1. Not looking for the Mark Of the Beast, but instead we have a Great High Priest! (Heb 4:14) – “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”

Instead of waiting for the mark of the Beast, as believers in Jesus Christ we have a High Priest.
That means that He is not only our go between to the Father but also the following verses. Check them out.

2. God knows our pain and our name! (Heb 4:15) – “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

Jesus, our High Priest can relate to our every temptations yet without sin. Because He overcame we too can overcome!

3. There is “Grace in Place for the Race” to help in time of need! (Heb 4:16) – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Did you notice that our Lord’s throne is a throne of GRACE instead of judgement? As CHRISTians we not only have access but also boldness to enter into His presence.

Introduction: Have you ever had a heavy burden? The song writer wrote, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there”. Several thoughts emerge from Peter’s letter.

“……for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 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” (1 Pet 5:57).

1. Did you notice the word “grace”? – “…for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace….”

Grace is God doing for us what we don’t deserve.

2. Did you notice God gives GRACE to the Humble? – “for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

3. Did you notice that in response to God’s Grace, we should humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand? – “… for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble….. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God.”

4. Did you notice that after we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He will exalt us in due time? – “for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”

5. Did you notice that after we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand that He will exalt us in due time and that is why we need to cast all our care upon Him? – “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.”

After encouraging believers into pressing on toward maturity, the writer to the book of Hebrews (many believe Paul) urges CHRISTians to turn hopelessness into hope even when we are being chastised by the Lord. See if this applies to you.

1. How can we get up when we get down? (Heb 12:12) – “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.”

The words “hang down” is παρίημι: (par-ee’-ay-mi), which means to pass by or over. It can mean to relax. The meaning of feeble knees is the word παραλύω,(par-al-oo’-o), which means to loose from the side, or to relax, enfeeble, or weaken. The word “lift” means to set upright, set straight again. It can be used as to make upright (straight) again, rear again. Furthermore, it can mean restore.

Do you get the picture? When we are tired, weary or discouraged our hands hang down by our sides. Plus, our knees feel like buckling.

2. How can we go forward when we get pushed backwards? (Heb 12:13) – “And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”

Notice the word “healed”. It is ἰάομαι: (ee-ah’-om-ahee), which means to heal. However, it can apply generally of the physical, but sometimes it can mean spiritual healing.

3. How can we stay close to Jesus when you feel far away? (Heb 12:14) – “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

Peace can be achieved thru a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Peace with others is because we have the peace of God.

Introduction: Don’t you want to stay strong? But you ask, “how”? Check out the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Church of Thyatira.

“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Rev 2:25).

1. Past tense (Rev 2:25) – “But that which ye have already…”

What do we (Church) have already?

* the precious redeeming blood of Jesus!

* the mighty cross of Christ

* the anointing and filling of the Holy Spirit

* the power of the Word of God

We have God’s AMAZING, AVAILABLE, ABOUNDING GRACE!

We have God’s PEACE that passes all understanding!!

We have got the LOVE of God shed abroad in our hearts!!!

We have the whole armor of God!!!!

2. Present tense (Rev 2:25,26) – “But that which ye have already… hold fast … And he that overcometh…”

The word for “hold fast” is κρατέω, (krat-eh’-o), which means to be strong, or to rule. Are you staying strong in your faith? Love? Patience? Praying? Soul winning?

3. Future tense (Rev 2:25) – “But that which ye have already hold fast…. till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.”

It is not “if” Jesus is coming but “when” He is returning. It could be today!

Conclusion: What a great word! The message is clear.

Our focus is set.

Our goal is ahead.

Our mission is established.

Our passion is Jesus.

Our cry is victory!

Overcomers!!

Introduction: If a Christian really has faith should there be “works”? Let’s look at the book.

1. The book of James! (James 2:14-25) – * Dead Faith is without works

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? …Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:14-17).

The proof of real faith is lifestyle.

* Live Faith has works (James 2:18-21) – “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works…… But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?”

While we do not work to be saved, if we are born again then there should be some good works. Why? Because God is working in us and thru us proving we are His.

*Justified by Faith and Works (James 2:22-24) – “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

To be justified is to be pronounced righteous. But also to be declared justified means there will be evidence by God working in and thru the believer.

Introduction: Is God in control? How can you tell? But really the question remains, can He be trusted? While our text for today is placed in the middle of the tribulation from a technical interpretation, it stands as an undeniable truth.

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).

Several key words standout:

1. Kingdoms (Rev 11:15) – “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”

The word “kingdom” is βασιλεία: (bas-il-i’-ah), which means sovereignty, or royal power. It has to do with kingship, authority and rule. 

Bottom line: Jesus Christ is ruling and overruling and will ever rule because He is God!

Next word:

2. Reign (Rev 11:15) – It has the same meaning as kingdom, which is rule.

A side note about sovereignty. While our God is in control, He allows us to have and make choices which have consequences whether good or bad. And at the same time, He can exercise His overruling control at any time. Herein lies the balance of our Christian life without minimizing the Power and Authority of Jesus Christ. 

Conclusion: Things are moving according to our Lord’s Will and decree. The kingdoms of this world (this includes kings, presidents, and rulers) are being allowed to fulfill the Word of God until Jesus comes again.

So my dear friend, worship Him, wait for Him, and witness while you wait and worship.

What about it?

1. Why this Rock is higher than I! (Psa 61:3) – “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Things get over our head quickly! Reach out…..reach up….grab a hold of the ROCK. Don’t let go.

2. When we feel overwhelmed we can reach up to the ROCK! (Psa 61:3) – “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Life is full of challenges. But there is no challenge too big for our Lord.

Conclusion: Don’t forget, Jesus said, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matt 7:24-25).

Introduction: Do you need a personal revival? Certainly, our nation is in desperate need of revival. But remember it starts in individual hearts. But how can we experience a heaven-sent Holy Ghost revival?

1. Requesting – Prayer (2Chron 7:14 – to Israel but also NT principles for the Church- Acts 4:31) – “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

Without fervent prayer there will not be a revival! Will you pray the right way?

2. Releasing – Confession (1John 1:7-10) – “But 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. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Without confession {admitting} of sin, wrongdoing, there will not be a revival! Will you confess?

3. Returning – to our 1st Love! (Rev 2:7) – “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember 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.”

Without returning to our first love, there will not be a revival. Will you return?

4. Renewing – Faith (Mark 11:22) – “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.”

Without faith in the God of the Bible there will not be a revival. Will you believe?

5. Remembering – the GOODNESS of God! (Rom 2:4) – “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

Without remembering the goodness of God there will not be a revival. Will you remember?

Introduction: How are Christians and diamonds alike?

Did you know a diamond is the hardest substance known? Only a diamond can scratch another diamond. A diamond has the ability to repel water. It’s like wax on a car. Also, a diamond refracts light, or slows it down. Diamonds can glow in the dark when they are illuminated by an ultraviolet light.

The old saying is true. “A girl loves the sound of a man’s voice when it has a ring in it!”

1. A carnal Christian is hard hearted.
2. A spirit-filled Christian repels offenses.
3. Once being in the presence of Jesus Christ, afterwards a Christian will glow.
4. Believers refract and reflect the light of Christ.
5. Christians can be used as a tool in the Master’s hand.

The word “afflicted” is עָנָה: (aw-naw’), which means to be bowed down or afflicted. It can have to do with humility. Our Lord knows how to humble us. “Astray” is the word שָׁגַג, : (shaw-gag’). It literally means to go astray, or to commit sin or error. Truthfully, at times we have a tendency to err. With the world, the flesh, and the devil pulling on believers, it can be very challenging to stay focused on Jesus.

2. Conviction can bring restoration! (Psa 119:67) – “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”

Did you notice the words “but now”? Praise the Lord! Where sin abounds grace does much more abound!