Tithing

1. What is Tithing and what does it mean to tithe?
   1. A tithe is one tenth of annual produce or earnings, formerly taken as a tax for the support of the Church and clergy – a tenth of an individual’s income pledged to the Church.
   2. Tithing is taking the first 10% right off the top and giving it to God. We see this in Leviticus 23:10: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: The firstfruits means right off the top, not the leftovers.

2. Where else do we find tithing in the bible?
   1. Numbers 18:21 – nd, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
   2. Proverbs 3:9-10: Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
   3. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
   4. 2 Chronicles 31:4-5: Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord.And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
   5. Malacchi 3:8-12: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

3. Who in the Old Testament gave tithes?
   1. Genesis 14:18-21: And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

4. What does the New Testament say about tithing?
   1. Hebrews 7:1-4: For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
   2. In case you think tithing is just old testament law, here’s what Jesus had to say. Matthew 5:17-20: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

5. Is there a benefit to tithing?
   1. Let’s go back to our passage in Malacchi. Malacchi 3:8-12: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.
   2. It says prove me now herewith. It is the only place in the bible where we are encouraged to test God.
   3. He said if you do this, he will open the windows of heaven and pour out such a blessing that you won’t have room enough to receive it. That’s a lot of blessing.
   4. He will rebuke the devourer. Does it seem like your finances are being devoured? Maybe a lot of bills and sudden expenses keep coming up? Start tithing and test God on this. He will help you. You may still have tough moments, but He will meet your needs.

6. Should I be a tither?
   1. Looking at the passages we just read, yes, you should be a tither. Tithing shows our level of trust in God. To take 10% right off the top and give it to Him lets Him know we trust Him as our provider and the source of all that we have. Try it. Test and see if you are not more blessed than before.

7. People say we’re just giving money to the preacher. Is there any accountability for tithing?
   1. 2 Kings 12:4-8: And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man’s heart to bring into the house of the Lord, Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found. But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house. And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house.
   2. When you tithe to a church or ministry, you are trusting God, and also the leadership of that ministry to handle the funds according to God’s Will.
   3. As a member, you agree with the vision and mission of that ministry and support it with your tithes. If you find they are not using the finances in a godly way, you can bring your concerns to the leadership, and withdraw your support as we see in the passage above.

8. Who was the greatest tither of all.
   1. We read about the greatest tither in Luke 21:1-4: And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

Habakkuk

1. Who was Heabakkuk?
   1. We know very little about Habakkuk, other than that he was a prophet. Habakkuk 1:1: The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. Habakkuk 3:1: The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
   2. Habakkuk, was a prophet whose oracles and prayer are recorded in the Book of Habakkuk, the eighth of the collected twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible.

2. Date & Time, and When was the Book Written?
   1. Determining the date of the book of Habakkuk is quite a bit easier than dating most books. He spoke often of an imminent Babylonian invasion, an event that occurred on a smaller scale in 605 BC before the total destruction of Judah’s capital city, Jerusalem, in 586 BC. The way Habakkuk described Judah indicates a low time in its history. If the dating is to remain close to the Babylonian invasion, Habakkuk likely prophesied in the first five years of Jehoiakim’s reign (609–598 BC) to a king who led his people into evil.
   2. Habakkuk 1:6: For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not their’s.
   3. Habakkuk 3:16: When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

3. Why was Habakkuk Important?
   1. Habakkuk provides us one of the most remarkable sections in the biblee, as it contains an extended dialogue between Habakkuk and God The prophet initiated this conversation based on his distress about God’s “inaction” in the world. He wanted to see God do something more, particularly in the area of justice for evildoers. The book of Habakkuk pictures a frustrated prophet, much like Jonah, though Habakkuk channeled his frustration into prayers and eventually praise to God, rather than trying to run from the Lord as Jonah did.
   2. Habakkuk 1–2: O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!

4. What was His Mission?
   1. The book of Habakkuk offers us a picture of a prideful people being humbled, while the righteous live by faith in God. Habakkuk 2:4: Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
   2. Habakkuk reminds us that while God may seem silent and uninvolved in our world, He always has a plan to deal with evil and always works out justice, eventually. The example of the prophet Habakkuk encourages us to wait on the Lord, expecting that He will indeed work out all things for our good as it says in Romans 8:28.

5. What was his Greatest Word to His People and Us?
   1. One of the favorite writings of Habakkuk is the one found in Habakkuk 2:2-3: And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Has God given you a vision or a promise? Write it down. Share it with others who will pray, believe God, and help you in it. It will come to pass. What God has spoken, He will do.
   2. Here’s another great gem from Habakkuk. This, I believe should be our prayer during this time, as we see God dealing with a world and a nation that has turned away from Him, and at the same time, is trying to raise up an army that will be faithful to His Word. Habakkuk 3:2: O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. I see three important themes in this verse. 1, Habakkuk hears the voice of God and has a fear and respect for God. 2, He prays for revival. This is what we need in our country today, and I believe with all that is going on, God is bringing revival. 3. He prays for God to remember mercy while he is showing His Wrath to an unbelieving world. God is ready and willing to extend mercy to whosoever will bow the knee and ask Jesus into their hearts.

6. What can We Learn from Habakkuk?
   1. Habakkuk asked God the kind of question that so many of us have pondered. Habakkuk 1:3: Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.
   2. We’ve all seen the evidence of evil in our lives. We’ve all been touched by it. And we bear scars at various stages of healing. We are often downtrodden by our poor choices and our fallen world. However, Habakkuk reminds us that no place is too dark and no wall too thick for God’s grace to penetrate in a powerful way.
   3. We see that God often does or allows things to happen suddenly. Just like recently, one day, our country was going along normally, and the corona virus was something on the other side of the world. Then in a short time, it’s here and most of the nation is in lockdown. Habakkuk 1:5: Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you. I think this has happened so that people would turn back to God. After 9\11, the churches were full for a time, but that was very short-lived as we quickly had the falling away as predicted in the bible. I believe things like the corona virus are God’s way of saying “I’m here. Will you keep going your own way, or will you finally bow the knee and turn wholeheartedly to Me.”
   4. I love the way he ends his book. He has just delivered a hard message from the Lord, and as a nation and world, we are experiencing hard times. Will we have the same resolve that he had? Habakkuk 3:18-19: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Zephaniah

1. Who was Zephaniah?
   1. The author, Zephaniah, traces his ancestry back four generations. This is unique among the prophets. Zephaniah 1:1: The word of the Lord which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

2. Date and Time in which he lived
   1. In the verse we just read, the author places himself during the reign of Josiah, son of Amon, king of Judah (c. 641-609 B.C.)

3. When was the book written?
   1. Many would date the book prior to Josiah’s reforms (622-621 B.C.) which dealt with much of the nation’s idolatry since there are implications of idolatry in Zephaniah’s Judah. We see one reference to this in Zephaniah 1:4-6: I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the Lord, and that swear by Malcham; And them that are turned back from the Lord; and those that have not sought the Lord, nor enquired for him.

4. Why was Zephaniah important and What was his call?
   1. This book mentions the day of the Lord more than does any other book in the Old Testament, clarifying the picture of Judah’s fall to Babylon and the eventual judgment and restoration of all humanity in the future. In this case, it refers primarily to God’s impending time of judgment on the nation of Judah
   2. Zephaniah saw in the day of the Lord the destruction of his country, his neighbors, and eventually the whole earth. Zephaniah 2:10: This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the Lord of hosts.
   3. Zephaniah wrote that the Day of the Lord was near. Zephaniah 1:14: The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.
   4. He wrote that it would be a time of wrath, and of judgment against sin. Zephaniah 1:15 and 17: That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.
   5. He wrote that all of this ultimately would result in the blessing of God’s presence among His people. Zephaniah 3:17-18: he Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.

5. What was his mission?
   1. His mission was to hear the words of the Lord, and deliver them. Some of the words he had to share were tough words of judgment, and some of the words near the end gave hope to the people of Israel. He had to deliver what God gave him. Just like it is my job and that of every pastor to speak the truth of God’s Word today, no matter how hard to hear, or what the consequences might be to us.

6. What was his greatest word to his people and us?
   1. In Zephaniah’s time, and in our time, God allows and sends judgment because people are not turning to Him. The things that are plaguing our world are because God is dealing with sin, and wanting to show his love and mercy if we will just bow the knee and turn to Him. When we do there’s hope, peace, restoration, and blessings. ,Zephaniah 3:8-11: 8 Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering. In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.

7. What can we learn from Zephaniah
   1. Those living in Judah had turned the worship of God into a fiasco. Not only had they built their own places of worship to revere other gods (called “high places” in the Old Testament), but they had begun to desecrate the temple, which at that time was the dwelling place of God Zephaniah 1:9: n the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit.
   2. As modern-day believers in Christ, we, too, make a mockery of worship when we live in open sin. Do you come before the Lord with a false face, week in and week out, looking the part without acting it? Allow Zephaniah to remind you how seriously God takes your life and your relationship with Him. And if you have failed, remember the message of Zephaniah 3—God is always a God of restoration and hope.

What is Easter Sunday All About according to the bible?

1.   What is Lent

Lent is a season of 40 days, not counting Sunday, which some say begins on Ash Wednesday, and ends on Holy Saturday.  Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word Lencten, which means Spring.  THe 40 days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted by Satan in preparation for his ministry.

2.   What does holy week mean?

a.   Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday which celebrates Jesus ride into Jerusalem. Even though Jesus was welcomed with celebration, not long after he is tortured and sentenced to death on a cross after a betrayal from one of His disciples. Jesus’ death on a cross is commemorated on the day known as Good Friday. 3 short days later, and at the end of Holy Week, we celebrate Easter.

3.   What is Maundy-Thursday

a.     (Maundy Thursday, also known as “Holy Thursday,” is the Thursday of Passion Week, one day before Good Friday (the Friday before Easter). Maundy Thursday is the name given to the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, known as the Last Supper.

4.   What does Good Friday mean?

a.          Why do we call Good Friday “good,” when it is such a dark and bleak event commemorating a day of suffering and death for Jesus? For Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation., that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day.

b.          

5.   What is Easter Sunday?

a.   Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion. Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah who would be persecuted, die for our sins, and rise on the third day.

b.   Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin. According to the New Testament, Easter is three days after the death of Jesus on the cross

6.   Where did Easter Come from?

a.   THe earliest Christians celebrated the resurrection on the 14th of Nissan, or March or April, on the day of the jewish passover. Some of the gentile Christians began celebrating Easter in the nearest Sunday to the Passover, since Jesus arose on Sunday.

7.   Why do we call it Easter?

a.   The origin of the word easter isn’t certain. The Venerable Bede, an eighth-century monk, and scholar, suggested that the word may have come from the Anglo-Saxon Eeostre or Eastre – a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility. Recent scholars haven’t been able to find any reference to the goddess Bede mentioned and consider the theory discredited.

b.   Another possibility is the Norse eostur, eastur, or ostara, which meant “the season of the growing sun” or  “the season of new birth.” The word east comes from the same roots. In this case, easter would be linked to the changing of the season.

8.   Was Easter a Pagan Holiday First?

a.   Most historians, including Biblical scholars, agree that Easter was originally a pagan festival. According to the New Unger’s Bible Dictionary: “The word Easter is of Saxon origin, Eastra, the goddess of spring, in whose honour sacrifices were offered about Passover time each year. By the eighth century Anglo–Saxons had adopted the name to designate the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.” However, even among those who maintain that Easter has pagan roots, there is some disagreement over which pagan tradition the festival emerged from

9.   Why is Easter Monday a Holiday?

a.   Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is a holiday in some countries. Easter Monday in the Western Christian liturgical calendar is the second day of Eastertide and analogously in the Byzantine Rite is the second day of Bright Week.

b.   In the Eastern Orthodox Church and Byzantine Rite Catholic Churches, this day is called “Bright Monday” or “Renewal Monday”. The services, as in the rest of Bright Week, are quite different from during the rest of the year and are similar to the services on Pascha (Easter Sunday) and include an outdoor procession after the Divine Liturgy; while this is prescribed for all days of that week, often they are only celebrated on Monday and maybe a couple of other days in parish churches, especially in non-Orthodox countries.

Where did the Easter Bunny come from

c.    The exact origins of the Easter bunny are clouded in mystery. One theory is that the symbol of the rabbit stems from pagan tradition, specifically the festival of Eostre—a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Rabbits, known for their energetic breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility.

d.   Eggs are also representative of new life, and it’s believed that decorating eggs for Easter dates back to the 13th century. Hundreds of years ago, churches had their congregations abstain from eggs during Lent, allowing them to be consumed again on Easter. According to History.com, in the 19th century Russian high society started exchanging ornately decorated eggs—even jewel encrusted—on Easter.

10.        What does Easter Sunday mean to you?

a.   John 14:6-Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by m It means we have a God that is alive and well. No other faith gives you a god who conquered death and lives today.

b.   1 Corinthians 15:55-O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The story of Easter is a great reminder that even when things look grim, victory is right around the corner. When Jesus dies, the disciples thought all was lost. They forgot that Jesus said He would die, but rise again on the 3rd day.

c.    Romans 6:4-Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Easter is in the spring time, a time when new life is all around us. When we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have new life in Christ. His mercies are new every morning. Every day is a new opportunity to serve Him. Let’s remember these three words, and rejoice in their meaning. Christ is risen!

He That Winneth Souls is Wise.

1. Introduction: What does this mean?
   1. Proverbs 11:30: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
   2. What is the fruit of the righteous? Salvation, mercy, grace, forgiveness of sin, peace that passes understanding, joy unspeakable and full of glory, eternal life and an abundant purpose-filled life.
   3. What does it mean to win souls? Winning souls is when you share the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ with others, leading them to the saving knowledge of Christ. When you have won a soul to Christ, you will have led them in a prayer to ask Jesus into their hearts.

2. It says “He that Winneth Souls is Wise.” Why was this said, and who said it?
   1. Let’s look at this verse, along with the 2 before it to get move of the context. Proverbs 11:28-30: He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
   2. God, through King Solomon was writing about the importance of trusting in God, and surrendering your life to Him.
   3. He was telling us not to trust in our own riches, for they will fail, as they certainly have in this time we are living in.
   4. He speaks of the righteous flourishing, and in the midst of this dark time in our world, God’s People are still flourishing. We are still blessed. He is still meeting our needs as we walk close to Him.
   5. He speaks of the fruit of the righteous being a tree of life. If you have the Righteousness of Christ, you have eternal life. As a result, you are wise if you share that life with others, talking to them about God, praying for them, giving, and doing other good deeds. The ultimate purpose is to win them to Christ so they can have that tree of Life that you have.

3. Can people that are unsaved win souls?
   1. Though God will use anyone and anything to plant a seed in someone’s heart, you can’t give someone what you yourselves have not experienced.
   2. If you listen to 2 people trying to convince you to buy something, and one of them has tried it, used it, and is convinced that it is the best thing ever, and the other person has never heard of it and is only pitching it because it is their job, which one are you most likely to listen to?
   3. Similarly, someone who has experienced the love, peace, forgiveness, and freedom that is available in Christ, is going to have a better chance of winning someone to Him, than someone who has never personally experienced salvation.

4. What must one do to be qualified to win souls, and be considered wise?
   1. You must first be a Christian yourself. Have you heard and accepted the gospel message? At the end of this message, I will give an invitation and lead you in a prayer to accept Christ. This must be the first step. Romans 10:9-13: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
   2. Study God’s Word. Get a print bible and become familiar with it. A lot of people have the bible on their electronic devices but if you are trying to show someone where a passage is, by the time you get past all the notifications and get to the bible app, they are ready to leave and you’ve missed an opportunity. With a printed bible you can quickly flip it open and get right to what you are trying to share. 2 Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
   3. Pray for your friends and loved ones. Ask God to send laborers to them. The one who prays is as important in the process as the one that leads them ultimately to salvation.  The laborer God sends could be you, so be ready! Matthew 9:37-38: Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
   4. When God presents an opportunity to share His Love with someone, don’t miss it, but be obedient to share what He has given you to share with them.

5. If I have a PH.D or Masters in Theology, or other education, does this mean I’m qualified?
   1. The Kingdom of God is set up in such a way that we can not boast in our own strength, merit, or education. Like salvation, soul winning is dependent on God. We are His Messengers. He does the saving. A degree does not qualify you to be a soulwinner. Ephesians 2:8-10: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

6. How important is this scripture in your life when you know Jesus as your personal Savior?
   1. Jesus did a lot of things when He walked on the Earth. He made the blind to see, the lame to walk, raised the dead, and brought about many healings and miracles, but His main Mission was to seek and save that which was lost. Luke 19:10: For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
   2. As Jesus’ followers, this is also our main mission. We’ve all been given unique ways to go about this, but we are all called to bring souls to Him. Mark 16:15: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

7. Is this something you would like to be, a soulwinner for Christ.
   1. Would you pray that God would make you this man, woman or child or is this something you’d like to forget about?
   2. We are called to go into the world and preach the Gospel, as we read a minute ago. This is known as the Great Commission. It is something we’re all commanded to do.
   3. Too often, we stay in our church buildings and wait for people to come in. We may get a few stragglers, but for true growth, we need to go out and get the people and bring them in! At the Little House, we often go out and get people, bring them in, and they accept Christ. We give rides to people and help them any way we can, and with great results.

8. Is it enough just to be a Christian, or does this scripture call you out to be more?
   1. What about you? Is this you he’s talking to? If it is, take heed.
   2. Are you one who said a prayer some time ago, and went on your merry way, or are you living for Christ, studying the Word, praying, and sharing Christ as opportunity arises?

The Devil

1. Who is the Devil?
   1. The devil was originally known as Lucifer, an angel of light.
   2. The first time we meet him in the bible, he is a serpent, and convinces Adam and Eve to sin. Genesis 3:1-6: Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
   3. Throughout scripture, we see the devil going about seeing what kind of trouble he can stir up, and how he can try and keep God’s people from serving Him. We see a good example of this in Job 1:8-12:  And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. An important point to take away from this is that the devil can only do to us what God allows him to.

2. What was His Role in Heaven?
   1. Satan, known as Lucifer, the angel of light, was an archangel that lived in the very presence of God. He was a leader of worship in Heaven. He committed the first sin, that of pride. He thought he could overtake the throne of God. Isaiah 14:12-15: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

3. Why is he called the Devil?
   1. This is one of the most popular names for Satan. It only appears in the New Testament. Matthew 4:1: Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
   2. The name literally means “slanderer.” He is called this because he slanders both God and humanity. He is known as the accuser of the brethren, as we see in Revelation 12:10: And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

4. What other Names does he have?
   1. Satan: He is referred to by this name 52 times in scripture.
   2. Day-Star or Son of the Morning: We see this title in Isaiah 14:12: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! The term day-star is translated Lucifer.
   3. and many more.

5. What kind of Power was He Given?
   1. He only has as much or as little power as God allows him to have. Job 1:12: And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.
   2. God sometimes allows Satan to attack us so we will stay humble, and depend on God. 2 Corinthians 12:7: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

6. The bible says in Hebrews 9:27 – And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. What kind of judgment will this be?
   1. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will go to the Judgment Seat of Christ.This is where we will see what we should have done, missed opportunities etc. 2 Corinthians 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
   2. Those who have rejected Jesus Christ will experience the Great White Throne Judgment. Revelation 20:11: And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

7. Where will the Christians go, and where will the non-Christians go?
   1. For the Christian, a day is soon coming when we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
   2. For those who do not call upon the name of the Lord and receive salvation, they will not make heaven, but will be in hell forever. Matthew 25:41: Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

8. Who is the god of this world?
   1. The devil is the god of this world. He is the one who blinds people’s eyes to keep them from accepting the gospel message and getting saved. 2nd Corinthians 4:4: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

9. It is said in the bible that there’ll be an all-out battle between God and the devil. What will the final outcome be, and where will he and his followers reside forever?
   1. The Devil, the beast and false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire as it says in Revelation 20:10: And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
   2. The devil’s followers, those who rejected salvation through Jesus Christ, will also be cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15: And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

10. Conclusion
    1. If you don’t know Christ as your savior, the only God that can save you for eternity, I want you to think carefully about all that we’ve said tonight. Is this the path you’d like to take as a follower of the devil, or would you like to have eternal life with a loving, caring, graceful God who will keep and save you throughout eternity.

1. Introduction
   1. You’ve heard it said that God’s Word is line upon line, precept upon precept. What does this mean? Where did this concept come from? Who spoke this into existence? How important is this concept when sharing God’s Word with others? We’ll talk about these things and more in this message about line upon line, precept upon precept.
2. Where did this concept come from?
   1. In Isaiah 28, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to people who don’t know His Word and His ways. Just like many of us today. You and I have the complete Bible, the Word of God, and yet many of us don’t take time to study it and get to know who God is. Let’s look at a few of these verses.
   2. Isaiah 28:9-10:Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

3. Who spoke this into existance?
   10. This concept is from God. God has something to say about every area of our lives, and the more we delve into His Word, the more we are prepared for what is in store for us, and what God has planned for us. To get a better understanding of this concept, let’s look at a few other translations of verse 10.
   11. New International Version: For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.”
   12. New Living Translation:He tells us everything over and over— one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there!”
   13. Berean Study Bible: For He says, “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there.”
   14. Good News Translation:He is trying to teach us letter by letter, line by line, lesson by lesson.”

4. Why Can’t We just pick Up the Bible and Read It?
   1. God wants us to study His Word, to get to know Him, His Will, His Ways. He wants us to do this for ourselves, but so we can share His Word with others.
   2. 2nd Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
   3. We see here that as we study God’s Word, line upon line, precept upon precept, we are approved unto God. He is pleased with us.
   4. When we study the Word, and share it with others, we need not to be ashamed, because we are rightly dividing the Word, not just making a complete doctrine out of one section of scripture.

5. Is it true that when a statement is made in the Bible that other passages relate to it between the Old and New Testament?Yes, here are a few examples.
   1. We learn that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham by looking at these 2 verses:
      1. Matthew 1:1: The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
      2. Genesis 22:18: And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
   2. Throughout the Old and New Testament, we see passages telling and foretelling of how Jesus would give His Life to save you and me from our sins.
      1. Isaiah 53:5: But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
      2. Matthew 20:28: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

• 1 Peter 2:24-25:Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:21: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1. The apostle John, and the prophet Isaiah both had a vision of Heaven, and Jesus sitting on the throne.
   1. Revelation 4:2-3: And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
   2. Isaiah 6:1-2: In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

6. Is this Line Upon Line old testament only, or is it New Testament also?
   1. As we’ve seen with these examples, we can use Bible cross references to go between the Old and New Testament, often gaining deeper insight into what God is saying by digging a little bit deeper, than just the one passage we might be looking at.

7. When Explaining God’s Word to someone, how important is this concept?
   1. 1 Peter 3:15-16:But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
   2. In this world, there are many voices, with many different messages, often contrary to the Word of God. If you study the Word, line upon line, precept upon precept, using the Old and New Testament, you are more equipped to give an answer, and share what God has to say about Himself, and the issues of the day. There are many who say they speak from God but their knowledge of the Word is extremely limited.

8. Is this a tool made for winning souls?
   1. Those who profess to receive and believe the truth are to be shown the deadly influence of selfishness and its tainting, corrupting power. The Holy Spirit must work upon the human agent, else another power will control mind and judgment. Spiritual knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent is the only hope of the soul. Each soul is to be taught of God, line upon line, precept upon precept; he must feel his individual accountability to God to engage in service for his Master, whose he is, and whom he is required to serve in the work of saving souls from death.

9. How can this help us in the complete study of all 66 books? Here are some guidelines for studying the bible line upon line, precept upon precept.
   1. Begin with Scriptures that are easy to understand.
   2. Let the Bible interpret and prove the Bible. Don’t look for what you want to prove – look for what the Bible actually says.
   3. Understand the context—the verses before and after, and the chapters before and after. Does your understanding of a particular verse harmonize with the rest of the Bible?
   4. Ask: What does the Scripture clearly say?
   5. Ask: What does the Scripture not say?
   6. Ask: Who was the book written to?
   7. Ask: Who wrote it and who said it?
   8. Understand the historical time frame in which the book was written.
   9. Do not allow personal assumptions or preconceived ideas to influence your understanding and conclusions.
   10. Do not form conclusions based on partial facts, insufficient information, or the opinions and speculations of others.
   11. Opinions—regardless of how strongly you feel about them—don’t necessarily count. Scripture alone must be your standard and guide.

1. Introduction
   1. God’s Word says a lot about the importance of being in unity. We see this in Psalm 133:1: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! A kingdom, a house, a church, and a nation divided against itself can not stand. We’ll talk about a house divided in this message.
2. Let’s look into the subject of A house divided against itself.
   1. Mark 3:25: And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
3. What does this mean?
   1. Let’s look at the verses surrounding the one we just read. Mark 3:22-26: And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
   2. The scribes were saying that Jesus was casting out demons by Satan’s power.
   3. Jesus responds that a kingdom and a house divided against itself cannot stand, and will not survive.
   4. This shows the importance of unity. As Christians, we all are working towards the same goal, bringing souls to Jesus Christ, and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must be in unity and not be divided.
4. How can you and I stand firm knowing that we as Christians are not divided?
   1. Pray for one another. James 5:16: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
   2. Be in church and fellowship often with other believers. Hebrews 10:25: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
   3. Be involved in a ministry, where your gifts and talents are being used to reach souls and encourage the saints. Ask your pastor how you can help in the church. Ephesians 4:16: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

5. If I had to ask you what side you were on, the Christian side or the side of the enemy, what would you say, and how would you explain it to someone who doesn’t know whether they are on one side or another.
   1. We are encouraged to choose sides. We are either on the Lord’s side, or that of the enemy. Exodus 32:26: Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
   2. If you have not given your heart to Jesus, and are not consciously living for God, serving and obeying Him, you are not on His Side, but are on the side of the devil. Jesus had these strong words to say in John 8:44: Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
   3. One sign that shows that you are on God’s side, is if you pray regularly. Matthew 6:6: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
   4. Another sign that you are on God’s side is if you are studying the Word. 2^nd Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
   5. Are you in church regularly? This will be a good indication of which side you are on. Hebrews 10:25: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
   6. Finally, are you fulfilling the great commission, and telling people about Jesus. Those on the Lord’s side are doing this in one form or another. Luke 14:23: And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
6. What does God’s Word say about a house divided against itself?
   1. We read Jesus’ Words earlier. Here is another recording of this saying: Matthew 12:24-25: But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
   2. Here are a couple of other places where the bible talks about the need for us to be in unity and not divided. Psalm 133:1: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
   3. And now for the New Testament: Ephesians 4:3: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
7. Some examples of a house divided against itself.
   1. A church or ministry where everyone is following their own agendas, instead of working with the pastor and leadership to achieve a common goal, namely seeking to save that which was lost, and building up the Body of Christ.
   2. A job site where everyone has their own ideas about how a job should be done, instead of following the guidance of the owner.
   3. A home in which family members don’t communicate and go about doing their own things, instead of coming together as a family.
   4. Our nation has become more and more of a house divided. Coming together to get things done in our nation has become increasingly hard, and tensions on all side continue to escalate.
8. How should you and I explain to someone else when we know for a fact that their house has been divided?
   1. First, pray for them.
   2. Then, speak the truth in Love to them. Ephesians 4:14-15:  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
   3. Encourage them to pray for one another and confess their faults to one another. James 5:16: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
   4. Encourage the people involved to forgive and have peace. Colossians 3:13: Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
   5. Encourage them to continue to love one another, as love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8: And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Wayne’s Introduction

We need to Study

1. Why do we need to study?
   1. Psalm 119:105-Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. We live in a dark world. It’s not a good idea to go stumbling around in the dark without a flashlight. There may be roots, stumps, rocks, and other obstacles that you could stumble on and fall if you’re not careful. When we study God’s word, it’s a light unto our path. It tells us the obstacles to watch for, and how to overcome them. It gives us a clear path as we study

 Joshua 1:8-This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Wondering what God’s will is for your life? Spend time in His Word, meditate on it. Think about it. Obey it, and you will be blessed.

1. Hebrews 4:12-For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God’s word is powerful. It speaks to every area of life. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, the weapon of choice was the Word of God. When Satan attacks you, get into the Word. Obey it. Stand on the promises it has within. Let God’s Word be your two edged sword.

 What does God say about us studying?

2. 1. 2 Timothy 3:16-All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: All scripture is from God. It is all important. It’s profitable for doctrine, our belief system. It is good for reproof, to correct us when we’re wrong, and it teaches us what is right.
   2. Romans 15:4-For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. We should always be learning. The only people who have learned all there is to learn in this world are those who have gone on to Heaven. As we study the Word, we will learn more and more about who God is. We also gain hope and comfort from the scriptures.

3. By studying, how does it affect you and me?
   1. Isaiah 53:6-All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. The more we study, the more we know what God has to say about us, our sin, and our need of a savior.

 Matthew 5:16-Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. The more we study, the more Christ-like we are, and people will see how we live, and many will glorify God.

1. 2 Timothy 4:2- Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. The more we study, the more we can help others by pointing them to what they need in the Word.

We need to be approved

1. For what reason? Are we just trying to prove something?
   1. Romans 12:2-And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.We don’t study the Word to prove how spiritual we are, or how smart we are, but we prove what is acceptable to God…what His Will is, and how He wants us to live.

 Acts 9:22-But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. By studying and obeying God’s word, more and more, we prove to the world around us that Christ is real, and living and active in our lives.

2. That kind of seems prideful in a way, doesn’t it? but not really. Here’s what the bible has to say about pride.
   1. Proverbs 16:18-Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
   2. 1 John 2:16-For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
   3. When we study the Word, live it, and share it with others, it is always to be in humility. There’s nothing prideful about studying and being approved by God.

 Why can’t we just go about our business and not worry about proving anything to anyone?

3. 1. Romans 10:14-How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? If we just go about our business, who will tell our family and friends about Jesus?
   2. In a bible study video on a Thursday night, the speaker said “Christianity is always one generation away from dying. It’s up to each one of us to share the Gospel with people around us. In fact, if you want to be spiritually healthy, sharing the Gospel is an important part of your life.

4. Why does God want us to be approved of Him?
   1. Galatians 1:10- For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. As Christians, we are to live our lives in service to Jesus Christ, and to seek to please Him and be approved by Him.

 Colossians 3:23-24-And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Here again, whatever you do, you should be serving the Lord and you will be approved, and be blessed by Him

Workman

1. what is a workman?
   1. Psalm 119:1-2: Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. A workman is one who seeks to live according to God’s Word.
   2. Titus 2:9-Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again. A workman is diligent at his job or ministry, seeking to please those they work for, doing their workas unto the Lord.
   3. James 1:22-25: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Bottom line, a workman is one who doesn’t just hear the word, but does what it says.

 What is his function?

2. 1. Luke 14:23-And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. .Job 1 of every Christian is to go out and tell people about Jesus, compelling them to come into the Kingdom of God.

3. Are we just working our way to heaven?
   1. Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. We are not working our way to heaven because no good works we could possibly do would get us there. It’s only by grace.
   2. Our good works are done out of love and gratitude for what He has done for us.

We need not to be ashamed

1. Why do we need not to be ashamed?
   1. Hebrews 12:2-Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. God despises shame. He went to the cross to take our shame and our sin upon Himself.
   2. Romans 1:16-17: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. God doesn’t want His People to be ashamed. We are the King’s Kids. We have the Power of God for salvation. We have what the world needs. If we’re studying the Word, and living for Him, we won’t be ashamed.

2. How do we know we are rightly dividing the word of truth?
   1. Isaiah 28:10-For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: We need to let scripture interpret scripture.

1. 2 Corinthians 13:1-his is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. Two or three witnesses are needed to make a doctrine. You can’t make a teaching out of one verse.
2. Study to whom a Scripture is written, and what time it is written about.

3. There are so many interpretations, so many bibles, so many people telling you this and that. What is the truth?
   1. John 14:6-esus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus is the truth. There may be other voices telling you this and that, but the words of Jesus are truth and life.
   2. John 8:31-32: Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.As you seek God, and read His Word the bible, you will know the truth. He will make it plain to you.

 When we do find the truth, how do we stand on it?

4. 1. 1 Corinthians 15:58- Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. We are to stand on the truth, confidently, unwaveringly, boldly, no matter what comes our way.
   2. Galatians 5:1-Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. We read earlier that we will know the truth, and the truth will make us free. As we study the Word, believing what it says, wea re made free in Jesus. God wants us to stand on that Word, and not ever go back to being in bondage, as we were before we believed.

Conclusion to all of the above.

So we’ve broken down the scripture, 2 Timothy 2:15. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1. We’ve talked about why we need to study: It is the lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. It shows us God’s will for our lives. God’s Word gives peace and long life to those who study. IT speaks to every area of our lives.
2. We discussed What does God say about us studying? The bible is all from God. It shows us what to beleive, corrects us when we’re wrong and teaches us what is right.
3. We talked about how studying affects you and me. We shared that the more we study, we know what God says about us. We talked about how studying makes us more like Christ, and are able to help others.
4. We talked about being approved. We talked about how as we study the Word, we prove what is God’s Will. We are more like Christ, and by studying and obeying the Word, we prove to the world that He is real. We discussed how our efforts to study and be approved by God are not prideful, but are done in humble service to God.
5. We talked about What is a workman? A workman seeks to live according to God’s Word. He or she is diligent at his job or ministry, seeking to please God and the person we serve under. Bottom line, a workman is a doer of the word, and not a hearer only. His or her function is to share the Gospel with everyone they meet. A workman is not someone trying to work their wayto heaven. The works they do are in gratitude and obedience to God.
6. We asked Why do we not need to be ashamed? God despises shame and doesn’t want His Kids to be ashamed. We have the power of God for salvation. We have what the world needs. If our trust is in God, and we are studying the Word and living by it, we need not be ashamed.
7. We talked about how we know we are rightly dividing the Word of truth. If we let scripture interpret scripture, don’t try to make a doctrine out of just one verse, and study to find out who is being written about and what time period, we are rightly dividing the Word of truth.
8. We asked the question, what is the truth, when there are so many bibles and people telling us this and that. We shared that Jesus is the truth. His words are truth and life. We talked about the fact that if we seek Him, and His Word, we will know the truth and the truth will make us free. We also talked about standing firmly on the truth, boldly, confidently, unwaveringly.

So where are you in relation to 2^nd Timothy 2:15?

1. Do you study the Word? Do you dust off that bible and study it?
2. Are you a Berean, searching out the scriptures, or do you just go by what someone says?
3. Are you seeking to be approved by God, or is it more the approval of men that you seek?
4. Are you a workman, rightly dividing the Word of truth who needs not to be ashamed?

5. I think every one of us can grow in this area. Let’s all endeavor to study God’s Word, be a doer of the Word, and share the Gospel with those we meet. We will be approved by God and not ever need to be ashamed.

Who Crucified Jesus?

1. Introduction
   1. When I was a young boy and first came to know Christ as my own Savior, I was young in the Lord at the time. I had just given my heart to Jesus. I didn’t know much about the crucifixion. I just knew that Jesus had died for me. When I was saved in Tulsa Oklahoma at a concert that Don Francisco was playing for, I gave my heart to the Lord.
   2. I then came home and got rooted in a little Bible believing church called Calvary Baptist Church. There I learned the Bible. I learned all about who Jesus Christ the man was, and who the people were that crucified him. I’m so thankful for all of the education that I received at Calvary Baptist Church. It has molded and shaped me into the man I am today, the pastor of the Little House of Hope and Prayer.  Now let us proceed to find out why Christ was crucified on the cross.

2. Who is this man they call Jesus?
   1. He is God, and is known as the Word of God. John 1:1 and 2: 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.

This passage makes it very clear that Jesus is God. He wasn’t a creation of God. He was there from the beginning.

1. He created the Heavens and the Earth. John 1:3: All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. Here again, we see that Jesus was not created, but is the creator. Nothing was created without him.
2. He was the long awaited Messiah. Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. This is an Old testament prophecy concerning the coming Messiah who is Jesus Christ our Lord. This was given centuries before Jesus was born.
3. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Jesus is a friend you can call on any time and He’s always right there with you.

3. What was His Reason for Leaving Heaven and Coming to Earth?
   1. Because God is Holy and can’t look upon sin, sin separates us from God, and also leads to death. Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
   2. God loved you and I so much that He came to restore that relationship that was broken by sin, and give us eternal life. John 3;16-17:or God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He gave the ultimate sacrifice by carrying the sin of the whole world on His Shoulders, and dying on the cross to save us.
   3. He left the glories of Heaven, humbled Himself, died for us, and is now exalted in Heaven. Philippians 2:5-9: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  He’s the Name above all names. There is no other name whereby we can find salvation, healing, and freedom.

4. When someone talks about the Godhead, what do they mean? Though the word trinity is not in the Bible, the word Godhead is, and refers to one God in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Here are some scriptures to clarify this.
   1. Here is a prophecy about the birth of Jesus that refers to Him as the Mighty God and everlasting Father. Isaiah 9:6: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
   2. Further ahead in Isaiah we see another indication of Jesus as God. Isaiah 44:6: Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
   3. Again here we see that in Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead. Colossians 2:9: For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
   4. Finally let’s look at a prayer of the Apostle Paul that ties all three together, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 2 Cotinthians 13:14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

5. When He spoke, He spoke with authority and people listened. Here are some scriptures about the power and authority of Jesus.
   1. Matthew 7:28-29: And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. They knew this was no ordinary preacher. They knew that when Jesus spoke, there was power and authority behind His Words.
   2. Matthew 28:18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. This relates to what we discussed earlier about Jesus being God. All power and authority in heaven and Earth are His.
   3. Mark 1:27: nd they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. This again shows that Jesus has authority over all. No devil in Hell can prevail against Him. When He speaks, even they listen.

6. Who was it that actually crucified Him?
   1. It was Jesus’ own People, the Jews that arrested Jesus and led Him to Pilate to be crucified. John 18:31-32: Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
   2. The people God had promised to send a Messiah to did not know who was in their midst. Luke 19:41-44: And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. For centuries they had prayed for the promised Messiah to come. Many of them are still praying, not realizing that He already came. His Name was Jesus. They missed the time of their visitation. I would add that Jesus is here right now in this service. Are you enjoying His Love and Presence, or are you missing out on the time of His Visitation?

7. What were His Last Words before He went to Heaven?
   1. He was giving the Great Commission just before ascending to Heaven. Matthew 28:19-20: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. He promised to always be with us, now and forever. Let’s win as many souls to Him as we can before the Trumpet Sounds and we’re called home.

1. Introduction
   1. You and I many times (at least I know I ) have asked the question can God keep us until the end? I remember when I first became a Christian, I wrestled with this, being a novice in the Word. It’s hard to understand when you’re coming from the world, and joining God’s World. It’s a whole different mind set and way of thinking. As I began to press into God’s Word, and study, I began to see not only the world changing around me, but how I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God could keep me until the end.  You and I will always face ups and downs, ins and outs, twists and turns, tornadoes and storms, seeming like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. The one thing I know is that when I asked Jesus to be my own personal Savior, he would secure me until the end. I realized I wasn’t working my way to Heaven and that there was nothing I could do to earn my salvation. In return I had to accept the free gift and the thought is sometimes is just too simple. The reality is that it is just that simple.  How about you? Have you thought like I did? Maybe you thought something different.
2. Can God truly keep us until the end? Here’s what the Word of God says.
   1. Psalm 94:14: For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. When you came to Jesus Christ, you joined the Family of God. You are His Inheritance. You are His People. He will never cast you off or forsake you.
   2. Deuteronomy 31:8: And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Here again we see that God is with us and goes before us. He will never fail us. We don’t have to fear. Take this promise to the bank.
   3. John 14:18: I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Jesus is as close as the mention of His Name. Just call upon Him and He will answer.
   4. James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. God doesn’t change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

3. What must I do to be saved or redeemed from the world in which we live?
   1. You must be born again. You must ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart and be your Lord and Savior. John 3:3-6: Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit When we call upon Jesus to come into our hearts, His Holy Spirit comes in and brings our dead spirit to life.
   2. Realize that you are not your own. You’ve given your birthright to Jesus. Your life from this time on should be lived according to His Will, and not your agenda. Romans 12:1-2:I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
   3. God wants us to be different from the rest of the world. He transforms us as we read His Word and pray. Romans 12:2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

4. Can God take away your salvation? What does He say about this?
   1. Did you know that the Holy Spirit is referred to as a dove, and doves mate for life? Ephesians 4:30: And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Once you have given your heart to Jesus Christ, you are permanently sealed as one of His Own.
   2. John 6:37: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. This is Jesus speaking. If you came to Him, the Father gave you to Him, and in no way will He cast you out.

5. Some people say there’s no God. How do I know this isn’t true?
   1. The Bible has strong words for those who say there is no God. Psalm 53:1: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
   2. I don’t know how anyone can see all that is around us and not believe in God. Psalm 19:1: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. All of nature shows us there’s a God. Everything has a purpose. Everything is designed for a reason. This just didn’t happen randomly.

6. Where will I go when I die?
   1. For all of us, unless we go up in the rapture, we have an appointed time when we will die, and then go before the Lord for judgment. Hebrews 9:27: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: In a minute we’ll discuss the two kinds of judgment we will face.
   2. For the Christian, we have the assurance, that once we pass from this life, we are with the Lord.

2nd Corinthians 5:8: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  What a glorious day that will be.

7. What judgment will I go to as a Christian? What judgment will the unsaved go to?
   1. As a Christian, you and I will go to the Judgment Seat of Christ. 2nd Corithians 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. This is where we will be judged for what we should have done but didn’t. Missed opportunities, times we didn’t obey the call of God.
   2. For those who reject the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, they will go to the Great White Throne Judgment. Revelation 20:11: And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. This is where their lives will be reviewed. Their names will not be found in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and they will be cast into the Lake of Fire.

8. Is faith enough to keep me?
   1. We are saved by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Even the faith itself is a gift of God. This shows we are completely dependent on God for salvation.
   2. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Believing is the first step in the Christian walk. We must have faith, because on our own efforts, we can’t even reach God.
   3. Once we have put our faith in Christ, we do good works out of gratitude for what He has done. We show our faith by our good works. James 2:18: Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. If you aren’t doing anything for God, you might not have much faith. We show God and the world our faith by the works we do for God.

9. What will Heaven be like when I get there?
   1. He’s preparing a place for you. There’s a mansion with your name on it. John 14:2-3:n my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
   2. He will give you a glorious body like His Own. There’ll be no sickness, no arthritis, bursitis, deafness, blindness, or any other ailment there. Philippians 3:20-21: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
   3. We will never perish or fade away. We will live forever with Jesus. 1 Peter 1:3-4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1. What brings us to asking this question?
   1. We recognize our sins and shortcomings. Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; None of us are perfect. We all sin, and need God’s Forgiveness.
   2. We recognize our inability to change in our own strength. Romans 7:16-17: If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Even after becoming saved, we battle with the sin nature, and continually need to repent and ask forgiveness.

2. What is Forgiveness?
   1. Forgiveness is defined as the letting go of sin. In the Bible. This includes forgiving everyone, every time, of everything, as an act of obedience and gratefulness to God. It acknowledges the sacrifice God made through His Son Jesus who died to restore the relationship between God and man.

We read in 1^st Timothy 2:5: For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. We also read in 1st John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3. How does this apply to you and me?
   1. We all need to receive God’s Forgiveness. Ephesians 1:5-7: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; We all need to trust Jesus to forgive us, and adopt us into His family. Before coming to Christ, we are at enmity with God. Now as Christians we receive His Forgiveness and are family!
   2. We all need to forgive one another. Ephesians 4:32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Out of gratitude for what God has done for us, we should extend forgiveness to other people.

The good news is that He can enable us to do this as we yield our lives to Him.

4. Who in the bible needed forgiveness?
   1. King David: After being confronted about his adultery with Bathsheba, he wrote this: Psalm 51:1-3: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. He knew only God could cleanse him of his sin. Later in this chapter he asks God to restore the joy of his salvation. He had consequences for his sin, but he received God’s Forgiveness and restoration.
   2. Peter: Luke 5:8: When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.  for he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:  Peter came face to face with the miracle working power of Jesus, and his first reaction was to recognize his own sinfulness and need of salvation.

1. Mary Magdalene: Luke 7:47: Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. Though we don’t know exactly what her past was like, we know Mary had lived a sinful life, and was forgiven much. Because of that, she loved Jesus and was sold out to Him.

5. Who do we need to forgive? Ourselves or others?
   1. We do need to forgive ourselves. Romans 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Sometimes we can be harder on ourselves than we are on others who have wronged us.
   2. We are also called to forgive others. Matthew 6:12: And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. That’s in the Lord’s Prayer. If we want to experience God’s Forgiveness to us, we need to forgive others.

6. What did Jesus say about forgiveness and who we need to forgive?
   1. Jesus said we are to forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22: Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?

till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until 70 times seven.  In other words, if we truly forgive, we are not keeping count.

1. Jesus says this in Mark 11:25: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. We are reminded again here that our forgiveness from God is connected to how we forgive others.

7. Conclusion
   1. Ask yourself this question: Have you forgiven yourself for things that happened in your life? Have you forgiven others who have wronged you?
   2. Has it been a while since you’ve felt the love, peace and presence of God in your life? Maybe there’s someone you have withheld forgiveness from. Ask God to search your heart and He will show you.
   3. In answer to the question we started with, “When is there no more forgiveness”, I would say this: As long as you are alive and breathing, you can find forgiveness. Jesus says this in John 6:37: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
   4. Have you come to Jesus and given your heart and life to Him? If not, let’s get that taken care of today.

1. Introduction
   1. I remember some time back around 1998 that there was a great movement between the fundamentalists, Pentecostals, Church of God, and Holiness movement.
   2. It seemed that all were at odds with each other in respect to God’s Word, but basically it wasn’t just God’s Word. There was corruption in the teaching.
   3. Man’s teaching. I remember this great bashing of fundamentalists towards Pentecostals, believing they were unsaved because of their speaking in tongues, slain in the Spirit, and loss of salvation.
   4. It was very troubling at the time;. It seemed like all the fundamentalist churches were trying to ward you away from anyone outside of who they were.
   5. I was a fundamentalist. I chose not to go in this way. I didn’t feel it was God’s way. I personally was considered to be a compromiser.
   6. Abapticostal if you might say because I associated myself with the “opposition.”
   7. I felt so strongly that the corruption was coming from man’s teaching and all of their traditional standards.
   8. It was stifling anyone that didn’t line up with their man-made teaching. I wasn’t going to be corrupted nor was I going to be persuaded.
   9. Nor was I going to compromise what I knew to be the truth. There was a lot of misinformation back in those days. A lot of hard nose stands.
   10. Today I’m thankful that I continued on the path that I was on. It was God’s path.
   11. The bible says this inProverbs 16:25: There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
   12. I would not then and will not today follow the traditions of men, knowing that God came to die for each and every man.
   13. If you’re studying God’s word you’ll know God’s word. It will keep you sound in doctrine, spiritually and historically. Now let us look into this study today, corralled by corruption.

2. If I had to ask you what corruption is, what do you believe it to be, spiritually or non-spiritually?
   1. We have these definitions from the AV-1611 Bible Dictionary.
   2. Depravity; wickedness; perversion or deterioration of moral principles; loss of purity or integrity.
   3. Debasement; taint; or tendency to a worse state.
   4. Impurity; depravation; debasement; as a corruption of language.
   5. Matthew 7:17-18: Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

3. In the spiritual life that we lead today, we can be led by the Spirit and sound in God’s Word, and not allow corruption to come in, steal, kill and destroy the love and intent for all mankind, especially for those who may be a little bit different in their teaching and doctrine.
   1. If you are led by the Spirit, you will be sound in God’s Word. We see this inJohn 16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He is called the Spirit of Truth. He will guide you into all truth, which is the Word of God.
   2. God’s Word is true from beginning to the end.Psalm 119:160: Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endurethfor ever. If we are studying God’s Word, corruption will not be able to come in, because we’ll be able to detect it immediately.
4. Who in the bible was filled with corruption?
   1. In the time of Noah, all of humanity was filled with corruption.Genesis 6:5-6: And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Jesus said that in the time of the end, it will be just like the days of Noah. We see that today more and more.
   2. Judas Iscariot, being a devil as Jesus said, was full of corruption!John 6:70-71: Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. Judas was full of corruption, and went to the bottomless pit, from where he will ascend to be the Antichrist in the tribulation period.

5. What disciples in the bible were changed and turned around from being corrupt, to being sincere Christians?
   1. Peter was corrupt in that he tried to keep Jesus from the cross.Matthew 16:21-22: From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes,

and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. Peter was corrupt, trying to keep the plan of God from being carried out.

1. Peter later denied the Lord.Matthew 26:74: Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
2. Peter was restored, and became a sincere Christian, used mightily by God.John 21:17: He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Just as Peter denied the Lord three times, Jesus asked him if he loved Him three times.

6. Who in the Old Testament Patriarchs was corrupt andGod straightened them out?
   1. Jacob was corrupt in the beginning, in that he stole the blessing from his brother twice. Here is one of the occasions.Genesis 25:31-33: And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. The other time was when Isaac was close to death and wanted to speak a blessing over his firstborn. Jacob tricked his father into giving him the blessing.

1. After this, Jacob left home, and started a journey that God would use to straighten him out and make him the leader of the nation of Israel.Genesis 28:2-4: Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother’s father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughers of Laban thy mother’s brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. Jacob wasn’t immediately free of his corruption, but over time as he walked with God, he got straightened out.

7. You and I live in a world today filled with corruption. What does God’s Word say about abstaining, confronting, and stabilizing yourself in God’s Word to withstand not only the wiles of the devil but the corruption of the world?
   1. God’s word tells us we are to abstain from all appearances of evil.1st Thessalonians 5:22: Abstain from all appearance of evil. That means don’t do anything that even looks like it might be evil.
   2. What God’s Word has to say about confronting is this.Jude 1:3: Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. God wants us to know His Word so we can share our faith, and defend it against enemy attacks.
   3. Part of the armor of God is the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word.Ephesians 6:11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. God’s Word is quick and powerful, and if you are studying it, you can adequately wield your sword against the wiles of the devil, and the corruption of the world.

8. Have you been corrupted and corralled by negative thinking, negative judgments without any content or facts?
   1. If you are corralled by negative thinking, keep this scripture in mind. Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Let your thoughts, what you listen to, watch, or read be filtered through this verse. When you do, your thinking and judgment will be less corrupted.

9. What was Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees when they tried to bring corruption to him? What was his demeanor? What was his word to them? How did the word subdue their wrath?
   1. A good example to look at is when they brought the woman caught in the act of adultery. Let’s look at John 8:4-9: They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
   2. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. Jesus countered the Pharisees’ attack by quoting scripture. Not a portion of a verse, but the whole verse.
   3. Jesus was writing the Old Testament law that they were trying to use against him.Leviticus 20:10: And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. By only bringing the woman, they were violating the law.
   4. His word to them was “Let him that is without sin cast the first stone.” They all dropped their stones and ran when they heard His Word. He showed that it was they who were corrupt, and they were convicted.

10. Story – Warning: Restoration in Process
    1. No one could see what Tim saw in that old house. They saw brokenness; he saw potential.
    2. They saw chipped paint, falling gutters, and a leaky roof–not to mention dirt everywhere and enough cobwebs to catch an ant farm.
    3. He saw the builder’s original intent–and what that house could one day be.
    4. Others couldn’t understand why Tim worked hour after hour, nailing in broken pieces, sanding down the chipped paint.
    5. His hands often got splinters or ached from his labors, but he didn’t stop. He spent lots of money, but he didn’t care.
    6. He saw not what was, but what would be–and that house had been made to shine.
    7. You see, Tim knew something the others didn’t. He knew what the house had been built to be…because he’d built it!
    8. A terrible disaster had destroyed the home many years back, but Tim wouldn’t give up on that old house.
    9. It took years–one could even say a lifetime–but one day others saw it too. No one could recognize in the elegant mansion the once forsaken home.
    10. Philippians 1:6: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
    11. 2nd Corinthians 5:16: Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
    12. God is in the business of restoring what sin and corruption has ruined.
    13. In Christ, we’re new creations but we still often look like a messed up version of what God intended.
    14. If you are corralled by corruption, keep drawing close to God. Keep studying His Word. Keep praying and worshipping.
    15. You, like this house, will become exactly what God had intended.

11. Conclusion
    1. Have you been corrupted by false doctrine?
    2. Over the years as a Christian have you been corrupted by negative and judgmental teaching?
    3. If you were to evaluate yourself, where are you in light of this message? What would you hope that people would think of you. Would you be negative judgmental, opinionated or would you be accurate based on God’s Word?

1. Introduction
   1. There have been many times throughout the years, and I’ve learned a lot of things. I was taught the bible, line upon line, precept upon precept.
   2. I was taught a good word. When someone speaks something contrary to what God’s Word says, I know it right away because I’ve studied.
   3. With all of that being said, that doesn’t mean that I’ve learned everything I need to know, but it does tell me what I need to stay away from that can lead me or someone else astray.
   4. In my soul winning, going out into the community and talking with many types of people, many educated, some not educated at all, atheists, and God-haters.
   5. What has kept me all of these years is my continuing to study and saturate my mind with God’s Word. I’ve always wanted to be used of God in a very special way.
   6. I wanted to be a voice for Him. A voice to speak the truth. I’ve been in conflict and contended earnestly for the faith.
   7. I believe I am where I am today because of the position, the encouragement, and the calling that God has on my life.
   8. What is the calling that you have in your life? Do you have correct teaching? Do you have correct doctrine?
   9. Do you know the history, the spiritual content that it takes to sustain you, especially in this climate, this day and age in which we live?
   10. Are you sabotaged by false doctrine? Or do you just not care, or maybe you don’t feel it’s necessary to study, or you just want to drift through life on the laurels of “I’m saved and that’s enough.”
   11. I tell you, God hates this! Just study God’s word. Now let’s look into our study, Sabotaged by False Doctrine.

2. What does it mean to be sabotaged?
   1. Sabotage is the destruction of property. It is also an act or process tending to hamper or hurt.
   2. The ultimate saboteur and the one who can influence you to sabotage your walk with God is none other than Satan. John 10:10: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. You can sabotage your spiritual growth with false doctrine, or you can choose to follow Jesus and His Word, and have abundant life as you walk with Him.

3. What is false doctrine?
   1. Anything taught, that isn’t found in the word of God, is called false doctrine.
   2. False doctrines have been part of Satan’s attack on God and God’s people since Adam and Eve.
   3. Some of the most prevalent of false doctrines are worshipping Mary; Saying that Jesus Christ is not God; baptism by any means other than immersion etc.
   4. Some of the popular newer ones are: name it and claim it; God does not judge; live like the world to reach the world; and the prosperity gospel.

4. Why do some people study for a while, then fall away?
   1. Here are some reasons people don’t stick with studying God’s Word.
   2. Lack of understanding
      1. Have you ever read a passage of Scripture that left you feeling very confused, and saying to yourself, ‘I have no idea what I just read’?
      2. Many Christians have this experience. Unfortunately, most will then decide that understanding the bible is too hard, and then stop studying it altogether.!

• The bible was written in a 4^th to 6^th grade education. Before you study, pray this scripture:

1. Psalm 119:125: I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

1. The next reason many stop studying God’s word is a Lack of Desire
   1. The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.
   2. If this is the case for you, let this be your prayer. Psalm 119:36-37. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
2. The next reason is plainly that it’s not a priority.
   1. If we stay so busy doing everything but studying the bible, we miss out on building our relationship with God and all the blessings and benefits that come with getting to know Him more.
   2. Jesus says this in Matthew 6:31-33: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
3. The next reason people stop studying, is a lack of discipline.
   1. Some Christians truly seek to spend time in God’s word, and have even tried to implement a regular bible study routine.
   2. Then at some point, their discipline and consistency begin to diminish.

• Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

1. Finally, people stop studying the word because they don’t want to be convicted or confronted with truth.
   1. The reason for not wanting to study the bible regularly that most Christians won’t readily admit to is that they don’t want to be convicted or confronted with truth.
   2. We don’t want to be confronted with our sin in our personal study, in conversation with others, or during a sermon at church, so we avoid the bible altogether just to avoid such confrontation or conviction.

• Paul addresses this in Romans 12:1-2: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1. Who has encouraged you to keep studying and pursuing to know as much of what God wants for your life and someone else’s?

5. How do you know that your upbringing hasn’t been filled with false doctrines? Did you ever check to see what the pastor is preaching, or whomever it is that’s giving a teaching?
   1. It is important to note that just because someone says “thus sayeth the Lord” does not mean that every word they are giving is true. John tells us this in 1st John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. This is why it is so important to be studying God’s Word, to make sure that what you are hearing is correct.
   2. John goes on to tell us how we can know whether someone is speaking from God or not. 1st John 4:2-3: Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. The spirit of antichrist is in the world today, trying to keep people from coming to the saving knowledge of Christ, and living a life centered on His Word.

6. Why did the Bereans constantly check those that were giving the word of the day to make sure they lined up with scripture and weren’t preaching false doctrine?
   1. Paul writes about the Bereans in Acts 17:11: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Here is some important information we can learn from these people.
   2. They received the Word with readiness of mind. They weren’t sleeping, or thinking about other things. They weren’t looking at their phones. They received the word readily, and were focused.
   3. They didn’t just take what they heard as fact because the preacher said it. They searched the scriptures, to make sure that what they were hearing was accurate.
   4. Why did they do this? Because they wanted to know for sure, that they were getting the true Word of God.

7. Who in the bible was preaching false doctrine and needed to be corrected?
   1. Jehoshaphat was seeking a word from God, whether to go with the king of Israel to Ramothgilead. The king of Israel gathered prophets that would bring a positive word, rather than the accurate word. 1st Kings 22:5-6: And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. This was not a true word from God, but a word that the king wanted to hear.
   2. Jehoshaphat pressed in and pursued a man of the Lord that would speak the truth. 1st Kings 22:16-17: And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord?

And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. The king was not happy with this word, but the false prophets were corrected, and a true word was given.

8. The way the world is going today, do you feel that it is a necessity to study God’s Word, press in to be all you can be, to educate the world? Are you sabotaged? Are you preaching false doctrine?
   1. Do you feel it is necessary to study God’s Word? We read in Psalm 119:2-4: Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. If we study God’s word and apply it to our lives, we are blessed!
   2. Do you feel it’s necessary to press in and be all you can be? The bible says this in Hebrews 12:1: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Let’s all be diligent about God’s Word, and be all that God has called us to be in these last days.
   3. Are you sabotaged, or preaching false doctrine? God’s Word is powerful, and needs to be handled correctly. Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. If we mishandle the Word of God, it is like reaching up and grabbing a 30,000 volt line without being properly trained as an electrician.

9. Story – Sithani’s Spoon
   1. As we’ve discussed, the way to ensure you are not getting into false doctrine, is to dig into God’s Word the bible.
   2. Here is a story of a couple that said they were studying God’s Word, but were they really. Here now is today’s closing story, Sithani’s Spoon.
   3. A wealthy family invited the pastor to their home and held a thanksgiving prayer.
   4. During the prayer, the pastor preached by emphasizing the importance of reading God’s Word (the Bible) daily.

1. On this the wife of the rich Seth spoke in the middle… Yes, Pastor, we don’t even start our day without reading the Bible.
2. We read the Bible every morning and evening. Reading the word of God gives us a lot of blessings.
3. Hearing this, the Pastor smiled and ended the meeting with a prayer.
4. The family immediately served food for the pastor in the same table and the food was on a beautiful plate and the pastor was given a golden spoon to eat with.
5. All the utensils looked expensive and were shining. After eating the food, the pastor went to his house after they thanked him.
6. But the mistress of the house (Sithani) was very restless. She Was looking for something for a long time. Seeing this, Seth asked “What are you looking for?”
7. Sithani said “The spoon which was given to Pastor ji to eat is not being found.” Rich Seth said “No no he is a man of prayer…we should not doubt him!!”
8. “Hey who else came after him who could’ve taken our spoon? … otherwise why is it not visible? I’ve seen the whole place, the spoon is not visible anywhere.”
9. Seth said “Oh no problem, it is only a matter of a spoon, let it go” But Sithani was not being silent, saying “My spoon set got spoiled.”
10. Seth couldn’t believe that the pastor could also do this… but no one was daring to ask the pastor.
11. After about four months he again held a prayer meeting in his house and invited the same pastor to his house.
12. As soon as the pastor came to his house and sat with Seth’s wife, she said, “Pastor, you do not mind but I want to ask you something.”
13. The pastor said, tell what sister do you want to ask. Seth’s wife said to the pastor, “Since the last time you came, Pastor, I haven’t been able to get my golden spoon.”
14. The pastor asked her, have you read the Bible today?? The woman said yes, we read the Bible twice a day. The pastor said “Will you open your Bible?”
15. The woman said “Yes, I will definitely open it…”
16. The pastor told that on that day he had washed the spoon after using it and kept it in the Bible of Sithani.
17. So we can gather from this story that they hadn’t cracked open their bible for four months! They might have easily been sabotaged by false doctrine.
18. If they had cracked open the bible to study it, they would have known what treasures were inside of it, including their golden spoon.

10. Conclusion – 3 questions
    1. Do you have the right translation, or are you mixed up in a bag of who said what? It doesn’t really matter, you say. As long as I have some word, that’s all that matters.
    2. Are you just calling it good and done because you go to church, you mix yourself up with a bunch of people that never read God’s word, know nothing about God’s Word, never go soul-winning, never witnessing, just always looking for the fun and entertainment that the church has to offer?
    3. These are all good things, but when it comes to educating people, where are they? Where do they stand? Where do you stand?
    4. Ask yourself this question. In all of the messages we preach here at the Little House, have you learned anything? Are you absorbing the messages?
    5. Or are the lights on but no one home? Are you being filled with a cup overflowing with God’s Word, and are you applying it?

1. Are you checking to make sure that the word of God that’s being preached is accurate and correct as the Bereans were in the book of Acts?
2. Or are you plagued with the upbringing, not willing to change, not willing to hear the truth of God’s Word because of being blinded by men with great swelling words, enchanting and entertaining you, who stand in great reputation of themselves, but for those who are serious students who have studied God’s Word, God is not a respecter of anyone, only those who obey him, follow him, know him and know the difference between man’s teaching and the God-breathed Word. Iask you today, do you fall into this category? Or do you feel you might be sabotaged by false doctrine? R