Matthew 23:1-28

“26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

**The Pharisees were well known for keeping the outside clean but leaving the inside dirty.

Jesus said this: (Matt 23:25)

“25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.”

Speaking of changes, Matthew, the tax collector, records some of the most blistering language in all the Bible…..and gives us three (3) ways to tell what’s on the INSIDE.

1. What we SAY! (Matt 23:1-3)

“1Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”

{Remember the old saying…….. “I can’t hear what your saying because I see what your doing”}

Question: How is our lifestyle? Can people see Jesus in us?

2. What we SEE! (Matt 23:4-6)

A blind man was holding onto the leash of a seeing eye dog and walked into a clothing store…immediately, he grabbed his dog by the tail and started swinging him around and around. Frantically, the store owner quickly ran to where the blind man was and shouted loudly, “Hey man! What are you doing?” The blind man replied calmly, “Oh…..Just LOOKING around!!”

{The Pharisees, although knowledgeable of the Old Testament laws – 600 or more, were blind to the truth and wanted others to see them as they put on a show!}

“4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues.”

{What most people see is the outside; but God looks at the heart!}

“7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7)

3. What we DO! (Matt 23:13- 23)

“13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. 15Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!……. 23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.”

{Professing to be righteous, although full of self-righteousness, these religious folks really thought they were following the God of the Scriptures….boy were they wrong!}

Conclusion: According to Jesus, He can tell what we are made of based on, “What we SAY”; “What we DO”; and “What He SEES”!

Today, numerous people want to be “spiritual” and can clean up the outside but the inside is what really matters. Jesus uncovers the truth and calls us to turn from our sin and self-righteousness, and to turn and trust in His righteousness! (Rom 10:3-17)

Jesus both sees and knows our hearts.

“28Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity,” (Matt 23:28).

Hypocrisy means “Play acting,” “pretending.” We’ve all been guilty of hypocrisy at times! Even after being converted, a person can revert back to trying to please God by keeping the law. This results in utter failure. It’s called LEGALISM (Gal 2:16-3:3). Because none of us are righteous, we sometimes set out to try to establish our own righteousness, instead of fully relying on the righteousness of God. Our righteousness comes in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:21; Rom 3:10). Are you depending on His righteousness? (Titus 3:5, 6)

Talk is cheap!! Lifestyle is what matters.

But today we are going to believe our Lord to get us “Back on course.” How? By refocusing our vision on fulfilling God’s will, by reprioritizing our time instead of wasting time, by yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit, and by rebuilding our ultimate TRUST in GOD’S WORD!

However, the key word to OVERCOMING is “EXCHANGE”! The last words to the Church from our Lord Jesus was “He that OVERCOMES….” (Rev 2, 3). Therefore, based on a study of these chapters we can conclude, in order to OVERCOME there must be seven (7) EXCHANGES.

1. EXCHANGE “Leaving for Cleaving”! (Rev 2:1-7)

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

2. EXCHANGE a “Cross of Death for a Crown of Life”! (Rev 2:8-11)

“8And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

3. EXCHANGE “A Throne for a Stone”! (Rev 2:12-17)

“12And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

4. EXCHANGE from being “Under to being Over”! (Rev 2:18-29)

“18And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28And I will give him the morning star. 29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

5. EXCHANGE  “Dead Religion to Live Christianity”! (Rev 3:1-6)

“1And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

6. EXCHANGE from going “Out to Coming In” (Rev 3:7-13)

“7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

7. EXCHANGE from being “Spit Out of Jesus’ mouth, to Sitting Down with Jesus by OVERCOMING”! (Rev 3:14-22)

“14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I  also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

Conclusion: Where do we need to OVERCOME? Feelings of anger & bitterness? Impure Thoughts? Attitude of ingratitude? Partial Obedience, which is disobedience? This great heavenly EXCHANGE not only was the key for the early Church but also for the Church today – NEW ROCKY CREEK!

My personal prayer is to be an OVERCOMER! Besides that, my prayer is that Churches all over this nation and world will be OVERCOMERS!

Psalm 142:1-7

“I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”

Introduction: Question… Have you ever been in trouble? Have you ever needed a refuge? David found himself in that predicament. Speaking of trouble, John Phillips has calculated that Saul tried to kill David about 9 different times. What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Where do you turn when you don’t know where to turn? In Psalm 142, an instructional teaching, David describes four (4) steps to finding a REFUGE and PEACE during a difficult time:

1. David “LOOKED IN” for a Refuge! (Psa 142:1-3)

“I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. 2I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. 3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.”

“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.”

3. David “LOOKED UP” for a Refuge! (Psa 142:5)

“I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”

Hebrews 11:32-40

“Faith in a Coronavirus Crisis”

Introduction: Do you have FAITH in God? Faith in God doesn’t mean everything always turns out the way we want it to. Is there anybody reading this that is experiencing some things in life that you never thought you would? Life sometimes does not make sense! But God knows His will for His children, and He can be trusted. We can draw strength and encouragement from this passage of Scripture (Heb 11:32-40). Will you RENEW your FAITH in the God of the Bible by considering three (3) qualities of real FAITH?

1. Faith RELEASES what God can do! (Heb 11:32-34)

“32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”

{Battles will need to be fought; Victories will need to be won- vv 32-34}

2. Faith Recognizes what God will not do! (Heb 11:35-38)

“35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

{Have you noticed that even though you may serve the Lord, it’s not a bargain agreement with God?; i.e., as long as I do this, Lord I expect you to do this}

{Rather, this life is full of setbacks, disappointments, troubles & trials, hurts & pain….and yet Jesus can be trusted no matter what}

{They didn’t give up or give in – vv 35-38}

3. Faith REMEMBERS what God is going to do! (Heb 11:39,40)

“39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

{Faith is looking beyond our present circumstances & seeing the fulfillment of what’s to come in the future}

Conclusion: A life of FAITH will be REWARDED by our FAITHFUL Lord! According to His Word, we can depend on Him because He has our best interest in mind. Even though things may not always go the way you we would like, that is not a reason to quit having… 

FAITH in Jesus!

**Remember 
The other alternative – “To Have Faith in ourselves”, which is not the best option on the table! Rather, may we….”Let FAITH  ARISE” in our hearts and homes!!

Proverbs 10:7

“7The memory of the just is blessed”

Introduction: Do you have some good memories of growing up? Spending special times with your family…..CHRISTmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays, vacations? How about “Good Memories” of the blessings of the Lord? Times He’s healed your body; saved your soul; brought you peace in troubled times; forgiven your sin; supplied your need; answered your prayers; reconciled your relationships; opened doors of opportunity; strengthened your faith; used you to be a blessing to others! “Blessed Memories”! This great verse of Scripture presents five (5) ways to build “Blessed Memories.” So how can we build “Good Memories”?

1. By SPEAKING Good Words in a BAD News World? (Prov 10:11-13)

“11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. 13In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.”

2. By Holding On when you feel like letting go! (Prov 10:1)

“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.”

3. By Staying Strong when you feel like giving up! (Prov 10:29)

“29The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.”

4. By Praising God for His Blessings! (Prov 10:22)

“22The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

5. By Living with Hope when things seem hopeless! (Prov 10:28)

“28The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.”

Conclusion: Are you living your life by looking into the rear view mirror or are you moving forward by looking out of the front windshield? Having a clear conscience, loving mercy, walking humbly, and doing justly is what the Lord requires of us (Micah 6:8).

*What kind of “BLESSED MEMORIES” do you have?

*What kind of “BLESSED MEMORIES” will you leave for others to have?

Introduction: Have you ever heard someone say, “You look just like your mother”? Or “Your Father”? Or your grandparent? There are certainly “Birthmarks” of our parents and relatives that seem to be evident in our lives. Likewise, according to John, there are “birthmarks” that we are CHILDREN of GOD…. resemblances of our Lord Jesus Christ. Can people see God in you?

1. The first “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is FELLOWSHIP with our FATHER! (1 John 1:5-2:2)

“3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”

{The word “Fellowship” is “koinōnía,” which means partnership…someone has defined it as ” two fellows in the same ship going the same direction}

2 The 2nd “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is CONFESSION of SIN! (1 John 1:5-10)

“5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

{The word “Confession” is the word “homologéō,” which means to say the same thing as, to agree, to admit}

3. The 3rd “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is OBEDIENCE! (1 John 2:3-6)

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

{Jesus said, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46}

4. The 4th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is the WORD of GOD, which is in us makes us OVERCOMERS! (1 John 2:12-14)

“12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. 13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

{The word “Overcomers” is nikáō, which means conquer or get victory}

5. The 5th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is a LACK of LOVE for the WORLD! (1 John 2:15-17)

“15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For 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. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

6. The 6th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is to “KNOW the TRUTH”! (1 John 2:21-24)

“1I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.”

{The word “truth” is alḗtheia, which means reality, Jesus is truth, grace & truth came through Him (John1:1-14; 14:6) He is the opposite of lies and deceit}

7. The 7th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is a LIFE LOOKING for JESUS to return which results in PURITY! (1 John 3:1-3)

“1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

{The word “Purify” is hagnízō, which means clean, sanctify, to make holy}

8. The 8th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is he is INDWELT – impregnated by GOD, which distinguishes us from the devil’s children! (1 John 3:6-10)

“6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”

{The word “God’s Seed” is the word spérma, which means the life of God, offspring}

9. The 9th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is LOVE for the BRETHREN! (1 John 3:14)

“13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.”

10. The 10th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is DISCERNMENT over FALSE TEACHING! (1 John 4:1-4)

“1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3And 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. 4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world…… . 6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

{The word “test” the spirits is dokimázō, which means examine, prove}

Needless to say with so much “religion” and Bible teaching going around today, it is extremely important for us as children of God, according to John, to “check it -them- out” to see if it’s doctrinally correct.

11. The 11th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is LOVE for GOD! (1 John 4:16,17)

“16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19We love him, because he first loved us. 20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

12. The 12th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is the SPIRIT Bears WITNESS (1 John 5:5-8)

“5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”

13. The 13th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is ASSURANCE of SALVATION! (1 John 5:11-13)

“11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life… 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

{Do you have a KNOW SO SALVATION?}

14. The 14th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is ANSWERED PRAYER! (1 John 5:14, 15)

“16If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.”

16. The 16th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is to be KEPT from IDOLS! (1 John 5:21)

“21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

Conclusion: What an exhaustive study! May our Lord bless you richly for reading this devotion. Are you a CHILD of GOD? Because of Jesus’ great “Love & Grace” we can relate to these “birth traits” as sons and daughters- and now “brothers and sisters” in the FAMILY of God! But after reading and studying the NEW TESTAMENT definition of a “Child of God” some of us probably need to “CHECK UP” and see if we need some “Skin Grafts” because of the terrible disease of the fallen nature. But guess what? When we get to heaven, we are all going to look like JESUS!!

“2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is,” (1 John 3:2).

Luke 17:7-10

Introduction: If you’ve been SERVING our Lord for any length of time in and thru your local Church, being faithful to your mission field (wherever that’s at – job, home, school, etc.), you know from personal experience it’s not always easy. But as one man (Bro. Phil Phillips) used to tell me, “Its not easy Bro. Randy, serving the Lord, but it’s always Rewarding!” To which I would always respond, “Amen. Brother. Amen!” In the school of SERVANTHOOD, Jesus told His disciples and tells us today, there are two (2) major exams that must be passed.

1. When you actively and faithfully SERVE our Lord, it will not always be CONVENIENT! (Luke 17:7, 8)

“7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?”

• Jesus is the one that Calls us to SERVE Him!

* Moses lacked capability (Exo 1, 2, 3)
* Moses lacked credibility (Exo 2:11)
* Moses lacked communication fluency (Exo 4:10, 11)

•The Holy Spirit is the One that equips us to SERVE! (1 Cor 2:5; Acts 1:8; 1 Thess 5:24)

Paul wrote,
“1And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

2. When you actively and faithfully SERVE our Lord, you will not always be CONGRATULATED! (Luke 17:9)

“9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not”

• Don’t expect accolades here on earth! (1 Cor 1:26-31)

Paul wrote,

“26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

3. When you SERVE our Lord and get to heaven, then you will be CROWNED & COMMENDED! (Luke 17:10)

Jesus said in the parable of the talents,

{This Olivet discourse was written primarily to the Jews with end-time prophetic implications; however, this principle can be applied to the Christian as well at the Judgment Seat of Christ}

“21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

2 Timothy 1-4

Introduction: It has been a privilege to preach so many friends and loved one’s HOMEGOING Services over the last 35 years. What kind of INFLUENCE a person has had is always mentioned, whether good or not so good! That prompts this question: What kind of LEGACY are we going to leave behind? Throughout the year, we REMEMBER special days….such as Thanksgiving Day, CHRISTmas, Resurrection Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence day, etc. How do you want to be REMEMBERED? God’s inspired Word, thru the pen of Paul, gives us four (4) ways to “LEAVE a LASTING LEGACY.”

1. We will be REMEMBERED by what we GIVE the Lord Jesus! (2 Tim 1:12)

“12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

2. We will be REMEMBERED by what we GIVE to those around us! (2 Tim 2:1-4)

“1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

3. We will be REMEMBERED by how we LIVED our lives! (2 Tim 3:1-17)

“1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

All Scripture is God-Breathed
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

4. We will be REMEMBERED by how we FINISH the RACE! (2 Tim 4:6-8)

“I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

• How have you started in this race?
• How close are we to the finish line of this race?
• How are you running in this race?

Conclusion: In order to LEAVE a LASTING LEGACY, according to Paul, it will be decided by what we GIVE to the Lord and Others, how we live our lives, and finally, how we FINISH the RACE! Keep Running….you will be REMEMBERED!

Hebrews 11:1-40

In other words, Faith is taking God at His secure and firm Word and the certainty of things the human eye cannot see.

Faith is the key to CREATION.

“3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

1. For Abel it was a BETTER PLACE!

“4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

2. For Enoch it was a BETTER PURSUIT!

“5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

3. For Noah it was a BETTER PROTECTION!

“7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

4. For Abraham it was a BETTER PROMISE!

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

“17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.”

5. For Sarah it was a BETTER PICK!

“11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.”

6. For Isaac it was a BETTER PASS!

“20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”

7. For Jacob it was a BETTER POWER!

“20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.”

8. For Joseph it was a BETTER POSITION!

“22By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.”

9. For Moses it was a BETTER PURPOSE!

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.”

10. For Joshua it was a BETTER POSSESSION!

“30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.”

11. For Rahab it was a BETTER PLAN!

“31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”

***For others it was a BETTER PROVISION!

“32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38(Of whom the world was not
worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

Conclusion: After all…

“6But 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.”

What a great way to end the Mountain Top of Hebrews 11….

“39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

Psalm 91:1-16

Introduction: Are you happy? What’s it going to take to make you happy? On a hot summer day, a shade tree is very refreshing…..and so it is with God’s PEACE & PRESENCE. Speaking of SHADE, we have three (3) choices to make that can bring peace, purpose, and security in your life.

1. How can you feel “SAFE & SECURE” – and be happy – in an unsafe world? (Psa 91:1-4)

“1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

2. Have can we have “PEACE and COMFORT” in a troubled world? (Psalm 91:5-10)

“5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”

3. How can we find “PURPOSE and MEANING” in a mixed up world? (Psa 91:11-16)

“11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”

Conclusion: Even though we live in a troubled, mixed-up, insecure world, God has made provision for us thru a relationship with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace, Security, Comfort, Purpose and Meaning are the result of knowing Jesus and letting Him be known.