Introduction: What we call LOVE today is mostly CONDITIONAL. The real test of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE is when we are treated badly, disrespectfully, and even ugly! Yet, our Lord has called us to a higher calling…. To LOVE even our enemies!

“43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matt 5:43-46)

Of course, this does not negate the consequences of wrongdoing on their (your enemy) part. But it does give us PEACE and SECURITY in God’s wonderful LOVE. There is true FREEDOM when we are not bound down with bitterness and resentment,  which zaps us of spiritual sustenance.

1. LOVE DEFINED!

“7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1John 4:7-11)

God’s nature is LOVE. That is the origin of LOVE. Without God, there is no LOVE. He proved His great LOVE.

“8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” (1John 3:1)

2. LOVE DESCRIBED!

“4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1Cor 13:4-7)

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE is not SELFISH, rude… 

The word “bears” is στέγω (steg’-o), which means cover, conceal, ward off, bear with, endure patiently.

The word “endure” is ὑπομένω: (hoop-om-en’-o), which means remain behind, I stand my ground, show endurance, endure, bear up against, persevere.

3. LOVE DETERMINED!

“8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1Pet 4:8)

The word “fervent” is ἐκτενής,(ek-ten-ace’), which means intent, constant, strenuous, intense; met: earnest, zealous.

4. LOVE DESIGNATED!

“25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” (Eph 5:25)

“33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” (Eph 5:33)

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Col 3:9-14)

Conclusion: How can we show UNCONDITIONAL LOVE in a hateful world? By defining, describing, and designating the great LOVE of our Lord JESUS, we can live and LOVE in FREEDOM.

Praise the Lord! We have FREEDOM to LOVE!

Introduction: You and I were made to WORSHIP our Lord Jesus! The word “worship” is προσκυνέω: (pros-koo-neh’-o), which means I go down on my knees to, do obeisance to, worship. Do we really “WORSHIP” Jesus? There are two extreme  flaws in our WORSHIP today. One is WORSHIP with just one’s intellect-no emotions. The other is all emotions-no mind or soul. There is a balance between our body, soul, and spirit. (By the way you can get “goose bumps” at a UGA or GA Tech Football game or a BRAVES game – done both!) And further, one thing the Lord is teaching me out of 40 years of serving Him is that the CHRISTians that are the most EXPRESSIVE in their WORSHIP are not necessary the most SPIRITUAL! The flesh can go through the motions as well. Real worship is from the heart. It is an OUTWARD FLOW of thanksgiving and praise because of an INWARD RELEASE of resurrection power!

“Spirit & truth” –  Jesus said to the sinful woman at the well who drank of the everlasting life:

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”

My preaching professor, the late and great Dr. Stephen Olford (who mentored Adrian Rogers, Charles Stanley, and Billy Graham) once said, “All Word, and you DRY UP! All SPIRIT and you FLARE up. But both WORD and SPIRIT, you GROW UP!” Amen. And amen. Digging a little deeper into the subject of WORSHIP, consider the book of Hebrews, Chapter Ten.

1. Where do we WORSHIP? 

“19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God.” (Heb 10:19)

According to the writer, we enter into the “holiest” by the blood of Jesus. Any other way is through the flesh of man. Man-made, man-focused.

2. How do we WORSHIP?

“22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.” (Heb 10:19)

3. What should be the result of true WORSHIP?

“24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” (Heb 10:24)

WORSHIP should not draw attention to ourselves, which is often the case today. Rather true WORSHIP results in drawing near to our Lord Jesus, lifting Him up to His rightful place on the throne of our hearts; and then reaching out to others with His GRACE and LOVE.

4. When should we WORSHIP together as a Church?

“5Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb 10:25)

The time is drawing nearer.  The day for Jesus to return is soon. After that great event called the rapture, true WORSHIP will take place throughout eternity.

Conclusion: But until then, Lord teach us to WORSHIP You in spirit and in truth!

Introduction: Have you ever been MAD? So MAD that you could not get past the offense or problem. Are you angry right now at someone? Has it turned into bitterness? What can we do? Actually, we must CHOOSE to “LET GO” of the hurts and offenses or else they will become like a noose around our neck!

Please do not wait on a FEELING! Be on guard of letting your emotions CONTROL you! As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, we have the option of submitting and obeying the Holy Spirit rather than taking orders from the FLESH.

1. If Jesus, God the Son FORGAVE, then that means He will enable us to FORGIVE!

“3And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:33, 34)

“Father forgive them…”

While being ridiculed and ultimately crucified for a crime He did not commit (Blasphemy & insurrection), Jesus “LET GO of the BITTERNESS”!

Why? How could He do that? His justice would be satisfied in His sacrificial death. His obedience even unto death, would be magnified (Phil 2:8, 9). His purpose would be fulfilled in laying down His life (John 10:17, 18)

“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”

Little did they know—the Roman soldiers who crucified Him, that Jesus was dying for their sins, as well as for the religious Jews. But make no mistake about it, if they or others today do not turn from sin and turn to Jesus for FORGIVENESS, then the wrath of God will be on them. 

“17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:17-19)

2. If God the Father FORGIVES us, then that means He will enable us to FORGIVE!

“1Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Eph 4:31, 32)

“1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1John 2:1, 2)

3. If God the Holy Spirit lives within us, then that means He enables us to FORGIVE! 

“13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Col 3:13)

“3And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” (Col 2:13, 14) 

Introduction: Got an idol? If this wasn’t a problem for CHRISTians then the Holy Spirit would not have “inspired” John to write it.

We all have IDOLS.

IDOLS:
* Self
* Sports
* Money
* Entertainment
* Movie, Sport Stars
* Jobs
* Family
* Houses
* Material Possessions
* Cars
* Trucks
* Friends
* Hunting Fishing
* Racing
* Partying
* Power

Jesus Christ desires…..yes, demands to be LORD!

One preacher put it this way: “If He is not Lord of all, He will not be Lord at all!”

1. What are the CAUSES of IDOLS?

“21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (1John 5:21)

The word “Idol” is εἴδωλον, (i’-do-lon), which means an idol, false god.

2. What is the CURE of IDOLS?

Reevaluate our walk with Jesus!

“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.” (1John 1:5-10)

Examine our hearts before Jesus!

“3And 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.” (1John 2:3-5)

Are we OBEDIENT to His will and His Word? Truthfully, most of us would say, “Some of His Will and a lot of His Word.”

Deal with Sin and submit to His authority.

“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.” (1John 3:6-10)

Conclusion: God’s Unconditional Love through the Lord Jesus Christ is guaranteed for every child of God. Forgiveness, and peace can be experienced. But Daily choices we make Determine our Direction with the Lord. IDOLS are a hinderance to our relationship with Jesus. Will you take time right now and see where you stand in your relationship with Jesus?

Thank Him. Praise Him.
Love Him. Serve Him.
Get ready to meet Him.

Love y’all,

Introduction: Tell me the truth. Do you find yourself being “Negative”? At times, I do. It does not take much effort in this sinful world to become a “NEGATIVE” person. On the other hand, it takes more work to become a person of FAITH, overcoming NEGATIVE thoughts and words. Do you agree? 

“23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Prov 4:23)

“21Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Prov 18:21)

“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” (Job 31:1)

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” (Matt 6:22, 23)

“8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil 4:8)

If you hang around NEGATIVE people, you may be tempted to become a NEGATIVE person. It is kinda like fighting a skunk. You may win the battle, but you will come away STINKING!

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Rom 8:11)

“16And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? 17Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” (Matt 15:16-20)

“7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Conclusion: If we, as men and women of God live passively in this anti-CHRISTian world, it will not take much to develop into being a NEGATIVE CHRISTian. But if we practice and implement these strategies, according to the Word of God and by the Power of the Holy Spirit, then we will certainly OVERCOME being a NEGATIVE believer. Consequently, our Lord will see to it that our influence (testimony) will motivate many to TURN and TRUST in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!

Praise His name!!

1. Jesus Recognized the FEARS & INSECURITIES of His disciples!
Numerous biblical examples could be used, but here is a familiar one.

“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:37-41)

Even though these were professional fisherman who grew up on the lake, they still FACED FEAR! FEAR of losing their life/livelihood? Jesus reminded them how to FACE their FEARS with FAITH!

2. Jesus Reminds us that we can FACE our FEARS and INSECURITIES!

” …for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Heb 13:5-6)

“8For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38-39)

Our SECURITY comes in TRUSTING those things which do NOT CHANGE!

• The WORD of God does not Change!
• JESUS does not Change!

Conclusion: While things (circumstances, health, culture) change, there are a few things that are UNCHANGEABLE!

That is where our FAITH and SECURITY must REST; namely on those things that Do NOT CHANGE!

Let’s FACE our FEARS! And let’s FEED our FAITH!!

Introduction: Have you ever done something that you knew was wrong? Displeasing to God? How did you feel? GUILTY? SHAMEFUL? Truthfully, we have all “Missed the Mark”!

The word “sinned” is ἁμαρτάνω, (ham-ar-tan’-o), which means to miss the mark, do wrong, sin; I make a mistake, I sin, commit a sin (against God); sometimes the idea of sinning against a fellow-creature is present.

The Bible declares, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23) 

“25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Rom 4:25)

God had already made provisions for Adam’s, long before he fell.

“8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Rev 13:8)

Throughout the Bible, Sinful man could be reconciled and restored to holy God through confession, and substitution (lambs, goats, doves, etc). Blood had to be shed.

After Adam disobeyed an violated the Word of God -which typically GUILT always follows sin- he tried to cover his sin with fig leaves. Not to mention, he went in hiding because of his SHAME.

The next automatic response was to PLAY the BLAME GAME!
Adam’s response.. it is the woman’s fault you gave to me!
Eve’s response….it is the serpent’s fault!
Someone has said, the serpent did not have a leg to stand on!

Are we taking responsibility for what we have done? Not only should we acknowledge what we have done, but there should be a CHANGE of heart toward ourselves, our sin, and our Lord!

To “confess” -ὁμολογέω- means to agree or say the same thing, admit.

5. We must REJOICE in His Goodness and GRACE!

“8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” (Psa 51:12)

Introduction: What does it mean to be COVETOUS? Have you ever COVETED? Honestly, most of us would probably admit it with a resounding, yes. The word “COVETOUSNESS” is used by our Lord Jesus. He said,

“15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

The word “covetousness” is πλεονεξία, (pleh-on-ex-ee’-ah), covetousness, avarice, aggression, desire for advantage.

Thayers Greek Lexicon defines the word in this manner: “greedy desire to have more, covetousness.”

Did you notice the word “Greedy.”

The word “contentment” is αὐτάρκεια, (ow-tar’-ki-ah): self-satisfaction, self-sufficiency, independence, contentment.

Did you catch the phrase, “which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows,”?

The word used is ἀποπλανάω,(ap-op-lan-ah’-o), which means to cause to go astray : I cause to go astray; pass: I am led astray.”

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Col 3:5)

Conclusion: One dictionary gave this insight for the word COVETOUS: “having a craving for possession covetous of power.”

Introduction: Are you FREE? What do you mean FREE? Once freed from the inevitable destination of Sin’s Penalty, then the believer can discover God’s provision over SIN’S POWER thru the precious BLOOD of Jesus Christ, the mighty POWER of the CROSS of Christ, and the transforming work of the WORD of GOD, and lastly the FILLING of the Holy Spirit of God. Have you come to the place in your spiritual journey that unlocks this REVELATION of biblical TRUTH?

1. Are you FREE to SERVE the Lord because of the CLEANSING and LIBERATING POWER of the BLOOD of Jesus?

John writes,
“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.” (1John 1:7)

The word “cleanseth” is καθαρίζ: (kath-ar-id’-zo), which means I cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. Also this word “cleanse” is in the present tense which means it is ongoing; i.e., it keeps on cleansing.

Paul writes,
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (Eph 1:7)

The word “redemption” is ἀπολύτρωσις, (ap-ol-oo’-tro-sis), which means release effected by payment of ransom;  redemption, deliverance.

2. Are you FREE to SERVE the Lord because of the Mighty and LIBERATING POWER of the CROSS of Christ?

Paul writes,
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20)

“5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin.” (Rom 6:5-7)

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Gal 5:24)

3. Are you FREE to SERVE the Lord because of the TRANSFORMING and LIBERATING POWER of the WORD of God?

The Psalmist writes,
“9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psa -119:9-11)

Someone has well said, “Either the Word of God will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Word of God”!

Jesus prayed in His intercessory prayer for all believers the following:

“17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

The “transformed” is μεταμορφόω, metamorphoó, which means transform, transfigure.

4. Are you FREE to SERVE the Lord because of the FILLING and LIBERATING POWER of the Holy Spirit of God?

Paul writes,
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” (Eph 5:18)

Conclusion: Once we discover the PROVISIONS our Lord has given us to live out the Spirit-filled life, then we are FREE to serve Him.

God’s provision over SIN’S POWER comes thru the precious BLOOD of Jesus Christ, the mighty POWER of the CROSS of Christ, and the transforming work of the WORD of GOD, and lastly the FILLING of the Holy Spirit of God….

1. LEGALISM concerning SALVATION- REGENERATION! (Before we are saved)
(Gal 2:16)

“16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

And again to the Church of Rome!
(Rom 10:3,4)

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

And again to Titus.
(Titus 3:4-7)

“4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Even though we do not say it, today it appears that people profess to be saved but when pressed on how a person is saved, “GOOD WORKS” & not being a “BAD PERSON” seem to be the answer. The trust is secretly in SELF….Self righteousness instead of Christ righteousness. Unfortunately, living in the Bible Belt, most people have either heard some Scripture relating to salvation or can quote verses or at least partly quote verses. This artificial and superficial SALVATION leads to a lifestyle not measuring up to the New Testament description of one who is BORN AGAIN with a New Nature.

2. LEGALISM concerning SANCTIFICATION! (After we are saved)
(Gal 2:21-3:4)

“1I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”

“…O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

Conclusion: Have you embraced LEGALISM and just did not know it? Why not now bow your head and confess it to the Lord? Trust Jesus. And Him alone. Have you failed to recognize that the person of the Holy Spirit wants to express His life THROUGH you? Why not right now surrender to His POWER? Then thank Him for His mighty work! Any one of us can be caught in a LEGALISTIC trap at any time.

Love y’all,