Text: John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

You have got to admit, we live in a TROUBLED world! But in Jesus Christ, we can have “PEACE,” because He is our “PEACE”!

The Psalmist writes,

1. We can have “PEACE” with God! (Rom 5:1)

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Notice the proper steps:
* Faith in Jesus
** Justified by God
*** Peace in our hearts

In others words:
CHRIST CRUCIFIED!
GOD SATISFIED!!
MAN JUSTIFIED!!!

Have you taken those steps to have “PEACE” with God?

Why not do it right now? But how?

A. Admit you’ve sinned – missed the mark. (Rom 3:23)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

The word “sinned” is ἁμαρτάνω, (ham-ar-tan’-o), which means to miss the mark, do wrong, sin.

B. Believe on Jesus – not just believe in Jesus – the demons believe and tremble. (James 2:19)

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

Believe means trust! The devil has not repented (turned from sin and turned to Jesus).

C. Confess – (Rom 10:9, 10)

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

2. We can have the “PEACE” of God! (Phil 4:6, 7)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The word “anxious” is μεριμνάω: (mer-im-nah’-o), which means I am anxious about, distracted; I care for.

Are you feeling distracted from the things of God? Spiritual things? What can you do?

Here the apostle Paul writes, while in prison, how to deal with ANXIETY, which is the opposite of “PEACE.”

First, he says, we should turn our FOCUS on Someone Bigger than our problems – JESUS CHRIST!

“By prayer”….

Secondly, tell our Lord our needs while giving THANKS!

“….and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

This means thanking Him even though we may be going thru a hard time.

Thirdly, then we can expect, the “PEACE of God” to protect both our minds and hearts.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The word “peace” is εἰρήνη, (i-ray’-nay) which means one, peace, quietness, rest, ….peace, peace of mind.

It is one thing to have “PEACE with God.” It is altogether something else to have the “PEACE of God”!

In this great epistle written from prison, while inspired by the Holy Ghost, Paul describes the believer’s SUFFICIENCY in Christ Jesus (Col 3:15).

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Conclusion:
Are you experiencing ANXIETY?
Is your heart TROUBLED?
Do you need “PEACE”?
The kind of “PEACE” that does not come from a BOTTLE or a PILL but comes from a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with JESUS CHRIST, the lamb of God.

Have you trusted in Jesus’ death on the cross for the payment of your sins? Are you spending time daily looking and depending on Jesus for His “PEACE” in every situation?

If so, then rest in His “PEACE”!
Pass the “PEACE” Please!
And give that “PEACE” away to others who are troubled.

Introduction: Do you get impatient? Are you feeling impatient right now because of your circumstances?

Causes: When things or people do not do what we expect them to do in a timely manner, we get IMPATIENT!

Have you noticed the “busier” you are, the more inclined we are to get overloaded and consequently get IMPATIENT? Martha in the Bible is an example.

Anybody know what I’m talking about today?

Cures: It seems like the more the Lord carries us thru, the more GRACE He gives to be PATIENT!

He builds “PATIENT” muscles in us!! Are you working out your PATIENCE?

Just about everyday we have PATIENCE workouts…

Setbacks,
Disappointments,
Unexpected events,
Bad news,
Aches and pains,
Frustrations,
Uncontrollable circumstances,
Calendaring stress,
Scheduling,
Rescheduling,
Change of schedule,
Keeping up with jobs, chores, and (grand)children,
Financial obligations,
Meeting everybody’s needs,
Deadlines,
Doctor appointments,
Squeezing in 25 hours in a 24 hour day!
The lists goes on..

What is PATIENCE? How does the Holy Spirit work this “FRUIT” into our life?

1. What is PATIENCE? (James 1:2, 3)

“2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

The word “patience” used in this verse is “ὑπομονή, (hoop-om-on-ay’) a remaining behind, a patient enduring, endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for.

2. Why do we get so IMPATIENT? Because we get disconnected from the vine! (Gal 5:22, 23)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Did you know that God’s definition of real “LOVE” includes “PATIENCE”?

“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.”

3. How can we “work out” PATIENCE as it is “worked in”? (Rom 5:2, 3)

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope.”

The word “patience” is ὑπομονή, (hoop-om-on-ay’) a remaining behind, a patient enduring, endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for.

Once we “endure,” “Patience” brings about “experience.”

The word “experience” is δοκιμή, (dok-ee-may’) a trial, proof; tried, approved character.

Wow! I hear somebody say, “You mean all the stuff, problems, issues, etc. that we are facing will ultimately produce CHARACTER?” Yes! That is the process of the Master Potter making His clay more usable!

Conclusion: Did you know that PATIENCE is a Characteristic of our Lord Jesus.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.” (Rom 15:4, 5)

There we have it!
PASS the PATIENCE PLEASE!!
Right now!!!

Introduction: The SAND MAN who was turned into the ROCK MAN named Peter writes,

“15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

1. The WHY’s of giving a LOGICAL defense! (1Pet 3:15)

“15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

The words “give an answer” have insights for CHRISTians living in a pluralistic society.

“Answer” is the word ἀπολογία, apologia (ap-ol-og-ee’-ah), which means give a verbal defense (particularly in a law court).

This means to intelligently and logically explain to someone who may be in error why their interpretation or understanding is wrong. It can be done in LOVE, and without hypocrisy.

If we are praying for opportunities to share the LOVE of Jesus, then our motives will be right. Instead of criticizing, we should attempt to win them!

Paul writes,

2. The WHEN’s of giving a LOGICAL defense! (1Pet 3:15)

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

3. The HOW’s of giving a LOGICAL defense! (1Pet 3:15)

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

Can you say we set Jesus apart in our everyday life? Is His holiness setting us apart from the world?

Introduction: God has been GOOD to us!

Writing for the purpose of proving man is without excuse for recognizing God, and repenting (turning from) and receiving (turning to) Jesus Christ…..the GOODNESS of God is pursuing us all the time!

Even right now, the Lord’s GOODNESS is following us!!

After articulating the God of this world can be known through CREATION (Rom 1:18-25), Paul further reveals man’s conscience is another evidence of the living God.

His GOODNESS is undeniable.

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

Truthfully, we do not deserve all of GOD’S bountiful blessings ….showered with His great LOVE and MERCY…..being washed white as snow thru the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ…..experiencing His Amazing Grace everyday….wow, Jesus has blessed us!

God’s been GOOD to us!

Has God been GOOD to you? Are you saved from the awful penalty of sin, which is eternal death? Do you have a Home in Heaven? Has sin’s dominating force ceased to control you? Have you been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and translated into God’s marvelous light? Are you blessed with a Good family? Has our Lord met your needs for acceptance and belonging thru your Church family? With Jesus’ resurrection power, are you able to overcome the flesh?

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Keep in mind, where Paul is at when the Holy Spirit led him to write this. Prison, chained to a Praetorian guard. Imagine what it must have been like to be attached to a man like Paul, 24/7??

Please notice, Paul did not say, “All of your WANTS;” rather, he said, “All of your NEEDS”!

In the context, Paul makes reference to the Church’s gift, and his desire for the “fruit” that they would receive because of their generosity. (Phil 4:16, 17)

“For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. “

David writes,

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psa 37:25)

• Clothes on our back
• A roof over our head
• Food on the table
• A warm house to sleep in
• Cars and trucks to drive

I hear somebody saying, “I’ve worked hard for what I have!” Yes, but guess Who gives you the ability to think with your mind and work with your hands?

“2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

How many of us take our HEALTH for granted? When some health issue happens, it grabs our attention to remind us to THANK God for His GOODNESS! Have you thanked the Lord today for your health?

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thess 5:18)

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”

Paul writes,

“18Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” (Col 3:18-21)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

• Heaven! (Rev 21, 22)
• Peace with God! (Rom 5:1)
• The Peace of God! (Phil 4:6, 7)
• Love, joy, Patience, faith, self control, etc. (Gal 5:22, 23)

Conclusion: Paul reminds those in the Church of Rome, as well as us today, 

“…not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Rom 2:4)

Do we need to take a moment and acknowledge the GOODNESS of God – how it has been extended to us?

If we will, it will CHANGE our attitude and future! Let’s do it now.

Introduction: Jesus prayed in that model prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

What did He mean by “Thy Kingdom come”? Consider with me a brief study on “The Kingdom to Come.”

1. Satan will be bound for 1,000 years! (Rev 20:1-3)

“1And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

Notice one angel will throw the devil into the “bottomless pit.”

2. Martyred saints who did not worship the beast or take his image will be resurrected to rule and reign with Jesus! (Rev 20:4)

“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

3. At the end of the millennium, Satan will be loosed out of the abyss to go out and deceive the nations, only to meet his demise! (Rev 20:7-10)

“And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

4. What role will Jesus Christ play?

* Jesus will be called the BRANCH! (Isa 4:2;11:1; Jer 23:5;33:15; Zech 3:8-9; 6:12,13)

* Jesus will be called the LORD of HOSTS! (Isa 24:23; 44:6)

* Jesus will be called the ANCIENT of DAYS! (Dan 7:23)

* Jesus will be called the LORD!(Micah 4:7; Zech 14:9)

* Jesus will be called JEHOVAH! (Isa 2:2-4;7:14;9:6;Jer 3:17; 23:5,6; Ezek 43:5-7; 44:1,2; Joel 3:21)

* Jesus will be called the rod of Jesse! (11:1, 11)

* Jesus will be called the Son of Man! (Dan 7:13)

* Jesus will be called King! (11:1-10; 33:17,22; 44:6; Dan 2:44; Obadiah 17-21; Micah 4:1-8; Zech 3:9-10; 14:16-17)

1. What are (2) steps that will take you DOWN & OUT when CRITICIZED? 
A. Simon Says….
(Luke 7:36-39)

“And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.”

Here was a GOOD man – a Pharisee, Simon, that needed to be emptied of his goodness that he might be filled with Jesus’ greatness!

Here was a BAD woman that needed to be emptied of her badness that she might be filled up with Jesus’ greatness!

Simon’s problem was he could not see his own self-flaws, but he could see others. (Luke 7:40-43)

“40And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.”

The woman knew she needed forgiveness and mercy instead of justice. ( Luke 7:44-49)

“And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.”

Jesus saw the woman’s heart and desperate need for cleansing and restoration.

Jesus rebuked Simon because he was more concerned about the outside rather than the inside.

Criticism.
The woman was willing to risk being REJECTED and CRITICIZED in order to be FREED from the bondage of sin!

Jesus honored her Humility and Brokenness!
Consequently, she was forgiven! SWEET WORDS!!

B. Martha Says…
(Luke 10:38-42)

“8Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Martha has a complaining & critical spirit. She directed her criticism toward her own sister, Mary. (Luke 10:40)

“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”

You know it would have been so much easier if Mary would have jumped up and started helping her critical sister Martha, rather than be the object of criticism.

Lesson: Pleasing Jesus is far more important than being a people-pleaser. Are you willing to be criticized by your family and friends in order to please Jesus?

2. What are the (2) steps that will lead you UP & OVER CRITICISM?

A. EXAMINATION!
(John 8:3-7)

“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

Jesus did not “sweep” her sin under the rug. Rather He called her to repentance and a change as well as calling the others to EXAMINE their imperfect life.

B. REALIZATION!
(Luke 18:10-14)

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

What about these two men in the parable? One needed a REALTY CHECK! That is the Pharisee.

1. Are we known as a DEVOTED follower of Jesus? (Acts 9:10)

“And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias.”

Luke wants us to know that Ananias was a “disciple” of Jesus.

The word “disciple” is μαθητής, (math-ay-tes’), which means a learner, disciple, pupil.

Are you a student of the Word of God? Do you have a teachable spirit? Are you following the FLESH – your way or the SPIRIT – God’s way? What changes need to take place in order for you to become a DEVOTED follower of Jesus?

2. Are we DECISIVE when the Spirit of God leads? (Acts 9:10, 11)

“And to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”

Ananias hears the Word of God with instructions through a “Vision.”

The word “vision” is ὅραμα, (hor’-am-ah) which means a spectacle, vision, that which is seen.

Keep in mind, in those days, while the Holy Spirit had been poured out (Acts 2), the compilation of Scripture had not been fully canonized (put together). Therefore the Lord leading and guiding through “visions” may have been more common than today.

The warning is to be careful when people say “God gave me this vision”! Not to say it is not genuine, but “test the spirits” to see whether they be of God the Holy Spirit or evil spirits. (1John 4:1)

Notice the Spirit of God was specific.

Introduction: What fills up your LOVE TANK? Do you realize you have a LOVE TANK? Everybody has one. Where is it at? What does it take to fill it up? How can yours be filled? How can you fill your LOVED ones TANK? In 1 1 Corinthians, Chapter Thirteen, Paul identifies the biblical definition of Love. This consists of two (2) parts:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”

1. So how can we “fill up” each other’s LOVE TANK? (1Cor 13:1-6)

• Love that is Patient! (1Cor 13:4)

• Love that is Kind!

• Love that is honest! (1Cor 13:6)

2. How can we “siphon out” of each other’s LOVE TANK?

• Love that is “jealous”….envious – takes out of our LOVE TANK! (1Cor 13:4)

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”

• Love that is “selfish”!

“3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” (1Cor 13:4)

• Love that is sinful!

“6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (1Cor 13:6)

3. How does God’s LOVE thru Jesus Christ “keep” our LOVE TANK filled up? (1Cor 13:7)

“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

• Loves bears & believes! (1Cor 13:7)
• Love hopes & endures!! (1Cor 13:7)

Text: Revelation 22:1-7

Introduction: What does the future hold? We may not know all the future holds, but we do know WHO holds the future! Does that mean we can trust Him? Are you? Will you? John the Revelator gives us some interesting insights as to what the future holds. Check it out!

1. While the Past shows Jesus Christ as a lowly Lamb, the future declares Him as the Lion from the tribe of Judah! (Rev 22:1-3)

“1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

Jesus will take His throne! Have you noticed Jesus does not come to take sides (Politically), rather He comes to take OVER?

2. While Jesus came the first time as a STORM CALMER, He will come again and the Storm will be OVER! (Rev 22:3)

“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.”

Mark records this scene. (Mark 4:37-39)

“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.”

Matthew writes the words of Jesus in his gospel.

“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matt 24:27)

3. While Jesus came the first time as the GREAT PHYSICIAN, He will come again as a Complete Healer! (Rev 22:4-5)

“And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and forever.”

John records Jesus as a Miracle Maker…..
*John 2 – Water into Wine
*John 4- Nobleman’s son healed
*John 5 – Paralytic healed
*John 6 – Feeding of 5,000
*John 9 – Blind man eyes opened
*John 11 – Lazarus raised from the dead
*John 20 – Jesus resurrected

This devotion could be so much longer in sharing the anticipation of Christ’s coming. But for now, let’s be encouraged and trust Jesus day by day!

Conclusion: There you have it….a BRIGHT and HOPEFUL Future. When Jesus came the first time, He came as a PROMISE – GIVER. But when He comes again, He will come as a PROMISE – KEEPER! Are you ready? Get ready!

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Introduction: Hogs stink! But hog meat that is cooked right makes a delicious meal. Would you let a hog live in your house? Probably not. Hogs were unclean animals in biblical times. Moses writes to the Jewish nation in the Levitical law, these words:

“And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. 8Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.”
(Lev 11:7,8)

Jesus Christ commanded some demons who had possessed a man to enter into some swine; consequently, the hogs ran down a hill and were drowned into the water.
(Luke 8: 33)

“Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.”

Peter writes and identifies false teachers with the behavior of hogs returning to wallowing in the mud.
(2Pet 2:22)

“But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”

Do you know someone who is living among the hog pen of sin? Do not give up on them. Usually, sooner or later, they will hit rock bottom. Only then will they have a CHANGE of heart.

Speaking of hogs, Jesus Christ tells the account of the Prodigal son to the Pharisees. After receiving his inheritance, he left home wasting his money until he was broke. Then in desperation, he found a job feeding pigs. Imagine. A Jewish boy feeding hogs….the smell…..the slop…..the grunts…..the hunger…the wake up call!

“…… he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”

Where is the hog pen?
One step away from Jesus.
Where does that next step lead?
Down to the hog pen.

But you can go back home to the Father!
Does our Father long for us to come back home? Ten thousand times, Yes.

Home Sweet Home!
No place like Home!!
Go home!!!