17
Oct '24
1 + 1 = 2
17
Oct '24
Introduction: Since 1 + 1 = 2, our POSITION in Jesus + our CONDITION in Jesus = our PROTECTION in Jesus! This is the book of Ephesians in a nutshell.
Please read all the Scriptures.
1. Check out Our POSITION in Jesus! (Eph 1:3–6) – “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved….”
Did you notice the key words? “Blessed, Chosen, Predestined, Adopted, Accepted,” etc.
(Eph 1:7–14) – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself; 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him; 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”
Did you notice the words in verse 11? “Inheritance, counsel, His will”? All of these speak of our POSITION in Jesus Christ.
2. Check out our CONDITION in Jesus! (Eph 2–5)
For time and space, let’s summarize:
- Raised from being dead spiritually
- Quickened – made alive – in Jesus
- Good works should result because of our POSITION
- As Gentiles, brought into the family of God – Jesus the chief cornerstone
- Unified by the Spirit
- Forgiven and forgiving
- Walking in love
- Turning from evil
- Making a difference in our family
Conclusion: Finally, our POSITION affects our CONDITION, which brings us PROTECTION in Jesus.
- Clothed with all the armor of God (Eph 6:10–18)
- Praying and serving
Do you agree 1 + 1 = Jesus?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
16
Oct '24
Is Jesus in Control?
16
Oct '24
Introduction: Floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes are leaving devastation in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, ravaging homes and businesses and taking human lives as they go. Meanwhile, wars in the Middle East, Ukraine, and other countries abroad are leaving much bloodshed and destruction. One research survey indicated that 70% of Americans believe that we are on the brink of WWIII. In fact, the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, declared the same. Since all of this is happening, is Jesus really in control? During a time of political instability and economic uncertainty, where can we find PEACE and SECURITY?
While the world is changing, the Lord Jesus Christ, along with the Word of God, stays the same; that is an anchor for the soul!
1. Is the World Coming to an End? (2 Pet 3:10-14) – Peter was an old man when he was inspired to write about a “more sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet 1:16-19). Next, he gives some insight as to how this world is going to end; i.e., it’s going up in fire! (2 Pet 3:10) – “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”
However, according to John’s writing in the book of Revelation, God is going to recreate a NEW EARTH. (Rev 21:1) – “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”
Keep in mind this is not the NEW JERUSALEM, which will be approximately 1500 miles x 1500 miles in a cube shape. Can you imagine? So, man is not going to end the world; instead, Jesus Christ is going to bring His will and Word to pass.
2. Are these the “SIGNS of the TIME”? (Luke 21:24) – Remember what Jesus said in the Olivet Discourse concerning the “SIGNS of the TIME”? Technically speaking, this will be during the tribulation, which will last seven years, according to Daniel’s writing (Dan 9:27). Note, while some of these SIGNS are going on today; i.e., wars and rumors of wars, pestilences, earthquakes, false Christs, and deception, all of these are PRECURSORS for what is yet to come. Jesus said, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.” (Luke 21:25) His next statement is shocking. (Luke 21:26) – “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”
The word “failing” pictures a person bent over, gasping for air. Do you feel hopeless? Does our world seem like it’s heading for a crash? In spite of our feelings, Jesus is still on His THRONE! Will you trust Him?
3. Is God the Holy Spirit speaking during these days? (Heb 12:26, 27) Honestly, there is no doubt that things are being SHAKEN! Yet, the Bible is continually being fulfilled. Listen to the Word: “Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.”
In other words, Jesus is going to SHAKE both the heavens and earth. People are losing it. Between anxiety and fear, as well as more uncertainty and instability, things will escalate out of control like we are seeing. That is all the more reason to get anchored in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you ever really repented (change of mind) of your sins and asked Jesus to forgive you? You see, He lived without sin, and therefore He could take our place to die but ultimately rise again. But that is not all. He has PROMISED to be with us through this life until we see Him in heaven.
Conclusion: What PEACE and COMFORT that brings to our hearts in a troubled world! With this world spinning out of control, it is great to have that ASSURANCE that Jesus Christ is in CONTROL! Why not let Him take CONTROL?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
15
Oct '24
Settled from being Shaken
15
Oct '24
Introduction: It seems like people are on edge right now with the hurricanes heading to our shores, wars raging abroad and instability in the election upcoming. So how can we as God’s people remain unshaken? Although we cannot stop the upheaval events from happening, we can stand steadfast in our FAITH in Jesus!
Here is a wonderful passage relating to how to do that.
1. Where is our CONFIDENCE ? (Heb 10:35,36) – “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
That’s it! When we lose our confidence in the sovereignty of a living God we are destined to be shaken. Are you being shaken?
2. What is it that we desperately need? (Heb 10:35,36) – “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
Did you notice the little word “patience”? So easy to say, and yet it is so hard to exercise.
3. How can we be shaken? (Heb 12:26-28) – “Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
When a strong wind blows, leaves fly off the tree. But unless it’s hurricane winds the root system of the tree will remain. Do you think that our Lord is allowing the strong winds (figuratively & literally) to blow to reveal that which is unshakable? Look what is unshakable in your life?
Conclusion: While we cannot escape from being shaken, we can stand securely in our trust in the Word
of God, our power from the Holy Spirit and hope in the coming of Jesus Christ.
of God, our power from the Holy Spirit and hope in the coming of Jesus Christ.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
14
Oct '24
Lies vs. Truth
14
Oct '24
Introduction: Do you ever tell lies? Gossip? Jesus made it clear that what comes out of our mouth comes from our hearts. Other Scripture makes mention of speaking truth instead of lies. For instance, in this devotion today, Paul inspired by God reminds the believers in Ephesus as well as us today about the importance of taming the terrible tongue.
1. Stop lying! (Eph 4:25) – “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another… Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Remember, the devil is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Also don’t forget that the Antichrist will rise with all lies and deceitfulness – deceiving many. Honestly, today it is difficult to tell who is lying and who is telling the truth. However, for believers, we are to test the spirits (1John 4:1).
2. Start speaking the Truth! (Eph 4:25-29) – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Have you heard the statement: ‘If you can’t say anything good, then don’t say anything at all’? It is well worth remembering.
Conclusion: Do you need to stop right now and evaluate your conversations? Put away lying, but speak the truth.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
11
Oct '24
Keys to Unity
11
Oct '24
Introduction: How important is “unity”? Is unity important to you in your family? Church? Have you ever heard doctrine divides? But really doctrine unites. Evidently, Paul felt led by the Spirit to write on the importance of living and serving in unity.
Here are the keys to unity in the following passage:
1. What does “endeavouring” mean? (Eph 4:3-6) – “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
The word “Endeavouring” is σπουδάζω, which is pronounced (spoo-dad’-zo). It means to make haste, or
to give diligence. It has to do with being eager, or can even indicate being zealous.
to give diligence. It has to do with being eager, or can even indicate being zealous.
Are we diligent in having unity with the saints? What do you need to do in order to make things right? Will you follow through?
2. Why so many “ones” in this passage? (Eph 4:3-6) – “3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
The “ones” are there for a reason. One unites. “One hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism….one God.”
Conclusion: Did you notice that our Lord (One God) is “IN YOU ALL”? That is where “Unity” is found and formed!
Will you be diligent to keep the unity of the saints?
Will you be diligent to keep the unity of the saints?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
10
Oct '24
Israel Born in a Day
10
Oct '24
Introduction: Israel was born in a day. That day was May 14, 1948. Prime Minister Ben Gurion announced to the world that Israel had become a nation once again. Although she had been scattered throughout the four quarters of the world in 70 A.D. because of the Romans invasion and destruction of the temple, she returned (Aliyah) once again to her homeland.
What this means…
1. It means God has a Plan for Israel! (Lev 25:23) – “The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.”
This means that Israel owns a piece of real estate that God gave them. By the way, it’s not for sale! Neither is our testimony of our relationship with Jesus Christ, no matter the persecution.
2. It means God Chose Israel! (Ezek 36:24,28) – “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land… And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.”
This was God’s selective sovereignty. Therefore, He wants and deserves the glory. As His Church, we are to give Him Glory! Be sure to remember that. This means that God’s Word has been fulfilled in the past and is being fulfilled in the present but it will be fulfilled in the future! Rest assure, He is in control!
Conclusion: Isaiah the prophet declares Israel would be born in a day. Our Lord’s promise to keep His Covenant with Israel assures us today that Jesus Christ will keep His promise with His Church.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
09
Oct '24
Storm Cleanup
09
Oct '24
Introduction: Hurricane Helene has come and gone. But the cleanup will be ongoing! The cost for cleanup is projected around 34 billion dollars! That is with a B! However, spiritually speaking, some cleanups cost far more than that. Some can cost a whole family, a life, a lively hood.
If we would take heed to the warnings of the Word of God it would no doubt help the cleanup process immensely.
1. Our sin will find us out! (Num 32:23) – “… and be sure your sin will find you out.”
Sin will find us out in our character.
Sin will find us out in our character.
2. We reap what we sow! (Gal 6:7,8) – “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
This is not only true spiritually, but also financially, physically and relationally.
3. The devil’s out to lie, kill, steal, and destroy! (John 8:44; 10:10) – “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
People need to wake up and see the devil is evil. He desires to wreck and ruin people’s lives.
4. Confessing our sin is always best! (1John 1:9; Prov 28:13) – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Confession is not for God but for us to get back in a right relationship with Him; we call that fellowship. He already knows our heart. However, when confess or admit then our conscience is cleared and our hearts cleansed.
Conclusion: Just as hurricane Helene devastated FL, GA, SC, NC, and TN sin will leave a massive cleanup job. Sometimes irreparable. But Praise God for His GRACE! (Rom 5:20) – “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
08
Oct '24
Changes in the Air
08
Oct '24
Introduction: Changes are taking place. Light hours are decreasing. Temperatures are falling slightly.
Leaves are changing. Outward signs of fall are upon us.
Leaves are changing. Outward signs of fall are upon us.
What kind of changes do you (we) need to make? How about checking over this list and follow through?
1. Changes religiously of past failures including sins! (Phil 3:13) – “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”
The writer to this epistle namely the apostle Paul had failed miserably in his early life. Although his pedigree was impressive, his spiritual content was futile. (He was a Pharisee—very religious—but empty; see Phil 3:1-9).
Yet, he did not stay in a rut!
2. Changes inwardly with New Focus & Purpose! (Phil 3:14) – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
His sight changed. His direction changed. His love changed. His life changed. His legacy changed.
Has yours? Is your sight on earthly things? Pleasing people or pleasing the Lord?
3. Changes Upwardly! (Phil 3:20,21) – “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
Upward changes are necessary for heavenly treasures. Are your treasures on earth or in heaven?
Conclusion: Can you tell there are changes in the air? What about the changes that you need to make today? Go ahead and trust Jesus!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
07
Oct '24
Faithful
07
Oct '24
Introduction: Are you faithful? Can our Lord depend on you? If you were the only one in your neighborhood, Church, or family, what kind would it be? Perhaps one of the greatest compliments to being a Christian is being called FAITHFUL! Let’s face it. We live in a time when moral values (LGBTQ) are thrown out the window in our culture. Boys and girls, along with men and women are seriously mixed up to their “gender”, “purpose”, and “identity”, which is undermining the family as well as the Church. Furthermore, the level of work ethic for the upcoming generation is a genuine concern. So how important is being called “FAITHFUL” to you? Will Jesus say, “Well Done”?
1. Tychicus (Eph 6:21,22) – “But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.”
Tychicus was called “beloved”. The word is ἀγαπητός, which means loved. People -CHRISTians- loved him. Could it be that they loved him because he was dependable? Paul explained that he was a “faithful” servant. First, he loved and served Jesus because of His great love for him (us). By the way, it is that “love” that Jesus has got for us that motivates us to love Him and serve Him thru His Church.
2. Paul wrote, (2Cor 5:14,15) – “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
The word “constraineth” is συνέχω: It means to hold together, to hold fast. In other words, the LOVE of Christ holds us together and motivates us to be FAITHFUL. This LOVE is diametrically opposed to the world’s love. It changes us, our “want to’s”!
Conclusion: Be FAITHFUL! (1Cor 4:2) – “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Our Lord’s last message to the Churches…. Be FAITHFUL! (Rev 2:10) – “Fear 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.”
Pastor Randy Reese
04
Oct '24
Israel’s Wars
04
Oct '24
Introduction: Israel is at war both in the north and the south. Hezbollah in the north has been firing rockets and drones from Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Israeli’s are carrying out air attacks as well as ground assaults in the south area called Gaza. Interesting to note, the Psalmist prophesied concerning a coming war against Israel.
1. One battle which is yet to come is described in Psalm Chapter 83 (Psa 83:4-8) – “They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot.”
Several places listed here are in Gaza and Lebanon. These would include Palestinians and Muslims which are descendants of Esau and Ishmael.
2. Another battle describing an alignment of nations will take place in Israel (Ezek 38,39) – This involves Gog and Magog, etc.. which would be Russia, Turkey, Iran and other nations.
Certainly those nations today are against Israel.
3. However, the big battle is going to happen when the Kings of the East merge in the valley of Jezreel (Zech 14:1-2) –Perhaps this will include China, maybe even North Korea. All nations will end up in this location to war against Jesus Christ. However, they will not succeed. Defeated and decimated will be their destination.
Conclusion: The final battle described in the Bible is when the devil will be loosed out of his prison only to go out and deceive nations; but his demise is inevitable. Jesus Christ will fight for His people. He will WIN!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese