Friday, October 12, 2012
Some Talk Outlines from Adrian Rogers
Acts 10
John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the only way to heaven. There is no other way. You must trust that He is Lord and surrender your life to Him completely. Is that true with you? Have you surrendered yourself completely to the Savior Jesus and made Him Lord of your life? I have been asked, "Do you believe that a Jew without Jesus is lost?" I say, "I believe that one of my own dear children is lost without Jesus Christ." It isn't a matter of whether a person is a Jew or a Gentile. It's not a matter of race, or face, or place - it's a matter of grace. People are saved or lost according to what they do with the Son of God. I'm going to tell you how you can know for sure that Jesus Christ is Who He said He is. Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. You must decide. Jesus walked upon this earth. He was born and He died. How do we know this? We know it for three reasons.
The Personal Witness Of The Saints
Acts 10:39-41 says, "And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. "Over 500 people saw Jesus after His death and most of these died because of their belief. Let me say, a man may live for a lie, but would he die for one?
The Prophetic Witness Of The Scriptures
Acts 10:43 says, "To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." When the writer says "all the prophets," he is talking about the prophets from Genesis to Malachi (remember, the New Testament hadn't been written yet).In Genesis 3, we read about the One who will bruise the head of the serpent. In Genesis 12, He is going to come from the seed of Abraham. In Genesis 22, we read about the sacrifice of Isaac on the very mountain where Jesus was later crucified! The entire book of Leviticus is filled with pictures of blood-atoning sacrifices for sin. You'll read about the prophetic crucifixion of Jesus in Psalm 22. In Micah 5:2, it is told clearly that Jesus will be born in Bethlehem. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is: there is but one plan of salvation in all the Bible and that is through the blood-atoning sacrifice of the God-Man, Jesus Christ.
The Powerful Witness Of The Spirit
The Holy Spirit takes the Word of God and says, "Amen. It is written. It is truth." I thank God that I don't have to try and talk you into believing Jesus. If there's anything I can talk you into, there's someone who can talk you right out of it!1 John 5:9-11 says, "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. "I want you to have a "know-so" salvation, not a "hope-so." Do you know that if you died tonight that you would go to heaven? Notice I didn't say, "Do you hope that if you died tonight that you would go to heaven." Repent and believe today so you can have a "know-so" salvation!
Habakkuk 1-3 Dark Days
Chapter one is a perplexing problem.
Chapter two is a proper perspective.
Chapter three is a profound praise. Habakkuk 2:4 Romans 1:17 Galatians 3:11 Hebrews 10:38
FAITH DOESN’T LIVE BY EXPLANATION, BUT BY PROMISES. (Habakkuk 1:1-2)
Habakkuk’s problems:
Heaven’s silence Habakkuk 1:2
Earth’s sinfulness Habakkuk 1:3-4 Jeremiah 5:30-31 Jeremiah 8:12
Hell’s success Habakkuk 1:5-6 John 16:12 Isaiah 55:8-9 Romans 11:33-34 Habakkuk 1:13
FAITH DOESN’T LIVE BY APPEARANCES, BUT BY PROVIDENCE. (habakkuk 2:1)
The reliability of Scripture. Habakkuk 1:2-3
The resource of the saint. Habakkuk 2:4 Romans 1:24-32 Romans 1:15-17
The retribution of the sinner. Habakkuk 2:5-6
Warnings against material corruption. Habakkuk 2:6 Habakkuk 2:9
Warnings against moral corruption. Habakkuk 2:12 Habakkuk 2:15
Warnings against spiritual corruption. Habakkuk 2:19
The reign of the Savior. Habakkuk 2:14, 20
FAITH DOESN’T LIVE BY CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT BY PRAISE. (Habakkuk 3:1-3)
We need to remember God’s glory.
We need to rejoice in God’s goodness. Habakkuk 3:17-18
We need to rely on God’s grace. Habakkuk 3:19
The Freedom Of Forgiveness Ephesians 4:31-32
God’s forgiveness sets us free from the prison of guilt. Ephesians 4:31-32 Matthew 6:12 Ephesians 1:7
THE COMPELLING REASONS FOR FORGIVENESS
The grace factor Ephesians 4:32
The guilt factor Matthew 6:14-15 Matthew 18:23-35 James 2:13
The grief factor Hebrews 12:15
The gain factor Matthew 5:24 Matthew 18:15
The effects of unforgiveness
It disgraces Almighty God.
It discourages the saints.
It drives away the lost.
It delights the devil.
THE COSTLY REQUIREMENTS FOR FORGIVENESS (Ephesians 4:32)
We are to forgive freely. Matthew 18:15 Matthew 18:21-22
We are to forgive fully.
We are to forgive finally. Isaiah 43:25
We are to forgive forcefully.
THE RESULTS OF FORGIVENESS
There is personal emancipation.
There is reconciliation.
There is spiritual jubilation. Romans 12:19 Luke 23:34
When Parents Pray
Matthew 7:7-11
WHEN WE ASK, DESIRE IS EXPRESSED. (Matthew 7:7-11)
James 4:1-2 Luke 18:1 Mark 14:38 Philippians 4:6 Matthew 6:7-8
Why do we pray?
The fellowship factor 2 Corinthians 6:1
The development factor John 15:7
The dependence factor
WHEN WE SEEK, DIRECTION IS EXPLORED.
What is it we seek when we pray?
The purpose of God James 4:3
The presence of God James 4:8-11
The power of God James 5:16
WHEN WE KNOCK, DETERMINATION IS EXERTED. Luke 11:5-9 Luke 18:1-7 1 Kings 18:41-44
When do you stop asking?
When you have what you asked for.
When you have the answer in your heart.
When God says no. Matthew 7:9-11
The assurance of answered prayer
God is good.
God is wise. Psalm 84:11
God is able.
How To Get Up When You're Down
Psalm 42
THE SERIOUS PROBLEM OF DEPRESSSION (Psalm 42:5)
Numbers 11:11-15 Jonah 4:3 1 Kings 19:4 2 Corinthians 1:8 Matthew 11:2-3
David’s depression
He had spiritual dryness. Psalm 42:1-2 Psalm 42:9
He cried continually. Psalm 42:3
He felt shame and defeat. Psalm 42:3
He had lingering memories. Psalm 42:4
He had overwhelming circumstances. Psalm 42:6-7
THE SPIRITUAL PROVISION FOR DEPRESSION
Look within and analyze your heart. Psalm 42:5-7
Look upward and recognize your help. Psalm 42:7-9
Look onward and realize your hope. Psalm 42:11 Jeremiah 29:11
The Problem Of Unworthy Authorities 1 Peter 2:11-3:4
THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBMISSION (1 Peter 2:11)
John 15:18 1 Peter 2:13 1 Peter 2:18 1 Peter 3:1 1 Peter 2:15 Luke 7:1-10
What is submission? One equal, voluntarily placing himself under another equal, that God may be glorified.
1 Peter 2:13 Philippians 2:6-8 1 Samuel 15:23
THE PLACES OF SUBMISSION
A godless government (1 Peter 2:13-17) Honor everyone.
In our social life
In our church life 1 Peter 2:17
In our spiritual life 1 Peter 2:17 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Matthew 17:27
A bad boss (1 Peter 2:18-19)
A mean mate (1 Peter 3:1-4) 1 Corinthians 11:3 Galatians 3:28
THE PROBLEMS WITH SUBMISSION
Submission is not always the same as obedience. Acts 5:28-29 Romans 12:18
THE PRICE OF SUBMISSION (1 Peter 2:19-24)
Jesus paid for our sins by submitting to His Father.
Strength Through Authority Luke 7:1-10 KINGDOM AUTHORITY
Genesis 1:28 John 8:31-32 Romans 5:17
The source of it: it comes from above. (Luke 7:8) 1 John 4:17 Romans 6:4-5
Ephesians 1:17-21, 2:6 Matthew 28:18-20 1 Peter 3:22
The secret of it: you cannot be over until you are under. (Luke 7:8)
Jesus was under authority.
He was subject to His Father. John 17:4
He was subject to the Holy Spirit. Luke 4:1
He was subject to the Word of God. John 10:35
He was subject to His earthly parents. Luke 2:51
He was subject to earthly government. Matthew 17:27
The scope of it: it is over all the power of the enemy. (Luke 10:18-19)
Hebrews 2:8 Romans 8:22 Romans 8:23 2 Peter 1:3
The strength of it: surrender. (Luke 7:7-8)
What Shall I Do With Jesus? Matthew 27:22
What shall I do with Jesus?
It is a very present question.
It is a very personal question.
It is a very pertinent question.
It is a pressing question.
THE VOICES THAT CONFRONTED PILATE
The voice of reason Matthew 27:18
The voice of a loved one Matthew 27:19
The voice of his conscience Matthew 27:23-24
The voice of Jesus Christ John 18:37
THE VALUES THAT CONFORMED PILATE
Public opinion Matthew 27:20 Mark 15:15
Pride John 19:9-11
Position and possessions John 19:12
THE VERDICT THAT CONDEMNED PILATE (Matthew 27:26)
Pilate tried to ignore Jesus. John 18:31
Pilate tried to shift the decision to someone else. Luke 23:6-7
Pilate sought simply to admire Jesus. Luke 23:14-15
Pilate attempted to remain neutral. Matthew 27:22-24 Matthew 12:30
The testimony of who Jesus is: Matthew 11:11 John 1:29 Matthew 16:16
John 1:14 John 20:28 John 11:27 Luke 2:11 Luke 15:12
Matthew 26:57-66 Mark 15:39 Matthew 27:4 John 19:4
Luke 4:34 2 Corinthians 5:17 2 Corinthians 4:17
Matthew 3:17 Romans 1:4 1 John 5:9
When God Cleans House Matthew 21:12-16
THE PROFANING OF THE TEMPLE (Matthew 21:12)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
THE PURGING OF THE TEMPLE (Matthew 21:12) John 2:15
A whip of chastisement. Hebrews 12:5-8 The purpose is to make us holy before God. Hebrews 12:10-11
A work of disruption
THE PURPOSE OF THE TEMPLE
It is to be a place of prayer. Matthew 21:13 Luke 18:1 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Philippians 4:6
1 Samuel 12:23 Isaiah 56:7
It is to be a place of power. Matthew 21:14 Matthew 11:11 John 10:41-42
It is to be a place of praise. Matthew 21:15-16 Psalm 34:1
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Revelation 3:20
The Dawning Of A New Day Luke 22:31-34
WHY DID SIMON PETER FAIL? (Luke 22:31-34)
He was arguing when he should have been listening. Matthew 16:21-23
He was boasting when he should have been depending. Luke 22:33-34
Peter failed at his point of strength. John 21:7 Matthew 14:28-29 John 18:10 Genesis 12:11-13
Numbers 12:3 Exodus 2:11-12 2 Samuel 11:2-4
He was sleeping when he should have been praying. Luke 22:44-46 Luke 11:4
He was fighting rather than loving and sharing. Luke 22:33
Simon Peter had the wrong enemy. Luke 22:50 Ephesians 6:12
Simon Peter had the wrong weapon. John 18:11 2 Corinthians 10:4
Simon Peter had the wrong energy. Luke 22:44-50
Simon Peter had the wrong attitude. James 1:20 1 Corinthians 10:12
SIMON PETER LEARNED THREE THINGS (Luke 22:60-61)
He learned the sovereign control of Jesus. Psalm 8:6-8 John 12:14-15 Luke 5:1-9 Matthew 17:27
He learned the sympathetic compassion of Jesus. Luke 22:61
He learned the steadfast commitment of Jesus. Luke 22:61 Luke 22:31-32 2 Timothy 2:13 Job 1:12, 2:6 Hebrews 7:25
Family Revival Matthew 19:3-9
GOD HAS DESIGNED THE FAMILY (Matthew 19:4-5)
We are to leave father and mother. Matthew 19:5
We are to cleave to our spouse. Matthew 19:5
We are to be one flesh. Matthew 19:5
We are to be one flesh physically for multiplication. Malachi 2:15
We are to be one flesh psychologically for communication.
We are to be one flesh for communion.
SATAN WANTS TO DESTROY THE FAMILY (Matthew 19:7-9) Ephesians 5:25 Titus 2:4
Romans 5:8 Romans 12:18
YOU MUST DEFEND YOUR FAMILY (Matthew 19:6)
God’s Word teaches that if we have failed we can be forgiven. Romans 8:1 1 John 1:9 Isaiah 1:18
John 8:7 John 8:10-11 Hebrews 13:8
How can you defend your home?
Make Jesus the head of your home. Continue to feed your love.
If your home is broken, ask God for forgiveness.
If you are unmarried; marry only in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 6:14 Ecclesiastes 4:12
In The Twinkling Of An Eye 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
WHAT -- THE SACRED MYSTERY OF RESURRECTION AND RAPTURE (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Acts 8:39 John 6:15 1 Corinthians 12:1-2 Acts 23:10 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
How are we assured of the rapture? 1 Thessalonians 4:14-15
By the saving work of our Lord.
By the sure word of our Lord.
WHO -- THE SAVIOR AND THE SAINTS (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) Revelation 20:5-6 Luke 17:34-37
WHEN -- A SUDDEN MOMENT THAT IS CLOSE AND CERTAIN (Matthew 24:36)
Signs of His coming Matthew 24:38-39 Matthew 24:42,44 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Sounds of His coming 1 Thessalonians 4:16 The sound of His voice John 11:43
The sound of the archangel The archangel is speaking to Heaven’s armies.
The sound of the trump of God Numbers 10:9-10
WHY -- A STRATEGIC MOVE OF RESCUE, REUNION AND RECEPTION (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
1 Thessalonians 5:9
Rescue 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
Reunion 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Reception John 14:3
WHERE -- IN THE AIR (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Song of Solomon 2:10
Living On The Edge Of Eternity Revelation 1:1-3
THE CENTRAL PERSON JESUS CHRIST (Revelation 1:1)
THE CLEAR PURPOSE A REVELATION OF JESUS TO HIS SERVANTS (Revelation 1:1)
THE COMFORTING PROMISE A BLESSING (Revelation 1:2-3) Revelation 11:15 James 5:8
THE CERTAIN PROPHECY JESUS’ COMING IS IMMINENT (Revelation 1:3)
1 Peter 4:7 1 Corinthians 10:11 Philippians 4:5 James 5:8 1 John 2:18
“The things which thou hast seen” Revelation 1:19 Revelation 1:12-18
“The things which are” Revelation 1:19 Revelation 2:11
“The things which shall be” Revelation 1:19
The rapture and the translation of the saints Revelation 4:1 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
The tribulation and the regimentation of this world Revelation 6:12-17
Armageddon and the destruction of the beast Revelation 13:1-3 Revelation 16:13-16
Revelation 19:11-16 Revelation 19:19-21
The millennium and the glorification of the Savior Revelation 20:1-6 Matthew 5:5
The final judgment and the condemnation of sinners Revelation 20:11-15
The eternal state and the destination of the species Revelation 21:6-8 Revelation 22:17
The last invitation in the Bible. Revelation 22:20
The last prayer in the Bible.
Bright Lights In A Dark World 1 Peter 3:13-16
We need to be real.
We need to be ready. 1 Peter 3:15
WE MUST ENTHRONE CHRIST AS LORD (1 Peter 3:15)
WE MUST BE READY WITH AN ANSWER (1 Peter 3:15) Acts 2:12
We must be able to defend our faith. Matthew 22:36-37 John 15:13
WE MUST PRACTICE GENUINE HUMILITY (1 Peter 3:15)
Meekness is strength under control. James 1:19-20 1 Peter 4:17
WE MUST LIVE A SUPERIOR LIFESTYLE (1 Peter 3:16) 1 Peter 2:12 Acts 16:30-31
WE MUST DISPLAY GENUINE LOVE (1 Peter 4:8-9)
We must be known not merely for what we are against, but what we are for.
WE MUST ALWAYS HOLD ONTO HOPE (1 Peter 3:15)
We do not need to hide in a corner, but rather, we need to go out with banner unfurled.
God is our source of supply.
The Holy Spirit is our ally.
Jesus is our Commander in Chief.
The Sad Case Of A Stolen Song Psalm 137:1-6
God gave Israel a land.
God gave Israel a law.
God gave Israel a Lord.
Israel defiled the land.
Israel defied the law.
Israel denied the Lord.
THE SAD MISERY OF A CAPTURED CHRISTIAN (Psalm 137:1)
The most miserable person in the world is a Christian out of fellowship with God.
Laughter and happiness are not needed in order to have joy. Ecclesiastes 7:6
God will engineer your sorrow. Jeremiah 25:8-11
THE STINGING MEMORY OF A CAPTURED CHRISTIAN (Psalm 137:1)
If someone is saved, they will have a memory of the joy of the Lord. 1 John 2:19
THE SARCASTIC MOCKERY OF A CAPTURED CHRISTIAN (Psalm 137:2-3)
The devil and the world delight to see a child of God fail. John 15:19 Judges 16:21-25
THE SILENCED MELODY OF A CAPTURED CHRISTIAN (Psalm 137:4)
Every Christian ought to sing a song of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 Exodus 15:1-19 Psalm 40:2-3 Ephesians 5:19
Sorrow can’t steal your song. Matthew 26:30
Suffering can’t steal your song. Acts 16:25 Isaiah 30:29
Only sin can steal your song. Psalm 51:14
God wants His children who have wandered away from Him to come back to Him. Jeremiah 24:6-7
Isaiah 55:7 Isaiah 55:12 Psalm 23:6
Joseph: A Portrait Of Jesus Genesis 37
THE BELOVED SON (Genesis 37:1-3)
His father’s devotion Genesis 37:3 Matthew 3:17 Matthew 17:5 John 10:10
His faultless distinction Genesis 37:2 Hebrews 7:26 John 7:7 John 1:14 Psalm 45:7
His future dominion Genesis 37:9 Genesis 37:5-6 Matthew 26:64
THE SUFFERING SERVANT (Genesis 37:4-24)
The sent one Genesis 37:12-13 1 John 4:10
The scorned one Genesis 37:4 John 15:24 Genesis 37:8 Luke 19:14
The suffering one Suffered conspiracy Genesis 37:18 Matthew 26:3-4
Suffered abuse Genesis 37:23-24 Matthew 27:26-29
Suffered betrayal Genesis 37:28 Matthew 26:14-15
The slain one Genesis 37:31-34
THE EXALTED SOVEREIGN (Genesis 41:38-57)
He is lifted up and glorified Genesis 41:38-44 1 Peter 3:22 Philippians 2:9-11
He is given a new name Genesis 41:45 Revelation 19:12
He is given a gentile bride Genesis 41:45 Ephesians 5
He is the only hope for a dying world Genesis 41:55-57 Genesis 41:49 Acts 4:12 Romans 10:12
THE SEEKING SAVIOR (Genesis 45:1-5)
He revealed himself to his brothers Genesis 45:1-3
He forgave and restored his brothers Genesis 45:4-5 Genesis 50:20
He commissioned his brothers Genesis 45:4, 9 Genesis 45:26-27
When Nothing Seems To Make Sense Genesis 39:20-23
Joseph was placed in prison not for doing anything wrong, but for doing something right.
DON’T DEMAND TO UNDERSTAND Proverbs 3:5-6 Isaiah 50:10-11
You can come to a time of perplexity even though you have done nothing wrong.
Job was perplexed at times.
Habakkuk was perplexed at times.
John the Baptist was perplexed at times. Luke 7:28 John 1:29 Matthew 11:3
Paul was perplexed at times. Isaiah 55:8-9
DON’T FAIL TO BE FAITHFUL (Genesis 39:21-23)
The same God who was with Joseph in the good times was with him in the bad times.
DON’T BOW TO BITTERNESS (Genesis 40:14-15) 1 Peter 2:20
One of the greatest tests in life is this: Not how you react when you’re punished for doing wrong, but how you react when you’re persecuted for doing right.
DON’T BE UNWILLING TO WAIT (Genesis 40:23) Genesis 41:46 Psalm 37:5-9 1 Peter 5:6
DON’T LET DREAMS DISSOLVE (Genesis 41:37-44) Joel 2:28
Joseph never forgot the dream that God gave him and God never forgot the dream either.
The Expedience of Obedience Acts 5:27-Acts 6:1
THE REASONS FOR OBEDIENCE
Obedience is a duty to be performed. (Acts 5:29) 1 Samuel 15:22-23
Disobedience is like witchcraft. Disobedience is iniquity. Disobedience is idolatry.
Obedience is a debt to be paid. (Acts 5:29-31)
Obedience is a delight to be preferred. (Acts 5:41)
Obedience is a decision to be practiced. God will allow us to disobey. God has given man the power to choose.
There are certain things, that by His very nature, God cannot do.
God cannot fail. (Ephesians 1:11)
God cannot do evil. (Titus 1:2)
God cannot be tempted. (James 1:13-14) When Jesus was tempted of Satan in the wilderness, He was tempted in His humanity. (Luke 4:1-13)
God cannot be unjust. (Romans 3:26)
It is impossible for God to forgive sin without a sacrifice. God cannot overlook or bypass sin.
God cannot force loving obedience.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OBEDIENCE
Obedience must be informed. (Acts 5:17-20)
Obedience must be intentional. (Proverbs 8:32-34)
Obedience must be immediate. (Acts 5:28-31) Psalm 119:60 Procrastination is a form of disobedience.
Obedience must be inflexible. (Acts 5:33) Selective obedience is not obedience at all.
Obedience must be impassioned. (Romans 6:17)
THE REWARDS FOR OBEDIENCE
The Spirit will be received. (Acts 5:32)
Joy is achieved. (Acts 5:41)
The gospel is believed. (Acts 5:42, 6:1)
Counterfeit Christianity Acts 8:5-24
One of Satan’s chief tools in his bag of tricks is religion. The very first temptation in the Garden of Eden was a religious temptation; it was a temptation not to be ungodly, but to be godly “and ye shall be as gods”. Genesis 3:1-5
Satan is a counterfeiter; rather than deny the faith, he counterfeits the faith.
DON’T BE DAZZLED BY THE SATANIC FORCE OF FALSE RELIGION (Acts 8:9-10)
2 Thessalonians 2:9 “Lying wonders” miracles that deceive
Revelation 16:14 Pharaoh’s magicians performed miracles when Moses performed miracles of God. Exodus 7:11-12, 22
Exodus 8: 7 Don’t be deceived by the power of false religion; flee from it.
DON’T BE DECEIVED BY THE SUPERFICIAL FAITH OF FALSE RELIGION (Acts 8:13-21)
Never put your faith in miracles; put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Simon the sorcerer believed not in the Master, but in the miracles. Acts 8:21 John 2:23-25
Superficial faith never truly bows the knee to Jesus; never makes Him Lord. James 2:19
Don’t trust in a supernatural experience alone as proof of salvation. 2 Corinthians 11:14 Revelation 13:13-14
John 5:24 Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone.
DON’T BE DESTROYED BY THE SELFISH FOCUS OF FALSE RELIGION (Acts 8:9-10, 14-24)
Selfishness/self-centeredness empowers false religion.
Self-centeredness is pride. It is what made the devil the devil. Isaiah 14:12-14 1 Timothy 6:3-4
False, self-centered religion brings two things. (Acts 8:23) Bitterness Bondage
The difference between a true child of God and an unsaved person:
The unsaved person fears the consequences of his sin.
The saved person is broken-hearted that he has broken the heart of God.
How to Enjoy the Presence of God Exodus 33:1-3
Worship is enjoying the presence of God.
Some of the most frightening words in the Bible are found in Exodus 33:1-3, where God gave the children of Israel His protection, provision, and His promise, but not His presence.
Moses was upon Mt. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from the Lord.
While Moses was gone, his brother Aaron led the people in a revolt against God.
The people gave Aaron their bracelets and earrings, out of which Aaron made a golden calf that the people worshiped.
Due to their sin, the Lord decided to remove His presence from them. He would give the people His protection and provision, He would fulfill His promise to give them the land of Canaan, but He would not go with them into the land.
Exodus 32:4-10 Exodus 32:30-32 Exodus 33:1-4
Many Christians today do not have the conscious presence of God in their lives.
Do not settle for God’s protection, His provision, or even the Promised Land, without His presence. When you have the presence of God, you need nothing more; and you should settle for nothing less.
There are four things that will rob us of God’s manifested presence in our lives and that are the arch enemy of worship (which is enjoying God’s presence).
DIRECT DISOBEDIENCE (Exodus 32:7-8)
Many people confess faith in the Lord Jesus but do not have His presence in their lives; and they do not have the assurance of their salvation. 1 John 4:13 Romans 8:16
When we willingly and knowingly disobey God, we grieve the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:30)
When we grieve the Holy Spirit, we then quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
The Holy Spirit is to us what the pillar of cloud and of fire were to the children of Israel. (Exodus 13:21-22)
The Holy Spirit is God’s manifested presence in our lives.
When we deliberately disobey God, we grieve the Spirit and quench the Spirit; and when we do that, God ceases to be real in our lives. We can even doubt our salvation. John 14:21
DIVIDED DEVOTION (Exodus 32:4)
An idol is anything we love more, fear more, serve more, and trust more than God.
Is there anyone or anything that takes precedence over God in your life?
Is there anyone or anything that is a greater controlling factor of your behavior than God?
Is there a relationship that means more to you?
Is there a treasure that means more to you?
Is there anything that gets more of your attention than God?
DISPLACED DEPENDENCE (Exodus 32:7-8) When God gives us a victory and we give the glory to someone or something else, we then depend upon that other person or thing rather than upon God; and we will lose the presence of God in our lives.
DETERMINED DEFIANCE (Exodus 32:9) “Stiff necked” is the opposite of being meek and pliable.
Is there someone God has laid on your heart to witness to, but you haven’t witnessed to that person?
Has God given you an impulse to serve in a specific capacity, but you have refused?
Has God laid something on your heart that He wants you to give?
Has God laid someone on your heart with whom you need to apologize to and to reconcile?
Has God been telling you that there’s a wrong relationship in your life that you need to break off?
Has God called you into missions or full-time Christian service?
Moses did not want to go without the Lord’s presence. (Exodus 33:15)
Don’t settle for anything less than God’s presence in your life.
Why I Believe in Jesus Christ John 6:66-69
Jesus had just fed the 5,000 with a few fishes and loaves. Many followed Jesus because of the miracles He performed. But as Jesus preached to them a challenging message, the multitudes began to leave Him. If you turn from Jesus, where will you go?
Will you turn to atheism? The intelligentsia of the ages have believed in God. Socrates Galileo Newton Pasteur Einstein
Wernher von Braun
Will you turn to philosophy? Noted philosophers have stated that philosophy did not satisfy their lives or their questions.
Will you turn to materialism? God made you for Himself; and even if you have material things, your will still find your heart and life empty.
Will you turn to false religions? Only Jesus has the words of eternal life. (John 6:68) Jesus alone is the answer.
There are four reasons why I believe in Jesus Christ.
HISTORICAL REASONS Jesus is a fact of history. John 6:38
SCRIPTURAL REASONS John 6:44-45 The Bible is the Word of God. How do we know the Bible is true?
Fulfilled prophecy
The unity of the Bible
The longevity of the Bible
The accuracy of the Bible
The power of the Bible (John 6:63)
Jesus is the central theme of the Bible.
His miraculous birth and life
His sacrificial death Acts 10:43 John 6:45
SPIRITUAL REASONS John 6:63
If you sincerely seek the truth, God the Holy Spirit will speak to you and confirm that Jesus is the Christ.
He witnesses to you.
He witnesses in you. 1 John 5:6-10
PERSONAL REASONS John 6:68-69
Living Supernaturally or Living Superficially Acts 5:1-14
The church has been hurt far more by hypocrisy, lukewarmness, and superficiality than by persecution. Revelation 3:15-16
BEWARE OF THE PRETENDED DEVOTION OF SUPERFICIAL RELIGION (Acts 5:1-11)
Barnabas sold a piece of property and gave all of the money to the church; it was gift motivated by love. (Acts 4:36-37)
Ananias and Sapphira conspired together to sell a possession, give part of the money to the church, but claim that they were giving the total price to the church. (Acts 5:1-2) Pride is behind all superficial and hypocritical religion.
The root of Ananias’ and Sapphira’s sin was pride; the fruit of their sin was hypocrisy. 1 Peter 5:5,
There was no command that Ananias and Sapphira should give all of the money. (Acts 5:4) Ananias’ and Sapphira’s sin was not that they failed to give everything; their sin was a pretended devotion that they did not have.
BEWARE OF THE PREMEDITATED DECEPTION OF SUPERFICIAL RELIGION (Acts 5:3-4)
Every lie originates with Satan. (John 8:44) Ananias’ and Sapphira’s conspiracy was a direct challenge to the Holy Spirit.
BE SURE OF THE PENETRATING DETECTION OF SUPERFICIAL RELIGION
God the Holy Spirit revealed to Peter that Ananias and Sapphira were lying. Hebrews 4:12
There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. (Romans 2:16)
We need to be willing to ask God to search our hearts. (Psalm 139:23-24)
BE SURE OF THE PURIFYING DISCIPLINE OF SUPERFICIAL RELIGION (Acts 5:5-11)
It was a severe judgment. There are three kinds of judgment.
Our judgment as a sinner – which takes place at Calvary. (Romans 8:1)
Our judgment as a servant – which takes place at the judgment seat of Christ.
Our judgment as a son – which takes place day by day. (Hebrews 12:5-7) 1 Corinthians 11:29-30 1 John 5:16
It was a saving judgment. It saved Ananias and Sapphira from further sin. 1 Corinthians 5:5
It saved the early church from the pollution of hypocrisy. (Acts 5:11) It brought salvation to the lost. (Acts 5:14)
It saved a succeeding generation from hypocrisy. Jude 7 1 Corinthians 10:10-11
Sin among the saints is more serious than sin among the lost. Sin against the Holy Spirit is very serious.
Be on guard against hypocrisy in your life. Don’t let a hypocrite keep you away from Jesus Christ.
A church that is filled with the Holy Spirit; teaches the Word of God; and lives pure, clean, righteous, and holy cannot be stopped by superficiality and hypocrisy on the part of some.
Holy Boldness Acts 4:9-33
Are we bold believers or cowardly Christians? What is boldness?
Boldness is not arrogance
Boldness is not presumption, where we do things to show how much courage we have.
Boldness is having the courage to stand for the Lord Jesus Christ in the face of opposition.
The apostles, Peter and John, faced opposition from religious leaders when the Lord used them to heal a beggar at the gate Beautiful. (Acts 3) Peter and John responded with boldness to the opposition. (Acts 4:9-33)
THE BASIS OF OUR BOLDNESS
Keep company with God the Son. (Acts 4:13)
Have confidence in God the Father. (Acts 4:24-29)
God is the Creator of all things. (Acts 4:24)
God is the Controller of all things. (Acts 4:25-28)
God is the Conqueror of all things. (Psalm 2:2,6)
Receive courage from God the Spirit. (Acts 4:29-31)
Boldness is not for rebels; we will not have boldness if there is any unconfessed sin or unsurrendered area in our lives.
We need courage to
Express God’s Word. (Acts 4:29)
Extend God’s hand. (Acts 4:30) Acts 5:12 – the word “by” actually means “through”; Jesus Christ is working through us.
Anything we do that can be explained apart from Jesus is worth nothing.
Exalt God’s Son. (Acts 4:30) Do not be ashamed or afraid to lift up the name of Jesus.
God blessed the apostles’ boldness. (Acts 4:31-33
The Expedience of Obedience Acts 5:27-Acts 6:1
THE REASONS FOR OBEDIENCE
Obedience is a duty to be performed. (Acts 5:2 1 Samuel 15:22-23
Disobedience is like witchcraft.
Disobedience is iniquity.
Disobedience is idolatry.
Obedience is a debt to be paid. (Acts 5:29-31)
Obedience is a delight to be preferred. (Acts 5:41)
Obedience is a decision to be practiced.
God will allow us to disobey. God has given man the power to choose.
There are certain things, that by His very nature, God cannot do.
God cannot fail. (Ephesians 1:11)
God cannot do evil. (Titus 1:2)
God cannot be tempted. (James 1:13-14)
When Jesus was tempted of Satan in the wilderness, He was tempted in His humanity. (Luke 4:1-13)
God cannot be unjust. (Romans 3:26) It is impossible for God to forgive sin without a sacrifice.
God cannot overlook or bypass sin.
God cannot force loving obedience.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OBEDIENCE
Obedience must be informed. (Acts 5:17-20)
Obedience must be intentional. (Proverbs 8:32-34)
Obedience must be immediate. (Acts 5:28-31) Psalm 119:60 Procrastination is a form of disobedience.
Obedience must be inflexible. (Acts 5:33) Selective obedience is not obedience at all.
Obedience must be impassioned. (Romans 6:17)
THE REWARDS FOR OBEDIENCE
The spirit will be received. (Acts 5:32)
Joy is achieved. (Acts 5:41)
The gospel is believed. (Acts 5:42, 6:1)
The Problem with Pride Proverbs 16:18
WHAT PRIDE IS NOT Pride is not a good self-image
Humility is not thinking lowly of yourself; it is not thinking of yourself John 13:3-5
Pride is not gratefulness for a job well done
WHAT IS PRIDE?
An attitude of independence from God
A spirit of ungratefulness to God
Esteeming ourselves better than others
INDICATORS OF A PROUD PERSON
A proud person becomes irritated when corrected for mistakes
A proud person accepts praise for things over which he or she has no control (i.e. beauty, talents, abilities)
A proud person has an ungrateful spirit for all that God has done
A proud person often finds himself in competition with others
FIVE THINGS PRIDE WILL DO TO DEVASTATE AND RUIN YOUR LIFE
Pride defies God Proverbs 6:16-19 Proverbs 16:5
Why does God hate pride?
It was pride that made the devil the devil Isaiah 14:13-16 1 Timothy 3:6
Pride ruined the human race Genesis 3:5 1 Peter 5:5
Pride defiles man Proverbs 16:5 Proverbs 21:4 Mark 7:21-22
Pride divides society Proverbs 13:10 Proverbs 28:25
Pride dishonors life Proverbs 11:2 Proverbs 15:33 Proverbs 18:12 Proverbs 29:23
Pride destroys souls Proverbs 15:25 Proverbs 16:18-19 Proverbs 18:12
Pride is the road to ruin National ruin 2 Chronicles 7:14
Domestic ruin
Financial ruin
Emotional ruin
Spiritual ruin
Treasuring Truth Proverbs 23:23
PRIZE THE TRUTH
Truth is indispensable
Truth is absolute
Truth is attainable John 17:17 John 14:6 John 16:13
Truth without power is deadening and depressing; knowledge without transformation avails nothing 2 Corinthians 3:6
PURCHASE THE TRUTH John 8:31-32
Believe the truth
Continue in the Word
Become a disciple of Christ
It will cost you time
It will cost you discipline 2 Timothy 4:13
Reasons we should read
For enlightenment
For enjoyment
For enrichment
For enablement
It will cost you obedience James 1:21-22 Matthew 7:26
PRESERVE THE TRUTH Titus 1:9 Jude 1:3
Guard against those who would deny the truth
Guard against those who would distort the truth
Guard against those who would dilute the truth
Guard against those who would defile the truth 2 Corinthians 2:17
PROCLAIM THE TRUTH John 3:16
Crossing God's Deadline Proverbs 29:1
SPIRITUAL CONVICTION “He that being often reproved…”
How does God reprove?
Through His Holy Spirit
Through sickness
Through sweetness
Through His servants
STUBBORN REBELLION “…and hardeneth his neck…”
How do people rebel, or harden their necks?
Through procrastination (Proverbs 27:1, Exodus 8:9-10)
Through pride
Through the pleasures of this world (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
SUDDEN DESTRUCTION “…shall suddenly be destroyed…”
Destruction of the mind through delusion (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
Destruction of the spirit through desertion John 6:44 Genesis 6:3 Romans 1:24-28
Destruction of the body through death
SETTLED DESTINY “…and that without remedy.” Luke 16:19-31
Leadership Crisis Proverbs 29:2
THE CHARACTER GOD REQUIRES IN LEADERSHIP
Godliness Psalm 148:11-13 Romans 1 3:4 Proverbs 16:12
Wisdom Proverbs 8:12-16 2 Chronicles 1:7-11
Honesty Proverbs 17:7 Proverbs 20:28 John 8:44
Discrimination Proverbs 25:4-5 Proverbs 29:12
Sexual morality Proverbs 31:1-3
Sober Proverbs 31:4-5
Protective Proverbs 31:5, 8-9 Psalm 94:20-21 Jeremiah 22:2-5 Habakkuk 2:12
THE CHOICE GOD RESPECTS Hosea 8:4
1 Samuel 8:18-21
THE CONSEQUENCES GOD REVEALS
Proverbs 29:2
THE CONTROL GOD RESERVES
Isaiah 40:23-24 Psalm 47:7-8 Psalm 29:10 Psalm 33:10-12 Isaiah 14:26-27 Proverbs 21:1
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
Pray for revival
Prepare for suffering and survival
Prepare for His arrival
God's Presence in the Hour of Death Genesis 50:22-26
The fear of death keeps people in bondage Jesus came to deliver us from bondage Hebrews 2:14-15
You’re not ready to live, until you’re no longer afraid to die A child of God can smile at death
Genesis 50:22-26 Hebrews 11:22
REMEMBER THE UNBREAKABLE PROMISES OF GOD
Romans 10:17 Genesis 15:13-14 Hebrews 11:1
Faith is standing on the promises of God
REST IN THE UNSHAKEABLE POWER OF GOD (Genesis 50:24)
Faith is not shaken by reason
Faith is not shaken by emotion
Faith is not shaken by delay (Habakkuk 2:3) Example of ancient Tyre Ezekiel 26:3 Ezekiel 26:12-14
RECEIVE THE UNMISTAKEABLE PEACE OF GOD
Exodus 13:19 Joshua 24:32 Daniel 12:2 John 5:28-29
The Gospel According to Joseph Genesis 45
THE PRINCIPLE OF COMPASSION (Genesis 45:1-3)
God’s love is greater than all our sin Genesis 42:7 Genesis 42:24
THE PRINCIPLE OF CONVICTION (Genesis 45:3)
No one is truly saved apart from the conviction of sin
THE PRINCIPLE OF CONVERSION (Genesis 45:4-8)
In order to be saved, we must come to Him, yielding to His Lordship; by grace through faith Ephesians 2:8-10
THE PRINCIPLE OF CONFESSION (Genesis 45:9-13)
Once we give our hearts to our Lord, it is our job to confess Him openly and publicly
The message we are to share
We once rejected Him. God has raised Him up on high. He has a name that is above every name.
The world is now at His feet. He is the fairest of ten thousand. He has forgiven all of our sins.
He wants us to be with Him and to share His glory.
THE PRINCIPLE OF COMMUNION (Genesis 45:14-15)
You have been redeemed, forgiven and commissioned to fellowship with your King
THE PRINCIPLE OF COMPENSATION (Genesis 45:16-23)
God saves us entirely by grace, then enriches us and supplies us for service Hebrews 2:11 Matthew 6:33
Colossians 2:10 Philippians 4:19
THE PRINCIPLE OF COMMUNICATION (Genesis 45:24-28)
We communicate by our love (John 13:35)
We communicate by our lips
We communicate by our lives
Joseph: A Portrait of Jesus Genesis 37
THE BELOVED SON (Genesis 37:1-3)
His father’s devotion Genesis 37:3 Matthew 3:17 Matthew 17:5
His faultless distinction Genesis 37:2 Hebrews 7:26 John 7:7
His future dominion Genesis 37:5-6 Matthew 26:64
THE SUFFERING SERVANT
The sent one Genesis 37:12-13 1 John 4:10
The scorned one Genesis 37:4 John 15:24 Genesis 37:8 Luke 19:14
The suffering one Suffered conspiracy Genesis 37:18 Matthew 26:3-4
Suffered abuse Genesis 37:23-24 Matthew 27:26-29
Suffered betrayal Genesis 37:28 Matthew 26:14-15
The slain one (Genesis 37:31-34)
THE EXALTED SOVEREIGN
He is lifted up and glorified Genesis 41:38-44 1 Peter 3:22 Philippians 2:9-11
He is given a new name Genesis 41:45 Revelation 2:17
He is given a Gentile bride Genesis 41:45 Ephesians 5
He is the only hope for a dying world Genesis 41:55-57 Genesis 41:49 Acts 4:12
THE SEEKING SAVIOR
He revealed himself to his brothers (Genesis 45:1-3)
He forgave and restored his brothers (Genesis 45:4-5)
He commissioned his brothers (Genesis 45:4, 9) Genesis 45:26-27
Practicing the Presence of God Genesis 37
SUMMARY OF JOSEPH’S LIFE (Genesis 37, 39-50)
EXPRESS YOUR GOD-GIVEN DIFFERENCE (Genesis 37:1-4)
Refuse to conform (Romans 12:2)
EXPLORE YOUR GOD-GIVEN DREAMS (Genesis 37:5-8)
God has a plan for your life
Presentation + transformation = realization Romans 12:1-2 Jeremiah 29:8, 11 Joel 2:28 Proverbs 4:18
ENDURE YOUR GOD-GIVEN DIFFICULTIES (Genesis 37:8-27)
Genesis 50:20 Romans 8:28
ENLIST YOUR GOD-GIVEN DYNAMIC (Genesis 39:2)
Genesis 39:2 – God was with Joseph Acts 7:9
How to Be the Father of a Wise Child
THE SIMPLE (Proverbs 1:22)
Loves simplicity
Lacks understanding (Proverbs 9:1-4)
Is easily led into error (Proverbs 14:15, 22:3)
THE SCORNER (Proverbs 1:22)
Delights in scorning
Defies instruction (Proverbs 13:1)
Despises the good and the godly (Proverbs 15:12, 9:7-8)
Destined for destruction (Proverbs 13:1,13)
THE FOOL (Proverbs 1:22)
Rejects wisdom (Proverbs 15:14)
Ridicules righteousness (Proverbs 14:9)
Rejoices in iniquity (Proverbs 15:20-21) Isaiah 5:20 Proverbs 17:10
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO NOT RAISE A FOOL
Expound truth (Proverbs 1:1-4)
Expose sin (Proverbs 19:25, 21:11) Ecclesiastes 8:11
Expel scorners (Proverbs 13:20, 22:10)
Express love (Proverbs 3:12)
Raising Kids That Count
GIVE THEM AN EXAMPLE (Proverbs 1:7-9, 20:7)
GIVE THEM UNCONDITIONAL LOVE (Proverbs 4:1-4)
GIVE THEM CONSTANT ENCOURAGEMENT (Proverbs 3:21-26)
GIVE THEM WISE INSTRUCTION (Proverbs 2:1-7, 22:6)
GIVE THEM REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS (Proverbs 6:20-23)
GIVE THEM A LISTENING EAR (Proverbs 18:13-15)
GIVE THEM A HAPPY ENVIRONMENT (Proverbs 15:13-17) Ephesians 5:4 Genesis 21:6
The Soul Winner's Six Mighty Motivations
The soul winner’s compulsion (2 Cor. 5:9)
To be acceptable to God Andrew Murray states, “There are two classes of Christians: soul winners and backsliders.”
The soul winner’s compensation (2 Cor. 5:10)
A reward for some (1 Cor. 3:11-15)
A regret for some (1 Cor. 3:15)
The soul winner’s conviction (2 Cor. 5:11)
The terror of the Lord
The soul winner’s compassion (2 Cor. 5:13-15)
Driven by my love for Jesus
The soul winner’s confidence (2 Cor. 5:16-17)
See everyone as a potential brother or sister, as a new creation in Christ.
The soul winner’s commission (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
Ministers of reconciliation
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Richard Sibbes
Of recent days I have been struggling with the impending problem of being unemployed. In many ways it has shaken me to my core.
I have found these words from Richard Sibbes sermon on Psalm 73 most helpful:
How To Be Shaken But Not Stirred!
God's dearest children are exercised with sharp spiritual conflicts.
God suffers their very faith in principles sometimes to be shaken. What is more clear than God's providence ? Not the noonday. Yet God suffers sometimes his own children to be exercised with conflicts of this kind, to doubt of principles written in the book of God, as it were, with a sunbeam, that have a lustre in themselves. There is nothing more clear than that God hath a particular special providence over his ; yet God's ways are so unsearchable and deep, that he doth spiritually exercise his children ; he suffers them to be exercised, as you see here he comes out of a conflict ; ' but it is good for me to draw near to God.' I will touch it. Therefore I will extend it only to God's people, that, if by reason of the remainders of corruption God suffer their rebellious hearts to cast mire and dirt, to cast in objections that are odious to the spiritual man, that part that is good, they may not be cast down too much and dejected. It is no otherwise with them than it hath been with God's dear children, as we see in Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and others. It is a clear truth. I only point at it that we might have it ready to comfort ourselves when such things rise in our souls. It is no otherwise with us than it hath been with other of God's dear children.
….
But we must not give liberty to ourselves to languish in such a course, to look to present things too much, but look into God's book, and there we shall find what is threatened to such and such ill courses, and what promises are made to good courses. And then apply God's truth to the example ; see how God hath met with wicked men in their richest and advanced his children when they were at the lowest, when they were even at the brink of despair.
Examples in this kind are pregnant and clear throughout the Scripture. The Lord saith, ' It shall go well with the righteous, and it shall [not] go well with the wicked,' Ps. xci. 8 ;
' Let him escape a thousand times. Doubtless there is a reward for the godly,' Ps. Iviii. 11. Let us look in the book of God, upon the predictions, and see the verifying of those predictions in the examples that act the rules, and bring them to the view : let us see the truths in the examples. This entering into God's sanctuary it is the way to free us from dangerous scandals, and to overcome dangerous conflicts ; for the conclusions of the sanctuary are clean contrary to sensible carnal reason. Carnal reason saith, Such a one is a happy man ; sure he is in great favour ; God loves him. Oh, but the sanctuary saith. It shall never go well with such a man. Carnal reason would say of Dives, Oh, a happy man ; but the sanctuary saith, * He had his good here,' and ' Lazarus had his ill here.' Carnal reason saith. Is there any providence that rules in the earth ? Is there a God in heaven, that suffers these things to go so confusedly ? Ay, but the word of God, the sanctuary, saith, there is a providence that rules all things sweetly, and that * all things are beautiful in their time,' Eccles. iii. 11.
We must not look upon things in their confusion, but knit things.
' Mark the end, mark the end of the righteous man,' Ps. xxxvii. 37. Look upon Joseph in prison. Here is a horrible scandal ! For where was God's providence to watch over a poor young man. But see him after, ' the second man in the kingdom.' Look on Lazarus at the rich man's door, and there is scandal; but see him after in Abraham's bosom. If we see Christ arraigned before Pilate, and crucified on the cross, here is a scandal, that innocency itself should be wronged. But stay awhile ! See him at the right hand of God, ' ruling principalities and powers, subjecting all things under his feet,' Eph. i. 21.
Thus the sanctuary teacheth us to knit one thing to another, and not brokenly to look upon things present, according to the dreams of men's devices ; but to look upon the catastrophe and winding up of the tragedy; not to look on the present conflict, but to go to the sanctuary, and see the end of all, see how God directs all things to a sweet end. * All the ways of God to his children are mercy and truth,' Ps xcviii. 3, though they seem never so full of anger and displeasure. Thus you see God's children are in conflict ofttimes, and sometimes they are foiled in the conflict ; yet by way of recovery they go into the sanctuary, and there they have spiritual eye-salve. They have another manner of judgment of things than ' flesh and blood hath.'
Again, we see, when he went into the sanctuary, the very sight of faith makes him draw near to God. Sometimes God represents heavenly truths to the eye of sense, in the examples of his justice. We see sometimes wicked men brought on the stage. God blesseth such a sight of faith, and such examples to bring his children nearer to him ; as we see immediately before the text, ' thou wilt destroy all that go a-whoring from thee ;' and then it follows, ' It is good for me to draw near to God.' So that the Spirit of God in us, and our spirits sanctified by the Spirit, takes advantage when we enter into the sanctuary, and see the diverse ends of good and bad, to draw us close to God.
Indeed, that is one reason why God suffers different conditions of men to be in the world, not so much to shew his justice to the wicked, as that his children, seeing of his justice and his mercy, and the manifestation and discovery of his providence in ordering his justice towards wicked men, it may make them cleave to his mercy more, and give a lustre to his mercy. ' It is good for me to cleave to the Lord.' I see what will become of all others.
Going into the Sanctuary causes us the run a different course to the world. They swim against the stream. As we say of the stars and planets, they have a motion of their own, contrary to that rapt motion, whereby they are carried and whirled about in four- and- twenty hours from east to west. They have a creeping motion and period of their own, as the moon hath a motion of her own backward from west to east, that [shej makes every month ; and the sun hath a several* motion from the rapt motion he is carried with that he goes about in a year. So God's children, they live and converse, and are carried with the same motion as the world is. They live among men, and converse as men do ; but notwithstanding, they have a contrary motion of their own, which they are
directed and carried to by the Spirit of God, as here the holy prophet saith, ' It is good for me to draw near to God.' As if he should say, For other men, be they great or small, be they of what condition they will, let them take what course they will, and let them see how they can justify their course, and take what benefit they can ; let them reap as they sow ; it do not matter much what course they take, I will look to myself; as for me, I am sure this is my best course, ' to draw near to God.' So the sanctified spirit of a holy man, he looks not to the stream of the times, what be the currents, and opinions, and courses of rising to preferment, of getting riches, of attaining to an imaginary present happiness here ; but he hath other thoughts, he hath another judgment of things, and therefore goes contrary to the world's course. Hear St Paul, Phil. ii. 21 saith he there, * All men seek their own,—I cannot speak of it without weeping,—whose end is damnation, whose belly is their god, who mind earthly things.' But what doth St Paul, when other men seek their own, and are carried after private ends ? Oh, saith he, * our conversation is in heaven, from whence w^e look for the Saviour, who shall change our vile bodies, and make them like his glorious body, according to his mighty power, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself.' So you see the blessed apostle, led with the same Spirit as the man of God here, he considers not what men do, he fetcheth not the rules of his life from the example of the great ones of the world or from multitude. These are false, deceiving rules. But he fetcheth the rule of his life from the experimental goodness he had found by a contrary course to the world. Let the world take what course they will, ' it is good for me to draw near to God.'
I might add a little further, that the course and corrupt principles of the world are so far from shaking a child of God, that they settle him. They stir up his zeal the more. As we say, there is an increasing of contraries by contraries, as we see in winter the body is warmer by reason that the heat is kept in, and springs are warmer in winter because the heat is kept in ; so the Spirit of God, in the hearts of his children, works and boils when it is environed with contraries. It gathers strength and breaks out with more zeal, as David, Ps. cxix. 126, when he saw men did not keep God's law. We see how he complains to God, ' It is time. Lord, for thee to work.' Indeed, it is the nature of opposition to increase the contrary. Those that have the Spirit and grace of God in truth, they gather strength by opposition.
Therefore the use we are to make of it, is to discern of ourselves of what spirit we are, what principles we lead our lives by ; whether by examples of greatness, or multitude, or such like, it is an argument we are led by the spirit of the world and not by the Spirit of God. God's children, as they are severed from the world in condition, they are men of another world, so they are severed from the world in disposition, in their course and conversation. Therefore, from these grounds their course is contrary to the world. ' But it is good for me;' ' but' is, not in the original. It is, And it is good for me ;' but the other is aimed at. The sense is, ' But it is good for me to draw near to God,' and so it is in the last translation [b).
Thus you see what way we have^ made to the words. I do but touch these things, and it was necessary to say something of them, because the words are a triumphant conclusion upon the former premises.
And in the words, in general, observe this first of all, that God by his Spirit enableth his children to justify wisdom by their own experience. To make it good by their own experience : ' It is good for me to draw near to God.' And this is one reason why God suffers them to be shaken, and then in conflict to recover, that after recovery they may justify the truth. Nothing is so certain as that that is certain after doubting (c). Nothing is so fixed as that that is fixed after it hath been shaken, as the trees have the strongest roots, because they are most shaken with winds and tempests. Now God suffers the understanding, that is, the inward man, of the best men to be shaken, and after settles them, that so they may even from experience justify all truths ; that they may say it is naught, it is a bitter thing to sin. Satan hath abused me, and my own lust abused me, and enticed me away from God ; but I see no such good thing in sin as nature persuaded me before. As travellers will tell men you live poorly here. In such a country you may do wondrous well. There you shall have plenty and respect. And when they come there, and are pinched with hunger, and disrespect, they come home with shame enough to themselves that they were so beguiled ; so it is with God's children. Sometimes he suffers them to be foiled, and lets them have the reins of their lusts awhile, to taste a little of the forbidden tree ; that after they may say with experience, it is a bitter thing to forsake God, it is better [to] go to my ‘former husband,' as the church saith in Hosea, when God took her in hand a little, ii. 7. Sin will be bitter at the last. So the prodigal he was suffered to range till he was whipped awhile, and then he could confess it was better to be in his ' father's house.' God suffers his children to fall into some course of sin, that afterward, by experience, they may justify good things, and be able to say that God is good. And the judgment of such is more firm, and doth more good than those that have been kept from sinking at all. God, in his wise providence, suffers this.
We should labour, therefore, to justify in our own experience all that is good. What is the reason that men are ashamed of good courses so soon ? It may be they are persuaded a little to pray, and to sanctify the Lord's day, to retire themselves from vanity and such like. Ay, but if their judgments be not settled out of the book of God, and if they have not some experience, they will not maintain this ; therefore they are driven off. Now a Christian should be able to justify against all gainsayers whatsoever can be said, by his own experience. That to read the book of God, and to hear holy truths opened by men led with the Spirit of God, it is a good thing, I find God's Spirit sanctify me by it. To sanctify the Lord's day, I find it good by experience. That where there is the communion of saints, holy conference, &c., I can justify it, if there were no Scripture for it : I find it by experience to be a blessed way to bring me to a heavenly temper, to fit me for heaven. So there is no good course, but God's children should be able, both by Scripture, and likewise by their own experience, to answer all gainsayers. When either their own hearts, or others, shall oppose it, he may be able to say with the holy man here, it is no matter what you say, ‘it is good for me to draw near to God.' So much for the general. To come more particularly to the words.
' It is good for me to draw near to God.'
Here you have the justification of piety, of holy courses, which is set down by ' drawing near to God ; ' and the argument whereby it is justified, ' It is good.' This gloss put upon anything commends it to man; for naturally since the fall there is so much left in man, that he draws to that which is good ; but, when he comes to particulars, there is the error, he seeks heaven in the way of hell, he seeks happiness in the way of misery, he seeks light in the way of darkness, and life in the way and path of death : his lusts so hurry him and carry him the contrary way. But yet there is left this general foundation of religion in all men ; as the heathen could say, naturally all men from the principles of nature draw to that which is good. Here religious courses are justified and commended from that which hath the best, attractive, and most magnetical force. * It is good to draw near to God.' ' Good' hath a drawing force; for the understanding, that shews and discovers; but the will is the chief guide in man, and answerable to the discovery of good or ill in the understanding, there is a prosecution or aversation* in the will, which is that part in the soul of man that cleaves to good discovered.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
The Battle Of Fromelles JG Ridley
19th-20th July 1916 where the 5th Australian Division and the 61st British Division lost over 7000 troops in 12 hours of fighting.
Before me in the silence
I see that fateful day
And hear the distant tumult
far echoes from the fray;
I see the battered trenches,
They bayonets and the shells,
And once again I’m fighting
In the battle of Fromelles
The whistle called to action
A fighting force untried;
And men from peaceful pastures
Plunged in the blood red tide.
Over the broken breastworks,
Under a hail of shells,
Into the jaws of fury,
Charged the heroes of Fromelles
Forward they went for honour,
Forward they raced for right,
Fighting their maiden battle
All through the angry night.
Man after man went under;
Food for the hungry shells,
Falling to further freedom,
On the field of far Fromelles.
The sun rise in the morning
Greeted a ghostly sight;
Thousands of mangled bodies
Bathed in the tender light.
This with the wail of wounded,
The stench of blood and shells,
Made rich the war gods harvest,
On the field of sad Fromelles.
What of the silent victims;
The men who never returned
To love ones in the homeland
Who waited, prayed and yearned?
Surely their solemn message
The voice of the bugle swells
To draw the tears of sorrow
For the fallen of Fromelles.
Men of the old battalion,
Comrades who saw and heard;
This was the birth of bloodshed
For the famous Fifty-Third.
Hard were the days that followed;
Such as our history tells,
But not a strenuous conflict
Than the battle of Fromelles.
Now as the vision fadeth,
We see through the years we go,
What is our preparation
to meet the final foe?
Death has no fair exemption,
Fierce are its fatal shells:
Christ is the Concrete Shelter
For the veterans of Fromelles.
-July 16-17 1929, John G Ridley late of the 53rd Battalion 5th AIF
