIV

God is able to treat us individually as we do not deserve.

Proposition: Examples of Mercy given...

1. Woman Caught in Adultery...

This woman was guilty, under the Old Testament law, she was to be stoned to death. Under the Roman law, the Jews could not kill another person. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees thought they had Jesus trapped, without really no care or concern for the woman caught in adultery. They were out to get Jesus. But really they were hurting two people, they were hurting the woman who was sinning and Jesus. They were not out to get the man who committed adultery, only the woman and Jesus.

John 8:1‑11

8:1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."  8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

11 "No one, sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin ." NIV

We can learn many things from this example of Jesus incredible mercy. We can learn that Jesus was not condoning or hiding this woman’s sin. He was giving her mercy. When he asked the woman where are the people who accused you. Jesus told her, “Go now and leave your life of sin.”.

Each of those who accused this woman, who was guilty, understood from Jesus illustration that they too had sin in their life and should get their lives right with God.

Mercy can humble us in away no other action can. The hard hearted teachers of the law and Pharisees thought their plan to trap Jesus was fool proof, but they forgot to look in the mirror. Their lives were not fool proof.

Jesus wants us to show mercy to others as he showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery. He also wants us to look in the mirror and get our own life fixed up and acknowledge we too need mercy too.

The Woman who was caught in adultery was guilty, and was going to be given Justice according to the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.

But what did she need? She needed mercy and that is what Jesus gave her.

"The problem is we want justice for everyone else and mercy for ourselves."

Kent Crockett's Sermon Illustrations, www.kentcrockett.com

Now let us look at the scriptures we looked at this morning...

We are given mercy every morning...

Lam 3:22‑23

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. NIV

Lam 3:21 Yet there is one ray of hope:  22 his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day. TLB

I appreciate how God does not keep track of how many sins we have committed previously.

Ps 130:2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. NIV

God has an incredible memory, but he chooses not to remember our sins of yesterday. God demonstrates an incredible love for imperfect people.

When Apostle Paul writes about love, he mentions how love agape love does not keep a record of wrongs.

1 Cor 13:4‑7

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self‑seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. NIV

Imagine if God treated each one of us like we deserved to be treated...

If we would be treated like sometimes we treat others.

Ps 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us. NIV

Apostle Paul…

1 Tim 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. NIV

How bad was Apostle Paul before he became a Christian?

He gave approval for the death of  Holy Spirit filled Christian.

Acts 7:57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 8

8:1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. NIV

If a person falsely accused or sided with a crowd, they would be held by God.

Ex 23:1 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness.

2 "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

4 "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.

6 "Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

NIV

Saul was guilty of this…

If Justice was done, Saul would have been killed for killing an honest person.

Deut 19:18 The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against his brother, 19 then do to him as he intended to do to his brother. You must purge the evil from among you. 20 The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. 21 Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. NIV

Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples…

Acts 9:1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"  NIV

God does not allow us to breath murderous threats to anyone!

King David prayed about this…

Ps 27:11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me,

breathing out violence. NIV

What did Saul deserve?

Those who murder will be sent to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

Rev 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." NIV

1 Tim 1:13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. NIV

What were these sins carrying as punishment?

Saul was a blasphemer…

He spoke evil of Jesus Christ. What is the punishment for that?

If a person does not believe, he will be condemned.

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. NIV

Saul was a persecutor…

1 Cor 3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. NIV

Saul was a violent man…

Prov 6:16 There are six things the LORD hates,

seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,

feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies

and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. NIV

2 Thess 1:6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. NIV

He deserved eternal punishment.

Acts 22:12 "A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him.

14 "Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' NIV

Let us look at two sons of Zebedee.

James and John sons of Zebedee...

James and John were brothers who were godly men of God who were specially chosen to do God’s will.

James and John were brothers who were fishermen, who followed Jesus at a moments notice.

Matt 4:21‑22

21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee , preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. NIV

They were very close to Jesus. In fact John was the one that Jesus loved. He was Jesus best friend.

Matt26:36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."  37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." NIV

Mark 10:35‑41

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee , came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask."

36 "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.

37 They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory."

38 "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"

39 "We can," they answered.

Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. NIV

But they had a slight problem, in fact it earned them a nick name. Sons of Thunder. They needed to learn how to show a little mercy on others.

Mark 3:16‑19

16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder ); 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. NIV

Here is an example of James and John with Jesus...

Luke 9:51‑56

51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went to another village. NIV

We can learn from mercy, is that what people deserve and what get may be two different things. The Samaritans rejected Jesus Christ, that upset James and John. Jesus was the Lord and Christ, He should not be rejected. Those who reject Jesus here on earth, will be rejected on the judgment day. But Jesus wanted James and John to show a little mercy. Who knows, this Samaritan village may not have been ready just yet, but later, may have become Christians later. If they would have called fire down from heaven, the Samaritans would not have had a chance later to become Christians.

John was not only close to Jesus, since he knew the High Priest. He was able to go into the high priest’s courtyard to stay close to Jesus.

John 18:15‑16

15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. NIV

His love and loyalty to Jesus was incredible. Yes, earlier in his relationship with Jesus, he and his brother James were selfish and even unmerciful, but he quickly developed into a loyal disciple of Jesus Christ.

A person’s real character always comes out under the most stress. And when Jesus was on the cross, who was near the cross? It was John the son of Zebedee. The one who at one time wanted to be the greatest, who at one time was unmerciful to the Samaritans.

But we have to be reminded that God is a God who does not keep a record of our sins.

Ps 130:2‑4

2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. NIV

So when Jesus was on the cross, looking for someone to take care of His precious Mother Mary. Who was there? All the other Apostles were too far to talk to. John was nearby.

Mary was going to be in need of help. She was getting older, Joseph probably had died. She may even have needed extra care of an elderly person.

Could John the unmerciful one, one of the sons of thunder be trusted? Jesus did not keep a record of the sin, he was merciful. And gave John the opportunity to take care of His mother Mary.

John 19:25‑27

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"  27 and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. NIV

[1.] This was an honour put upon John, and a testimony both to his prudence and to his fidelity. If he who knows all things had not known that John loved him, he would not have made him his mother's guardian. It is a great honour to be employed for Christ, and to be entrusted with any of his interest in the world. But,

[2.] It would be a care and some charge to John; but he cheerfully accepted it, and took her to his own home, not objecting the trouble nor expense, nor his obligations to his own family, nor the ill‑will he might contract by it. Note, Those that truly love Christ, and are beloved of him, will be glad of an opportunity to do any service to him or his. Nicephoras's Eccl. Hist. lib. 2 cap. 3, saith that the Mary lived with John at Jerusalem eleven years, and then died. Others, that she lived to remove with him to Ephesus.

(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)

Sometimes Mercy is given to those who ask for it....

2 Kings 1:1‑15

1:1 After Ahab's death, Moab rebelled against Israel. 2 Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers, saying to them, "Go and consult Baal‑Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this injury."

3 But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, "Go up and meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal‑Zebub, the god of Ekron?' 4 Therefore this is what the LORD says: 'You will not leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!'" So Elijah went.

5 When the messengers returned to the king, he asked them, "Why have you come back?"

6 "A man came to meet us," they replied. "And he said to us, 'Go back to the king who sent you and tell him, "This is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending men to consult Baal‑Zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!" '" 

7 The king asked them, "What kind of man was it who came to meet you and told you this?"

8 They replied, "He was a man with a garment of hair and with a leather belt around his waist."

The king said, "That was Elijah the Tishbite."

9 Then he sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. The captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on the top of a hill, and said to him, "Man of God, the king says, 'Come down!'"

10 Elijah answered the captain, "If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!" Then fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men.

11 At this the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. The captain said to him, "Man of God, this is what the king says, 'Come down at once!'"

12 "If I am a man of God," Elijah replied, "may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!" Then the fire of God fell from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men.

13 So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. This third captain went up and fell on his knees before Elijah. "Man of God," he begged, "please have respect for my life and the lives of these fifty men, your servants! 14 See, fire has fallen from heaven and consumed the first two captains and all their men. But now have respect for my life!"

15 The angel of the LORD said to Elijah, "Go down with him; do not be afraid of him." So Elijah got up and went down with him to the king. NIV

Sometimes Mercy is given to those who do not ask for it...

1 Sam 24

24:1 After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, "David is in the Desert of En Gedi." 2 So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.

Theme: Importance Of Baptism

Hastings Morning- July 24, 2011

Often people ask the question 'why should I get baptized?', and 'what is so important about baptism? These are very important questions, and I would like to answer them using the Holy Word of God to answer questions about baptism.

We imitate the method that is presented in the bible.

Matt 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized , he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." NIV

In the example of Jesus’ baptism. He went down into the water with John the baptizer and after Jesus came up out of the water God said “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

In the book of Acts is another example of baptism.

Acts 8:38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. NIV

I. WHY SHOULD I GET BAPTIZED?

Jesus Christ wants us to obey Him.

Matt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (NIV)

We want to obey Him, Jesus deserves our obedience, He sacrificed Himself for our sins.

John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. (NIV)

1. We will be baptized to obey Jesus Christ' commandment.

Matt 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19            Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."" (NIV)

Mark 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (NIV)

This was not a man-made commandment it was given by Jesus to the Apostles, to start the Church. Would it be right for the Apostles or even us to disobey His commandment?

Jesus Christ said whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. When we are baptized into Christ we are saved.

2. We are baptized to receive the forgiveness of sins as the Holy Spirit guided Apostles told us.

Acts 2:36-38

36        "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37        When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38        Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost, began the church, by preaching a convicting sermon. In this sermon, he convicted the crowd of murdering Jesus Christ, because of this they wanted to know what to do to get rid of their guilt. Peter then replied ARepent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.@

Because of his sermon, many of the crowd obeyed the command.

Acts 2:40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41           Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV)

Apostle Paul in his testimony to the crowd of Jews he repeated what Ananias said to him.

Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' (NIV)

Ananias told him to be baptized and wash your sins away. Without baptism, Paul wouldn't have had his sins washed away.

3. We are baptized so that we may be clothed with Jesus Christ.

Gal 3:27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (NIV)

The Greek Word for clothed, actually means to put on Jesus Christ.

Before baptism we are not clothed with Jesus Christ. Salvation is found in no other. We need Christ for salvation.

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (NIV)

4. We are baptized so that when we stand before the judgment we have a lawyer to stand in our place.

I Jn 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. (NIV)

5. We are baptized so we will be part of God’s church.

 1 Cor 12:13    For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (NIV)

When a person is baptized they are baptized by one Spirit (Holy Spirit) into one body (church).

1 Cor 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God ... (NIV)

This was written to people who were already baptized believers, Apostle Paul uses the word body and church as one in the same.

In Acts 2:47 God is the one who adds people to the church, not humans.

Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV)

6. When we are baptized we receive the Holy Spirit into our lives.

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

When a person repents of all his sins, and is baptized he receives the benefits for obedience mentioned here. Forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is what bears fruit in us.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. (NIV)

The Holy Spirit is who helps us pray.

Rom 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. (NIV)

Without the Holy Spirit we will not go to Heaven.

Theme: Victorious Living...

Hastings: July 17,2011

Introduction: Tiger Woods won the British Open 6 years ago, he won it by 5 strokes, which in golf is an incredible margin of victory. He led the British Open from start to finish. Tiger has 14 majors now, which means he trails Jack Nicklaus by 4.

What is a major? A major is like the World Series to Baseball, or the Superbowl is to Football, or the Finals is to Basketball. The only difference is it is an individual sport.

Golf is so much more difficult than any other sport, because they change the course to make it harder for the golfers.

In the World Series, Superbowl and the Finals the dimensions are always the same. In Baseball the pitcher always throws toward the batter from the pitchers plate at a distance of 60 feet 6 inches. In Basketball the basketball hoop is always 10 feet high. In Football it is always 10 yards for a first down. But in golf each golf course is different. And those in charge of the tournament can make course adjustments to their golf course by the year. Different pin placement, the rough could by longer, they could add a sand trap here or there, they could make a hole longer.

For example on hole #14 it is a 618 yard par 5. That means they allow you to hit the ball 5 times to get into the hole for a par.

How far is that? It is 1854 feet. That is hitting a golf ball 4 and 2 baseball fields (400ft or 133.3yds away. Or over six 100 yard football fields (300ft  by 160ft or 100yds by 53.3yds) away. Or 19.7 basketball courts (94ft by 50ft wide or 31.3yds by 16.6yds) away.                                       

Besides the dimensions of the golf course always changing, where you hit it from may be different, it may be from the sand, it may be from the rough and some of the grass on the rough is pretty long. Besides your lie, which is where the ball is sitting, you may be hitting from uneven ground, sometimes you are higher than the ball, sometimes you are lower than the ball, sometimes you are hitting from behind a tree, other times you may be hitting from underneath a bush.

How does a champion golfer do it?

Discipline- a champion practices for hours, after a round of golf, he will practice for hours, trying to shape his shots, working on his swing.

Determination- Champion golfers have to have an insane desire for winning. They have to work through their injuries, they have to desire winning.

Talent- Not everyone can do everything he does with discipline and determination. God gives the champion golfer the ability that is very rare in a human being.

So how does this help us to live victoriously?

The principles of a champion golfer are bible principles.

1. Discipline...

Tom Landry the former famous football coach of the Dallas Cowboys once said...

The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don't want to do, in order to achieve what they've always wanted to be. 

Tom Landry.

No one wants to be disciplined, because it takes lots of effort, it takes a lot of work on our part.

But Apostle Paul tells us how we must be disciplined, we must have total control of ourselves, we should be working hard for the Lord.

Our bible reading tells us why the Israelites had to walk around in the desert for 40 years.

Num 32:11'Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly , not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob —  12 not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the LORD wholeheartedly .' NIV

In order for the Christian to live a life of victory he will have to serve God wholeheartedly.

1 Cor 9:24‑27

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. NIV

In verse 27 Apostle Paul says he beat his body and made it his slave so he would not be disqualified for the prize. What prize? the prize of heaven.

How many times have we went through our Christian life with no rhyme or reason, we have forgotten, why we are Christians, we have forgotten about eternity, we end up losing our disciplined life, and in turn returned to a disastrous defeated life.

Barnes notes says...

1 Cor 9:27

[And bring it into subjection] doulagoogoo (NT:1396). This word properly means, to reduce to servitude or slavery; and probably was usually applied to the act of subduing an enemy, and leading him captive from the field of battle; as the captives in war were regarded as slaves. It then means, effectually and totally to subdue, to conquer, to reduce to bondage and subjection. Paul means by it, the purpose to obtain a complete VICTORY over his corrupt passions and propensities, and a design to gain the mastery over all his natural and evil inclinations.

(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)

When an enemy would take captives into slavery, the captives had no say in where they were to go, or what they wanted.

The difference here is we are becoming slaves to God, who commands us to live according to his commands for our own good. He knows what is right, whether or not we understand, his commands are for our own good. We must take a hold of our bodies and become obedient to God Almighty.

We must be willing to bring our own bodies and attitudes in subjection to Jesus Christ.

Imagine if Apostle Paul had to be disciplined, imagine what we have to do. Apostle Paul understood, even though he was an Apostle, he could still fall.

One of the ways we can stay disciplined is to remember others are counting on you.

Apostle Paul expresses the necessity of being disciplined, because what a shame it would be if he taught others about Jesus Christ, only to lose his soul.

1 Cor 9:27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. NIV

1 Cor 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were . But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

NIV

Today=s world is full of these wicked sins, which will cause us to lose our eternal salvation. Is it worth it? Is it worth a little fun, a little pleasure?

One thing about it, is if we live like this we will not make heaven. But if he choose to come back from these sins, often there are consequences that come from years of living in sin. And living a godly disciplined life will keep you from the consequences of the sin.

For example a person who messes with sexual immorality while they are young, may end up with an unwanted pregnancy. Most of the time, the parents of that child do not get married and are split up. So now the consequence is you are giving your child a one parent family. You will have to raise it alone. When you could have been disciplined and waited until marriage, make a good spiritual decision on who that special person is, and raise children in a godly environment.

You see the sins were forgiven, when a person is baptized into Christ, but the consequence of living ungodly makes life difficult.

Here is another example, if a person becomes a thief and is caught, he or she will be punished and then ends up with a record. Now the person can become a Christian and be baptized and have all his sins forgiven, but the fact he has a record and has to do time or has to be punished, will haunt him. He can work around it, but it is so much better not to have to mess with the baggage that comes from sin.        

Being a disciplined person will prevent a lot of heartache and consequences. The heartaches and consequences sometimes are suffered by the undisciplined persons family. If they have to go to prison, the family will miss them, and suffers because of the sinful person. It is a far better choice to be disciplined now, than be forgiven and still suffer the consequences of sin.

2. Determination...

Besides discipline in order to keep the discipline going, you must have determination.

Determination when others quit... One of the most disappointing things in a Christian=s life, is when someone quits their Christian life. It may be a close friend, it may be one who led you to the Lord, it may be a family member, or a parent and sometimes even a preacher or leader in the church. But this is where your personal relationship with Jesus Christ must grow stronger. You must understand that all along it is your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What they do and what they chose should not and will not cause you to lose your faith in Jesus Christ.

John 6:60‑69

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."  66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." NIV

Apostle Paul had to deal with a special friend who left the Lord...

About 60 A.D. Apostle Paul had some high regards for Demas and tells the church in Colossee. They had an excellent relationship.

Theme: I Can

Hastings Morning- July 10, 2011

Introduction: It is a proven fact that if a person is a positive thinker, he can do more than the one that is a negative thinker. The devil knows this and he knows that if he can have the Christian doubting and thinking negative then most of the time the Christian will not even work for the Lord. The Christian will always doubt whether or not he can overcome sin, he will doubt whether or not he can witness to others effectively. He will doubt whether he is even going to go to heaven.

The devil attacks our doubts and our fears, and tries to defeat us before we even get started.

One of the things he throws at us is being double minded. Changing our mind with a little persuasion, even though we know we are doing what is right in the first place.

Double minded man problem...

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double‑minded man, unstable in all he does.

NIV

We have to becareful that we aren=t always changing our minds. We must set out to do good and continue to do it. Be persistent and you can be successful.

The devil comes at us with the idea of We Can=t Do It... It is too hard.

Num 13:26‑14:9

26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

Numbers 14

14:1 That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4 And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt." 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them." NIV

The Christian must look at whom he is serving. Joshua and Caleb were godly men, who knew the task looked impossible, but with God they knew they could do it.

When we fight a sin or temptation or discouragement, we must understand, it can seem like an impossibility but with God we can do it.

Let us look at an example of

Apostle Peter.

John 13:33 "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34           "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35      By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."36 Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." 37 Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." 38 Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! (NIV)

Apostle Peter was a man who had good intentions, he had witnessed many miracles and he was a man who was always willing to say I will, or I can.

Apostle Peter witnessed the calming of the seaY

Matt 8:27) The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" (NIV)

Apostle Peter witnessed the raising of the deadY

John 11:43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"

44  The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

45  Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. (NIV)

Apostle Peter witnessed the way Jesus handled the evil intentions of his enemiesY

John 8:3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?"

6    They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7    When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8      Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9      At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10     Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11)  "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." (NIV)

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were well respected religious men in their day, they were also used by the devil, to try and trap Jesus. Apostle Peter witnessed the wisdom that Jesus had by the way he handled these respected religious men.

Often we think that if we lived during the time of Christ, or if Jesus lived today, we could do a lot more.

Even though Apostle Peter witnessed, resurrecting of the dead, healing of the sick, walking across the water and superior wisdom demonstrated, Apostle Peter even though he said I Can, failed when the Jews took Jesus away.

Apostle Peter in John 13:37   Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

He had the right attitude, but when it looked like Jesus was overpowered, when he could not see any more miracles, he lost the I Can attitude. When he did not see Jesus anymore, he failed miserably.

Luke 22:55-62

55        But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.

56        A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him."

57        But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said.

58        A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied.

59        About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean."

60        Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.

61        The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

62        And he went outside and wept bitterly. (NIV)

Sometimes this is the way we get, we lose our desire and fight in us, because the devil has hidden Christ from our eyes, we have lost sight. Sometimes we are overwhelmed as Peter was when the waves splashed around him, when he was walking out to Jesus.

Peter was ready to do anything for the Lord. He was willing to fight the enemy with his sword.

John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)   11  Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (NIV)

But when he lost sight of Christ, when the soldiers took Him away, his courage, his desire his fight was gone.

Simon Peter thought he knew what the will of God was, he was willing to fight to keep Jesus from being arrested. But when Jesus told him to put his sword away, it caused confusion, he had misunderstood all along. He thought Jesus was going to rule a physical kingdom. Sometimes we can get confused also, thinking it is God=s will to do something, and when it isn=t do we too lose our strength?

The devil is going to do that to us, he wants us to lose sight of Christ, he knows that is where we get our strength. If the devil can get our sights off of Christ, our strength will be gone, and the victory will be the devil=s.

It was God=s will that Jesus would die on the cross, it was Apostle Peter=s will that he try his best to free him from the soldiers. When Apostle Peter=s idea of God=s will did not work he was weakened, and his strength in Christ had left.

Do we have our own idea of God=s will, and since it did not happen the way we  thought it should happen, so it dampened our spirits? This is what happened to Peter.

Maybe the devil has taken the I Can out of us, by confusing our thoughts. Like he did to Peter. Can you imagine what went on in Apostle Peter=s mind, when he was doing what he thought was right, he pulled out his sword, and was willing to die for Christ, so Christ could have his freedom. When Jesus told him to put the sword away, he must have been confused and it definitely weakened him. Let us not let that happen to ourselves, just because we think that God should answer our prayers a certain way, or we think God should handle things a certain way, and it is different than we think it should be, let us not be weakened by the confusion. God knows what he is doing, we don=t.

If you think you are beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you'd like to win but think you can't,

It's almost certain you won't.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But sooner or later, the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can.

Plaque on the wall of Golfer Arnold Palmer's office.

The winner glories in the good; the whiner majors in the mediocre.

Winners' thinking processes differ from other people's. As part of their normal, moment-to-moment stream of consciousness, winners think constantly in terms of I can and I will.

Losers concentrate their waking thoughts on...what they should have done...would have done...what they can't do. When the mind's self-talk is positive, performance is more likely to be successful. The huge majority of our negative doubts and fears are imaginary or beyond our control.

Denis Waitley.

2 Cor 3:4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. NIV

2 Cor 3:4 We dare to say these good things about ourselves only because of our great trust in God through Christ, that he will help us to be true to what we say, 5 and not because we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success comes from God. TLB

I. HOW CAN WE HAVE THE STRENGTH WE NEED?

Focus on the job that needs to be done…

Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. NIV

Fifty days before Apostle Peter was cowering before two girls, denying Christ.

Matt 26:69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said. 71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth." NIV

Now on the day of Pentecost, the same people were in his presence, but he had the strength to speak and to share the word of God with the people.

Phil 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. NIV

Realize where it comes fromY

Apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Philippi, reminded them that he could do everything with Christ=s help.

Phil 4:13

13        I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

Apostle Paul was a victorious Christian who knew from where his strength came from. He had his sights on Jesus Christ, he knew all the rotten things the devil was going to throw at him, could be overcome by counting on Jesus for strength.

Apostle Peter was able to walk on water, because of Jesus.

Matt 14:26-33

26        When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

27        But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

28        "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

29        "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

30        But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

31        Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

32        And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

33        Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." (NIV)

What happened when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the wind and waves? He started drowning. The devil loves to see the Christian drown in his own doubt. Jesus was right in front of him, Jesus was there for Apostle Peter, but Peter got sidetracked. We too can become like Peter, and even though we know Jesus is always there for us, we look at our problems and think how big they are and lose sight of Jesus who is not far from us.

A lesson we can learn from this story, is by asking these questions.

Was Apostle Peter in a stable situation? We know he wasn=t, the Apostles were in a storm, there were problems all around.

Was Apostle Peter able to walk through the problems? Yes, we know he was able to walk toward Jesus.

When did Apostle Peter start to sink? When, he took his eyes off of Jesus.

Apostle Peter had the I Can attitude, until, he took his eyes of Jesus. Let us not take our eyes off of Jesus, He is our strength, He is our shield, He is our hope.

Have you been taking your eyes off of Jesus and have been putting them on the wind and the waves of temptation?

Joseph had an I Can attitude

Gen 39:5‑13

5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well‑built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!" 8 But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. 11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. 13 When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, NIV

The story of Joseph gives a good example of a godly man, being able to overcome the temptation set before him by the devil. It wasn=t a one time temptation, but it was a daily temptation, the devil was not going to quit. This is the same way it is with any temptation for us. We will be tempted daily by the devil, it doesn=t have to be the same temptation Joseph had to overcome, but whatever sin, that is appealing to you. We must be victorious over it, daily.

Verse 9 shows us, that Joseph kept his eye on God, not on the temptation. 

Theme: Independence Day

Text: 2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. NIV

Hastings- July 3,2011

Introduction: On Monday, we as a nation will be celebrating our 235^th year of freedom. The fireworks have already been going off. The excitement of seeing the bigger fireworks on the fourth of July is building up. Probably plans are being made to spend the night of July 4^th watching fireworks. But through all this activity what does it all mean? Some times we get more excited about the celebrating than we do what is the meaning of the celebrating.

We live in a great and beautiful country. God has blessed us tremendously with the wealth of the land and the incredible blend of races throughout our nation, unmatched by any nation in the world. Our nation is free from all nations, it is independent, it actually gives aid to other nations. Our nation is still the greatest. We have freedoms unheard of in the rest of the world. We need to give God the glory and praise for this.

1. FREEDOM IS EXPENSIVE- Anything that is worth it, will take effort and sometimes your own life.

Freedom is not free.

Fifty‑six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men,

* Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died.

* Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

* Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army.

* Another had two sons captured.

* Nine of the fifty‑six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war.

* Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty.

* At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson's home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.

* John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion.

Kenneth L. Dodge, Resource, Sept./ Oct., 1992, Page 5

These men who gave their lives for the freedom of this country should be honored and remembered. They did a great service, and many of those men in 1776 did not even get to enjoy the Freedom they had brought to the country. As some died before they were able to see the fruit from their effort. As the article says that one of the men lost his wife and children because of the war. One man lost his home and died bankrupt. Others lost their lives and their families. So that we could have Freedom.

Freedom is not free.

On the spiritual side of human history, we too were in bondage, but the end result of our bondage to sin would have been awful. Hell fire was looking at the human race. Something had to be done. It was going to be very costly, it was going to take much more than money or a physical battle.

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, NIV

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV

God loved the world and He knew that there was no better sacrifice than His one and only Son. That was the only way the debt could be paid.            

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. NIV

Jesus came down to earth, and not only lived here as a human being, but set a perfect example that we could follow.

Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are‑yet was without sin.  NIV

Jesus was a tremendous sacrifice. For Him to know that there is some pleasure in sin, to forsake all sin, so that we could have eternal life. As Jesus was growing up, He did not sin, when he was a teenager, he did not sin. When he was a young adult he did not sin. He was sinless.

He set the example of being baptized...

He not only told us to be baptized in...

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. NIV

But he too was baptized...

Matt 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."  NIV

He suffered daily knowing that He was going to die on the cross...

Mark 8:31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."  NIV

Luke 9:22 And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." NIV

Luke 22:37 It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment." NIV

John 3:14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, NIV

Imagine knowing how you were going to die, and you were going to die for many who

could careless if you died. That dreaded day you would think.

When it was time to die, Jesus spent three agonizing hours in Gethsemane preparing for it. It was tough, the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak.

Matt 26:36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

42 He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.

50 Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." NIV

By the time Judas Iscariot had arrived Jesus was ready, he was ready to pay the debt.

Why did Jesus do this? He did it for our freedom. Our freedom from the consequences of sin. Our freedom from the guilt of sin.

2. THE QUEST FOR FREEDOM IS URGENT!

When the early Americans were being taxed more and they were filled with the desire to have religious freedom, they could not wait, their enemy was in America, and they had to run them out.

Spiritually when people are in sin, and they are taught that they need to be freed from their sin, the quest for freedom is urgent.

If someone was locked up in Jail, they wouldn=t want to stay there, there would be sense of urgency to get out. Sin holds a person captive, and every human doesn=t want to suffer the consequences of death. Nor do they want to live in bondage to any sin. There is urgency!

But some do not see the need as urgent, while others do.

Some pursue freedom others just feel the need but don=t do anything about it.

Felix

Acts 24:24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self‑control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.  NIV

There is no record of Felix ever coming to the Lord. He waited past his time.

He never was freed from sin, he never did get his life right.

On The Day Of Pentecost Those Listening, Were Urgently Seeking For A Chance To Get Right With God...

Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off‑for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. NIV

They wanted the answer quickly, they wanted to be free from their sin.     

Samaritans were converted quickly...

Acts 8:5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city. 9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.  NIV

Acts 8:35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"

37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." NKJV

38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. NIV

Acts 16:13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.  NIV

3. FREEDOM WAS WORTH IT...

When we look back at the battles that were fought and the lives which were lost, and we see what we have today in our country. We say freedom was worth it.

But with all the freedom we have in the United States, we are still not free from sin, unless we turn to God. The spiritual freedom He offers far outweighs what is offered in our great country.

Jesus Christ suffering on the cross was worth it...

Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. NIV

Description of Hell...

Weeping and Gnashing of teeth...

Matt 8:8‑12

8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." NIV

Fire...

Warns those who call others fool of the fire of Hell...

Matt 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. NIV

Warns those who are selfish and never give anyone anything about eternal fire.

Matt 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' NIV

Warns those who do not obey about the blazing fire...

2 Thess 1:7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. NIV

The Hebrew write warns those who deliberately keep on sinning about the raging fire...

Heb 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. NIV

The burning of Sodom and Gomorrah was an example of the eternal fire.

Jude 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. NIV

Conclusion:

1. Freedom Is Expensive...

Theme: ARestore To Me The Joy Of A Clean Heart And Conscience Before You Oh God!@

Hastings Morning- June 26, 2011

Rally Text Ps 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. NIV

Introduction:

1. My Conversion...

Looking back over the years, in fact about 37 years ago, I can remember my conversion. It was a joyous occasion. What drove me to become a Christian was a number of things.

*One I was thinking about eternity. Where was I going to spend eternity?

Eccl 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. NIV

I knew that everything I did, I was accountable for before God. I knew I was not going to sneak anything past God. I knew I wasn=t living a life pleasing to God either. I knew if I had died, in the spiritual condition I was in, I was not going to spend eternity with God. And that bothered me. I did not like that fact. I tried to put it off, but dealing with life in an honest fashion, I knew I had to face the fact someday. I knew if I would put it off too long, I maybe would never commit my life to God. I felt bad about not pleasing God for all he had done for me.

Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. NIV

What bothered me, was why would a God so special, do something for someone so unworthy? His love drew me to him. I knew I wanted to live with a God like this for eternity. I did not want to spend eternity with someone as cruel as the devil, a liar, one who spit out  broken promises. 

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. NIV

I thought it would be wise to think of eternity, to consider my options and make a decision that would determine where I spent eternity.

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. NIV

*Two I was thinking about the guilt I had in my life. I knew I was not living right before God. I was living to please self, and not God. I was in selfish living. I knew what God did for me, I knew what he had to offer, and yet I still was living the way I wanted to live.

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NIV

Guilt is a hard thing to get rid of, it is good if you use it to correct your mistake, but if you chose to let it build up in you. It is the worst thing you could have in your life.

I wanted no part of it. I wanted it gone. Having my sins forgiven was a goal of mine. To know my sins would be gone was my desire.

Through the preaching of strong powerful men of God, I was taught about how to get a good conscience toward God. They pointed out to me what Apostle Peter had to say about my conscience.

1 Peter 3:20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also‑not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand‑with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. NIV

God=s solution to getting rid of my terrible sins and my guilty conscience was through baptism. I read these scriptures and made sure these scriptures were right, and then it was just a matter of when I would do it.

Then one day listening to the late Marion McKee who was our preacher back then, I decided I had served the devil long enough, and I wanted to serve God. I wanted to be safe in his arms. I wanted to be right with God. So I went down the aisle and told Brother Marion McKee, my decision and he talked about a lifetime commitment and how important it was. It wasn=t going to be just a commitment taken lightly. All the while I was thinking I want to be baptized, I need to be baptized. I just couldn=t wait to obey my Lord Jesus Christ. We had to drive across to Inglewood from Santa Monica, California, for we were meeting in a YWCA. And we had to go to the church in Inglewood to where Ed McSpadden preached. I was kind of numb on the way out there. I was just excited to know I was going to please God. I was going to have the guilt wiped out.

When I entered the baptistry, I was excited, because I would be obeying God. I was  excited I would have a clear conscience and my sins were forgiven. After being baptized, I felt so clean, I felt so happy, I wanted to share it with everyone around. I felt like the Ethiopian Eunuch who was baptized and went away rejoicing.

Acts 8:38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. NIV

2. The Devil=s Attempt At Knocking Out The Joy Of A Clean Heart And Conscience Before God.

1. You are different...

Apostle Peter helps me understand what other Christians go through.

1 Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do‑living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

NIV

In this case Apostle Peter says, these people used to live in these terrible sins, and when they became Christians and lived a different life, their old buddies thought it was strange, that they had changed, and because of this, they heaped abuse.

1 Peter 4:4 Of course, your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you. NLT

This may be one of the toughest persecutions to endure. For when an enemy does evil things to you, you can accept that, but when someone whom you trusted, someone whom you enjoyed company with, someone whom you chose to be a friend, turns around and does evil to you, many fall apart, and lose the joy of a clean heart and good conscience before God.

And sad to say, many chose to win their friendship back, instead of continuing a friendship and personal relationship with God.

Let us look at what Jesus says about this.

Matt 13:18 "Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."  NIV

Jesus warned us about this, and it is reality, the devil does not want to see joy in Christians, he wants to see Christians that are always under stress and never really happy.

2. Sin in our life...

King Saul had fallen, and was no longer serving God. Samuel the prophet told Saul, he was going to replace him with a man after his own heart. How sad King Saul must have felt, for he was one who had been chosen by God, now, he was going to replaced, by another man.

1 Sam 13:13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command." NIV

This young man was excited about God and had a true love for God.

When Samuel went to chose him from Jesses= sons, Samuel could not tell, who it was by sight, for it is of the heart, in which God chooses.

1 Sam 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." 11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." 12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." NIV

David was chosen by God, to replace King Saul, this was before fought Goliath. David must had been on cloud nine, after being annointed King. When Goliath was making fun of God=s people and of God. David could stand for it no longer, and he challenged him and with the help of God, he killed Goliath. He was given a lot of attention after that. And King Saul, became jealous. And though David married his daughter, he still tried to kill David. David had to run for his life, even though, he was the future crowned King. How that must have discouraged him, to know he was to be the future King, yet be chase all over the kingdom and to even the enemies kingdom.

After Saul was killed during a battle with the Philistines, David became the King. Everything would be great, life would be great, but then came along a temptation, that David would yield to.

Read Psalms 51

Acts 24:15‑16

15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

NIV

2 Tim 2:22

22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. NIV

Heb 10:22

22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

NIV

1 Peter 1:22

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.  NIV

1 Peter 3:21

21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also‑not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, NIV

1 John 3:2‑3

Theme: It Is Going To Take Effort To Live For God...

Hastings Morning –May 15, 2011

Introduction: NEW YORK (AP) -- His face twisted in pain, Lance Armstrong virtually walked the last couple of steps. He slowed to a halt immediately after the finish line and bent to the ground, his green shirt soaked with sweat.

No one's more familiar with how painful achieving goals can be.

Still, not even he saw this coming.

Armstrong barely met his lofty goal of breaking 3 hours in his first marathon, but it came at a price. No Alpine climb on his bicycle had ever been as tough as Sunday's New York City Marathon, he said.

"For the level of condition that I have now, that was without a doubt the hardest physical thing I have ever done," said Armstrong, who finished 856th. "I never felt a point where I hit the wall, it was really a gradual progression of fatigue and soreness."

Armstrong's time was 2 hours, 59 minutes and 36 seconds. Afterward, he shuffled into a post-race news conference, his right shin heavily taped.

"I think I bit off more than I could chew, I thought the marathon would be easier," he said. "(My shins) started to hurt in the second half, especially the right one. I could barely walk up here, because the calves are completely knotted up."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/more/11/05/bc.run.nycmarathon.arms.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

Lance Armstrong was surprised how much effort and how hard it was to complete his first marathon in less than 3 hours.

A marathon is 26 miles...

The average person who trains for a marathon try to reach a maximum of about 20 miles (32.2 km) in their longest weekly run and about 40 miles (64.4 km) a week in total when training for the marathon.

Most male elite marathon runners will have weekly mileages of over 100 miles (160.9 km).

Many training programs last a minimum of five or six months, with a gradual increase (every two weeks) in the distance run and a little decrease (1 week) for recovery.

We live in a get something for nothing world. We go to the store and look all around looking for a sale. I have come to the conclusion, that sometimes buying something that is cheaper priced, doesn't exactly mean it is better quality.

Working at Ford Dealerships in Scottsbluff and in Phoenix, listening to the Mechanics, they always said, pay a little more for your tools, for in the long run, they will last longer, and you pay less in the years to come.

In Christianity it is the same way, if we want to grow in the Lord, it is going to take time and effort. When I look at the Characters in the Bible that God has left me to look at, I feel ashamed for the lack of effort I put in, in comparison to them. The people in the Word of God, were just normal people just like us. The only difference, between a successful godly man and an ungodly man, was the amount of effort they put for God. Whether it was putting effort in denying his own selfish evil lust, or putting effort in fighting the temptations of the devil.

We need to put extra effort for God. The word of God demonstrates, that God wants us to put extra effort to live for God.

(Ecclesiastes 12:13) Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.   

King Solomon sums up the way our life should be lived. "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

If the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep his commands, it means that God expects a big effort for Him, for this is the whole duty of man.

Remember anything worthwhile, takes a little effort. People expect something for nothing. But in order for us to be successful in Christianity we have to put some effort.

Brother Warren and Sister Gladys passed away and went to be with the Lord. They were faithful to God many years. How were they able to successfully stay committed to the Lord? With lots of effort.

PROPOSITION: EXAMPLES OF EFFORT EXPECTED.

MONEY FOR TAXES-

(Matthew 17:24-27)    "...Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

This story is about some tax collectors who wanted to tax Jesus for the Temple tax. Jesus explains to Peter that Jesus doesn't have to pay the temple tax, because He is the Son of God. But so they wouldn't offend anyone, Jesus told them to pay the temple tax.

Now from this example we can see, Jesus was going to provide Peter with the temple tax. But he was going to have to put some effort. And part of that effort was called faith.

He had to go down to the lake and go fishing. I can imagine what Peter must have thought, when Jesus said to go and pay the temple tax, and Peter probably wondered how am I going to pay the taxes, Jesus said to go fishing. Sure Peter was a fisherman, but he had never went fishing to catch a fish with money in its mouth. But this time he did.

Peter went down to the Lake, baited his hook, and cast his line, and waited to catch a fish. The first fish he caught, he opened his mouth and there was enough money for Jesus and Peter.

It took faith and effort, on Peter's part. We need to realize that when God promises us something, we must do our part, in order for God to do His part. Even if we do not understand why we have to do something for the Lord, let us do it anyway, and your rewards will be great.

God wants us to demonstrate faith through action. If we believe God can do something, we will act upon it.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV

            We have to fight the temptation to doubt what God says is true. When the world says something and God says something else we are to believe God no matter what the world says.

If Apostle Peter would have never went down to the Lake, He would have never got the money. Apostle Peter could have disagreed with Jesus and thought it was dumb to go looking for money in a fish and refused to go fishing. And he would not have received the money for the taxes. We have to understand that living for God is doing what God wants no matter what we think on how it should be done.

Apostle Peter never earned it, but he willingly did do his part.

To apply this to our own spiritual lives, God has promised to take care of us, he said he will provide for us, God also wants us to pay tithes and offerings, so the devil, tempts us not to pay our tithes and offerings, because we don't seem to have enough money to pay our bills.

(Matthew 6:33) "But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

God's promise is to provide for us our necessities if we seek His Kingdom first. Our effort is to have faith in God, pay our tithes and offerings, and trust that God will come through with His promise. And you will be surprised, God will come through with His part.

But it is going to take effort. Can God provide for us, anytime He choses, yes, even without us giving effort. But God didn't chose to do that way, He has given us instructions, to put trust in Him, and He will bless us for our obedience. It is going to take trust, even when we do not understand how God is going to do it.

HEALING OF THE WITHERED HAND-

Mark 3:1‑6

3:1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone." 4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. NIV

Ps 37:32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,

seeking their very lives;

33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power

or let them be condemned when brought to trial. NIV

1 Peter 4: 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. NIV

Some enemies of Christ were waiting for an opportunity to corner Jesus, and frame Him.

The bible says that they were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched Him closely. There was a man with a shriveled hand was at the synagogue. It was useless, he could not use it for anything. He wanted that hand healed. And it was at the perfect time, for Jesus was going to prove a point to those evil men. He asked the man with the shriveled hand to stand in front of everyone.  Now the man could have refused. He could have said I don't want to, I am the shy type. But he obeyed Jesus. Then Jesus asked him to Stretch out his hand. Now here again, the man could have refused Jesus command, and said "Why should I, it doesn't work anyway" but instead, he obeyed Jesus, in front of the whole crowd. He stretched out his hand and his hand was completely restored.

It was a example of someone who obeyed Jesus, and was blessed for it.

If he hadn't obeyed Jesus, he would have kept his shriveled hand. Did he earn it? No. He just obeyed Christ and had faith.

We need to have more faith in Christ, and when he asks us to do something, let us do it, even if it does embarrass us, we can still work for God, for the dividends we will receive, are incredible.

God can turn a bad situation into a good situation. The man had a shriveled hand, and with a little faith and obedience God blessed him with a completely healed hand.

I find this situation pretty interesting because if the man with the shriveled hand was embarrassed he could have risked his chance of being healed by not obeying Jesus. And if he allowed that to keep him from obeying Jesus, he would not have been healed. I wonder how many blessings we miss out on because we do not obey God’s commands and principles.

You see it was better for that man to be embarrassed one time in front of all the people, than to continue living with a shriveled hand.

We should be willing to do anything God says so that He may bless you.

GREAT CATCH OF FISH-

Luke 5:1‑11

5:1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."  11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. NIV

This is the story of some fishermen by trade, Jesus borrowed one of the boats to preach a message to the people from right off the shore.

When He finished speaking, he told Peter to go out into the deep water, and let down the nets.

Now Peter wasn't a disciple yet, he and the other fishermen, were fishermen by trade, they knew how to fish, they did this for a living. They knew what they were talking about. So when Jesus, told them to go down into the deep water they were confused, because they had just come from there, and they had fished all night and had caught nothing. He could have told Jesus, you are just a teacher, what do you know about fishing, you probably never fished in your life. But instead out of respect and honor for Jesus, he obeyed Jesus. And when they went out into the deep where they had just failed catching fish, the caught so much fish, that their nets began to break, and their boats began to sink. Then Peter realized who Jesus was, He was not an ordinary teacher or man, Jesus was special, He was God. So Jesus told Peter, James and John that they were going to be fishers of men. God knows better than we do, we have to trust him in this, and obey Him.

As I look at this story, I realize that sometimes we can get to thinking we know everything, we can get to doubting what God wants us to do. Because we supposed to know it. Like Peter, he knew how to fish, he had done it for a living, but Peter showed me the example, that even when we don't understand why God wants us to act or do something, we should do it without any hesitation, because when we do, God will bless us abundantly. It says that the nets were full, the boats began to sink, why? Because of Peter, James and John's obedience.

If they wouldn't have obeyed Jesus in casting their nets, they would have never been blessed like they were. They would have stayed without any fish.

Applying this to our own spiritual life, God has asked us to be fishers of men.

(Matthew 28:19,20)

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

He has told us to go out into the deep, He said go and make disciples of all nations, of course we might not be able to go into all the world, but we can go into our neighborhoods, go to our relatives, go to our friends, and baptize them.

We might be like Peter, and say, but God I have asked my friends to go to church, I have asked my family to go to church, I have asked my neighbors, but they don't want to come, so I must not have the touch.

But remember what Peter did, Peter knew the odds were against him finding any fish, where he had fished all night. He had tried every trick in the house, and Jesus wanted him to go out to the same place and try again.

We might say the same thing, we have tried, and we have tried, and we haven't had any success. But Jesus says to keep trying.

When Peter obeyed Jesus, and went out to the very spot, he had no success at, through his obedience, Jesus led a large school of fish, into his net. When we are fishing for men, we need to have faith and trust and effort. Keep trying, because sooner or later, God will lead a lost sinner to  you, so that you may guide him/her to Christ. It may be your friend, someone in your family, it may be your neighbor or your enemy. Or even a friend of yours that you haven't seen in a long time.

We will never know unless we cast our nets in the deep. We will never be a fisher of men, if we never do any fishing.

A Christian that never tries to win a soul to Christ, is like the fisherman that goes to the fishing hole without a fish pole.

He hopes to catch a fish, but he never puts the effort. Fishing can be frustrating at times, I know when me and my best friend used to go fishing, we would go down to the store and buy worms, and go fishing. Sometimes we would go and we would stay out hours baiting the hook, and waiting for a fish to bite. And sometimes we would get a bite, and we would wrestle with the fish for a little and it would turn out to be a little blue gill.

But that didn't stop us, because other times, we would go out there and as it seemed like the second you threw out your line, you caught a fish.

But I learned something from those experiences. If I don't go fishing, I will never catch a fish.

It is the same way, spiritually speaking, if we never go fishing for men, we will never convert anyone. God wants us to go into the world and spread the good news.

Verse 20 the last part of the verse helps me out. God made a promise to everyone who goes fishing for men. He said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

What a blessing! God has promised that if we go out and fish for men, if we try and soul win, He will be with us.

This ought to help you out, to know that when you go door to door, or if you ask a friend, or a neighbor or a family member, to go to church, or for a bible study, that Jesus is standing riou can catch for God. God can use all kinds of fishermen.