Hebrews 3:14

Introduction: Have you seen God working in the lives of people lately? Don’t you love it! Isn’t it life’s ultimate fulfillment when our Lord uses us? Learning to COOPERATE with the Holy Spirit should be a desire of every CHRISTian. With so many people today experiencing both spiritual and relational issues, it is absolutely important for us to be Spirit-filled believer’s who can give “godly counsel and prayer.” The writer to the book of Hebrews (many say Paul – this author too) carries us thru (3) steps to being used in a mighty way:

1. Starts with the ACTIVATION process! (Heb 3:14)

“For we are partakers of Christ”
{The word “Partakers” is the Greek word metochos, which means sharing in, partnering, partaking.}

• Our Faith in Jesus needs to be ACTIVATED (Example – a cell phone doesn’t work unless activated)
• His work “In” us and “through” us will then be MOTIVATED (2 Cor 5:14, 15)

2. Then Goes to the PARTICIPATION process! (Heb 3:14)

• 1st Cooperation with Christ (Come under)
• 2nd Participation with Christ (His hands – feet)

3. Ends with the DEMONSTRATION process! (Heb 3:14)

” Steadfast unto the end”
{The word “Steadfast” is the Greek word bebios, which means sure, firm.}

• The end is death
• Rewards await believers at the Judgement Seat (2 Cor 5:10)

Genesis 5:21-24

Introduction: How many of you would like to have a CLOSER WALK with JESUS? Guess what? It doesn’t happen automatically; rather, decisions, changes, sacrifices, commitments, must be made. Are you willing to do “Whatever it Takes”? If so, be assured, our Lord will make it well worth it! A look at the life of Enoch, who WALKED with his Lord during a tough time, gives us some insight as to how we can have a CLOSER WALK with HIM:

1. When Enoch WALKED with God! (Gen 5:21, 22, 24)

“And Enoch lived sixty and five years….and begat Methuselah…..And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” {Enoch’s name is Hanoch in Hebrew and means “Dedicated”} {The word “Walk” is halak which means to go, to come, a manner of life}

       • Enoch walked with God with the demands of a family

       • Enoch walked with God while living among evil and sin sick people

2. How Enoch WALKED with God! (Jude 14)

“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold the Lord comets with ten thousands of his saints.” {The word “Prophesied” is the word “propheteuo” which means to Foretell or predict the future}

     • Because Enoch had a relationship with God, he was given insights

     • Because Enoch had a relationship with his Lord, he was given foresight 

Conclusion: Besides Elijah, Enoch was the only other human being who did not die in the Bible. God took him. Somebody said the Lord said to him as he WALKED with Him, “It’s closer to My house than yours Come on home!” Will we make some important decisions today that will determine if we WALK with our Lord? He’s ready, willing, and waiting for us to decide… 

“Just a Closer Walk with thee…grant it Jesus is my plea….daily walking close to thee….dear Lord, let it be.”

Revelation 19:1-21

Introduction: Does it seem like things are spiraling downward and spinning out of control? John, in the book of Revelation, sees the BIG PICTURE….the past, the present and the future! This should bring great comfort and confidence to every CHRISTian!

Is this world Falling Apart? What have we learned from this Deadly Disease? Consider (7) lessons learned from Covid 19:

1. The Reliability of Authority! (Rev 19:1, 2)

“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying Allelujah: Salvation and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.”

• Government’s under God-given authority (Rom 13:1-8)
• God’s superseding Authority over the Government (Acts 5:29)

2. The Authenticity of Bible Prophecy! (Rev 19:10)

“And I fell at his feet to worship him…..and have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

• Past & Present Fulfillment of the Bible
• Future Fulfillment of the Bible

3. The Audacity of the Enemy! (Rev 19:19)

“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse and against his army.”

• China (Rev 16:12)
• Russia (Ezek 38, 39)

4. The Vulnerability of Humanity! (Rev 19:15)

“And out of his mouth govern a sharp sword, that with it, he should smite the nations and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: he that treadeth the wine press of the fierceness, and wrath of Almighty God.”

• Indispensable? Really?
• Undeniable

5. The Dependability of God’s Sovereignty! (Rev 19:6)

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and the voice of many waters, and the voice of mighty thundering, saying Allelujah: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”

• Helpless
• Hopeless

6. The Priority of Humility! (Rev 19:4)

“And I saw the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying Amen and Allelujah.”

• The way Up is down (Isa 14; Ezek 28)
• Jesus came down but got Up (Phil 2:5-11)

7. The Urgency of Eternity! (Rev 19:20)

“The beast….and the false prophet were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

• Time’s running out (Eph 5:16; James 4:14)
• Teach us to number our days (Psa 90:12)

Conclusion: Since things are going according to God’s plan (permissive will), what CHANGES do you need to make? Who do you desperately need to talk to immediately before it’s too late? Who can we reach out to and offer HOPE? Where are you heading? How are you doing?

2 Samuel 22:1-50

Introduction: Are you facing some “Tough Times”? It seems like most everybody is having unresolved conflicts, irreconcilable problems, and heartbreaking disappointments. You too? Well what do we do, “In Times like These”? The writer of 2nd Samuel (writing from a prophetic point of view) describes the multifaceted life of King David. Up in age, perhaps late 70’s or early 80’s, and after facing almost immediate death from the hand of the giant Ishbibenob, not to mention the mad-man Saul, the king offered worship and praise to his GREAT God! Learning from his example, we too can experience these (3) life changing decisions.

1. In Times like These, we need to know, “WHERE to GO!” (2 Sam 22:3)

“And David spake unto the Lord in the words of this song….The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.”

• In times like these, Where do we go? To our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
• In times like these, Why? Because He’s able to deliver us, calm our storm, heal our bodies, and give us strength.

2. In Times like These, we need to know,” WHAT to DO!” (2 Sam 22:3)

“The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou saves me from violence.”

• In times like these, put our our TRUST in the Lord. 
• In times like these, REST in Him.

3. In Times like These, we need to know, “WHY to Go to the LORD!” (2 Sam 22:4, 21)

“I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised….The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness.”

• In times like these, He has blessings for those who trust Him
• In times like these, He is worthy to be praised

Conclusion: While we can’t help the “Times,” we can help our response to the “Times.” Are we going to complain? Be bitter? Be depressed? Or are we going to call upon the Lord and trust in Him?

Esther 1-10

Introduction: Do you feel “stressed”? Have you (we) learned to REST while you’re  stressed? Speaking of stress, I heard about a man that went to the doctor. After examining him thoroughly, the doctor recommended that the man take a RED pill in the morning with a full glass of water, a BLUE pill at lunch time with a full glass of water, and finally, a GREEN pill at night with a full glass of water. The man agreed. Then he asked, “Doc, what’s my problem?” To which the Doctor replied, “You’re not getting enough WATER!”

A careful study of the book of Esther reveals (7) steps to RELIEVE your STRESS and RESTORE your REST. Esther’s Persian name means “star,” but her Hebrew name means “myrtle.” Here is a brief outline of the highlights in this book that does not mention the name of God but demonstrates His Sovereignty on every page:  

The nation of Israel was taken into captivity (Babylon – which later became Persia) for a total of 70 years because of her disobedience. Yet, according to the Lord’s chastening purpose, she had been promised to return to her home land. While in captivity is the setting of the book of Esther.

1. Esther was willing to Fulfill her Purpose by SERVING & HONORING God! (Esther 1, 2:7)

“And he brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.”

{Esther went thru the (1) year prepping process with oil, myrrh etc. (Esther 2:12)}

2. Esther found FAVOR with the King! (Esther 2:15, 17; 5:8)

“And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight….and he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.”

3. Esther learned to DEPEND upon God as her SOURCE of STRENGTH! (Esther 4:16)

“Go gather all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day….so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

4. Esther accepted the role to be CALLED by God to be a servant LEADER! (Esther 4:13)

“Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews….who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

5. Esther placed herself on the altar and let God have His WAY! (Esther 4:16) 

“If I perish, I perish”

6. Esther engaged the ENEMY and let God FIGHT her BATTLES! (Esther 6, 7:6)

“And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.”

7. Esther witnessed the Lord CHANGING the course of Human History! (Esther 9,10)

Conclusion: After studying the book of Esther, our stress is reduced. Right? We like her, can Fulfill our Purpose by serving our risen Savior, and find “FAVOR” with the King. Because He who Called us is the SOURCE of our STRENGTH! As we PLACE our will under His Will, He not only fights our Battles but He changes the course of “history”….because it’s “His Story.” 

Introduction: Have you ever gotten in trouble for not being home on time? As a boy we would play out in the woods and at supper time, my dad would whistle for us to come home. It was our signal. He was calling us (this was before cell phones!?). Would we answer? What do you think? Is Jesus calling you? Calling you to follow Him? Calling you to put aside other less important things than being in His will. How will you answer His call? Isaiah had a life-changing experience when he saw the Lord, saw himself, and answered the Lord’s call! Follow his (3) steps:

• Jesus towers above us (v 1)
• Jesus’ overpowering presence is all around us (vv 1-4)

*** If we ever see our Lord Jesus with the eye of FAITH, we will come away forever CHANGED…ready to go!

{The word “Woe” is oy, which means a passionate cry}
{The word “Undone” is damah, which means to be cut off, cease, undone….. one English Bible translates it, “I am dumb…I have no words…I am guilty of silence….I am ruined.”}

• Our confession (v 5)
• His cleansing (vv 6, 7)

*** When we see Jesus with the eye of FAITH, it causes us to see ourselves in the light of His Holiness.

3. The 3rd Step to getting into God’s will is to hear the CALL of Jesus and answer with an AFFIRMATION! (Isa 6:8-13)

“Then one of the seraphim….having a live coal in his hand….laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged…And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

* 1. Confession
* 2. Cleansing
* 3. Calling

• Look up & look in
• Look out and go out

*** If we see Jesus with the eye of FAITH, and see ourselves in the light of His holiness, then we should confess our sinfulness and be cleansed by His blood, which will result in our answer to His CALL to be in His WILL.

Conclusion: Maybe our Lord Jesus is calling you to do the following:

* Be saved ( develop a personal relationship)
* Break away from bad habits
* Be bold in witnessing
* Be ready for His return
* Be pro active in serving Him
* Be faithful in praying for others
* Be a student of the Word of God
* Be forgiving
* Be kind and loving
* Be willing to let go of past hurts
* Be visionary in His will
* Be strong instead of being afraid
* Be patient
* Be Spirit-filled
* Be purposeful in leaving a lasting legacy
* Be able to defend what you believe
* Be engaging the enemy in spiritual warfare
* Be a blessing to others by giving to meet their needs
* Be a servant leader in your home

Genesis 13:1-18

1. The 1st Step to WATCH is “FAMILY FEUDS”! Do you ever have them? (Gen 13:5-13)

“And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle….And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we be brethren.”

{The word “strife” is Reeb which means dispute, controversy, quarrel}

• Feuds are inevitable (v 7)
• Feuds can be avoidable (v 8)
• Feuds can be reconcilable (v 9)

* Lessons learned*
   * Blessings can lead to Bickering (v 7)
   * Strife can lead to Separation (v 11)

2. The 2nd Step to take in a “FAMILY FEUD” is FAMILY FAITH! Are you willing to fight for your family faith? (Gen 13:14-18)

“And the Lord said unto Abraham after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art….for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever….And Abram removed his tent and came and dwelt….in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord.”

• Lot’s choice was worldliness, which led to his waywardness (vv 10,11)
  * Lot lost his focus
  * Lot lost his fortune
  * Lot lost his family
  * Lot didn’t lose his FAITH (2 Pet 2:7, 8)

Acts 9:36-42

Introduction: What kind of “GOOD  WORKS” do you have? No. We’re not saved by “Works,” but if we are saved, there should be some “Works” (Eph 2:8-10; James 2:14-26).

**Remember the Wendy’s commercial (1984 – Before your time?) – “Where’s the beef?” Well, “Where’s the works?”

1. Dorcas was a CHRISTian woman of faith in the God of the Bible and she was “FULL of GOOD WORKS”! (Acts 9:36)

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did…..all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made.” 

{The word “Disciple” here is mathetria, which means a female disciple. Tabitha, or Dorcas’ name, means gazelle.}
{The word “Alms deed” is the word elehaymosoonay, which means mercy and pity}

2. Dorcas grew SICK, succumbed to her illness, and DIED! (Acts 9:37)

“And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.”

3. Dorcas was RAISED from the dead! (Acts 9:40-42; also 1 Thess 4:13-18; John 14:1-3; Rev 21:1-7) 

“But Peter…kneeled down, and prayed….and turning to the body said, Tabitha arise. And she opened her eyes….and sat up.”

“Many believed in the Lord.” 

Ezra 7:1-10

1. Look at the Place WHERE God shows FAVOR! (Ezra 7:1-9)

“….This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given him: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.”

{The word ” scribe” is saphar, which means to recount, secretary, learned man, scribe; it refers to Ezra in this passage}

    • Favor with those over you (vv 1-9)

“And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month…..in the seventh year of the king,” (Ezra 7:8)

    • Favor with those against you 

“And the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy.” (Ezra 8:31)

    • Favor with that within you 

“And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me.” (Ezra 7:28)

   • Favor with those outside

2. Look at the WAY to get God’s FAVOR! (Ezra 7:10)

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and do it, and teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”

    • Do we have a Holy HEARTBEAT for the Word of God?

“Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord” (v 10).

    • Do we have a Holy HEARTBURN to be a doer of the Word of God?

“And to do it” (Ezra 7:10)

[Do we just hear it read and preached, or do we apply it to our life? (James 1:22)]

     • Do we have a Holy HEART-BURDEN to TEACH the Word of God?

“And to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” (Ezra 7:10)

    • God’s spiritual gift of teaching (Rom 12:7)

Conclusion: At a crucial time in history, the GOOD Hand of the Lord raised up a man named Ezra. God’s plan was to bring His people back to their homeland from Babylon – Persia (after 70 years of captivity), which was accomplished (Ezra 1-6). Using Jewish men, women and even an unbelieving Persian king, Cyrus, the GOOD HAND of the Lord brought BLESSINGS!

Don’t you LOVE the GOOD Hand of the Lord’s BLESSINGS on you? Of course you do!

 Jeremiah 29:10-14

Introduction: Do you ever feel like giving up? Giving up on a loved one? Feeling hopeless? I’ve got “GOOD NEWS.” Our Lord doesn’t give up on us! God’s great unconditional love and commitment to His people, especially the nation of Israel, as demonstrated in this passage, is an example that brings security and hope in this life. He has our best interest in mind, which is proven thru His chastisement (Heb 12:5). This is the lesson learned throughout the book of Jeremiah. With that in mind, this gives believer’s (3) reasons to serve the Lord Jesus, to give to the Lord Jesus, and to love the Lord Jesus!

1. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did not GIVE UP on me or You! (Jeremiah 29:11)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” [The words “expected end” is tik taw which means “hopeful future”!]

{This verse (v.11) comes after (v.10) where God announces that because of Israel’s, more specifically Judah’s, disobedience (Jer 29:10-see Lev 25), she would be led into captivity in Babylon for 70 years (see the books of Ezekiel Daniel, etc.). This would be for the purpose of learning to “KISS the Rod” of God’s correction. “Whom the Lord loves, he chastises” (Heb 12:5).

• God sees a Hopeful future
• On the Potter’s wheel

2. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has taken us PLACES that we could not have gone on our own with RESOURCES we did not have! (Jeremiah 29:14)

“And I will be found….and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.”

• It’s not who you know / it’s whose you are
• It’s not who you are / it’s who He is
• It’s not what you have / it’s what He has

{Just as in the case of Israel – even though the Church does not REPLACE Israel, God will make a way}

3. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has PROMISED when we SEEK Him, and SEARCH for Him with all of our Heart, we will find Him! (Jeremiah 29:12, 13)

“Then shall ye call upon me….and ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye search for me with all of your heart.”

When we SEEK Jesus we find:
* He loves us
* He corrects us
* He keeps us
* He strengthens us
* He leads us
* He encourages us
* He is coming back for us