1. Zechariah predicts that Jesus, the King, would ride into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. (Zech 9:9)

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

2. Daniel the prophet, while in Babylonian captivity pinpoints the exact timeframe when Jesus would come riding into Jerusalem. (Dan 9:24, 25)

“24Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city……..and to anoint the most Holy. 25Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.”

This amazing prophecy was fulfilled as recorded by both Nehemiah and Luke.
(Nehemiah 2:1-8)

“1And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. 2Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, 3And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?”

God’s time clock began to tick on March 5, 444 B.C.

According to Daniel’s prophecy (70 weeks which = 490 years total number for the Jews…. 483 have been fulfilled – only 7 years missing, which will be fulfilled during the 7 year tribulation -Dan 9:27).

It would be (7 weeks- 49 years), which followed the destruction of the temple in 586 B.C. and the rebuilding of the temple 516 B.C. to Nehemiah’s return to rebuild the walls….this happened precisely to the exact date.

In addition, Daniel’s prophecy included “Messiah the Prince,” which Daniel said would be (3 score and two weeks – 62 x 7 = 434 years). This number 434 years (Messiah the Prince – Dan 9:25) would be added to the 49 years (Nehemiah’s return). 434 + 49 = 483 years.

To the date, from March 5, 444 B.C. To March 30, 33 A.D. = 483 years exactly. Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem.

Or 173,880 days based on the Jewish calendar (360 days), or 173,880 days based on the Gregorian calendar (365 days plus leap year).

The exact number of days from Nehemiah’s return to Messiah’s entry was 173,880 days.

While riding into Jerusalem, Jesus Christ mentions this prophetic prediction. However, like today, most if not all, were “CLUELESS”!

“And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, 42Saying, 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.” (Luke 19:41, 42)

3. Zechariah predicts that Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. (Zech 11:10-14)

“And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. 11And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD. 12And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. 13And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD. 14Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.”

Conclusion: If this is not evidence to convince the most stubborn atheist or agnostic, this Pastor does not know what will! While people attempt to “pick apart” and discredit the Word of God, it STILL STANDS! And you can STAND on It!

Introduction: I visited a lady who was dying and she knew it. After being told by the doctors that there was nothing else they could do, she was overwhelmed with fear. Unable to come to peace, she expressed to me when I visited her, that she was terrified with anxiety. At that moment our Lord impressed upon my heart to ask her if she had ever prayed this prayer, “Not my will, but thine, oh Lord!” Honestly, acknowledging she had not, she prayed out loud right then and there, “Not my will, but yours Lord Jesus be done.” Immediately, a sense of peace and tranquility came over her face. She relaxed and took a deep breath. The next day while visiting, I asked her if she was afraid of dying. She smiled and said, “Not my will but His will.” The next day she was with Jesus in heaven. I stood around the bedside with her husband of over 50 years. We cried but rejoiced. She made it to her new home – in heaven with Jesus.

1. If you pray it and mean it, it will relieve you from trying to be in control! (Luke 22:42)

“42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

2. If you pray it and mean it, this will release you from things you cannot control! (Luke 22:39-43)

“And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”

3. If you pray it and mean it, it will help you resolve that God is in control! (Luke 22:44-46)

“And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”

Conclusion: I shared that account of the Christian lady mentioned earlier with another Christian lady who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Sensing her time was coming to an end, she too prayed… “Not my will, but your will be done.”

Will you pray that now? “Not my will Lord Jesus but your will be done”!

Text: 2 Peter 1:13-21

1. Can you see Jesus as the Son of God with the “EYE of FAITH”? (2Pet 1:16-18)

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”

Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus, including His life, miracles, death, and resurrection. Even though he denied Jesus as predicted, he repented and was used of God in a mighty way, bringing the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10).

2. Will you believe that the Bible is the Word of God with a “HEART of FAITH”? (2Pet 1:19)

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

Interesting to note, Peter did not rely upon his experiences alone, rather he emphasized the “word of prophecy.”

This is important because today people are believing and talking about their experiences more than the authenticity of the Bible. However, the Scriptures are the believer’s final authority. Experiences are not equal with the BIBLE! It supersedes everything.

Jesus affirmed the Scriptures,

“4And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:44-47).

The Bible claims to be inspired. Paul writes the following,

3. Why not let the Holy Ghost of God carry you with the “HAND of FAITH”? (2Pet 1:20,21)

“20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

The word “private interpretation” is ἐπίλυσις (ep-il’-oo-sis), which means explanation, interpretation; release.

Conclusion: The word “stir up” is διεγείρω (dee-eg-i’-ro), which means to arouse completely: I wake out of sleep, arouse in general, stir up. Would you agree with me, that we need to be stirred up? Awakened?

A good reason for CHRISTians to WAKE UP is because many are lost without Jesus and without hope.

There we have it. If we see JESUS as the Son of God, believe the Bible as the Word of God, and are carried by the Holy Spirit of God, then our minds and hearts will be stirred up….awakened.

Early in the morn before school, when I was a boy, my dad used to say, “It’s Time to Wake up”!

Text: Galatians 6:14

Introduction: Billy Graham writes this about the cross of Jesus Christ.

“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, “I love you.”
– Billy Graham

Andrew Murray once said this about the cross.

“Salvation comes through a cross and a crucified Christ.”
– Andrew Murray

John R Rice writes,

“His brokenhearted cry on the cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,” shows God’s heart toward sinners.”
– John R. Rice

Paul writes to the Churches in the Galatia area refuting and debunking legalism. He is emphatically led by the Holy Spirit to renounce man’s self-effort to please God. This includes both before and after conversion. Check out three (3) thoughts about “Glorying in the Cross”!

1. Paul could have Gloried and boasted in his PEDIGREE! (Phil 3:4-9)

“Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless… 7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

2. Paul could have GLORIED in his PERSECUTION! (2Cor 11:23-31)

“3Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.”

Jesus informed Paul that he would suffer many things. Speaking to Ananias about how Paul would suffer, the Lord Jesus said to him the following.

3. Paul could have GLORIED in his PARADISE experience! (2Cor 12:1-6)

“It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.”

Although the Lord allowed Satan to buffet Paul with a thorn in the flesh because of his Vision experience, Paul cried out to God for relief and healing, yet he was ultimately satisfied that God’s GRACE would be SUFFICIENT!

“7And 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. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2Cor 12:7-11).

Conclusion: The great preacher C. H. Spurgeon once said, “In the cross there is a cure for every spiritual disease. There is food for every spiritual virtue in the Savior. We never go to him too often.”

Like Paul, we too can resolve in our hearts and minds that the only legitimate reason to GLORY is in the Cross of Jesus Christ!

Why? Because this is the only way to be forgiven of our sins and to be connected to our Lord Jesus in a personal relationship.

1. Jesus is the “TRUE VINE”! (John 15:1)

2. Jesus said His Father was the “HUSBANDMAN”, vinedresser! (John 15:1,2)

3. Jesus desires MORE Fruit! (John 15:3)

“…he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”

The word “purgeth” is καθαίρω (kath-ah’-ee-ro), which means cleanse, purify, prune.

4. Jesus lets His disciples know that WITHOUT Him His followers can do nothing! (John 15:3-5)

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

5. Jesus assures His followers that the key to answered prayer is staying attached to Him! (John 15:6,7)

Conclusion: Once a person becomes a follower of Jesus Christ through a personal relationship (by turning from sin/ turning to Jesus), then he or she is connected to the Vine, which is Jesus. Then comes the process of producing fruit by remaining attached to Him. However, in order to produce a lot–much more–of fruit, then the pruning—cutting back process, takes place. A branch that does not produce is cast off & burned.

Introduction: Tracing the last steps of our Lord Jesus reminds us of His ultimate mission for coming to this earth. He went from CELEBRATION in the Upper Room, to DESPERATION in the Garden of Gethsemane, to CRUCIFIXION on the cross, to RESURRECTION from the grave, and to His coming REVELATION in the clouds!

John writes,
“7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Rev 1:7-8).

The songwriter penned these words,

1. Jesus’ CELEBRATION with His disciples at the Last Supper was marked with HUMILITY!

He used the “broken bread” and “poured out juice” commemorating the Passover which was initiated by the Lord in the book of Exodus. The elements (bread & juice) are used symbolically of His broken body and shed blood as a sacrifice on the cross. Although at the moment the disciples did not fully understand the meaning, later they were able to grasp its significance. Therefore, it radically transformed their lives….and this writer, to0.

“26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. 30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives” (Matt 26:26-30).

2. Jesus’ CRUCIFIXION on the cross was marked with AGONY! (John19:16-19)

“6Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. 17And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: 18Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. 19And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

3. Jesus’ RESURRECTION from the grave was marked with VICTORY! (Luke 24:1-6)

“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 6He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee.”

4. Jesus’ “SECOND COMING” will be marked with GLORY! (Rev 19:11-16)

“11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

• To Forgive!
• To Love!
• To Keep!
• To Bless!
• To Comfort!
• To Accept!
• To Empower!
• To Come Again!

1. The PASSOVER FEAST! (Lev 23:5)

“5In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover.”

2. The UNLEAVENED BREAD FEAST! (Lev 23:6-8)

“6And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. 7In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 8But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.”

3. The FIRSTFRUITS FEAST! (Lev 23:9-14)

“9And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 10Speak 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: 11And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD. 13And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin. 14And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”

4. The PENTECOST FEAST! (Lev 23:15-21)

“15And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: 16Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. 17Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD. 18And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD. 19Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings. 20And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest. 21And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.”

5. The TRUMPET FEAST! (Lev 23:23-25)

“23And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 24Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. 25Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”

6. The DAY of ATONEMENT FEAST! (Lev 23:26-33)

“26And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 27Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 28And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. 29For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. 30And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. 31Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.”

7. The TABERNACLE FEAST! (Lev 23: 34-43)

“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD. 35On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.”

Conclusion: 

(Lev 23:37, 41)

“These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:

41And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.”

What a message of God’s instructions to Israel to “STOP & CELEBRATE,” His deliverance and provision for His people.
In addition and more importantly, these FEASTS point to Jesus Christ’s finished work in the cross, including His glorious resurrection and His second coming. This will culminate in His inauguration of His millennial reign during the kingdom period.

“And the third day rose again..” (1Cor 15:3, 4)

Is God dead?

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Psa 14:1)

The word “fool” is נָבָל (naw-bawl’), which means foolish, senseless.

The word “heart” is לֵב, which means inner man, mind, will, heart.

Introduction: Is your God dead? After Lazarus had died, Martha and Mary were heartbroken as well as disappointed. In their opinion, Jesus was too late. There was no hope. He had been dead 4 days!

1. Jesus was God in the flesh! (John 1:1-5, 14, 18)

“1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not….

3. He was the perfect sacrifice! (John 1:29)

“29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

4. Jesus came to die to pay the penalty for our sins! Only He could do that!

“There was none other good enough to pay the price of sin, only He could unlock the gates of heaven and let us enter in!”

“6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Rom 5:6-10)

5. Not only did Jesus die as a substitute for our sins, but in the process He satisfied the righteous demands of God the Father (a high price)! (1John 2:2)

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

6. Praise the Lord, Jesus conquered death, hell, sin and the grave! (1Cor 15:55, 56, 57)

“55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

7. This same Jesus who died for our sins and rose again like He said He would will come again in the clouds of heaven to take His children (bride) back home! (John 14:1-3)

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In 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. 3And 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.”

Text: Job 38:1-41

Introduction: Have you ever looked up in the heavens at night and seen the innumerable stars? How did they get there? Who controls them? What holds them together? How many can you see without a telescope? How many are there beyond the human eye and even the most sophisticated scopes? Finally, God breaks His silence to speak to His servant Job. Afterwards, Job is speechless and dumbfounded with the magnificence of God’s creation. By the way, Jesus holds it ALL together (Col 1:16, 17)!

1. God reveals His creation – the sea! (Job 38:8)

“8Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 9When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it.”

2. God reveals His creation – the light and darkness! (Job 38:19, 20)

“Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, 20That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?”

3. God reveals His creation – the number of our days! (Job 38:21)

“1Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?”

4. God reveals His creation – the snow and hail! (Job 38:22)

“22Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail.”

5. God reveals His creation – the lightning and thunder! (Job 38:25)

“Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder.”

6. God reveals His creation – the rain! (Job 38:26)

“26To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man.”

7. God reveals His creation – the grass and plants! (Job 38:27)

“27To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?”

8. God reveals His creation – the dew and ice! (Job 38:28, 29)

“Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? 29Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?”

8. God reveals His creation – the stars – Pleiades & Orion! (Job 38:31)

“31Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?”

9. God reveals His creation – the stars – Arcturus! (Job 38:32)

“32Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?”

10. God reveals His creation – the lion and the raven! (Job 38:39-41)

“Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, 40When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? 41Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.”

1. Who can TAME the TERRIBLE TONGUE? (James 3:1-8)

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

Did you notice the illustration James uses with the horse and bridle? Have you ever tried to ride a horse without a bridle? One time as a teenager, I jumped on a horse without a bridle and he took off running…..I was hanging on for dear life – with no ability to stop him – until eventually when it became impossible to hold on, I fell off and hit the ground! Lesson learned… Don’t get on a horse without a way to control him!!

So it is with taming the terrible tongue. If God the Holy Spirit does not put His bridle on our tongue, it will run WILD!

Did you notice the illustration James uses with the ship and rudder? The same principle applies with the tongue. Neither can be consistently controlled without a “CONTROLLER”!

2. How can the “TERRIBLE TONGUE be TAMED”? (James 3:9-12)

“9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

Check out the difference in Good words & Bad words: 

• “16These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Prov 6:16-19)
• “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.” (Prov 10:31)
• “23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” (Prov 28:23)
• “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” (Prov 15:4)
• “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Prov 31:26)
• “172My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.” (Prov 119:172)

Are you discovering “Bad Words” coming out of your mouth? It could be an indication our heart needs to be cleaned up!

Jesus said,

Conclusion: Unless the TERRIBLE TONGUE is TAMED, it will “ABUSE,” be “MISUSED,” and not be “USED” for the glory of our Lord. But when our tongue comes under the authority of the WORD of God and is under the Control of the SPIRIT of God, then we can speak BLESSINGS by the POWER of God!