New move comes amid Adams' attempts to reach more people in the city whose first language isn't English, to mederate success and criticism

What we can learn from the chronicler's stories about the kings of Israel.To the dutiful Bible reader, Chronicles might seem a bit baffling. As we read, we might find ourselves wondering, Haven’t I read this before? The short answer is yes and no . The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles retell some of the same stories of Israel and Judah that appear in the books of Samuel and Kings. But the chronicler also offers a fresh perspective on those years by incorporating new material and leaving other stories aside. His decision about what to keep and what to add is not arbitrary but intentional. And if we’re paying attention, we will find that the chronicler has a distinct message that we can learn from today.First, only 50 percent of Chronicles is repeated material from Samuel and Kings. On the one hand, that’s a lot of overlap. But on the other, that also means that half of Chronicles is brand new material. Which means we cannot afford to overlook it!And while the content of Chronicles overlaps with previous material, it emerged over 100 years later—giving the chronicler the benefit of hindsight and the opportunity to address a new set of challenges for his generation. The people of Judah had just returned from exile and were facing the massive task of rebuilding the temple of Yahweh in Jerusalem, which King Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed. This task profoundly shapes the backdrop to the books of Chronicles.If you set Chronicles side-by-side with Samuel and Kings, you’ll find that the new material focuses on two primary topics: David and the temple. The chronicler spends extra time on the genealogy of David’s family and the details of David’s legacy. And although Kings focuses on the northern kingdom of Israel, Chronicles highlights the southern ...Continue reading...

The late evangelist is one of just four Americans who have received the nation's three highest congressional honors. Salvation in Christ Jesus was offered in National Statuary Hall May 16 at the unveiling of a statue of the iconic late global evangelist Billy Graham, which has John 3:16 and John 14:6 carved in its base.“Friends, God’s grace is undeserved, but through Christ it is freely given. And it is by trusting in God’s sacrifice that we are saved,” US Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) said in the unveiling ceremony. “If you’ve not made a decision for yourself, I hope, I pray, that you will.”US House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and members of Graham’s family joined the North Carolina Congressional delegation in unveiling the statue that replaces that of early 20th-century North Carolina governor and staunch white supremacist Charles Aycock.“Today, we acknowledge that he is a better representation of our state than the statue it replaces, which brought memories of a painful history of racism,” Cooper said. “Not that Rev. Graham was perfect—he would have been the first to tell us that. … But he believed, as many of us do, that there is redemption, and he gave his life to remembering that message.”US Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) honored Graham as a trailblazer in race relations.“During an era in the 1950s when leaders in the South openly embraced segregation, it was Billy Graham who spoke out against it,” Tillis said, describing Graham as having been a staple in the Tillis family. “He insisted in his sermons that they be integrated. He shared his platform with Black ministers, including one named Martin Luther King Jr.“Rev. Graham was blessed with the gift that bridged differences,” Tillis said, “and brought ...Continue reading...

Speech was not God's only miracle at Pentecost. The Spirit also gave the gift of understanding, overcoming division and contempt.Tongues of fire, everywhere. In this loud and furious age, a time of protests and counter-protests, words come burning, singeing, scalding, stinging.“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James wrote, “because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (1:19–20). But few of us—even those of us who follow Christ—seem to believe that listening more than we speak could possibly meet the reality of these days.We give into the temptation of “thinking the times require using the tools of the enemy,” as Michael Wear says in The Spirit of Our Politics. We justify our tongues of fire as “just the way you play the game,” disregarding our trail of destruction—great forests put to waste by the sparks from our lips (3:5–8).Of course, there’s nothing new under the sun. Rage travels more quickly by gigahertz than messenger, but our era is not uniquely chaotic or tumultuous. The church has lived through worse, not least the dangerous early days after Christ’s resurrection and ascension.“[I’ve] been jailed … beaten up more times than I can count, and at death’s door time after time,” recounted the apostle Paul of his ministry in that time. “I’ve been flogged five times with the Jews’ thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. … I’ve had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I’ve been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers” (2 Cor. 11:23–27, MSG). ...Continue reading...

By Alan Lash Prepare for total control of your economic life. That is the message from Brownstone Fellow Aaron Day at his 4-hour workshop in...Money's Grim Future

Around 100 people professed faith in Jesus at worship services held in wildfire-ravaged Hawaii last week, the culmination of Harvest Christian Fellowship's "Hope for Lahaina"? outreach efforts to share the hope of Christ with a community devastated by the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century.?

A former member of the New Atheist movement who now considers herself a Christian said Saturday she regrets her role in that community and now believes the love and redemption found in Jesus is the true source of purpose.

A Honduran church leads the way in local garbage collection while praying for an international plastics treaty.A banner hangs outside the Church of God in the village of El Rincón, Honduras, that says, “Let’s be part of the solution, not the pollution.”It’s a message pastor Wilfredo Vásquez posted after witnessing the harmful effects of plastics in his community.“More and more, I understand that if we want to see changes in any area of society, we as children of God must take the initiative for those changes, because the church is the hope of the world,” he told CT.Vásquez, who shepherds the Wesleyan-Arminian congregation in the Central American town of about 4,000 people, has started taking steps to help his community and hopes world leaders will do the same by establishing an international treaty on plastics.From April 23 to 29, delegates from around the world met in Ottawa for the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-4). It’s the fourth stage in a five-stage process working toward an agreement that has the potential to change how plastic is handled globally.If passed, experts believe it could have a similar impact on plastic usage as the Montreal Protocol of 1987 had on chemicals such as freon.While the final stage of the process isn’t until November in South Korea, after the most recent round of discussions in Canada, delegates from more than 150 countries agreed to begin intercessional work. Right away, delegates will start meeting to develop ways to identify plastic products and chemicals of concern.In El Rincón, 3,600 miles away from the latest round of discussions, Vásquez is praying for the treaty’s passage.Vásquez knows exactly what’s at stake and what a difference even ...Continue reading...

? Temple Baptist Church - 5-5-20242 Corinthians 2:1-11? Introduction:? In these verses, we find the restoration of the fallen brother found in 1 Corinthians, chapter 5.? He got right with the Lord and was forgiven, but the church would not forgive him.? Paul did not want them to be ignorant of the danger of unforgiveness, one of Satan's devices.? A.? I want to continue to preach for a while on the subject of Ignorance.? My work as a pastor is to make sure that you are not ignorant, and your job is to make sure that you are not willfully ignorant!? We have the Word of God, so we are accountable to it.? 1.? Last week, we saw the ignorance of Israel concerning God's righteousness.? Romans 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.? (4)? For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.? 2.? This morning, I want to start preaching on ignorance of Satan's Devices.? I am not sure how far that I will get this morning, but I am in no hurry because of the importance of what I am preaching so just hang in there.? B.? Lucifer is a powerful angel.? He is a God hater and therefore hates God's children.? Our Lord said that He was hated first, and that hatred would be passed on to us.? John 15:18-20? If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.? (19)? If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.? (20)? Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.? C.? I do not want to preach a series on Satanology or Angelogy (fallen angels) but, in order to understand the fallen angels, we must explore them within the context of Scriptures.? D.? Lucifer was a special angel, a defender of the holiness of God.? Lucifer tried to overthrow the throne of God to no avail and God said, “I will destroy thee, O covering cherub!”? ? Lucifer is a damned angel.? I want to look at a couple of very interesting verses:? E.? Hell was prepared for the Devil and his angels.? ? Ezekiel 28:18? Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will? I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.? Matthew 25:41? Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed,? into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:? 1.? Satan is Determined.? He will never give up nor give an inch.? In his determination, he does not negotiate nor compromise.? 2.? Satan is Dangerous.? His ultimate goal is to destroy everything God created.? 3.? Satan is Deceptive.? In heaven, with God on His throne, Satan convinced 1/3 of the angels there to rebel.? And we think he cannot deceive us.? 4.? WE ARE NOT IGNORANT of his devices!? ? a)? He has used the same devices since he sinned against God in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28!? ? b)? I used the phrase “willfully ignorant” last week because we all have seen what Satan through love of the world has done to people that we know!? ? 1)? He has destroyed their lives!? 2)? He has destroyed their families!? 3)? He has destroyed their health!? 4)? He has destroyed their testimonies!? 5)? He has destroyed their usefulness!? c)? Satan uses different Devices for different People.? We all have our strong points and weaknesses.? d)? Satan uses different Devices for different Purposes.? Sometimes, Satan attacks people and sometimes he attacks churches/governments, etc.? e)? Satan uses these same devices over and over.? Satan does the same thing the same way because it too often brings about the same results.? 1)? I love devices.? Gadgets, appliances, tools, machines, mechanisms, etc.? Devices are normally specific in their usage to get certain jobs done.? ? 2)? I love Harbor Freight.? They have a tool for about everything that you will ever need to get done.? I drop my wife off at Big Lots (female version of Harbor Freight) which is about three hundred feet away from Harbor Freight and tell her to “shop till you drop!”? 3)? Satan's Devices are designed for singular purposes.? They are not profound in their design.? They are quite simple but highly effective in their work. I have many tools in my workshop that I do not use often as these tools are made for specific jobs.? 4)? I said all that to say this, we can know and fully understand what Satan's Devices are doing and still allow them to work in our lives to the detriment of our spiritual condition and God's work!? F.? This morning, I want to look at Satan's Device of Division.? ? 1.? I would say that the subject of division is one that I preach on more than any else, and especially over the past few years as the coming of our Lord draws nigh.? ? 2.? Satan has pulled out all of the “stops” in his unending efforts to destroy the effectiveness of both families and the local church.? ? ? As goes the family, so goes the local church!? 3.? The pastor's nightmare!? Division!? We must not be ignorant of Satan's devices and one of his best is division.? ? G.? Families are falling apart and marriages no longer lasting.? Then there is the local church.? So many local churches are without a pastor.? Smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter!? Some churches have “run the pastor off,” while in others, the pastor (it is always easy to blame the church rather than to blame oneself) ran himself off.? H.? Satan's Device of Division in the local church.? 1.? Sometimes, wicked people get in the church and divide.? 2.? More often, saved people get their priorities wrong and strive, one with another.? a)? Through Carnality? b)? Through Biblical Ignorance? c)? Through Willful Immaturity? d)? Through Satanic Influence? J.? It is imperative that we remain united and strong as the work of the Lord is of the utmost importance and only a unified body will be effective in reaching the lost.? This type of preaching is not a new thing, nor should it be a sporadic one.? It must be preached often with a no-nonsense approach.? Look in Acts 20:28-31 with me.? Acts 20:28-31 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29? For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30? Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31? Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.? K.? The most important unit on the face of the earth other than the family is the local church.? Satan hates the local Church!? L.? Division can cause much damage to the local church by:? 1.? Division Destroys The Fellowship Of The Church.? (People sit on the pews of the church with malice and unforgiveness in their hearts.)? 2.? Division Destroys The Commission Of The Church.? (Missions have been damaged because of gaining a family and then loosing a family through spiritual nonsense!)? 3.? Division Destroys The Testimony Of The Church. (Church fights and splits have been detrimental to the prosperity of the church, both physically and financially.)? 4.? Division Destroys The Posterity Of The Church.? (Children both see and hear the ungodliness of the parents.? It affects their spirituality and, eventually, they are lost.? 5.? Division Destroys The Worship Of The Church.? (God and His Holy Spirit are grieved with this division and worship is neither holy nor acceptable.)? 6.? Division Destroys The Evangelism Of The Church.? (Instead of keeping our eyes upon the harvest and doing all that we can to win souls, our time is spent in bitterness and souls are lost.)? 7.? Division Hinders The Prayers Of The Saints.? (Malice and unforgiveness are sins and when we regard iniquity in our hearts, our prayers go unheard.)? M.? Division damages the individual believer.? 1.? It Will Divide You From The Pastor – Your Friend? 2.? It Will Divide You From The Pulpit – God's Message? 3.? It Will Divide You From The People – Your Brethren? 4.? It Will Divide You From The Peace Of God – Your Joy? 5.? It Will Divide You From The Place – God's House? 6.? It Will Divide You From The Purpose – God's Harvest? N.? How To Stop Division!? 1.? Always Give Others The Benefit Of The Doubt - 1 Corinthians 13:5? Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;? 2.? Learn To Forgive And To Forget - Ephesians 4:31-32? Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:? And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.? 3.? Beware Of The Root Of Bitterness -? Hebrews 12:15? Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;? 4.? Keep Your Eye Focused Upon The Purpose - Philippians 1:27? ? Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;? Philippians 3:16? Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.? 5.? Esteem Others Better Than Self - Philippians 2:3? Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.? Philippians 2:1-4? ? If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,? Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.? Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.? Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.? 6.? Learn To Keep Your Mouth Shut When There Is A Problem - Proverbs 6:16-19? These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:? A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,? An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,? A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Temple Baptist Church - 4-28-2024Romans 10:1-17? Introduction:? A.? Verse 3 says, “They being ignorant.”? Ignorant?? Lacking knowledge or? comprehension? of the thing specified.? The implication of the word “being” is to ignore.? In the Bible, we find two kinds of ignorance:? 1.? Ignorance as a result of not hearing or being taught.? Amos 8:11-12? Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:? (12)? And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.? 2.? Willful ignorance as a result of rejecting what is heard or taught.? Hosea 4:6? My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.? 3.? As your pastor, it is my responsibility that, if you remain ignorant, it will have to be willful ignorance!? 4.? Israel was Ignorant, but their ignorance was willful!? Look at the preceding verses found in chapter 9:32-33.? “As it is written!”? THEY HAD THE WORD OF GOD!? THEY KNEW THE WORD OF GOD!? THEY DISREGUARDED THE WORD OF GOD!? ? 5.? SO IT IS IN OUR DAY AS WE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD!? The problem today is the same as the problem then.? ? Hosea 4:6? My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:? because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee!? B.? One of the age-old problems (and one that remains in our day) is that people are ignorant of what it takes to get to heaven.? Most religions along with so-called Christian denominations add works to faith in one degree or another.? C.? Self-righteousness in Salvation.? Salvation through personal merit or a mixture of personal merit and faith.? The Bible is perfectly clear about the separation of faith and works.? Romans 11:5-6? Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.? (6)? And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.? Ephesians 2:8-9? For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:? (9)? Not of works, lest any man should boast.? Acts 4:11-12? This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.? (12)? Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.? ? 1.? Self-righteousness manifests itself in those who believe that they are good enough to go to heaven through personal merit.? 2.? Self-righteousness manifests itself in those who believe that they are good enough to maintain their salvation through personal merit.? ? 3.? Both doctrines are heretical!? D.? In our text, we find why Israel turned from their Messiah, Christ Jesus.? Israel, who had the truth of God's Word and the Covenants, turned from the faith of their father, Abraham, to the wickedness of self-righteousness.? ? 1.? In the 400 hundred silent years that preceded the coming of Christ (around 100 B.C.) between Malachi and Matthew, two main branches of Judaism came into dominance: 1)? The Sadducees who upheld the Written Law? 2)? The Pharisees who upheld the Oral Law.? ? 2.? ? Galatians 6:12-14? As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. ? (13)? For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. ? (14)? But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.? ? 3.? They had the unbiblical perspective that they had “arrived” spiritually through their outward appearance and separation from the world.? This attitude resulted in exclusion!? E.? The Pharisees were separatists and, unfortunately, they eventually began to rely upon their system of “do's and don'ts” for righteousness with God instead of becoming obedient to God's righteousness.? The Lord rebuked them for making clean the outer appearance while the inner man was full of dead men's bones and rottenness.? ? In Matthew 5:20, our Lord said, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”? F.? The problem still exists today.? Separatism and Phariseeism are not the same.? God command us to be separate but, if not watchful, the same problem arises again.? I once saw on a sign this quote, “People are like fish: you catch them but let God clean them.”? ? G.? Paul's desire and prayer for Israel was that they would recognize who Jesus Christ was and turn to Him for salvation.? Israel had “zeal” for God but not according to knowledge.? Spirit is good but leaves one lost without truth.? I want to look at a few things in this text.? 1.? Ignorance of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 3.? “not according to knowledge…ignorant of God's righteousness”? ? Psalms 71:19? Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!? a.? Ignorance is not necessarily a bad word as it means that one has not learned.? In Romans 10, I believe that the ignorance mentioned was willful.? ? b.? Israel was familiar with the Old Testament and especially the Pentateuch.? One of the greatest of Old Testament truths found in these first 5 books was that of the holiness of God.? Mt. Sinai should have left a lasting impression upon the nation of Israel as God thundered from a mountain that was on fire.? ? ? c.? Israel's ignorance was willful!? The world's ignorance is willful!? The world of today tries to bring God down to man's level and man up to God's level.? 2.? Impeccability of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 3.? “God's righteousness”? The Bible declares that God dwells in a light that no man can approach unto.? He is impeccably holy.? He is immutably holy.? He said, “I am the Lord, I change not.”? 1 Timothy 6:15-16? Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;? (16)? Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.? a.? Salvation must always be by grace through faith because God demands absolute perfect holiness, and He alone is impeccably holy.? b.? Acceptance of God's righteousness is the rejection of personal righteousness.? 3. Impossibility of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 3.? “going about to establish their own righteousness.”? ? Ecclsiastes 7:20? For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.1 John 1:8-10? If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.? (9)? If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.? (10)? If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.? a.? One fact that every saved person understands is that of personal sinfulness.? There are those who believe that they are sinless, but they are deceived and lost.? ? b.? No conviction of sinfulness means there is no Holy Spirit there to convict.? Men everywhere are trying to be right with God with what they do instead of what He did.? 4.? Insubordination to God's Righteousness.? Vs. 3.? “have not submitted themselves”? ? Galatians 3:1-3? 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?? (2)? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?? (3)? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?? ? a.? Along with recognition of God's righteousness, one must become obedient to the holiness of God's demand: obedience to the gospel.? Vs. 16.? ? b.? Romans 1 shows the progression of the knowledge of God rejected:? 1)? When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God - God gave them up)? 2)? They changed the truth of God into a lie - God gave them up again? 3)? They did not like to retain God in their minds - God gave them over to a reprobate mind.? 5.? Imputation of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 4.? “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”? Salvation is a result of God's righteousness being imputed to the believer through propitiation and faith.? ? 2 Corinthians 5:21? For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.? Jude 24-25? Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,? (25)? To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.? ? “Dressed in His righteousness alone; faultless to stand before the throne.”? “When He sees me, He sees the blood of the Lamb; He sees me as worthy and not as I AM!”? 6.? Invitation of God's Righteousness.? Vs. 13.? “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”? ? ? ? “Whosoever” covers it all!? Come to Jesus Christ with your bankrupt life and He will impute His righteousness to you.

I recently read an article from our friends at Patterns of Evidence which reported on the recent finding of much of the upper half of the colossal Rameses statue.

I recently read an article from our friends at Patterns of Evidence which reported on the recent finding of much of the upper half of the colossal Rameses statue.

? Temple Baptist Church - 4-21-20241 Corinthians 15:58Introduction:? A.? The Corinthian Church was a carnal (fleshly) church and spent both their time and resources upon their natural, temporal desires.? Paul loved this carnal, worldly church as it is the only one that Paul expressed his love for.? 1 Corinthians 16:23-24? The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.? (24)? My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.? B.? Chapter 15: 1-49, Paul speaks of their great salvation through the gospel.? Verses 50-57, the victory that has been won as one day all the church of God will be at home.? C.? The Holy Ghost admonishes the church to be heavenly minded in verse 58 because the real treasures are those that are eternal, not temporal.? The therefore ties this verse to the preceding verses and is a summation or conclusion.? His plea is based upon our blessed position in the body of Christ, the hope of His soon return in the rapture, and our eternal change.? ? D.? “My” denotes ownership.? “Beloved” denotes our dearness to both the Apostle and our Saviour.? “Brethren” denotes a family relationship which is important because our dependence is not only upon the Saviour but also upon each other!? 1.? Steadfastness – deals with the possibility of quitting - Galatians 6:9? And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.? (People are quitting on every hand.? Pastors, missionaries, evangelists, SS teachers, soul winners, church workers, etc.)? 2.? Immovability – deals with the possibility of being swayed - 2 Thessalonians 2:15? Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.? (We are in the midst of the “falling away.”)? 3.? Abounding – deals with possibility of sitting down instead of serving - 2 Corinthians 9:8? And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work.? (The closer to the end of the church age, the more we should labor.? Unfortunately, it is just the exact opposite is true.)? 4.? Knowledge – deals with the understanding that our labor is not in vain - Matthew 10:40-42? He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.? He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.? And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (Though we are in the gleanings stage or the Days of Noe, God is still in control of the harvest)? 5.? Reward – God will certainly reward us with fullness - 2 John 1:8? Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (full reward) for our labors (Parable of those who labored through the heat of the day for a penny while others entered the fields much later and received the same.)? ALL OF THIS IS GOING TO TAKE TWO THINGS:? 1.? It Takes A Real Conversion – 1 John 2:19? They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.? 2.? It Takes A Real Conviction – Jesus is coming again just like He said!? SOME THINGS WE NEED TO CONTINUE IN:? 1.? We Need To continue In One Accord? Acts 1:14? These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.? 2.? We Need To Continue In Prayer? Acts 1:14? These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.? Colossians 4:2? Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;? 3.? We Need To Continue In Doctrine? Acts 2:42? And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.? 1 Timothy 4:16? Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.? 2 Timothy 3:14? But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast earned them? 4.? We Need To Continue In Fellowship? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Acts 2:42? And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.? 5.? We Need To Continue In The Grace of God? (Salvation's Message)? Acts 13:43? Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.? 6.? We Need To Continue In Encouragement? Acts 14:22? Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.? 7.? We Need To Continue In Soul Winning (Both at home and abroad)? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Acts 26:22? Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great? 8.? We Need To Continue To Live Godly? Romans 11:22? Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.? 9.? We Need To Continue Contending For The Faith? Galatians 2:5? To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.? 10.? We Need To Continue In Service? James 1:25? But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

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NASHVILLE, TN (April 12, 2024)? –? StowTown Records? has announced the release of a brand-new recording from popular, multi-award winning quintet,? Legacy Five. The recording, appropriately titled? 25, hits retail outlets? today and celebrates the group's 25-year legacy of sharing the message of the Gospel in song. “I can’t believe Legacy Five is in our 25th year,” group co-founder,? Scott Fowler? shares. “This Read More

Today's category: Church SignsChurch Signs 1? ? ? ? ? ? 1) Free Trip to heaven. Details Inside!? ? ? ? ? ? 2) Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin-Robbins.? ? ? ? ? ? 3) Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here!? ? ? ? ? ? 4) An ad for a Church has a picture of two hands holding stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments are inscribed and a headline that reads, "For fast, fast, fast relief, take two tablets.? ? ? ? ? ? 5) When the restaurant next to the Church put out a big sign that said, "Open Sundays," the church reciprocated with its own message: "We are open on Sundays, too."? ? ? ? ? ? 6) Have trouble sleeping? We have sermons -- come hear one!? ? ? ? ? ? 7) Come in and pray today. Beat the Christmas rush!? ? ? ? ? ? 8) Sign broken. Message inside this Sunday.? ? ? ? ? ? 9) Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this world.? ? ? ? ? ? 10) If you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns.View hundreds more jokes online.Email this joke to a friend

We had another great Sunday at Vision Baptist Church with 264 in attendance! Pastor preached a challenging message in our current Sunday AM series through the book of Mark entitled, “Living in Victory.” When we are saved we are made to not live in sin, God has given us power over sin and in Christ […]The post Sunday in Review appeared first on Vision Baptist Church of South Forsyth.

? Temple Baptist Church - 4-3-2024John 15:1-2? Introduction:? A.? In John 15:1, we find the last of the Seven “I AM's” of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is openly claiming to be the great “I AM THAT I AM” of the Old Testament, Jehovah God.? ? 1.? The Jews fully understood the ramifications of each of these statements.? Jesus Christ was telling them? that it was He who spoke to Moses? from the burning bush in the Book of Exodus!? 2.? This Jews knew that Jesus was a great teacher who did things that could have only been done by one sent from God.? ? Here we find great accountability!? John 3:1-2? There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:? (2)? The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.? B.? The Book of John portrays Jesus Christ as the Son of God which makes Him Divine.? In the Book of John, we find that each of the seven “I AM's” express a different aspect of Who and what Jesus did.? “I Am Bread of Life” – John 6:35.? We need sustenance.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? “I Am Light of The World” – John 8:12.? We need luminance.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? “I Am Door of The Sheep” – John 10:9.? We need entrance.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? “I Am the Good Shepherd” – John 10:14.? We need guidance.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? “I Am Resurrection and The Life” – John 11:25.? We need assurance.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” – John 14:6.? We need salvation.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? “I Am the True Vine” – John 15:1.? We need abiding.? C.? Each of the “I AM's” expressed a different attribute of Jesus Christ and these aspects could only be pertain to Almighty God.? 1.? ? In the phrase “I AM,” we find singularity.? Jesus Christ, in each of these sayings, is telling the world that these 7 things find their totality in Him and Him alone.? ? 2.? ? There is also an unstated truth? found in these words.? If there is a “True Vine,” and there is.? His name is Christ Jesus, our Lord.? ? Then there must also be “False Vines,”? and there are.? 3.? ? Too often God's people break away from their attachment to Jesus Christ? and become attached to the “vines” of this world.? These attachments stop fruit bearing for God and cause fruit bearing for their worldly vines.? We will deal with these believers later.? D.? The analogy:? “I am the true vine.”? I want to look at three aspects of the analogy as to give us the right Biblical perspective of what Christ is telling us in these verses.? 1.? ? The Prophetic aspect? fulfilled in Christ Jesus.? “I am the True Vine.”? 2.? ? The Owner's aspect? fulfilled in the Father.? “My Father is the Husbandman.”? Luke 10:21? In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.? 3.? ? The Spiritual aspect? fulfilled in the Believer.? “Every branch in me.? Romans 12:5? So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.1.? The Prophetic aspect fulfilled in Christ Jesus.? ? a.? When our Lord gave the truths found in John 15 concerning the relationship of the believer to Christ in abiding in the “True Vine,”? these were not unfamiliar words? to the Jew.? ? When speaking to the Pharisees,? our Lord told them Who He was!? John 8:57-58? Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?? (58)? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.? Christ was before Abraham making Christ the Great I AM!? Genesis 1:1? In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.? Ephesians 3:9? And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:? Colossians 1:15-17? Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:? (16)? For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:? (17)? And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.? Revelation 4:11? Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.? b.? We find the Prophecy of the True Vine in the Book of Isaiah which was written app. 740 years before the birth of Christ.? Isaiah 11:1? And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:? ? A rod: a strong branch; a stem: the trunk or stump; a Branch: capitalized: Christ Jesus, which grows from “his roots!”? 1)? “A Branch (Christ, Israel's Messiah) shall grow our of His roots.”? The Branch …His roots!” Christ is both the Root and the Branch that grew from the Root through the Stem of Jesse: of the linage to David.? Isaiah 11:10? And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.? Here, in the same context, Christ the Branch is called the “root of Jesse” from which Christ came.? 2)? Chapter 11 of Isaiah is also prophetic of the Millennial Kingdom of the last days which will transpire after the end of the Tribulation Period or Jacob's Trouble.? At the time that the Book of Isaiah was written, this is prophetic of an event that will be 2,740 years in the future (740 BC to 2,000+ years AD).? Isaiah, chapter 53, which is prophetic of the Messiah's rejection and crucifixion, Christ Jesus is called a “tender plant … as a root out of dry ground.”? A Babe is born in the darkness of Israel Who is the almighty Jehovah God, the “Root!”? Isaiah 53:1-2? Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?? (2)? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.? 3)? In the last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22, we find that Christ Jesus is the “root and the offspring of David.”? As the Root, He bears David and as the “offspring,” David bears Christ.? Revelation 22:16? I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.? c.? ? In the Book of Luke, chapter 3:23-38, we find the genealogy of Christ from “(as was supposed) the son of Joseph back to Adam who was the son of God.? Luke 3:23? And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,? Luke 3:38? Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.? Conclusion:? ? The Prophecy of Christ, the True Vine, was neither foreign nor was it unknown to the Jews.? “I AM the True Vine” simply spoke of Israel's Messiah, Christ Jesus, being Jehovah God of old.? 1.? Christ is both the “Root” and the “Vine.”? Revelation 22:16? I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.? ? Christ is the root from which David, the King of Israel, was born.? 2.? Christ was the root from which the Messianic Line came.? John 8:58? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.? ? 3.? God's children are the branches that grow out of the vine.? Notice I said “grow out” of the vine because the vine is Christ!

? Temple Baptist Church - 3-31-2024Psalm 119:105-112? Introduction:? A.? Psalm 119: 176 verses, 22 stanzas, 8 verses in each stanza, each verse in the Hebrew begins with the corresponding letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.? An amazing example of Divine Design.? ? 1.? In Psalm 119, we find the magnification of the Word of God.? 2.? In Psalm 119, we find a reciprocal relationship.? a)? The relationship of the Word of God to the believer and? b)? The relationship of the Believer to the Word of God.? 3.? In Psalm 119, we find that a one-way relationship is no relationship at all!? If the Bible means little or nothing to the believer, then the Bible is of little or no help to him/her.? B.? Thus, the importance of our Bible, the Word of God is magnified in this Psalm.? Think about it.? 1.? What would we do without our Bible?? 2.? What would we know about God, Jesus Christ, creation, sin, and salvation without our Bible.? 3.? How would we fare in this life without our Bible.? We would be like sheep without a Shepherd!? A life of accident with no meaning.? C. Tonight, the Hebrew letter NUN is the fourteenth letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.? NUN means “faithfulness.”? ? The Psalm begins with Guidance in verse 105.? The older that we get in the Lord, the more we understand His faithfulness.? 2 Timothy 2:13? If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.? D.? In the first verse of NUN, we find the faithfulness of God in guidance from beginning to end.? Psalms 119:105? NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.? 1.? A Lamp to guard our Steps.? Our walk with God has a beginning and the Lamp of God's Word begins to guide each step.? Job 23:11? My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.? Psalms 37:23? The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.? 2.? A Light to light our Path.? Our walk with God has an ending as God's Word lights our Path till the end of the road.? ? a)? His Paths are Old Paths as God does not change.? Jeremiah 6:16? Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.? b)? His Paths are often hidden Paths as to keep our eyes upon both our steps and ultimate home.? Psalms 77:19? Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.? E.? The Word of God shows the Believer that God is Faithful to guide and teaches the Believer to be Faithful to follow!? 1.? Verse 105.? We will be Faithful in our Walk with God.? a.? The Word of God is faithful to guide our Walk.? Each step we take is a step in the light of the Lamp of God's Word.? If you have ever walked with a lamp, you will understand what the Psalmist is saying.? You cannot see much around or ahead of you when using a lamp.? But it shows you where you are stepping.? So many, when come to a place where a hard decision is made, we must rely on the Bible to show us the next step to take.? One step at a time and you will be fine.? b.? The Word of God is faithful to guide our Path.? While working in the coal mines, I wore a light on my hard hat. You could turn the button on the side of it to broaden the beam of light as to use it for close work.? You could also narrow the beam of light and see at a great distance.? We would call it a seal beamed light.? It show you down the path but did not reveal the individual steps that it would take to get there.? c.? We can see up close so as not to stumble and we can also see afar so as not to waver.? 1 John 1:5-7? This 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.? (6)? If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:? (7)? 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.? 2.? Verse 106-108.? The Word of God is faithful to guide our Words.? a.? Verse 106.? Faithful to Keep our Word.? Our words or vows made to the Lord are to be kept in faithfulness.? So many begin right but end wrong.? They begin down the road of service but are distracted and enticed by other things that take precedence.? ? b.? Verse 107.? Faithful in our Afflictions.? So many serve the Lord when the going is good and great things are happening, but the Word of God helps us to trust the Lord with trial come and discouragement soon follows.? They use such words as “I used to do this or that but no longer do.? Faithful to death is what Paul said in 2 Timothy, chapter 4.? “I finished my course.”? c.? Verse 108.? The Word of God is faithful to guide our Worship.? Our offerings to God will be directed by being Bible oriented.? In Bible College, most young preachers with families were about as poor as a “church mouse.”? One preacher said that he was to broke to pay attention.? There was some thing that we said to encourage each other:? “Just praise the Lord anyhow!”? Worship is not based upon good or bad.? Worship is based upon Who and What our precious Lord means to us.? 3.? Verses 109-110.? The Word of God is faithful to guide:? a.? Verse 109.? The Word of God is faithful to guide our Thinking.? Our soul is in our hands.? The Word of God will help us to keep our hearts in line.? In order to remember something, we must have seen something, heard something, experienced something, or read something.? The value of having God's Word to read, hear, and study can expose us to Truth and have Scripture to remember when needed.? We also have the precious Holy Spirit to help us to recall what we have read, heard, and studied. The Old Testament believers did not have a house full of Bibles or carry electronic devices that have the Bible on them.? b.? Verse 110.? The Word of God is faithful to guide us around the Pitfalls and Traps of the wicked.? Satan is devious in his ways and his followers joy in watching the godly fall.? John 8:32? “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”? ? Job 33:26-28? He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.? (27)? He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;? (28)? He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.? 4.? Verses 111-112.? The Word of God is faithful to guide:? a.? Verse 111.? The Word of God is faithful to guide our Heart and our ways.? Many believers have not had a godly heritage and have, after salvation, adapted to the ways of God's Word and people.? What a wonderful spiritual heritage we have in common.? The same Father, the same Bible, the same family.? Proverbs 23:19? Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.? 2 Peter 1:1-3? Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:? (2)? Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,? (3)? According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:? b.? Verse 112.? The Word of God is faithful to guide our Lives for the rest of our lives.? Philippians 4:9? Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.? Philippians 1:20-21? According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.? (21)? For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.? Conclusion:? We live in a “dark world.”? A world darkened by sin and wickedness.? A dark world where right has become the enemy and wrong the friend.? The Word of God will Faithfully Guide the believer from beginning to end.? The Word of God is our Friend!

? Temple Baptist Church - 3-24-2024Romans 11:33-36Introduction:? A. A Biblical Interpretation before a Practical Application.? Chapters 9-11 of the Book of Romans make up what is called a Parenthetical. An insertion that acts as an explanation of additional information within the context.? 1. These chapters deal with the Nation of Israel instead of the individual.? Before these chapters, Paul has been dealing with the salvation of men or the lack there of, but chapters 9-11 deal with the Nation of Israel and their relationship to God.? 2. Chapters 9-11 all begin with the? Nation of Israel and end with the Nation of Israel. Chapter 9 shows Israel's Past; Chapter 10 shows Israel's Present; Chapter 11 shows Israel's Prophecy.? 3. Israel was and is God's chosen nation!? These chapters explain what Israel did in? chapter 9 (Rejection of their Messiah), what God is now doing with Israel in Chapter 10 (Salvation to the individual Jews who accept Christ Jesus), and Chapter 11 shows the future of the Nation? (Israel's Repentance and Return to their Messiah).? B. Paul ends this parenthetical trilogy of chapters, 9-11,? with a doxology. “Doxology,” in the Ancient Greek language is compound word:? from? δόξα,? doxa, "glory" and -λογία, -logia, "saying” or “word."? C. God is not done with Israel.? At the end of Jacob's Trouble, also called the Tribulation Period, Israel as a nation will look upon Him whom they have pierced and nationally return to their Messiah.? Zechariah 12:8-10? In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. (9) And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (10) And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.? Romans 11:25-27? 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. (26) And 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: (27) For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.? D. That is the interpretation. Chapter 11:33-36 is Israel's guarantee.? God knows what He is doing! God loves Israel and He will restore the nation back to Himself.? E. I will give three types? of wisdom found in the Bible before I look at this doxology.? 1. Worldly Wisdom:? things that we learn over the years. We gain knowledge and then learn how to apply it rightly. This worldly wisdom can be learned or experiential.? a) Learned wisdom.? It is the wise individual who seeks counsel and advice. It is a wise individual who learns from those who have already learned. When you become “know it all,” you become a foolish individual.? b) Experiential wisdom.? Though learned wisdom is the simplest way to learn, often experience is the best teacher.? 2. Spiritual Wisdom:? spiritual knowledge rightly applied. Spiritual wisdom comes from God! It can be taught by the people of God, or it can be taught by the Word of God.? a. The First Mention of wisdom in the Bible:? Exodus 28:3? And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom? I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.? b. The “spirit of wisdom” comes from God. James 1:5? If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.? 3. God's Wisdom:? The wisdom of God is an all know or omniscient wisdom. God knows all things and there are some things that? only God knows and can only be gotten from Him.? The Bible declares? that God's wisdom in infinite:? Psalms 147:5? Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.? F. Wisdom defined:? accumulated knowledge or enlightenment , the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight, the quality of being prudent and sensible.? (By my definition, wisdom is the right application of or understanding of how to use knowledge.)? G. One of the attributes of God is that of omniscience.? This is means “omni” or “all” and “science” or “knowledge.” The state of having infinite knowledge. As Dr. B. R. Lakin so put it, “Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever occurred to God?” God knows everything about everything!? H. There is a difference between having knowledge and having wisdom.? Many men of our times have had great intellect, extensive education, and yet have died without Christ! That is the most foolish thing that I can think of. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God!” Men like Confucius who have left behind a legacy of worldly wisdom have denied Christ, died lost, and are in hell today.? J. God not only has all knowledge, but He also has all wisdom!? God's knowledge and wisdom are far above that of the smartest and wisest of all men.? Isaiah 55:9? For? as? the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.? (Notice the analogy here: “as the heavens are higher than the earth.”)? K. Verse 36. Now for the application.? If God takes care of His elect nation that rejected Christ Jesus, how much the more will He take care of His children who have placed their trust in Him! I think it important that we? understand God's wisdom as we are taught biblically to trust Him in relationship to our circumstances and needs.? 1. Our Salvation is of Him -? John 6:35? And Jesus said unto them,? I am? the bread of life: he that? cometh to me? shall never hunger; and he that? believeth on me? shall never thirst. (Salvation is an act of God but it is also a choice of the individual!)? Matthew 11:28-30? Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,? and I will give you rest.? (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:? and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.? 2.? Our Circumstances are through Him - Proverbs 3:5-6? Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ? (6)? In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.? (We are often confused, humanly speaking, by the things that happen in our lives that we cannot control. Yet, the Bible is clear that we are to trust completely when we do not understand.)? Job 23:10-12? But he? knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (11) My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. (12) Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.? Matthew 6:31-34? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ? (32)? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. ? (33)? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ? (34)? Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.? (In times of uncertainty, God wants our priority to be Him, not our temporal needs. He has assured us that He knows what we need and will supply them. God wants our unwavering faith to be inn Him as He controls our circumstances.)? 3. Our Future is to Him? -? 1 John 3:1-2? Behold, 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. (2) Beloved, 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.? Conclusion:? No matter what comes, the wisdom of God is our guarantee that all will work together for good to those of us who love Him and, in the end all will be well.? 1. The Wisdom Of God Penned Down In The Bible.? 2. The Wisdom Of God Previewed In Creation.? 3. The Wisdom Of God Personified In Jesus Christ.? 4. The Wisdom Of God Performed In Salvation.? 5. The Wisdom Of God Personalized In Our Justification.? 6. The Wisdom Of God Perfected In Our Eternity.

Temple Baptist Church - 3-13-2024John 14:7-15? Introduction:? A.? I used the title “Passing The Torch” because of an example that many of us older folks possibly remember.? When the Summer Olympics was ready to start some years ago, I remember that the torch that was to light the Olympic Torch at the beginning of the games was carried by individual runners who passed a lite torch from one runner to another until the job was done.? B.? John, chapter 14 shows the same thing spiritually.? The hearts of the disciples are troubled about the absence of the Lord but now Jesus lets them know that the work is theirs to maintain.? C.? Lets look at the introductory verse of this chapter.? ? John 14:1? Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.? 1.? “Ye believe in God” speaks of God their belief in the Father.? God the Father did what He needed to do to redeem and restore mankind.? John 3:16-17? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.? (17)? For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.? a.? The Father sent His Son, heaven's Glory, Jesus Christ who never knew sin to become sin for us.? The Way, the Truth, and the Life.? The Creator of all that is.? The almighty Jehovah God of the Old Testament.? ? b.? The Father place His divine approval upon Christ Jesus when He spoke these words: “And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)? And again in Matthew 17:5, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”? 2.? “Believe also in me” speaks of Jesus Christ, Israel's Messiah.? Jesus Christ went to the Jew first through the Gospel.? He never set foot outside of Israel!? The Father sent Jesus Christ to pay the price of sin in full.? Paid In Full is a term that we all know and revel in.? The “burning of the note!”? a.? Jesus Christ suffered everything that we suffer as He got hungry, tired, spit upon, scourged, shame, and would be nailed on the cross like the two thieves He died with.? b.? Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God would become SIN for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.? Philippians 2:6-8? Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:? (7)? But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:? (8)? And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.? Hebrews 12:2? Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.? D.? Then, it was the disciples turn to “put their hand to the plough!”? ? John 14:12? Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do? shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.? 1.? God the Father loved the World and gave His Son.? 2.? Jesus Christ died for the sin of the World.? 3.? Now, the message of salvation needs to be spread to the World through the believers.? Matthew 28:16-20? Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.? (17)? And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.? (18)? And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.? (19)? Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:? (20)? 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. Amen.? These men turned the World upside down.? Acts 17:6? And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;? E.? Now, it is OUR turn.? 2 Corinthians 5:17-19? Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.? (18)? And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;? (19)? To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.? 1.? Our turn to show and present the Gospel.? a) As salt and light through our good works which they shall behold and glorify our Father which is in heaven.? b)? to plant and water the seed of the Gospel to everyone that we come into contact with.? Matthew 5:13-16? Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.? (14)? Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.? (15)? Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.? (16)? Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.? ? 2.? Our turn to send men of God to the world through raising, and commissioning those whom God calls.? (Acts 13)? ? The Lord's Prayer Request.? Matthew 9:35-38? And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.? (36)? But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.? (37)? Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;? (38)? ? Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.? 3.? Our turn to support through prayer and giving those who surrender to God's call and go.? 2 Corinthians 8:1-5? Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;? (2)? How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.? (3)? For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;? (4)? Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.? (5)? And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.? Philippians 4:14-19? Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.? (15)? Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.? (16)? For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.? (17)? Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.? (18)? But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.? (19)? But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

That’s what we called them, anyway, when we were young. Little flying creatures with “tail-lights.” Here are a few interesting facts about these little bugs, miraculous creations of our great God … Their flashing “lights” are used to send signals, messages actually! To ward off an enemy. To attract a mate. Even to mark off […]

Reflections on 250 Years of “Amazing Grace”Tyler JohnsonMon, 11/20/2023 - 01:22 On New Year's Day 1773, John Newton preached from 1 Chronicles 17:16–17. It was during this message that Newton introduced to his congregation a special song—arguably the most well-known hymn of all time—“Amazing Grace.”In 2023, some two-hundred fifty years since “Amazing Grace” was first sung, the message of God's grace is still powerfully ministering through this hymn to people all over the world. But why? Why has “Amazing Grace“ resonated within the hearts of so many since its writing?Deliverance from Spiritual DarknessYou may know that the lyrics to “Amazing Grace” were birthed out of personal testimony. When Newton was just six years old, he lost his mother to tuberculosis, and at only eleven years of age, he joined his father at sea. In years to come, Newton's life took a sharp downward trajectory as he participated in the slave trade, transporting people from the African continent.It was during a particularly stormy journey from Africa to Europe in 1748 that Newton, fearing for his life, began reading the Scriptures and contemplating his faith in God in an attempt to find some comfort for his soul. Although his mother had died early in his life, she had instilled in his heart a scriptural foundation that John remembered then, even within the darkness of the slave trade. God did rescue Newton and the entire crew in that storm. But more significantly, it was through this experience that Newton placed his faith in Christ as his Savior.Newton eventually rejected the ills of the slave trade and became a respected voice in his day against the evils of slavery. Ultimately, he pursued a ministry life in the small English town of Olney.It was in Olney that Newton worked together with his friend William Cowper to produce the well-known collection Olney Hymns. It was in this book that “Amazing Grace” was first published.? The song “Amazing Grace” was birthed against the backdrop of the personal testimony of John Newton and God's great salvation from sin. Light is more readily appreciated in contrast with darkness. Goodness is seen more vibrantly in the face of evil. The beauty of God's grace is demonstrated more dramatically against the ugliness of sin. Shortly before Newton's death, he said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”? On Newton's tombstone is the following inscription: “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”Delivery of Scriptural DoctrineScriptural worship always begins with properly understood truth. Truth ought to be the driver of our affections and should generate a response within the heart and life of the believer. These responses—whether of praise, surrender, giving, or serving—are the sacrifices of worship we offer to God.? The essential nature of truth in our worship is seen in Jesus' words in John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”It is the beautiful communication of truth in “Amazing Grace” that has made it resonate so deeply in the hearts of Christians over the centuries. We sing in this hymn the wonderful realities we as Christians hold dear: the depth of our sin; the richness of Christ's grace and love; the comfort of God's presence, goodness, and care in our lives; and the ultimate hope for the believer in Heaven with God for all of eternity.? The truths expressed in “Amazing Grace” are ultimately a reminder of the unlimited reach of God's grace in our salvation. This is reminiscent of the apostle Paul's encouragement in 1 Corinthians 6:11: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”Intergenerational Timelessness of TruthGreat songs are not relegated to a specific time period. In fact, wonderful and doctrinally rich songs communicating truth from God's Word can and are being written today.? Even so, I am appreciative of the heritage that we as believers have in many great songs of the faith. One of the enduring values of a hymn like “Amazing Grace” is that it appropriately and excellently expresses truth about Who our God is, what He has done and desires to do, and what He has given us in Scripture. When we as believers understand these truths and the immeasurable value of our personal relationship with God, our hearts overflow with a desire to sing praise to God.There is great beauty in multiple generations participating in singing corporately to the Lord. “Amazing Grace” contains timeless truth through which both the old and the young, the time-tested Christian and the new believer, and those of any and all cultural and ethnic backgrounds can participate in worshiping the Lord.Isn't that the heart of God's grace? God loved the world (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:4–5, 1 John 4:10), He gave His Son for the world (Luke 19:10, John? 1:17, John 3:16), He extends His grace to the world (Luke? 19:10, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 2:4–9), and He desires “that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17, Romans 5:8–11, 2 Peter 3:9).May our hearts rest in and be refreshed by His amazing grace, and may we be encouraged to share the story of God's grace with the world!Editor's note: To hear a special 250-year anniversary arrangement of "Amazing Grace," performed by the West Coast Baptist College Choir and directed by Tyler Johnson, click here. Category Music Ministry Tags Music Music Ministry Grace

? Temple Baptist Church - 3-3-2024Genesis 1:1-4? Introduction:? ? A.? I love the Book of Genesis or Beginnings.? ? 1.? “In the beginning God” is the most profound and important statement in the Bible!? Without God, man is nothing with no purpose and no hope.? ? 2.? The Bible is a “God Book” as our Lord said in both Psalms and Hebrews, “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me!”? It matters not what man says nor what man thinks.? If he contradicts the Bible, he is wrong.? B.? There is another “landmark” of the faith that I want to deal with this morning.? We have dealt with the landmarks of the Scripture, Sanctuary, Salvation, and Sovereignty, but one of the most important and neglected of all doctrines is that of Biblical Sanctification.? ? C.? The Doctrine of Biblical Sanctification is so important that the Bible mentions it first!? In Geneses, chapter 1, we see that God set the precedent of sanctification along with the definition of it.? God left no doubt or place for argument.? In verse 4, we find the Doctrine of Sanctification: “and God divided the light from the darkness!”? The light of God dispelled the darkness of this world.? Here, we find the first Biblical sanctification, is caused by division, which demands separation.? D.? In verse one, God created the first heaven, our atmosphere, and the earth.? In the beginning, we find that darkness shrouded the earth.? “Without form, and void.”? Darkness preceded light.? The darkness was upon the face of the deep.? E.? Darkness was before light but when God introduced light (notice I said introduced and not created), it dispelled the darkness.? The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.? And God said, “Let there be light!”? This was not natural light nor was it a man-made light.? It was the light of God.? ? In 1 John 1:5, the Bible declares that God is perfect light as He has no darkness at all.? 1 Timothy 6:15-16? Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;? (16)? Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.? 1 John 1:5? This 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.? F.? In verse 4 of Genesis 1, We find the First Mention of the word “good.”? God declared the light to be good with the unsaid truth that darkness was not good as it obscured what God had made to be seen.? God divided light from darkness.? G.? Thus, we find Biblically that God created sanctification, separation, and division.? ? 1.? I know that this introduction is a little long, but we need to understand that God will not compromise, and it is He that brings division which brings about separation.? ? 2.? God loves sinners and hates sin.? God loves good and He hates bad.? Period!? ? 3.? Today, sanctification and division have been given a bad name by both worldly lost and religious lost.? But too often by God's children as they try to co-exist in peace with the world.? ? 4.? This cannot be done without compromise and the world does not compromise.? The world's take on sanctification is that doctrine is bad because it divides while love is good because it unifies.? ? 5.? The question now needs to be asked, “What does doctrine divide and what does love unify?”? Doctrine divides Godly from ungodly while a love without truth unifies the ungodly against the godly.? H.? Sanctification is Separation!? The word means to be set aside from something for a purpose.? Sanctification is Division!? God created both sanctification and division and in the end analysis, said that it was very good!? ? 1.? I feel that I need to make a point that the world does not like and that is compromise.? The world teaches that both side in conflict need to give somewhat.? We hear a lot about arbitration which is compromise.? 2.? Do not think for one second that God will compromise in order to bring about a peaceful solution!? Matthew 10:34-35? Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.? (35)? For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.? 3.? By the same token, God does not want His children to compromise what the Bible is clear on.? J.? Sanctification which brings division which brings separation is a Landmark that God, through the Bible has set!? It is not the believer who set the precedent, it is God, and the Bible is clear upon the subject.? Now, let us look at sanctification for a few minutes.? ? 1.? Salvation's Sanctification.? This is something that God does!? There are three distinct areas of sanctification in the life of every believer:? a.? It is Positional Sanctification - 1 Corinthians 1:30? But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:? ? 2 Corinthians 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.? At the moment of salvation, the believer is set apart from the world positionally through Jesus Christ.? He is the believer's sanctification.? We are baptized into Christ who is both perfect and eternal and therefore remain secure!? b.? It is Perpetual or Permanent Sanctification -? 1 John 3:1-2? Behold, 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.? (2)? Beloved, 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.? 2.? Personal or Practical Sanctification.? Something that we do!? ? Romans 12:1-2? I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.? (2)? And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.? 1 Peter 1:15? But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.? ? a.? The Believer is the separate from the world.? 1 John 1:5-7? This 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.? (6)? If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:? (7)? 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.? When we are saved, we remain just a sinner saved by the grace of God.? As we mature in the Lord and grow in our faith, we are being constantly changed by both the Spirit of God who indwells us and the Word of God that teaches and guides us.? John 17:17? Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.? b.? The Believer is to be the light of the world.? ? Matthew 5:14-16? Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.? (15)? Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.? (16)? Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.? 2 Corinthians 4:3-4? But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:? (4)? In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.? 3.? ? Doctrinal Sanctification.? Something that we do!? Romans 16:17? Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.? ? a.? We are to preach sound doctrine.? Sound means something that is not weakened or flawed.? ? 2 Timothy 4:2-3? Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.? (3)? For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;? b.? We are to practice sound doctrine. We are to remain doctrinally sound and separated.? ? Romans 16:17? Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.? 4.? Ecclesiastical Sanctification.? Something that we do!? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18? Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,? And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.? a.? Denominationalism lends itself to unbiblical unions.? Our church is not to be yoked in any manner with other churches that are liberal or apostate. You are who you hold hands with spiritually.? ? b.? One may think they are straight but if they are supporting or affiliated with liberal churches, they are liberal!? That's why Bible churches were independent and autonomous!? ? Conclusion:? Sanctification or Separation or Division of a right kind is an act of God!? The believer MUST love the sinner but not the sin and this requires (by God) Biblical Sanctification!

? Temple Baptist Church - 2-25-2024Psalm 119:65-72? Introduction: Psalm 119 is broken down into 22 stanzas with each stanza represented by one of the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza contains 8 verses with each verse beginning with the Hebrew letter that begins the stanza. An acrostic. A total of 176 verses elaborating upon the blessing of the Word of God and its intended work in the life of the believer. Absolutely the work of God!? A. Tonight, TETH? ט? – the 9th? letter of the Hebrew alphabet.? 1. TETH is an interesting letter as it is another one of those with a double meaning.? 2. It is what is called a paradoxical letter or, in our day, an oxymoron: two conflicting terms used together to convey a truth.? TETH can mean bad or good at the same time.? The letter looks somewhat like a woman great with child and the oxymoron is that pain is used to bring forth a beautiful child.? John 16:20-22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. (21) A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. (22) And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.? A sweet sorrow. A fine mess. A deafening silence. Clearly confused. Pretty ugly. Same difference. One of my favorites: jumbo shrimp. The list could go indefinitely but now we have an idea of what the Hebrew letter TETH does. It conveys conflicting thoughts that bring about a truth.? 3. TETH is the least used of the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Therefore, it will be easier to define using Scripture.? 4. Example: The first use of the letter TETH is found in Genesis 4:1. In this verse, we find light that is good and darkness which is not that is not good. God divided the light from the darkness, thereby making a distinction.? Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.? 5. Example: Though God is good, He ultimately controls both good and evil through potential and allowance He made both men and angels free moral agents, having the potential for both good and evil along with allowing them to make the choice.? Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.? B. The key word in this 9th? stanza is “afflicted,” found in these two verses: 67 and 71. In these two verses, we find that affliction is the result of chastisement! The oxymoron is that affliction brings about chastisement, which is not viewed as good, but brings about a desired end-result of restoration to God which is good.? C. A right relationship to the Word of God brings about acceptance and spiritual growth through chastisement.? 1. Verse 65. The Psalmist commends God for doing both right and well in His dealing with sinfulness in the saint. This chastisement is according to Scripture and is both right and necessary. The New Testament example is this:? Hebrews 12:6-13 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (7) If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (8) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (9) Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? (10) (11) (12) Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; (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.? 2. Verse 66. Chastisement is a “teaching moment” for the child of God. As our loving parents corrected us so as to make us good people and citizens, so our heavenly Father corrects us and is a sign of love.? Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.? 3. Verse 67. The Psalmist went astray before God chastised him but the chastening brought him back to obedience to the Word of God.? Hebrews 6:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.? 4. Verse 68. The declaration that the parent who chastises his children is both good and doing a good thing.? Hebrews 6:11? Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.? 5. Verses 69-70. When the unsaved saw the saint do according to the sinful, they denounced him by saying, “We knew his religion would not last. You see, he is just like us.” But the backslidden saint was not like them though his actions may have looked to be so. The chastening hand of the Lord was upon the sinful saint and turned him back to both obedience to and delight of God's commandments.? 6. Verse 71. Chastening, which seems bad was a good thing in the eyes of the saint. I thank God for a Dad and Mom who loved me enough to make me do right and developed within me what character that I have today.? Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.? 7. Verse 72. The chastened now fully understood the importance of obedience and the love of a loving God. The end result of chastening is to fully establish God's Word and to mold the child of God in a godly manner.? Conclusion: I thank God for His chastening hand which brings about holiness and restoration to a place of fellowship!