Author: GinoCascieri

A Christian’s separation from the world.

If you contrast the rotation of the earth with the movement of the sun, you notice that they move in opposite directions. Indeed, they should, since the sun is a picture of Jesus Christ, Ps. 19:4-5, and the world is the enemy of Jesus, Jas. 4:4. Consequently, the Lord’s children should move with their Savior in opposition to the world.

According to 2 Cor 6:14-18, Christians are to maintain a separation between themselves and the world. Like 2 Cor 6:17 says, “Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord.” To do this, we need to keep from getting yoked up with the world (6:14). A yoke is a connection between two things so that they move together.

The Lord describes five different yokes in this passage for which you need to watch out. If you get hooked up in any of them, you will not be separate in that area of your life.

The first yoke is the yoke of fellowship. When you got saved, Jesus Christ made you righteous (1 Cor 1:30; 2 Cor 5:21). The world, on the other hand, is unrighteous (Rom 3:10). When you have fellowship with unrighteousness, you will be asked to go along with someone to do something that is not right. For instance, you might be asked to lie in a business transaction. You can’t go there (Prov 1:10). This is particularly true in marriage. A Christian should never marry a lost person.

The second yoke is the yoke of communion, which is intimate association. The example that Paul gives for this separation is light and darkness, which are mutually exclusive. That is, as soon as you introduce light into darkness, you no longer have darkness. In this dark world (Eph 6:12), we are the children of light (Eph 5:8) and the world’s children are darkness (1 Thes 5:4-5). As long as we are in the world, our light is to reprove the wicked deeds of the world, not go along with them (Eph 5:11-13; Jn 3:19).

The third yoke is the yoke of concord. Concord is a harmonious state of agreement. The example of this separation is the relationship between Jesus and the devil, called Belial. They are completely opposed to each other and their children should be. When you check the references to Belial, you find that the devil’s children are involved in idolatry, homosexuality, drunkenness, fornication, scorn, covetousness, and lying. We can’t be for these things and be for Jesus (Matt 12:30).

The forth yoke is the yoke of having a part with. Like Paul said, what part hath he that believeth with and infidel? An infidel is an unbeliever and his ultimate part is in the lake of fire (Rev 21:8). Our part is in the book of life and ultimately in heaven (Jn 14:1-3). Therefore, a Christian needs to keep from being yoked up with the world to keep from diminishing his inheritance in heaven. Esau lost his inheritance because he despised his birthright and the prodigal son lost his inheritance through riotous living (Heb 12:16-17; Lk 15:12-32).

The fifth yoke is the yoke of agreement. Since our bodies are the temple of God, we cannot have any agreement with idols. They are the false gods of this world (2 Cor 4:4). For instance, the world’s idols are movie stars, athletes, businessmen, politicians, military heroes, musicians, etc. A Christian should never know more about the statistics of his favorite sports team than he does about his Bible. Furthermore, a Christian should never go to church where there are statues of “saints” all around.

Before we were saved, we were in the world. Now that we are saved, we are to come out from among them (2 Cor 6:17). Many a Christian has poured hundreds of dollars of booze down the sink, busted numerous rock and roll tapes, records and CD’s, and thrown out unseemly movies and books (Acts 19:19). Their conversations changed from worldly matters and off-color stories to heavenly things. Their old “friends” either got saved or left them. Their new friends are God’s children and love Jesus, the Bible, hymns, and testimonies about people getting saved, doing things for the Lord and answered prayer. They are truly recognized as God’s sons and daughters (2 Cor 6:18).

Unfortunately, when you look at Christians today, you observe a trend toward worldliness that leaves little distinction between Christians and the world. The line of separation is almost gone. Often, people who profess to be saved don’t “come out from among them.” The world’s music, fashion, attitudes, Bibles, methods, philosophies and idols have crept into the church, Christian schools and bookstores. Overall, the trend will continue to worsen until the Lord returns. Don’t go the way of the worldly Christians!

Pastor Bevans Welder

1. Its origin: Although Halloween has become a night of fun and superstition, it had a serious beginning with the ancient Druids. They held a celebration in honor of Samhain, Lord of the Dead on November 1st. It was their belief that on the eve of this festival, Saman (Samhain) called together the wicked souls that within the past 12 months had been condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals. They believed that on this night, ghosts, spirits, fairies, witches and elves came out to harm people. From them came the present day use of witches, ghosts and cats. Trick or Treat originated from Ireland when a group of farmers went from house to house begging food for the village Halloween festivities in the name of their ancient gods. The Celts added the custom of wearing costumes made from the skins of sacrificed animals. The Romans added a ceremony honoring their goddess of fruit and trees, from which we got bobbing for apples. The Jack-O-Lantern, symbol of a damned soul, was named for a man named Jack who could not enter Heaven or Hell and as a result had to wander in darkness with his lantern until Judgment Day. Finally, Halloween was “Christianized” by the Roman Catholic Church in the A.D. 800’s and incorporated into “Allhallowmas”, the evening before being “All Halloween”. The celebration of Halloween is a survival of ancient pagan beliefs! Orange, black and red, Satan’s colors are used.
2. It is obvious that the elements, symbols and traditions of the Halloween observance with its emphasis on goblins and demons, witches and skeletons, ghosts and apparitions constitute a dabbling with the very things which Scripture forbids, and places Christians in the realm of demonic activity. Anton Lavey, “Black Pope” of the First Church of Satan, in his book “Satan’s Bible” states Halloween is one of the three highest days of satanism and is not taken lightly by them.
3. Please read these Scriptures: Lev. 19:31 and Deut. 18:10-13. True Christians should separate themselves from these symbols and be identified with God’s people!

• Text:         Jeremiah 3:1-25
• Intro:
  • The prophet Jeremiah did not come with a message of deliverance to announce but rather a tragic message of judgment.
    • So dangerous was his message that people hearing it called him a traitor.
    • He would be misunderstood, persecuted, arrested, and imprisoned; and more than once, his life was in danger.
    • The nation did not want to hear the truth, but Jeremiah told them plainly that they were defying the Lord, disobeying the Law, and destined for judgment.
  • Jeremiah’s task was not an easy one because he had to sound the death chime for his nation.
    • He denounces the people, priests, and princes for their sins, especially the sin of idolatry.
    • The nation of Judah had turned her back on the Lord and was following the false prophets who led them to worship idols.
  • Judgment was coming.
    • Their salvation was not in the pagan idols on the hills.
    • Heathen gods would not and could not deliver them.
    • As far as bringing them salvation, the idols had cost them their cattle and even their children whom they had sacrificed to them.
    • The hope of their salvation was their destruction.
      • See v. 23.
  • Their idols brought them nothing but shame.
    • I don’t want that kind of salvation.
    • All men need salvation, but what do you have or want in a salvation?
• This morning I want to speak on “The Kind of Salvation I Want”
• I.    I want salvation that is established on the Word of God
• I am not interested in a salvation based on a church or some man made ritual and tradition.
  • I want a salvation that is based upon that which will not change!
  • The scriptures say concerning itself –
    • Psalm 119:89, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.””
    • Psalm 119:160, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”
      • God’s word is established in His presence beyond the possibility of change.
    • Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
    • I Peter 1:25, “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
• When I say the Word of God, I mean as preserved in Authorized Version 1611 King James Bible.
• The Word of God is –
  • A.        Inspired – God breathed
• • B.        Infallible
    • Wholly trustworthy and reliable
    C.        Inerrant
    • Free from error
    This is the greatest book on earth.
    • Unparalleled – It Stands
      • Its Author is God; Its truth is divine Inspired in every word and line, though written by human hands .See 2 Peter 1:20-21.
    The Word of God is –
    • It is eternal in its composition. It is inerrant in its content. It is impeccable in its character.
    The Bible is a Book above and beyond all books.
    • It is –
      • Inexpressible in value, Immeasurable in influence, Infallible in authority, And inspired it totality.
    Century after century men have tried to burn it or bury it.
    • Kings of the earth have set themselves against it to destroy it form off the face of the earth, but it “liveth and abideth forever.”
    The Bible stands like a mountain towering far above the works of men;
    • Its truth by none ever was refuted, And destroy it they never can.
    The story is told a visitor who toured a blacksmith’s shop.
    • Viewing heaps of discarded hammers but only one huge anvil, he asked, “How often to you replace your anvil?”With a smile the owner replied, “Never, It is the anvil that wears out the hammers, you know.”
    So it is the Word of God.
    • The hammers of persecution, ridicule , liberalism and atheism have for centuries pounded out their vicious blows upon the divine anvil, but to no avail.There they lie, in rusting piles, while the mighty anvil of the Scriptures stands unbroken, unshaken, and un-chipped.
  • Voltaire once said, “Another century and there will not be a Bible on the earth.”
    • The century is gone and the circulation of the bible is one of the marvels of the age. After he died, his old printing press and the very house where he lived was purchased by Geneva Bible Society and made a warehouse for Bibles.
    • Isaiah 40:8, says concerning the word of our God – “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
• My friend, I don’t know about you but I want salvation that is established on the Word of God
• # 2
• II.   I want a salvation that can erase my sins
  • The word of God says –
    • “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”“ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
    One of the truly great and far reaching blessings of God’s salvation is what it does to sin.
    • The repenting sinner is immediately and eternally –
      • Saved from the penalty of sin, Provided with victory over the power of sin, And guaranteed final removal from the presence of sin.
    No preacher, priest, pope, church or water can banish my sins.
    • Jesus bare our sins in his own body on the tree. He paid our sin debt.
    The Bible is full of beautiful passages that vividly describe what Jesus can do with our sins:
    • “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12).
  • The north-south measure is finite, not so with the east-west measure.
    • Sin Is removed so far, then we may be sure that the scent, the trace, the very memory of it must be entirely gone. If this be the distance of its removal, there is no shade of fear of its ever being brought back again.
    • “…the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
• Hymn “There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood” – written by William Cowper.
  • There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Immanuel’s veins; And sinners plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains, And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
  Lose all their guilty stains.
• Isa. 38:17 – “…for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.”.
• Micah 7:19 – “…thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”
  • Never to rise again to view, buried out of sight in eternal oblivion: not merely at the shore side, where they may rise again.
• My friend, I don’t know about you but I want a salvation that can erase my sins
• # 3
• III.  I want a salvation I can enjoy thoroughly
  • I don’t want a religion that burdens my soul and makes me gloomy and sad.
    • There is already enough in this world that burdens and weighs me down. I want a salvation that I can cherish and boast of. Peter described the salvation I want and have as one who rejoices “with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
    I want a salvation that brings a joy so deep and so wonderful that I have a difficult time expressing it.
    • “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
    Man who had recently trusted Christ was questioned about his decision, “Well, I hear you have given up all your pleasures.”
    • “No, no” replied the new Christian, “the fact lies the other way. I have just found all my pleasures, and I have given up all my follies.”
    I want and have a salvation that makes me enjoy praying, preaching, witnessing, and singing.
    • Habakkuk 3:18, “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
  • If you are saved then you can tell people don’t feel sorry for me.
    • I am enjoying what I have in Christ.
      • A. I am enjoying the righteousness
    • • B. I am enjoying the resources
      • C. I am enjoying the relationship
• My friend, I don’t know about you but I want a salvation I can enjoy thoroughly
• # 4
• IV. I want a salvation that will escort me to heaven
  • When it comes to die, I want a salvation that will bring me to glory.
    • When my life is ebbing away, I want a salvation that will open heaven and receive me.
    I want a salvation that will let me cry as Stephen did upon his death “Lord, Jesus, receive my spirit, “.I want a salvation that will let me shout aloud at death, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” I want a salvation that can say with confidence as Paul, “absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. “I want a salvation that will allow me to say as David, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. “   and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
  • I read about a lady who broke the lines and touched the Queen of England.
    • As she was hauled off she was heard to say, “Now I can die happy.”
    • That is the kind of salvation I want.
• Conclusion:
  • What kind of salvation do you have?
    • Do you have a salvation that will bring shame and destruction as Judah did during the time of Jeremiah?
    • Or do you have the true salvation that is found only in Jesus Christ?
• All other salvation is sinking sand!

Text: I Samuel 15:22-28; 16:6-12

We live in a day when folks are trying to impress people. There is far more emphasis put on Reputation than there is Character.

A.        Character is WHAT YOU ARE.

B.      Reputation is WHAT FOLKS THINK YOU ARE.

But the sad truth is that many people are not only doing their best to impress people, they are trying to impress God. But GOD IS NOT IMPRESSED.

1.         By our outward appearance…I Sam. 16:7

2.         By our offerings & sacrifices…I Sam. 15:22-23

3.       By what we say.

4.       By what we do.

5.         By how we act.

God is more concerned about WHAT WE ARE, than any of the things mentioned above.

Saul was a man of reputation, but David was a man of Character… Notice what God saw in David.

I.          GOD SAW IN DAVID A FAITHFUL SHEPHERD…16:11; 17:34-37

A.    He fed the flock when no one was watching.

B.    He fought the foes when no one was watching.

        Character is faithful when no one is looking.

II.         GOD SAW IN DAVID A FAITHFUL SON…

A.        He was yielded to his Father’s business…16:11

B.    He was yielded to his Father’s bidding…17:17-20

III.    GOD SAW IN DAVID A FEARLESS SOLDIER…17:26-51

A.        To David, there was a Principle worth defending. Notice v 26 & 29.

B.        To David there was a Power worth displaying. V 38~9; 4345; v 47

IV.   GOD SAW IN DAVID A FORGIVING SPIRIT…

A.        David’s opposition by his enemy. 18:11,17; 19:1 & 11

B.        David’s opportunity to get even…24:1-12

1.       His chance…v 1-3

2.       His choice…v 4-10

3.       His crown…v 16-17, 20

The crisis in Saul and David’s life did not make Saul a coward, nor did it make David the conqueror. It only revealed what they already were.

GENESIS 18:27

Intro:

Self-esteem is rarely found in the heart of a true man of God, for the more virtuous a saint becomes, the less satisfied he will be with himself.

Increasing love for God means increasing hatred of the self-life.

The Bible has many examples of this fact.

Abraham. “I am but dust and ashes “-Genesis 18: 27.

Abraham was the friend of God, and the greatest character in the ancient world.

Divine secrets were shared with the illustrious patriarch, and in a sense unknown by ordinary men, he walked with God.

Yet Abraham despised himself and became increasingly conscious of his shortcomings.

He considered himself unworthy to commune with God and said he was dust and ashes.

Job. ” Behold, I am vile “-Job 40:4.

We are left in no doubt as to the true greatness of this man.

It is recorded that the Lord said of him ” … there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil ” (Job 1: 8).

When Job’s friends declared him to be a hypocrite ; that secret sin had brought about his misfortunes, he maintained that his heart was clean before God.

Yet when he came face to face with his Maker, he whispered,“I am vile.”

David.”Behold, I was shapen in iniquity “-Psalm 51: 5.

The sweet psalmist of Israel was a man after God’s own heart, and although certain indiscretions marred his fine record of devotion, his integrity and true consecration were always beyond question.

Yet this great man sadly shook his head and denied his own virtue.

Psalm 51 is a heart-throb in which we hear tears of anguish, cries of disappointment, and the moan of a man who feels that he is a complete failure.

Ezra.” I blush to lift up my face “-Ezra 9: 6.

Ezra was one of the greatest men of his day.

He held an honorable place among the spiritual aristocracy of the nation.

His courageous example at a time when Israel needed spiritual leadership, lifted the nation to new heights of achievement.

He and Nehemiah were the greatest men of that generation; yet Ezra’s confession claimed his unworthiness to God.

He said,” O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face.”

Isaiah. ” … I am undone … I am a man of unclean lips” – Isaiah 6:5.

Isaiah was one of the Major Prophets, who gave counsel and guidance to a stumbling nation and at the same time provided unerring information concerning the coming of the Messiah.

He was a friend of the king, a father to the nation, and a trusted servant of the Most High ; yet of himself he had nothing good to say.

Simon Peter. “I am a sinful man” – Luke 5:8

There is something delightfully human about Simon Peter, for at all times he was unquestionably honest.

Sometimes strong emotions and fierce temptations upset his equilibrium; but within minutes, the real man appeared again.

He was a great man, an excellent preacher, and a brother beloved.

Yet all who read the New Testament realize how very much Peter abhorred himself.

The Centurion. “I am not worthy “-Luke 7:6.

This Gentile soldier won a place among the great immortals, for his spiritual perception enabled Christ to say, “ I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”

Although he was an officer in Caesar’s army, and occupied a position of importance, he felt that his home was unworthy of a visit from the Carpenter of Nazareth.

Paul. “I am the chief of sinners “-I Timothy 1:15.

Paul was undoubtedly the greatest of all Christian missionaries.

He was the first to look beyond the narrow bounds of Israel’s horizons, and with determination of purpose to penetrate into the unknown.

His indomitable spirit and untiring energy took the Gospel to millions of heathen, and with God’s help he established the Christian Church.

Yet Paul claimed to be the greatest sinner in the world.

Conclusion:

God has strange ways of estimating the greatness of men.

Sometimes the first are last, and the last first.

Those who are great in their own estimation are far from the will of God, while others who are overwhelmed by a sense of unworthiness are ready for the Master’s use.

Although, these men saw themselves unworthy before God saw them vessels to be used unto honor.

Each one these men because they humble themselves under the might hand of God, God exalted them and was able to use them in a mighty way for His honor and glory.

Because these men were humble God gave them the grace they needed to accomplished things they need for Him.

• Text:         Hebrews 10:23-25
• Intro:
  • Christians often say, “Why does the preacher, preach so much about being in church?”
  • Well, one of the reason is because Christians are not in church like the Lord would have them to be.
    • Notice, I said, “The Lords wants the Christian to be in church.”
    • But, the way Christians talk, you would think that the preacher was picking on them and being in church was a requirement of the preacher and not the Lord.
  • What I want us to look at is why “the assembling of ourselves together” is so important.
• We want to notice what it shows.
• I.    “the assembling of ourselves together” shows “COMMITMENT”.
  • V23 – “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering.”
    • “hold fast” means to keep sure.
    When we go to church we show commitment.
    • When your neighbors see you leave out the house with a Bible tucked under your arm on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night, you are giving a testimony of commitment!!!!When folks know enough not to try to reach you by telephone during these times, it shows commitment.When you do this week in, week out, month in, month out, year in, year out, you show a testimony of “commitment”.
    Folks see that what you are committed to is not some fad or craze, or just a stage of life you are going through.
    • You show a commitment. A commitment to the cause of Christ.
    A commitment to a faith that says –
    • Ro. 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
    A commitment to a faith that says –
    • 1 John 5:13 – “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the son of God.”
    A commitment to a faith that says –
    • John 3:36 – “…he that believeth not the son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
    A commitment to a faith that says –
    • Rev. 20:15 – “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
    “the assembling of ourselves together” shows “COMMITMENT” – it shows we mean business for God!!!The Bible says in I Cor. 8:3 – “But if any man love God, the same is known of him”
    • Going to church shows outwardly to others that you love God.
    Christians show their commitment for God by assembling together.
    • The Christian’s lack of commitment is evidenced by what it takes to keep them in church.
      • Special activities and fellowships.
      In other words, something to satisfy the old vile and wicked flesh.Often times a Christian won’t come out to church unless they are going to get something.
      • Example – “full belly”- fellowship dinner.Have a fellowship and you will see folks that you haven’t seen for the last year, Amen!!
      Entertainment by preachers who tell lots of funny stories and does very little Bible preaching.We see everything in our churches today from clowns, puppets, magicians to tootsie rolls and ice cream sundaes to get people in church.
  • The problem today is Christians are more committed to their hobbies, jobs, families, friends, sports, TV, soap operas – then they are to Christ.
• So, the assembling of ourselves together shows, “COMMITMENT”.
• II.   “the assembling of ourselves together” shows – “CONSIDERATION”
  • Vs. 24 – “And let us consider one another.”We live in a day and an age that lacks good old fashion consideration.Very few today, consider anymore how their actions is going to effect the other person.The Bible tells us “one sinner destroyeth much good”
    • This unfortunately includes Christians who do not consider how not being in church effects their brothers and sisters in Christ.
    -How their not being in church would be a stumbling block to a newly saved Christian.
    • The Bible says –
      • Romans 14:13, “…but judge this rather that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”I Cor. 12:26 – “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”-Romans 14:7 – “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.”
    Christian, we have to realize how we live our life effects others.
    • We must be aware of our sphere of influence.”the assembling of ourselves together” shows – “CONSIDERATION”.
  • The next time the devil works on you and tries to keep you out of church.
    • Consider the effect of you not being there on the brethen.
• So, the assembling of ourselves together shows, “CONSIDERATION”.
• III.  “the assembly of ourselves together” shows – “CONCERN”
  • Vs. 24 – “to provoke unto love”

-When we go church we show concern or love for one another.

-At church, especially on Wednesday Night, Prayer Service, we get to hear the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

-One of the purposes of prayer service is so we can come together and

show concern and comfort the brethen who may be burden.

-So, we can agonize and intercede in prayer for them.

-Maybe a brother or sister’s need comes known and leads you to help that brother or sister anonymously through the church.

-1 John 4:21 – “And the commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

-We should look forward to coming to church to find out what our brothers and sisters concerns and cares are.

-“the assembling of ourselves together” shows not only concern but is also a catalyst for that concern or love.

-Vs. 24 says – “provoke unto love” – or to excite unto love.

-In other words,”the assembling of ourselves together” is like lighting a fire underneath a brother or sister.

-You see the average Christian spends most of his time in the world and involved with the things of the world.

-Some of this involvement is necessary – i.e. our jobs.

-Alot of it unnecessarily – i.e. TV, socializing with the unsaved, etc.

-What happens is the Christian’s love for Christ and the things of Christ grows cold.

-The ember taken from the fire soon goes out and grows cold.

-The Christ grows cold in his prayer life. Bible reading and study.

-He grows cold in his burden for the lost, which is evidenced by his lack of witnessing.

-So, When we assemble together – it provokes us unto love – concern for the things of the Lord.

-The once dying ember, reunited with fire (church members) becomes a blaze again!!!

IV.       “the assembling of ourselves together” shows – “CONSECRATION”

-Vs. 24 – “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” – “and to good works”

-“consecration” – means to set apart as holy.

-The Lord did not save you so you could continue in sin and live for the world, the flesh, and the devil.

-Romans 6:15 – “What then? shall we sin because we are not under the law; but under grace. God forbid.”

-Most Christians are familiar with Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

-But Christian often forget why they were born of God, or born-again for.

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

-We are set apart after we are saved unto good works.

-Why?

-Matthew 5:16 – Tells us so God will be glorified!!!

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

-Paul, the Apostle knew of the importance of good works in a Christian’s life.

-In Colossians 1:10, Paul prayed the Colossians would be “fruitful in every good work”

-Paul tells us in Titus 2:7, that the Christian in all things is to show himself “a pattern of good works.”

-A pattern is something to follow.

-Like ladies follow a pattern in making dresses.

-Paul lists some things that this includes – See Titus 2:7-8.

-The reason that the Christian is to show a pattern of good works in all things is so that no one contrary to them (unsaved) can have cause to say an evil thing about them.

-Paul continues in Titus 2:14, that our Saviour Jesus Christ redeems us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a peculiar people, (the reason for this – so we would be) “zealous of good works”

-James reinforces this in James 2:17-18 – Read.

-Since only the Lord can see a person’s heart, good works show outwardly to man that a person has placed faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

-So, “the assembling of ourselves together” shows – “CONSECRATION”.

-The Lord has set us apart as holy “unto good works”

V.        “the assembling of ourselves together” shows – “COMMUNION” or Fellowship.

*Communion with the Saviour

-Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

-When we assembly ourselves together – it is centered around the Lord, Jesus Christ.

-There should be a difference is us, after we have been in church.

-We should be changed from when we first entered the doors.

-The reason is we have been in communion and fellowship with the Lord.

-We have had some of the world knocked out of us through the preaching and the teaching of the word of God.

-We have had some of the world knocked out of us because while in church we have been “speaking to ourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

-We have the testimony-because we have been in communion with the Lord.

-People should be able to observe you and say, “that you have been with Jesus.”

*Communion with the Saints

-When we assemble together, it shows not only communion with the Saviour but also communion/fellowship with the Saints of God around the Saviour.

-This is evidenced in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper’s (1 Cor. 10:16).

-You see we come together because we have something in common.

-We are sons of God through faith the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

-Every time we come together it is in essence a family reunion.

-We have fellowship through the blood of Jesus Christ.

-We are told in 1 John 1:7.

-So, “the assembling of ourselves together” shows – “COMMUNION”

VI.       “the assembling of ourselves together” shows – “COMMUNICATION”

-Vs 25. “exhorting one another”

-When we go to church we show communication through exhortation.

-Exhort has several meanings.

-“Urge strongly” – You know sometimes you and I need a push or a nudge to serve God and be involved in the things of the God.

-When we go to church and assemble together it is a time when we communicate.

-When we get a push or a nudge from a brother or sister in Christ or the pastor to serve God to do more for God.

-Exhort – also means “Propel”.

-You know a bullet is useless unless it has gun powder to propel it toward its intended target.

-Sometimes we need to be that gun powder in another Christian’s life to propel him toward the intended target, “serving God”, “Going on for God”, “Not Giving Up or Quitting”.

-When we assemble together, we need to exhort one another or communicate with one another in the spirit of love.

-Sometimes we have to be spiritual cheerleaders for one another.

-Exhorting one another as we run the race that is set before us.

-Sometimes that exhortation takes on the form of a warning or advice, or an urgent appeal.

-What a better place to get exhortation but in church through the preaching of the word of God or counsel from the Pastor or through your brothers and sisters in Christ.

-So, “the assembling of ourselves together” shows – “COMMUNICATION”.

VII.      Lastly -“the assembling of ourselves together” shows a “CALLING-OUT”.

-Vs. 25 – “and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching”

-“the day approaching” – The Lord’s return, – The Rapture.

-“Church” means – called-out assembly.

-When we assemble together and meet, in a sense we are “called-out” of the world here on earth.

-When you were saved, you were “called-out” from the bondage and wages of sin.

-When we go to church we show the next prophetic event on God’s calendar, the rapture of the body of Christ, the church made up of all believers in Jesus Christ.

-Where we will be literally taken out of this world from the grave if died in Christ before his return or alive at his return.

-See 1 Thess. 4:13-18.

-We are listening for the shout to us up and out!!!!!!!!

-We have seen why the “the assembling of ourselves together” is so important.

-It shows – COMMITMENT-CONSIDERATION-CONCERN-CONSECRATION-COMMUNION-COMMUNICATION-CALLING OUT.

SAUL – A MAN WHOM JEALOUSY AND PRIDE DESTROYED

SCRIPTURE: I Samuel 9-31

INTRODUCTION: Saul, Israel’s first king, is one of the most pathetic men in the Word of God. Few, if any, men of the Bible had such opportunity to make a success of life, and none ever messed it up so. Saul not only missed great opportunities to be used of God, he deliberately abused them. His sun rose in bright and splendid anticipation, but set in a tragic night of failure and despair. The downward slide of his life is the old familiar story of pride, self-will, and self-sufficiency that lead to moral and spiritual destruction. Let us consider and learn from Saul’s steps down the ladder,

HE WAS A MAN ANOINTED WITH THE SPIRIT- I Sam 11:6-12

Samuel was directed of God to anoint Saul as the new (and first) king of Israel. Note that he prophesied that the Spirit would come upon Saul, and that he would be turned into another man – v 6. This came to pass just as Samuel promised, and with the Spirit upon him, Saul prophesied among a company of the prophets. What a wonderful experience! This reminds us that we must have the power of the Holy Spirit upon us to energize and direct our service for God.

AT FIRST, SAUL WAS HUMBLE AND PRACTICED SELF-CONTROL – I Sam 10:22,27; 11:3Even though a man of great physical stature, Saul was naturally shy and unassuming.

His humility was sincere and refreshing in a ruler. God is pleased with the humble but will bring down the proud. (Teachers: find and share some Scriptures with your students about humility and pride–James and Proverbs would be good places to look. Jesus also addressed this in His teaching, e.g., Luke 14:7-11.)

BUT SELF-WILL SOON SURFACED-I Sam 13:7-13

Saul had only reigned for two years when self-will began to surface in his life. It seems that his promotion from donkey-finder to king sort of “went to his head.” How true it is that success and honor are more difficult for most men to handle than opposition, hardship, and even failure! We have here a bashful, “good ole country boy” who is now the king of a great nation. Under stress, he soon steps over his bounds and presumes to offer a burnt offering to the Lord. (He was intruding into the office of the priest!) After this incident, Samuel announces the divine rejection of Saul.

SAUL THEN BECAME DISOBEDIENT TO THE DIRECT COMMAND OF GOD-   Sam 15

Notice the downward progression: self-will led to out-and-out disobedience. (But it did not have to be this way–consider the mercy of God upon one of the most wicked  men who ever lived: I Kings 21 :25-29!) But the underlying weakness of Saul’s character begins to show as he attempts to shift the blame for his disobedience to others.

JEALOUSY PROMPTED SAUL TO HUNT & HARM DAVID – I Sam. 18:8, 19:1

We marvel at the progressive hardening of Saul and his steadily worsening spiritual condition. How could someone who started so well descend to such a malicious state?! But remember the words of 15:22-23 — once a rebellious attitude begins to grip a person, he will be open to all manner of gross sin. None is more destructive than the green-eyed monster of jealousy.

HE EVEN CONSORTED WITH A WITCH – I Sam. 28:7

There has been an alarming increase in occult activity of all kinds in recent years, and many are taken up with board games, horoscopes, palm. readers, and other forms of prognostication. NOTE: any desire to know about the future, other than what God has revealed in His Word, is both unholy and unwholesome.

WOUNDED IN BATTLE, SAUL ENDED HIS LIFE AS A SUICIDE! – I Sam 31:4

Having already come to moral and spiritual ruin, Saul finally destroyed his physical life. Two verses come to mind: Num 32:23; Gal 6:7. Unless the cancer of sin is excised from one’s life, it will, sooner or later, result in destruction. The sad truth is that Saul’s tragic story of defeat by sin is being repeated in countless lives today!

LESSONS FROM SAUL’S LIFE

• Partial obedience is, in fact, DISobedience

• Each person must take responsibility for his own actions. We have a society overrun today with people like Saul–no matter what the situation, they always find someone else to blame. Paul reminds us (Rom 14:12) “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Unless the “root of bitterness” is properly dealt with, it will lead to trouble and defilement — See Heb 12:14-16.

The destructive and certain effects of sin. Someone has aptly observed:

“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” (A classic example of this little axiom is found in the life of Lot.)

SAMSON – THE MAN OF CONTRASTS

SCRIPTURE: Judges 13, 14, 15, 16

INTRODUCTION: SAMSON was one of the most renowned, and no doubt the most amazing, of the Hebrew judges. He was a Danite, son of Manoah, and judged Israel for twenty years.

Endowed with supernatural strength, he killed a lion with his bare hands, thirty Philistines, and then 1,000 men with the jawbone of an ass! He broke the strongest bands, carried off the gates of Gaza, and pulled down the temple of Dagon! The latter was his greatest feat (at least three thousand were slain in the crumbling ruins) but it resulted in his own death – see16:30.

Samson was unconquerable (in spite of his carnal appetite) as long as he remained a Nazarite. He was the only one of the judges who worked single-handedly. Samson never called the armies of Israel together; he asked no assistance. His total ministry was done alone in his God-given, unconquerable strength.

His life was one of striking contrasts. Let us consider these:

1. He was separated as a Nazarite (Judges 13:5) …

YET he dabbled with evil associations (14:1-3, 10-11, 16:1).

2. He was occasionally Spirit-endued (13:25, 14:6, 15:14) …

YET he yielded to carnal appetites (16:1-4).

3. He was mighty in physical strength (15:15, 16:3, 9, 12, 14) …

YET he was weak in resisting temptation (16:15-17).

4. He had a noble beginning (13:24-25) …

BUT he came to a sad end (16:30).

The deadly results of Samson’s self-indulgence and the final breaking of his Nazarite vow are seen in order in the narrative:

1. Self-confidence – “I will go out” – 16:20

2. Self-ignorance – “He wist not” – 16:20

3. Self-weakness – “The Philistines laid hold on him” – 16:21

4. Self-darkness – “They put out his eyes” – 16:21

5. Self-degradation – “They brought him down to Gaza – 16:21

6. Self-bondage – “They bound him with fetters” – 16:21

7. Self-drudgery – “He did grind in the prison house” – 16:21

8. Self-humiliation – “Call for Samson, that he may make us sport” – 16:25, 27

LESSONS FROM SAMSON’S LIFE:

1. The evils of mixed (SAVED/LOST, SPIRITUAL/CARNAL) marriages – chap 14, 15:1-6. [In the Teen and Singles classes, here is a good opportunity to discuss the importance of finding the right mate of God’s choosing from the right religious background and family life. Compatibility in spiritual matters should have top priority.

2. The tragic effects of playing with sexual temptations.

3. The tragedy of unfulfilled potential. In spite of his unlimited physical strength and his ability to slaughter the Philistines at will, Samson is the only judge who did not set Israel free from the oppressing enemy. And the reason Samson never fully conquered the Philistines was because he never conquered himselt1

4. Sin always brings judgment – James 1 :13-15; Num 32:23.

5. One of the most significant lessons: When Christians sin openly, it brings reproach on the name of God – 16:23-24. The celebrating Philistines praised their gods saying, “Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy … ” Oh NO! NO! It was not the lifeless, impotent image of Dagon that delivered Samson into the hands of the Philistines–it was his own sins!!! Cf. 1 Sam 31 :8-10. Nathan told David that because of his deeds (in the matter of Bathsheba and Uriah) he had “given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme … “

RUTH – DEVOTION TO DUTY IS CROWNED WITH BLESSING AND HONOR

SCRIPTURE: Book of Ruth; Matt 1:5

INTRODUCTION: The events recorded in this book took place during the time of the Judges and present a marked contrast to the enemy oppression, intertribal jealousy, and other turbulent events characteristic of that period of Israel’s history. Instead of violence and lawlessness, we see love, tenderness, and sacrifice. The book contains just four brief chapters, but it has a mighty message–in fact, several of them.

HER NAME

“Ruth” is one of the most popular girl’s names. Several years ago a statistician ranked Ruth seventh in the list of the 100 most popular female names in America, with almost 1.5 million bearing the name. It may mean either “something worth seeing,” or “friendship.” No doubt both meanings were true of this beautiful girl of Moab. She was certainly a sight worth seeing, and she was capable of loyal friendship seldom equaled in the annals of human history.

It took a real measure of grace to befriend a bitter woman such as Naomi became, but Ruth was bound to her mother-in-law by the cords of love! One

HER ADULT LIFE

l . As A Young Widow — When we first meet Ruth, she is a young wife married to one of Elimelech’s sons. In the very next verse we find Ruth (and Orpah as well) prematurely and unexpectedly losing her husband through death. The root cause is the chastening hand of God upon Naomi (Ruth’s mother-in-law). First, her husband died. Then both her sons, Mahlon and Chilion, who had sinned by marrying women of Moab, also died. (See Deut 7:3, 23:3 for prohibition of such marriages.) We have no information about the spiritual life of this Hebrew family while out of the will of God in Moab. However, it is safe to conclude from the context ( 1:16-17) that at least Ruth had been significantly influenced by her exposure to the one true God, Jehovah. She seems to have weathered the family’s shock of losing all the men much better than Naomi.

2. As A Faithful Daughter-in-law — The three widows–Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah—were no doubt bound together by their grief. But since Naomi’s sons died childless, when the famine in Bethlehem passed, she decided to pull up stakes and go back home. Ruth and Orpah were deeply attached to their mother-in-law and decided to go with her.

But on the way back to Bethlehem, Naomi urged them to go back to their own country and people. (What a sad testimony for one of God’s people to be urging others to stay in their idolatry!) For Orpah, ties of kindred and her own idolatry won out, and she went back to her people and to her gods ( and to an eternity without Christ!)

But with Ruth it was different. In the words of Alexander Whyte, “Ruth’s love for her dead husband’s aged mother is as pure gold and as strong as death. Many waters cannot quench Ruth’s love. And her confession of love . .is the most beautiful confession of love in all the world.” What pure and unselfish devotion! What beauty of character when Ruth cried, “Entreat me not to leave thee.” What a contradiction to modem flippancy and fickleness, especially in view of traditional attitudes toward “;mother-in-law.”

3. As A Determined Convert — In spite of her heathen background in the degenerate tribe of Moab, Ruth became a true worshiper of the true God! The last words of Ruth 1 :16 are the song of a new life! (See Psa 40:1-3) Now with God in her heart, Ruth longed _to live with those people “whose God is the Lord. “What a miracle in the heathen heart of Ruth, especially in light of Naomi’s poor testimony (urging her to stay in Moab) But wanting to be with God’s people is the “norm” for those who become new creatures in Christ–“old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

4. As A Humble Gleaner — Ruth realized that Naomi could not work, so she volunteered to do the only profitable thing, and that was to go glean. It was the time of barley harvest, and she was directed by the providence of God to the field of Boaz.

Ruth was not ashamed of her menial task as she took her place with the poor and outcast gleaning in the barley fields. Because of her character, she was more concerned about providing for Naomi than about the impression she might make with the public. She was determined not to eat the bread of idleness, and God rewarded her with the immediate favor and kindness of Boaz. Little did she dream that she would soon become the much-loved wife of this great, good and wealthy man! How wonderful the workings of God! Boaz was one of Naomi’s near relatives, one of the few remaining kinsmen of her husband’s family.

The nearest relative was unable ( or unwilling) to function as kinsman redeemer (“goel”) but Boaz, next of kin, willingly took the responsibility. This not only provided a home and husband for Ruth, but brought ample provision and security for Naomi.

Ruth was lifted out of obscurity into a happy union with Boaz, the mighty man of wealth, and permitted to join the ancestry of our Savior! God smiled on the marriage of honorable Boaz and virtuous Ruth, and blessed them with a son, “Obed,” (meaning “a servant who worships”) who became the grandfather of David. This experience is one of the first in world history of a rise from rags to riches, from poverty to plenty!

LESSONS

1. Naomi had told Ruth, while still in Moab (1 :9), that she would find rest among her own people, but she finally learned that there is rest only with the people of God and in the will of God. (See Matt 11 :28-30)

2. The virtues of unselfishness and loyalty are the only foundation upon which true happiness can be built. Unfortunately, multitudes today–including many professing Christians–are actively seeking happiness for themselves. The simple truth is that one will never experience true happiness until he forgets about himself and learns to live for others!

3. “Opportunity is met on the road to duty.”

4. The ways of God are past finding out! Only an omniscient and merciful God could orchestrate the events recorded in the book of Ruth, such that a heathen Moabite girl would be brought into the human lineage of the Lord Jesus Christ. Surely, as said the Psalmist,” .. His mercy endureth for ever.” (See Psa 136; Lamentations 3:22-23)

NOAH – THE MAN WHO BUILT AN ARK

Scriptures: Gen 6, 7, 8; Heb 11 :7

INTRODUCTION: One of the best known men in all the Bible is Noah. (His name means “rest.”) He was the son of Lamech, a descendant of Seth. He was tenth from Adam, and lived to the amazing age of 950 years! Nothing is known of Noah’s early life, for he appears on the Bible stage when he was already 500 years old. Apparently his father was a godly man and not only gave Noah a fitting name, but from Gen 6:9 it is also safe to conclude that he brought up his son “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” One thing we can be certain about: Noah lived in a time when men were universally corrupt, so much so that God was moved to destroy the human race! But, praise God! in the midst of that age of moral and spiritual darkness, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. He lived a righteous life and was in such close contact with God that God revealed to him His plan to destroy mankind. God gave him the strange and almost impossible task of building a seaworthy vessel large enough to shelter not just his family, but also a pair of all the birds and beasts living on the land at that time! Noah believed God and set about the tremendous task of constructing the ark. No doubt every day Noah had to endure the ridicule and scorn of his godless neighbors, but he was steadfast and faithful to the great task God had given him.

NOAH WALKED WITH GOD – Gen 6:8-12 Noah was a just and perfect (upright, sincere, mature, balanced) man in his generation. This is commendable in any age and culture, but Noah’s life is even more amazing in view of the abounding iniquity of his day. (See Gen 6:5-7. Teacher, you may want to review briefly from the lesson on Enoch what is required in walking with God.) Note the command given in Phil 2:15–this is certainly appropriate for Christians today in the USA! We have an opportunity much like Noah had.

NOAH WAS OBEDIENT – Gen 6:14-22 Noah’s task was extremely difficult, first, because of the huge dimensions of the ship (v 15). But, no doubt, an even greater problem was that Noah was a pioneer in the ship-building business! Remember, that before the flood the earth’s land mass had not yet been broken into continents and there was LITTLE, if any, NEED for shipping. Where would Noah go for the expertise required to build such a great maritime vessel?! But Noah obeyed without question and set out at once to carry out God’s command-see Gen. 6:22. It is safe to assume that God inspired Noah and his sons with the requisite building skills in much the same way as He gave the wisdom and understanding to Bezaleel and others to build the tabernacle and its furnishings (Ex 36:1-2). One thing is sure: when we obey God and make a sincere effort to carry out His work, He will provide the means of accomplishing it!

GOD REMEMBERED NOAH – Gen 8:1 Noah believed God and obeyed Him completely. Consequently, God was faithful and delivered Noah and all those in the Ark from death! God is always faithful (Lam 3:22-23) and will remember us when we obey Him fully. Examples: children of Israel at Passover in Egypt; three Hebrew children in Babylon; Naaman the leper.

NOAH “WORKED OUT” HIS SALVATION – Heb 11 :7 “Faith without works is dead.” (See also Phil 2:12.) Saving faith always produces works! The very fact that Noah believed God’s Word caused him to get to work. The Bible says that Noah was “moved with fear.” On the other hand, the fact that the multitudes to whom Noah preached God’s message of coming judgment did not get on the Ark proved that they did not believe his message. Noah believed that God was holy and infallible and, therefore, He would keep His Word. (If we believed God like we say we do, we would get to work, too!)

NOAH PREACHED JUDGMENT – 2 Peter 2:5 Noah not only built an ark, but he was faithful to warn the mass of humanity of the coming wrath and judgment of Almighty God! Compare Noah’s faithful witness with Ezekiel 33: 1-20, which teaches us of our responsibility to warn the unsaved all about us today.

NOAH BUILT THE FIRST ALTAR – Gen 8:20 Although Abel brought a blood sacrifice to God, we are not told that he built an altar. So Noah is the first person on record as having built an altar. The altar he built speaks of Noah’s gratefulness to and worship of God

NOAH WAS HONORED BY GOD WITH AN EVERLASTING COVENANT– Gen 9:12-17 Compare this with the wonderful truth that we are now partakers of a new Covenant – Heb 9:15-20.

LESSONS From NOAH’S LIFE:

God honors faith.

Obedience is often it’s own reward! (Think what would have happened to Noah had he not obeyed!)

From conditions in the world today, we must be near the Coming of the Lord!

Our great task is to warn the lost of coming judgment and point them to Christ!