Introduction: Did you know that 1/3rd of the angels fell during Lucifer’s rebellion? Guess what? That means that 2/3rd did not fall. The mighty archangel Michael will stand up against the dragon; and there will be a confrontation.

Listen to the words of John the beloved while exiled on the isle of Patmos.

1. The Celestial War between Angels! (Rev 12:7,8) – “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.”

You probably recognize Michael as the mighty protector of Israel. He’s on call at any moments notice to be dispatched by the God of creation. 

Indeed, he is one strong Angel!

2. A Winner of the Angelic War is revealed! (Rev 12:9) – “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

Remember. Lucifer who was later declared to be the devil (the great dragon) fell from the 3rd heaven unto the 2nd heaven (Eph 2:2; Luke 10:18,19). Ultimately, he will cast into the earth as referenced here. From a chronological perspective, this will happen perhaps near the midway period of the seven-year tribulation. 

Isn’t it good to know that the Lord will deal with all evil?

Conclusion: Here is the GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT of the winner of the Angelic war in heaven.

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night” (Rev 12:10).

Jesus Christ will reign forever. Hallelujah!

Introduction: There is an Angel watching you right now. In fact, you may have entertained an Angel today and not even known it.

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2).

On the other hand, Satan will disguise ministers as Angels of light.

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2Cor 11:14-15).

We must Beware of False teachers. Both Peter and Jude warn believers concerning the danger. The Scriptures reveal that there are good and evil angels.

Some fell following Lucifer.

“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day” (Jude 1:6-7).

Peter wrote, “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2Pet 2:4).

Paul wrote, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12).

David said, “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them” (Psa 34:7).

Last, Angels were at the birth, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel” (Acts 1:10).

Besides that, Angels will be present at both the Rapture and the second coming of Christ.

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1Thess 4:16-17).

“And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matt 24:31).

Introduction: There’s no book like the Bible! It is alive!! Its life-changing message of Jesus Christ can turn a sinner into a saint, a thief into an honest man, a liar into a truthful man, a hell-bound person into a heaven-bound person. 

The Word of God still has relevance for today’s time. It is applicable to anyone who puts their trust and faith in its Author, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Look at what the writer to the book of Hebrew claims:

1. The Word of God is “QUICK”! (Heb 4:12) – “For the word of God is quick.”

The word “quick” is ζάω (dzah’-o), which means to live. In other words, it is alive. Although it was recorded by forty different authors who were inspired by God (2Tim 3:16) over a period of time, it is divinely breathed. Therefore, the Scriptures can be trusted.

2. The Word of God is POWERFUL! (Heb 4:12) – “…..and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow.”

The Word of God cuts like a double edged sword. On one side it – convicts. But on the other side – it comforts. Most of the time we need both. 

Do you agree?

3. The Word of God gets down to the heart, and changes the old heart into a new heart by the power of the Holy Spirit! (Heb 4:12) – “…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The word “discern” is κριτικός: (krit-ee-kos’). This interesting word means it is critical or able to judge the human heart. After all, since God made man in His image, He knows His heart. So then, we can trust God’s Word to judge our hearts as we read it and heed it.

Conclusion: The real remaining question is… will we let the Word of God change us? It is sure to do that if we read it and obey it.

Peter, whose faith was tested, wrote about this subject from personal experience. After reminding his readers about the believer’s hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the inheritance of every Christian, and the power of God, he enlightens Christ’s followers that our faith is going to be tested for a purpose.

1. It will be just for a SEASON! (1Pet 1:6) – “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptation.”

The word “temptation” is πειρασμός,: (pi-ras-mos’), which can mean an experiment, or a trial. It also had the meaning of probation, or best yet being tested. Lastly, it can have to do with an affliction. Do any of these definitions describe anything you are going through?

2. The tests of faith that God allows are compared to the preciousness of refined gold! (1Pet 1:7) – “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire.”

The word “trial” is δοκίμιον, (dok-im’-ee-on), which means a testing. The purpose of the testing is to prove what is genuine. Wow! While we would rather not be tested, the end result is the building of our faith and it proves its genuineness. Do you need to see if your faith is genuine?

Introduction: Are there steps in knowing God’s will? First, consider this list of unmistakable truths about God’s will.
Here are some absolutes in knowing God’s will:

* Give thanks! (1Thess 5:18)
* For people to be saved – forgiven! (1Tim 2:4)
* To deliver us from sin! (Gal 1:4)
* Christian sanctification! (1Thess 4:3)

Next, consider how to know God’s will by doing God’s will.

1. By a certain walk! (Eph 5:15) – “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.”

The word “circumspectly” is ἀκριβῶς: (ak-ree-boce’). It means with exactness carefully, or strictly, and can even mean distinctly. A word picture that comes to mind is a hungry lion stalking a thirsty deer at a water hole. Once false move or step and the deer runs off. Also it reminds us of a soldier sweeping a mine field, looking, locating, and detonating explosives. He has to be extra careful or he is blown away. Are you walking carefully?

2. By seizing the moment! (Eph 5:16) – “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

The word “redeem” is ἐξαγοράζω: (ex-ag-or-ad’-zo). It means to buy up, to ransom, to rescue from loss, to purchase out.
Wasted time. Can we buy back time? At least we can make use of the time we have. How are you doing?

3. By being wise instead of foolish! (Eph 5:17) – “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

Wisdom is seeing things from God’s perspective. Wisdom is walking in truth. Are you being wise in every decision?

Introduction: What is our mandate? How did our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instruct His disciples before going back to heaven? These words seem to include at least two main parts:

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt 28:18-20).

Obviously, this is what is called the GREAT COMMISSION.

1. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

This part has to do with proclaiming the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ. This includes what Paul mentions to the Corinthian Church.

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1Cor 15:3-4).

What a great – life changing message! Are you telling it? If we really believe that “it is the power of God unto salvation” (Rom 1:16), then we certainly should not be ashamed of the gospel. So why aren’t we telling it, sharing it? Could it be that we are preoccupied with other things? Is it that we do not want to be rejected? Is confidence the issue?

2. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”

Here is the other part of the GREAT COMMISSION: the discipling. After reaching them, then according to Jesus, we are to teach them. From conversion to baptism to spiritual maturity, it is our responsibility. But indeed, it is a privilege!

Introduction: Are you finding yourself impatient these days? More trials require more patience. Suffering is very difficult. Plus exercising patience while suffering is a challenge. But even in the light of Jesus Christ coming again, believers are encouraged to be patient.

This is more than a “friendly reminder”, this is a truth that transforms.

Check it out:

1. (James 5:7,8)

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”

The word “patience” is μακροθυμέω: (mak-roth-oo-meh’-o). It means to persevere, to be patient, to suffer long. Patience can mean forbearing. The word forbearing means to refrain from impulse. Remember a part of the fruit of the Spirit is “patience” (Gal 5:22,23).

Are you refraining from impulse responses? Do you hold your tongue? Can you control your thoughts? 

2. (James 5:11) 

The word “endure” in verse eleven (James 5:11) is ὑπομένω: hupomenó,(hoop-om-en’-o). It means to stay behind, or to await. It has to do with remaining behind, or standing our ground. It also can mean to bear up against.

Perseverance means not giving up….hanging in there!

Persevere my friend!!

Conclusion: These two virtues patience and perseverance are used by James in the context of the coming of Jesus Christ.

Are you becoming impatient? Will you persevere?

Introduction: Everyday we must make choices. When we are led by the Holy Spirit they will be good choices. However, when, for whatever reason, we make choices without God’s prompting or leading then we usually make bad decisions.

Our daily walk and talk will usually guide our choices.

Paul was led by the Spirit to emphasize to the Ephesian believers how to make good choices. 

1. Choosing Love & Forgiveness! (Eph 5:1,2) – “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

Following Jesus means loving and forgiving! Are we really following Jesus?

Check up time:

2. Following Jesus means choosing to walk away from bad choices! (Eph 5:3-4) – “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”

This involves our walk and talk!

Remember. What comes out of our mouth comes from our heart according to Jesus (Mark 7:14-23).

3. Following Jesus means choosing to live in the light! (Eph 5:8-11) – “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

Light uncovers. Darkness covers up. Are we walking in the light that uncovers?

Conclusion: Since we make choices everyday, wise choices should be our desire. Make wise choices.

Introduction: Some things we can’t fix. We would love to be able to fix everything all the time. But it doesn’t work that way. What do you do when you can’t fix a problem?

Here are some suggestions:

1. Pray – commit it to the Lord! (1Pet 5:7) – “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Are you in a situation right now that you can’t fix? What can you do?

Follow these guidelines:

2. Do what you can but not any more! (Job 23:10) – “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Job could pray, and he did. In fact, he prayed for his friends. His captivity was turned at that point. 

3. Recognize our limitations and trust! (Job 13:15) – “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”

Our life is in the Lord’s hands! Sometimes when we can’t do anything else, we can trust Jesus!

Will you trust Him now?

Conclusion: Are you praying? Are you obeying? Are you trusting? When you can’t fix a problem then we must follow these principles.

Introduction: Have you ever heard,”Now that I am saved, I can do anything I want to”?

Is that true for a CHRISTian? Where do we go to find answers?

Paul writes, “Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thess 5:22-24).

1. What does “abstain” mean? (1Thess 5:22) – “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

The word “abstain” is ἀπέχω (ap-ekh’-o), which means to hold back, or to keep off, to be away, be distant.” In other words, we should not see how close we can come to sin, but instead stay as far away as possible.

How close do you get to sin? Are there some things that we need to distant ourselves from?

2. What does it mean to be sanctified? (1Thess 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body.”

The word “sanctified” is ἁγιάζω: (hag-ee-ad’-zo), which means to make holy, consecrate, or sanctify. This reminds believers that God is setting us apart. That is His will, to conform us to His image.

Where is our Lord setting you apart? Can you do the same things that you used to do before conversion?

3. What does the future hold…..unto the coming of Jesus Christ? (1Thess 5:24) – “…..unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

Here is the big picture. Jesus will come again. We will meet Him. 

Conclusion: Meanwhile, before He returns, we should be focused on turning from evil. But at the same time the Lord should be making us more like Him.