Faith!

Faith!

      Faith, which is a gift from God, is the ability to believe the seemingly impossible things which God has promised and is able to do for us. Our faith is not strong enough to accomplish much for God. Faith comes by praying, fasting, and hearing the word of God.

      God grants the power and faith to expect great things from him and do great things for his glory when we sincerely draw near unto him, and seek his face and fellowship.

      If we could have genuine faith, even as small as a grain of mustard seed, and if we are in partnership with God, nothing shall be impossible to us.

      “And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17: 14-21.

Almost Persuaded!

Almost Persuaded!

      If perchance someone may be reading these lines who is not a Christian, and does not know what it means to be saved, and you do not have the joy of fellowship with our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you ought to stop right where you are and consider the alternatives.

      It is possible to have a pearl of great price slip through your fingers and be lost to you forever, and it is possible to be so close to much treasure, and yet to lose or neglect it all.

      Perhaps a wife or husband; a mother or father; or a son or a daughter has been praying for your salvation. Perhaps they have very lovingly told you of Jesus and his power to save. Perhaps they have very patiently and kindly explained to you God's simple plan of salvation. It may be that at times the Holy Spirit has tugged at your heart and you have been almost persuaded, almost but not yet, another time, when I am older, after I have exhausted all the pleasures of a worldly lifestyle; almost persuaded to believe and trust Jesus, almost, but still lost.

      You, no doubt have heard the gospel preached at church, or on the radio, or television, or from literature such as you are now reading, and yet you continue to neglect your salvation.

      My dear friend or relative, whoever you may be, millions throughout the ages have tried and tested the Word of God and have found it to be sure and steadfast and trustworthy. The Word of God teaches us that it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment. All must stand before God and give an account for what he did with God's greatest gift to mankind, his only begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ: That whosoever should believe on him and call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

      My friend, the only alternative to being saved is to be lost, and to be lost does not mean cessation of existence or annihilation, but it means to spend eternity in an eternal hell, and separated from
God forever.

      “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will”? Hebrews 2: 3,4.

      If you have neglected your salvation, won't you reconsider before it is eternally too late?

Keep On Sowing!

Keep On Sowing!

      When we go forth to sow the seed of the word of God, we must expect that not every single seed that we sow will take root and grow and bring forth fruit for the glory of God.

      Just as when the farmer sows seeds of grain, some seed will fall by the wayside and be lost, or the birds will devour them. Some seeds fall into rocky places where there is not much to nurture them, and they are left for the sun to wither them away. Some seeds fall among thorns which choke them up and hinder their growth.

      When the word of God falls upon an unsaved person's ears for the first time, if God has not prepared that person's heart to receive the seed of the word, even as the farmer has prepared the soil to receive the grain seed, then the seed falls upon dry ground, and Satan is ever around and ready to snatch away the seed of the word of God;

      Some people have had their hearts stirred by God and are ready to receive God's truth, and for a little while the seeds spring forth, but before long the heart is dried up and hardened by trials and tribulations, and no fruit is produced. Then there is the seed that has fallen among thorns. The thorns represent those who at one time, with joy and gladness, have received the word of God, and for a time it sprang up in them to produce healthy plants for the Lord and for a season bore fruit; but because of associations with the wrong kinds of people, or associations with worldly things, the cares and riches of the world, have choked them and now they no longer grow and bear fruit.

      But there is always that small percentage of seed which is sown and falls into good ground. The good ground is the person who hears the word and understands it, and in him the word grows and bears fruit.

      We who are sowers of the word of God must not become discouraged when some of our seed falls by the wayside, or upon dry ground, or among thorns, because some will always fall upon good ground. That which falls upon good ground will bring forth abundantly for the Lord.

      “And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth, and when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up and choked them, but other fell unto good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 13: 3-9.

      “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it, yet hath he no root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulations or persecutions arise then because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed unto good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it, which also beareth fruit ,and bringeth forth some an hundred fodl, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13: 18-23.

We Are What We Speak!

We Are What We Speak!

      The words that proceed from our mouth echo the thoughts and intentions of our heart. The heart, or our innermost being, is the place where the spirit of God dwells, or the spirit of the devil and evil. When the spirit of evil dominates the heart, no good thing can come from our lips, but when the spirit of God dominates the heart, the words of our mouth brings forth good things.

      As a cesspool when open to the air gives foul odors, so the corrupt evil heart of man sends forth a stench from the mouth which speaks blasphemy, and dishonors God and pollutes men. Only after the heart of man is cleansed and purified, and purged of all evil, and the Holy Spirit enter in, by having received Christ as savior, will the words of our mouth have a sweet fragrance and be pleasing to God and edify man.

      Be careful little tongue what you speak, for God holds us accountable for every word that proceeds from our lips.

      “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12: 34-37.

Sunday School Lessons For Juniors - 4th, 5th, 6th grades

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR JUNIORS – 4TH, 5TH, & 6TH GRADE

BY: Robert A. Searles

ORIENTATION – GET ACQUAINTED LESSON FOR PROMOTION SUNDAY

What does it mean to be a 4^th, grader?

Ans) Well, it means that a whole year has passed since you went into the third grade.

It means that you have probably grown a few inches taller, and may be a little fatter.

It means that a whole new school year has begun.

It means that you have new teachers, and perhaps a new room

It means that you are no longer little babies, and are now ready to learn some new and exciting things.

As fourth graders, and no longer babies, there are some rules that we must be aware of and learn to obey.

1. We must remember to always go to the boys room or the girls room as soon as we get off the bus or as soon as we come to Sunday School. Once the Sunday School class begins, no one will be allowed to leave the room unless it is an absolute emergency.

2.We must never bring our toys or food to class. Toys must be left at home or given to the teacher to keep for you until the end of the class period.

3 We must never run or push or shove, or do anything that might cause you or someone else to get hurt.

4. We must consider each and every one of us here in the class as our Sunday School church family, and be kind and helpful to one another.
5. During the teaching time, no one is to talk out loud or interrupt the teacher or make any disturbance that would cause someone else not to hear the lesson.

4. We must learn to sit up in our seats, with our feet on the floor and our eyes straight ahead on the teacher and be paying close attention and be able to answer questions.

7. If we have something to say we must learn to raise our hands and wait until we are called

on.

8 If anyone has to be told to be quiet or sit still or stop misbehaving more than once or twice, they will be sent or taken out of the class and sent to the Sunday School Superintendents office for discipline.. Any quiet seat points that may have been earned up to this time will be lost if this happens.

9. In the fourth grade we gradually learn to put aside some of the things we did as younger children in the third grade and learn to listen to the teacher and pay attention and learn memory verses and be able to answer questions.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS FOR JUNIOR CLASSES – PAGE 2

ORIENTATION – GET ACQUAINTED LESSON FOR PROMOTION SUNDAY.

Why do we come to Sunday School anyway?

Ans) Because Sunday School is the place where boys and girls are to learn more about God who made them.

God loves all the children of the world and he wants them to learn all they can about him.

When we come to Sunday School, we come to a building that has been dedicated to God for his use only.

When in Sunday School or church, we should respect it as God's house of worship and take good care of it.

Why do we have teachers in Sunday School?

Ans) Because God has chosen certain adults who love him and want to serve him, and he has given to them the lessons and messages that he wants them to give to the boys and girls like you so that you can grow up to serve him and love him.

Why do the bus workers get up early Sunday morning and go all over the area to pick up boys and girls and bring them to Sunday School?

Ans) Because God has put into their heart a love for boys and girls like you, and they want for you to know him and love him as they do.

We want you to know that every one of you in this class is of equal value with God who loves all people the same, no mater what your name, or the color of your skin, or where you live.

So, this year we want you to learn to love one another as if they were your very own brothers and sisters, and love your teachers and pastor, and be one big happy family.

As juniors we have to learn to work harder than we have before. You will be given memory verses each week to learn and be able to recite when you come to your class the following week.

We will learn to use our bibles to look up verses and read in class. Each of you will need to bring to Sunday school a complete king James version bible.

We will have fun this year, and sometimes on special occasions we may have parties and treats.

We will give rewards for being on time for class, and being able to recite memory verses each week and for quiet seat.

We look forward to having a good year with you boys and girls of the junior class. We pray that we will be able to teach you a lot about the Lord, and that you will learn a lot about the Lord.

This week I want you to keep saying this sentence over and over again to yourself and to your parnets every day until you can say it without looking at the paper. This is not a verse that you can find in

SUNDAY SCHOLL LESSONS FOR JUNIORS – PAGE 3

ORIENTATION – GET ACQUAINTED LESSON FOR PROMOTION SUNDAY

the bible, but the bible tells us that this is true.

Jesus loves me this I know

For the bible tells me so

Lirttle ones to him belong

we ae weak, but he is strong.

Be able to recite this to one of your teachers when you come back next week

Let us Pray!

Do We Look For Another?

Do We Look For Another?

      John the baptist, preaching in the wilderness and baptizing in the Jordan river, pointed to Jesus and proclaimed: “Behold the lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world.” Now John, being in prison, has doubts within himself. John sent two of his disciples to Jesus to ask him plainly: Are you the one or should we look for another?

      Today, we Christians, though we live by faith and believe the word of God, yet, in trying times it is possible that doubts and fears may creep into our lives, especially if we are not as close to the Lord as we ought to be, and faithful in studying God's word and praying. If we are completely honest, we must admit that down in our hearts we have all asked the question: Is it true? Is the bible relevant for us today? Is Christ alive? Will he return as he said he would? Is there life after death? Will Godforgive our sins?

      John being in prison and about to be executed, probably was wondering in his heart: If Jesus was the one, the Lamb of God, the mighty God in human flesh, why would he allow him to be in prison and be executed?
      We ask very similar questions today: Why am I going through such troubling times? Why am I sick and afflicted with a terrible disease? Why am I lonely? Why am I going through financial difficulties? Why am I so afraid?

    Jesus's reply to John's disciples was that he examine the evidence: Consider all that came to Jesus for help.. The blind see, the lame walk, lepers, are cleansed, the deaf hear, even the dead are raised.

When Satan whispers in our ears and tries to get us to question as to whether or not Jesus is real and our faith genuine, then we need to stop and remember the goodness of God in our lives in times past. Remember when the burden of guilt was lifted off our shoulders when we first believed. Remember all of our childhood prayers that were answered. Remember the times that we were afraid and when the Holy Spirit of God was there to calm our fears. Remember when the Lord healed us when we were sick and came to our assistance when we were experiencing financial difficulties. Let us carefully examine the scriptures and hear again the testimony of all the eye witnesses of Christ's resurrection and ascension into heaven. Let us once again examine all the fulfilled prophecies of where and when Christ should be born, and the validity of all his miraculous works.

“Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up,, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Matthew 11: 2-6.

Take Your Burdens To The Lord.

Bring Your Burdens To The Lord.

      Jesus extended an invitation to all who are weary and heavy laden to come unto him, and he would give them rest. He came into the world to be our burden bearer and our sin bearer.

      “Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.” Isaiah 53: 4. “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken of Esaias the prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities and bare our sickness.” Matthew 8: 17.

      What burdens lay heavy on our souls today? Is it the burden of unforgiven sin? Is it the burden of doubts and fears, or the burden of sickness and immanent death? Do we grieve today over the loss of family, friends, or loved ones? Are we perplexed, not knowing where to turn or what road to take to solve our problems? Are we overly concerned about how we will meet the challenges of the future?

Jesus stands ready to make an exchange of burdens. If we are willing to lay all our cares and burdens upon him, he will bear them for us, but we, in exchange, must be willing to put his yoke upon our shoulders and be busy with him. When we are yoked together with him, he is bearing the heaver part of the load and our burdens become lighter. We are told to take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. “Burdens are lifted at Calvary.”

      Jesus said: “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11: 28-30.

Prince Of Peace!

Jesus Christ is known as the Prince of Peace. His mission on earth was to make peace between God and man. At his birth, the angels proclaimed: “peace on earth, good will toward men”, meaning that God was willing to sacrifice his son, so that mankind could receive pardon for their sins, and be at peace with God.

Since Adam's and Eve's disobedience to God's word in the garden, mankind had been cast out of God's paradise, and all people became enemies of God, and there was war between men and God.

Christ Jesus came into the world as the Prince of Peace to be a mediator between God and man, and to pay the price for man's sin, which is death or separation from God forever. Individuals who will acknowledge him as God, and accept him as their sin sacrifice, will receive pardon and forgiveness, and be reconciled to God the Father and be at peace with him.

Contrary to popular opinion, Christ did not come into the world to make peace among nations. In fact, he prophesied that there would be wars and rumors of wars before his final return and reign on earth. He prophesied that because some would receive him as their Savior and some, would not,

tension and strife would increase, and brother would be at war with brother, and the members of one's own household would be his foes. Family ties are strong and blood is thicker than water, and we tend to defend our own, but Jesus taught that where God's word and truth are concerned, if we are truly servants of God, we must love God more than any others and take our stand for truth and combat falsehood and evil wherever it may be found.

There is a price to be paid for being a servant of the Lord, if we are to stand on his truth and righteousness. If we are to find and enjoy life eternal, we must be willing to lose our life here for his cause.

Jesus said: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And man' foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 10: 34-32.

What Is His Name?

What Is His Name?

 

      God forbid that we should be afraid or ashamed to speak the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim him as our Savior.

      The name of Jesus Christ is forbidden to be mentioned in public ceremonies and places today in our great country which was founded upon the principles of Jesus Christ and Christianity. At sporting events, commencement exercises and other public events, those who are called upon to pray are warned not to mention his holy name lest they offend unbelievers and disturb their guilty conscience.  It is ok, we are told, to pray to a generic, unknown god: the man upstairs; the divine power or influence, the god that will satisfy everyone's own individual convictions.

      Sad it is to observe that many professed Christians, who claim to be saved and redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, hesitate to speak his name among friends and acquaintances. It seems that the only time public prayer is permissible nowadays in our great country is when our country is in great danger. Then we are urged to cry out with a loud voice: “God bless America”; but who is the God that we want to bless America?

      I, for one, will tell you who he is. He is the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God. There is no other name under heaven among men whereby we must be saved. “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4: 11, 12.

      Jesus said: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him  will I also deny before my Father whichis in heaven. Matthew 10: 32,33.

Facing Our Enemies!

Facing Our Enemies!

When we answer the call to be a volunteer in the service of the Lord, we must be prepared to face enemies that we have never had to face before. We will find ourselves in a spiritual combat zone. Giants of adversity will constantly be rising up before us and we will seem to be as sheep among wolves. There are many wolves in the world who pretend to be fellow sheep and cloth themselves in sheep's clothing: of these we must be aware, and when we are among them we must be wise as servants, but harmless as doves.

Ungodly, wicked men do not appreciate hearing about their wickedness and sin, and are not gospel friendly. The preaching of the truth of God's word is an abomination to the wicked, therefore, we must be aware of men for they will deliver us up to judges, and councils and imprisonment. Sometimes our most subtle enemies are members of our own household: wives against husbands; husbands against wives; children against parents; brother against brother.

The world hated Christ and wanted him put away, and we can be sure that those of us who love him and are soldiers of the cross will be hated also. We must remain strong and of good courage. We already know, according to the word of God, the final outcome of this war. We are, and forever shall be, more than conquerors through Christ our Lord and captain of our salvation.

Jesus said: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues, and you shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death and ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” M atthew 10: 16-22

Ripe Unto Harvest!

Ripe Unto Harvest!

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion on them because they fainted, and were scattered abroad having no shepherd.” Matthew 9: 35, 36.\ Jesus sees the multitudes that are in the world today who are fainting and scattered abroad, and have no shepherd, and are spiritually starving for words of compassion and comfort. When Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave his disciples the great commission to go into all the world and preach his gospel of salvation; and to heal the sick, to comfort the weary; and to bring hope of eternal life to the lost. They, through the word of God, have passed this great commission down to us today. All who call themselves Christians have been given this great responsibility to continue the ministry of Jesus here on earth until he returns for his church.

One only has to look upon the world conditions today to see the multitudes in need of teaching and spiritual leadership. The harvest is truly white and ready, but who will answer the call, who will go? The call for laborers has been issued, the need is great, but few are those who will answer the call.

Some one has wisely said: “None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something, and what we can do we ought to do” all for the glory of God to draw all men and women, boys and girls to a saving knowledge of Christ.

“Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few, pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9: 37,38.

Once I Was Blind!

Once I Was Blind!

Once I was blind, but now I see. From the moment of my physical birth until the moment of my rebirth as a child of God, my spiritual eyes and understanding were afflicted with blindness. This is true of all people whether or not they will acknowledge this truth.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God” for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2: 14. Jesus said: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3: 3.

Unfortunately, there are certain religious leaders today occupying pulpits and teaching and preaching some form of religion who are blind leaders of the blind. Jesus said: “Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15: 13,14.

These blind leaders have never truly been born again and experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; therefore, they teach the doctrines of men, a social gospel of good works, good deeds, the keeping of rules and commandments . More emphasis placed on tolerance and love, and at the same time neglecting to teach the penalty of not being forgiven and pardoned by God and having a personal relationship with Christ.

Praise God! Christ is willing and able to open the blind eyes of all those who will come to him and ask to receive their sight. In asking we must believe that he is, in fact, the divine son of God, and is the only way, the truth, and the light. We must believe that he is the propitiation for our sins: he paid the price of our redemption, and we are forever saved by his grace. We must believe that he arose from the dead and ascended into heaven, and is now our great high priest who makes intercession for us before the throne of God. We must believe that if we will confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

When we receive all this truth by faith as a free gift of God's grace, we are miraculously born again, and then and only then can we see spiritual things. We must have the confidence that Jesus can and will do all this for us, and as we believe, Jesus said, it shall be done unto us.

“And when Jesus departed thence two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, thou son of David, have mercy on us. And while he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saitjh unto them, believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, according to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened, and Jesus straitly charged them, see that no man know it.” Matthew 9: 27-30.

In this case Jesus gave physical sight to physical eyes, and at this time he was not yet ready for it to be known abroad. Today Jesus will give spiritual sight to spiritual eyes and he wants all those who have received spiritual eyesight to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

Not To Call The Righteous!

Not To Call The Righteous!

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. When God the Father saw the lost condition of the human race, he did not want to pour out his righteous wrath upon us to punish, but he had compassion and revealed his great love for mankind by giving himself in the person of Jesus Christ as a ransom for our redemption.

While here on earth, Jesus purposely drew near and associated himself with the lowest of the low, so that he might save us and lift us up and plant our feet on higher ground. Jesus, the great physician realized that a healthy person does not need a physician, but the sick for whom he came to minister. God who is the God of love and mercy does not require sacrifice and penance, but rather, offers as a free gift to all who will receive it, grace and mercy. Jesus did not come to call the righteous, or those who thought that they were righteous, instead he came to call the lost, the weak, the sick, the hopeless; those who were poor in spirit and were well aware that they were sinners and needed salvation.

The self righteous scribes and Pharisees could not understand why, if he were God, Jesus would want to associate and sit down and eat and have fellowship with such people.

Jesus did not wait until we became righteous through our own good works before he gave himself for us to save us: but “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior that being justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3: 5-7.

While sitting at the table with the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus discerned their thoughts: “And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, why eateth your master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, they that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth. I will have mercy and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9: 10-13.

They Turned The World Upside Down!

They Turned The World Upside Down!

Someone has said: “The mark of the first century Christian disciple was that they “had been with Jesus” and that they had “turned the world upside down.

The mark of the modern Christian is often only that of a good fellow, who in good weather visits a building called a church on Sunday Morning.”

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4: 13.

“But the Jews which believed not moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people, and when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, these that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.” Acts 17: 5-7

What Do We Believe Concerning The Sayings Of Jesus?

What Do We Believe Concerning The Sayings Of Jesus?

      After hearing all these sayings of Jesus great multitudes followed him when he came down from the mountain. We have listened to his sayings, how do we believe?

      A leper approached Jesus and begged him to heal his leprosy. He believed that if Jesus wanted to, he had the power to heal him and restore him to health. “And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him, saying, I will be thou clean, and immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew 8: 3. A centurion came to Jesus entreating him for his sick servant, that he might come and heal him. “And Jesus saith unto him I will come and heal him.” Matthew 8: 7.

      The centurion indicated his faith in the power of Jesus by saying that he need not come to his house, but that he speak the word only and it would be accomplished. Jesus commended him for his faith. And said: “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8: 10-12.

      We have heard Jesus say to us that before we can enter in to the kingdom of heaven we must be born again and become new creatures in Christ. He said that he would accomplish this for us if we would believe him. We heard him say that he was the way, the truth, and the light, and that he was the narrow gate by which all men would enter into heaven. He told us that we all are sinners and cannot save ourselves, that we need to be forgiven and receive pardon from God. He told us that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin, and that the divine blood of the Lamb of God (himself) was the only acceptable sacrifice given freely to all who will ask. He told us that we can ask and receive, to knock and it shall be opened unto us, to seek and we shall find. He promised to forgive our sins and heal our diseases All that we receive from the Lord depends upon what we believe.

      “And Jesus said unto the centurion, go thy way: and as thou hast believed so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.” Matthew 8: 13.

What Did Jesus Say About Building Our House?

What Did Jesus Say About Building Our House?

If a house is to withstand all the storms and natural disasters that may come upon it, it must have a solid foundation, otherwise, it will crumble and fall with the slightest wind of adversity.

      A wise builder will dig down deep into the earth until he comes to the bedrock upon which he can began to build. Likewise, unless our spiritual lives are firmly fixed upon a solid foundation, we will fall into ruin and despair when the winds blow and the hardships come into our lives. A wise person will seek to build his spiritual life and house upon the solid rock. The foolish person will build his spiritual life and his house on shifting sand, and when the floods come he will be swept away.

      There is one solid rock for all ages and all people upon which we are advised to begin building our house. That rock is Jesus Christ, he is the solid rock. When we take heed to the word of God and pay close attention to the teaching of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and with his help follow his instructions for our lives, we are building our house upon him, and as the psalmist has said: “He is my rock and my fortress.” “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalm 127: 1.

      Unbelievers who will not acknowledge the authority of the Word of God have no spiritual rock upon which they can build their lives and houses. Consequently, when trouble comes, they fall into ruin because trhey have built their house upon the sand.

      Jesus said: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock ,and every onethat heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened untoa foolish man which built his house upon the sand, and the rain descended, and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and lt fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew7: 24-27.

What Did Jesus Say About Those Who Call Him Lord?

What Did Jesus Say About Those Who Call Him Lord?

How sad and horrifying it would be to come to the end of our days and meet with God only to hear him say unto us, depart from me for I never knew you!

Many have taught and preached about Jesus Christ, but have never experienced a personal relationship with him. Many have adhered to his philosophy of good works and charity and morality, thinking that this is all that is required to enter heaven. There are many who believe that going through the ritual of baptism and church membership and sacrificial giving will guarantee their entrance into heaven. Jesus explained that more is required than all this, yet nothing that we have or can do will give us access to God's heaven.

Jesus said that they that do the will of God shall enter into heaven. What is the will of God? The will of God for all people is that they be saved; that they acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as God in human flesh, and acknowledge that the only way to God is through him. The will of God for each of us is to admit that we are sinful, helpless creatures, doomed to eternal hell unless God pours out his grace and mercy upon us. Jesus said that we must be born again,- that is- become new creatures in Christ, having a personal, one on one relationship with him as our Lord and Savior.

God has promised that he will save us and apply the blood of Jesus Christ to our account and make us his children and grant that personal relationship with him if we will approach him by faith and ask him to save us.

Jesus warned: “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day , Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7: 21-23.

What Did Jesus Say About Entering Into Fellowship With Our Heavenly Father?

What Did Jesus Say About Entering Into Fellowship With Our Heavenly Father?

We have heard that it has been said that there are many ways to approach God and worship him.There are numerous religious denominations in the world that believe this concept. Some would try to approach and worship God through ritual and ceremonial sacrifices. Some believe that their good works will secure for them God's favor. Some would try to approach God by praying, using different names, other than his true name which he has revealed to us through the scriptures.

We are told that we are to be tolerant of other cultures and religions, and respect and accept their method of worship as being as valid as that which has been revealed to us In the holy bible. Jesus Christ taught otherwise. Jesus taught that the only way to approach the one and only true God almighty is a very narrow path that leads through a very narrow gate, and only a few walk that pathway and pass through that gate. Many have chosen to walk a very wide road and pass through a very wide gate which leads to destruction this pathway and gate seems easy and convenient to the masses who like to believe that there is no absolute authority in the universe; truth is only relevant to those who perceive it to be truth. This is a road where many have tried to invent their own gods who will agree with their own code of behavior, not having to give an account to anyone higher than themselves.

Some refer to God as “the man upstairs” or just plain “God” without giving him a specific name or title. There are many so called gods, every culture seems to have its' own set of gods. The holy bible which is the revealed word of God tells us that there is only one true God who has a name. And that there is only one way to approach unto God.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1: 1-4. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” John 14: 6.

Jesus Christ is the narrow way and the narrow door, the only way that one may enter into fellowship with God the Father. Jesus said: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be that go in thereat: because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7: 13-14.

What Did Jesus Say About Asking And Receiving?

What Did Jesus Say about asking and receiving?

What a great privilege we have as the redeemed children of God to come boldly to the throne of God in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and make our request known to him!

Of course, he already knows the things that we need before we ask him, but it honors him when we come to him and ask in faith. When we approach God our heavenly Father, we are to picture ourselves as when we were little children approaching our earthly father, asking for the things that we desired, believing with all our heart that we would receive that for which we asked, if, in the wisdom of our earthly father, it would be good for us.

God does not want us to be lazy, helpless children. Sometimes God makes available to us the things that we ask, but requires us to go seek and gather that which God has put there for us. Sometimes God answers our prayers by leading us to doors upon which we need to knock to take advantage of all the opportunities which he has provided for us. If we are faithful in reading and studying God's word and praying, God gives us the wisdom to know how to use all our earthly means to solve our problems. If God must, he will change the course of nature to help us.

Jesus said: “Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveh, and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7: 7-12.

What Did Jesus Say About Making Judgments?

What Did Jesus Say About Making Judgments?

Only God has the power and authority to look into the depths of man's heart and judge the motives and intent of the heart. We must make sure that there are no beams in our own eyes that would hinder us from seeing clearly and making right judgments. As we judge the motives and intents of others we are judging ourselves because we are biased by the corruption which is inherent in our own lives. Jesus only is the pure judge of all.

Jesus said: “Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote of thy brother's eyes.” Matthew 7: 1-5.

This does not mean that we are not to discern between truth and error; good or evil; but we cannot see all the reasons and motives of others and the final consequences of their activities. We all need to look into a spiritual mirror and see ourselves for what we are, and judge our own motives and actions and confess our own faults and seek to please God.

What Did Jesus Say About Our Treasures?

What Did Jesus Say About Our Treasures?

Where are our treasures? What are those things we treasure most? Jesus taught that we tend to keep our heart, mind, and soul, focused upon our treasures, whatever they may be. Earthly treasures such as gold, silver, precious jewels, houses and lands, education, esteem of men etc, are corruptible and sooner or later will wax old and fall into decay or be stolen by thieves. Even our life on earth is but a vapor and but for a moment and will soon fade away and be gone. If while on the earth we are consumed with the passion for getting wealth and accumulating earthly treasure, we will find in the end that these are poor bed fellows when we are on our sick bed and ready to die.

We ought to live our lives on this earth being content with whatever state we find ourselves in, counting our many blessings day by day, and living in such a fashion that we are accumulating heavenly wealth and treasures which we are sending on ahead of us to be enjoyed forever in the kingdom of God in heaven. If our heart is focused on those treasures, then we will be constantly in communion with God our Father and find our joy in serving him.

Jesus said: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and thieves do not break through and steal, . For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6: 19-21. “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6: 24.

What Did Jesus Say About Fasting?

What Did Jesus Say About Fasting?

Fasting or abstaining from food and drink, and depriving ourselves from some of the comforts of everyday life for a season, ought to be a voluntary act on the part of the christian. Its' purpose ought to be to purify our body, mind and soul, and express our humility before God for his goodness to us. Only God needs to be aware of our fasting. It is not necessary for us to sound a trumpet and broadcast to the world the fact that we are denying ourselves through fasting to draw nearer to God. God sees the motives of our heart and he will reward us accordingly. We do not need to receive recognition from men.

Jesus spoke of some of the hypocritical Pharisees who when they fasted, disfigured their faces, and went about with a sad countenance in sack cloth and ashes, so that they would receive recognition of men for their fasting and humility before God.

Jesus said: “Moreover when ye fast be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance; for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast, verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou when thou fastest anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6: 16-18.