Introduction: I love 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. Reading it is like riding a roller coaster. Ups and downs, curves and bumps, are all along the way. But after experiencing its truth, it is refreshing. The thrill of the ride makes you want to ride it again. See if you agree after reading the text.

1. The Treasure! (2Cor 4:7)

“7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

The word “treasure” is θησαυρός. This is interesting because it is the Greek word from which we get our English word thesaurus (thay-sow-ros’).

The word means a store-house for precious things like a treasure, a store.

The word “earthen vessel” is ὀστράκινος, which means made of clay, or earthen.

Do you get the picture? It’s almost like having an expensive diamond ring in a dirty sock! We have the treasure of the Holy Spirit of God residing in this earthly suit – clay pot. That puts things in perspective!

2. The Trouble! (2Cor 4:8-10)

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

The word “troubled” is θλίβω (thlee’-bo), which means to make narrow by pressure. It means to press upon, to press hard.

The word “distressed” is στενοχωρέω, which also means to be made narrow, to compress, to press upon, cramp, or restrain.

The word “perplexed” is ἀπορέω, which means to be at a loss, to be perplexed; mid or to be in doubt.

The word “despair” is ἐξαπορέομαι, which means to be utterly at a loss, or to be utterly without resource, in despair.

All of us feel the pressure. Right? But we are not going to be hemmed in! Because of the treasure, we have riches that supersede the troubles. Do you see that? Do you believe that?

3. The Triumph! (2Cor 4:16-18)

“6For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Everything does not necessarily appear as it really is. If we fail to look up to heaven, which is the believer’s final resting place, then we can lose perspective in this life. Our focus for the future determines our enjoyment in the present. Where is your focus?

Introduction: Do you feel bound down with a heavy spirit of oppression or depression? How can you get loose? Is it guilt from unconfessed sin? Is it because of a poor decision? Is it because of some attachment to satanic influences?

Is it because of mind-altering drugs? Is it because of past unresolved conflicts? Is it because of not being real or being deceived? Is it because of dishonesty?

1. Look at some of those recording in Scripture that have been set free by Jesus:

* Woman bound down by Satan (Luke 13)

* Gadarene demonic (Mark 5)

* Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9)

* Mary Magdalene (Luke 8)

* James & John sons of thunder (Mark 3)

* Paralytic (John 5)

* Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10)

* Nicodemus (John 3) 

2. Others were set free by the power of Jesus Christ working through His disciples:

* Cripple man (Acts 3)

* Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13)

* Damsel with a demon (Acts 16)

Introduction: Did you know Jesus Christ was Bible Prophecy? Where do we find that in the Bible? Does that mean it should be important to us? Are you a student of End Time Events? 

Let’s look at this subject together.

1. Bible Prophecy = Jesus! (Rev 19:10)

“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

What was John saying as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit?

The word for “prophecy” is προφητεία,(prof-ay-ti’-ah), which means prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating. In other words enforcing or conveying revealed truth. Since Jesus Christ was God this makes sense! Do you agree?

What about the claims of the Seven day Adventist? Is it authentic? Reliable? Valid? 

“The Seventh-day Adventists also believed that Ellen White had the gift of prophecy, and her lectures and writings shaped the later beliefs and practices of the church. Other Adventist bodies emerged in the 19th century.Mar 25, 2023” (https://www.britannica.com › Ellen)

Moses wrote that if a prophet predicted an event and it did not come true 100% of the time, they would be considered a FALSE PROPHET. Are their a lot of false Prophets today? According to records, Jehovah Witnesses predicted a time when Jesus would return 1933, 1974, etc needless to say it has not happened.

Do you remember 88 reasons why Jesus will return in 1988?

Do not let people try to persuade you that the Bible is not accurate. Here is how I know the Bible is the Word of God:

* It claims to be – (2Tim 3:16,17)

“All 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.”

All means all! Every single part of the whole!!

* Jesus affirmed it – (Luke 24:44-46)

“44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.”

* Its message has changed my life – (2Cor 5:17)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

* Prophetic accuracy – (2Pet 1:19-21)

“19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

Conclusion: The case is made. Jesus is Bible Prophecy. So let’s read it, and heed it!

1. CHRISTian Accusation and Persecution! (1Tim 6:12,13)

“I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession…”

2. Satan’s Falsification and Deception! (1Tim 6:13,14)

“I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable..”

3. Churches Evacuation and Destination! (1Tim 6:14,15)

“….until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.”

Introduction: Are you a student of Bible Prophecy? End time? Eschatology? By the way, we are not talking about “Dooms day” teaching. Instead, bible prophecy brings HOPE to the hurting and HELP to the helpless! This devotion will examine five reasons for studying bible Prophecy.

1. Because Bible Prophecy is a FAITH BUILDER! (1John 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.”

Did you notice that studying the coming of Jesus Christ produces holy living – pure and productivity – not lazy and lackadaisical? After all, if we believed that Jesus could return tonight, which He could, it should make us more serious about preparing for it the best we can. Do you agree?

2. Because Bible Prophecy is a Scriptural ENLIGHTENER! (Matt 24:3,4)

“3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4And Jesus answered and said unto them…”

The last week of our Lord was spent pouring into His disciples. This Olivet discourse (sermon) is all about what to expect during the end time – Bible prophecy. One third-1/3 of our bibles are filled with prophecy- events foretold – and events fulfilled. That is extremely important for the student of Scripture. Developing a biblical worldview is a must for every CHRISTian. How are you doing?

3. Because Bible Prophecy is a CHRISTian PREPARER! (2Cor 5:10)

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Is there going to be some accountability at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the believer? Yes. Studying and teaching Bible Prophecy helps prepare believers as we plan for the future. Either we will be rewarded or suffer loss; i.e. not salvation but crowns to cast at the feet of Jesus. Think about it.

4. Because Bible Prophecy is a Current Event Explorer! (1Chron 12:32)

“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.”

Reading and understanding current events in the light of Bible Prophecy lets followers of Jesus Christ know the times in which we are living and more importantly know what we ought to do. Therefore, we are not caught off guard when some major world event happens; i.e. when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Clarification is needed here. We do not look at the news and try to make it “FIT” the Bible. Instead, we read the Bible and then see what us going on in the news. There is a vast difference. Can you tell the times and the seasons in which we are living?

5. Because Bible Prophecy is a PRAYER DEVELOPER! (Luke 21:34-36)

“34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Jesus recommended watching and praying because end time events are going to intensify. Can you tell it is happening? Are you praying? How are you praying?

Introduction: Do you want to be Blessed? Start praying for Israel….the peace of Jerusalem…bless the seed of Abraham.

1. How to get Blessed! (Gen 12:1-3)

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

While we are not the physical seed of Abraham, we are the spiritual seed. Paul writes, (Gal 3:26-29)

“26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

The word “heir” is κληρονόμος, an heir, an inheritor. Remember. Abraham was justified by faith because he believed God. Again turn to the book of Romans.

(Rom 4:3) “3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Today, we are justified by faith, and thru the blood of  Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:1, 9)

2. Why did God choose Israel?

God chose Israel/Abraham to bless the world. Why? Not because their sake, but instead for His name sake.

Read Ezekiel 36:22f

“Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. 23And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 24For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 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. 27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 28And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

The bottom line: God chooses who He uses. And He can refuse to use whom He chooses. 

Conclusion: We can stay BLESSED all year long by being a blessing to God’s chosen people. Let’s hope and pray America remembers this truth!

Introduction: Mentoring is God’s will. Do you have someone you are discipling? Notice the instructions from Paul to his son in the Lord, Timothy.

1. Be Strong! (2Tim 2:1)

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

It’s all of GRACE! God’s GRACE, which is greater than our sin!! Because of God’s Grace, be strong. Jesus Christ was strong. Though He was God, He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. However, after dying for our sins, He conquered the grave! Our strength comes from His resurrection power. If you feel weak, draw strength from Him.

2. Be Teachable! (2Tim 2:2)

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses…”

Once we become unreachable or develop a prideful attitude, then we become no longer useful for the Lord until we confess it as sin. Are you hungry for truth? Are you obeying truth? Stay humble and hungry.

3. Pass it On! (2Tim 2:2)

“And 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.”

Our goal from learning truth is first to apply it, and then to pass it on. Are you passing it on?

Introduction: God is not finished with His people, Israel, nor is He finished with the Church. Today, some claim that the Church replaces Israel. Is that true? Where is the solid evidence? Does the New Testament reveal anything about this subject? In this devotion, we will be looking at Paul’s writings. Keep in. Mind he was both a Jew and a Christian.

1. First, take at Israel’s PAST! (Rom 9:1-5)

“1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.”

Paul had a heavy burden for his people-Israel. However, next he explains the problem they had, and that some still have today.

“What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him.” (Rom 9:30-33)

Did you notice Israel’s problem? Unlike some of the Gentiles, they thought justification came by keeping the law. Well, does it?

2. Next, take a look at Israel’s PRESENT! (Rom 10:1-3)

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Sadly, many Jews today are still trying to please God by the works of the flesh. But can they? The answer is NO. Instead of attempting to keep the law, Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection was accomplished to fulfill the law or supersede it in that sense. Therefore, an Israelite must be born again through a personal relationship with Jesus. Have you been born again?

3. Last, take a look at Israel’s FUTURE! (Rom 11:1,2)

“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.”

Here is a clear statement that should oppose any question that would insinuate that God was finished with Israel.

Read the following:

“(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.” (Rom 11:8)

Paul explains that the Gentiles who trust Jesus have been grafted in the tree by the grace of God.

Finally, Israel’s hope:

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” (Rom 11:25-27)

This is the Word of the Lord! He will fulfill His promises.

Introduction: Are you going to plant a garden? What about a few tomato plants? Where do you start? Are you finished once your seeds are planted? Don’t forget the weeds. 

This devotion will discuss the process of planting a garden.

1. The soil needs to be plowed or prepared! (Hos 10:12)

“…break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

Hard dirt needs to be broken up. A hard heart needs to be softened through confession and repentance.

Do you confess your sins regularly?

2. The seed needs to be planted in the plowed soil! (Hos 10:12)

“12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

Once the soil is cultivated then the seed can germinate, albeit it goes through a growing process overcoming the rocks, bugs, and critters. 

Our faith is similar to that process. Once the Word of God is planted (Rom 10:17), then our faith is put to the test. When approved it grows. When failed it shrinks back. 

3. The seed and soil needs rain & sunlight!

“……for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

The Holy Spirit brings light! Truth! The Word reveals. Darkness conceals.

Conclusion: In order to produce fruit, a crop, or a garden, there needs to be the minerals. The technical term is PH level. Once it reaches its desired goal then with sunshine and rain the plants grow. And so it is with the Christian life. Believers need to take in the right kind of minerals with plenty of SONSHINE!

The Holy Spirit provides the rain! The end result is fruit.

How are you doing? Are you needing some SONSHINE or RAIN?

1. An Open door Church! (Rev 3:8)

“I 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.”

Jesus can open a door that no one can shut. Walk through it!

2. An Open door Church with the Favor of Jesus Christ! (Rev 3:9)

“Behold, 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.”

The FAVOR of the Lord is worth more than silver and gold!

3. An Open door Church with the Favor of Jesus and His promises and protection! (Rev 3:10)

“Because 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.”

Here is a promise to the Church in general that our Lord will keep His bride from the wrath to come during the tribulation – compare 1Thess 1:9,10; 1Thess 5:9,etc.

4. An Open door Church with the Favor of Jesus and His promises and protection that He will come quickly! (Rev 3:11)

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

Jesus promised to come quickly. Remember His time table is different than ours. Be patient.

5. An Open door Church with the Favor of Jesus and His promises and protection that He will come quickly and the New Jerusalem awaits in the future! (Rev 3:12)

“Him 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.”

What a bright future for those who love Jesus! The New Jerusalem will be indescribable, but very enjoyable.