We Would See Jesus Saved Pt 4 Introduction John 12:20–28 20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.  22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.  25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.  This is the final instalment of the short series titled “Saved”. A series that began to address the heresy circulating today that Salvation is Conditional upon the acts or beliefs of the individual AFTER he has been “Saved”. Such a belief not only destroys the effective ministry and joy of those who are saved, it denies all that the Bible teaches concerning both the Gospel and Jesus Christ himself. Who he is. Why He Came What He Did Wherefore He Lives. While most Christians who truly are saved do not hold to this idea, most however yet live not truly understanding all the joy contained in the gospel related to those four points noted. The do not yet truly “see Jesus”, but retain a focus on themselves.  The struggle with the flesh being primary. Therefore in this final instalment my greatest desire is that you might “see Jesus”, to know; Who he is. Why He Came What He Did Wherefore He Lives. That you might live that full life of victory IN HIM ALONE. That you might EXAGGERATE JESUS, and diminish self. That ‘he might increase’ and that ‘you might decrease’ (Jn 3:30) The context of the passage is clear. Timing of this enquiry is just after the triumphal entry of Christ and before his crucifixion.  Here we have some gentiles, people like you and I, that have approached Phillip, one of the disciples of Jesus, to ask after him; “Saying, Sir, we would see Jesus”. It is framed not so must as a request but nor is it a demand, it is more of an expectation, “Sir we would see Jesus”. Perhaps they had only heard of him buy the hearing of the ear, perhaps they were there seeing Jesus approach unto the gates of the city sitting upon the ass, watching as the jews all cried saying “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (v 13) Perhaps they were around when Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, or when Mary anointed his feet with costly oil and wiped with here hair, we do not know. But we do know that immediately after the desire of the gentiles to see Jesus was told him, the King of Israel, the Lord of lords, Jesus Christ responded with a recognition of the nearness of the culmination of his life purpose;  “saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (V23-24) There is no indication in the text that the gentiles were given an audience with Jesus, for Salvation was first to be presented to the Jews before he can be presented to the world of the gentiles. Nevertheless, the request rings in our ears; “We would see Jesus”. It was March 2009 and I was standing behind a lectern in a funeral chapel, it was up to me to begin the audio visual presentation that

Exodus 21-12-2025 Isaiah 43:5–7  5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; 7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. The more we see the Bible come alive in these days the more we grow in confidence that the Book truly is true. There is an EXODUS among the Jews that has been growing steadily since Israel became a nation in 1948 but seems certainly to be accelerating in these last days.  As we witness this, we also understand it translates directly to the nearness of the coming of Christ for his Church. The more we see the last days events manifesting before our eyes, the more we realise that the window for the coming of Christ for his Church is narrowing. One Exodus is Israel coming out of the World and into his land as he came out of Egypt thousands of years earlier. The OTHER Exodus will be the Church from the earth when Jesus comes for his bride. Joseph was only 17 years of age when his brothers sold him into slavery.  He was 30 years of age when the dreams he dreamed began to be realised as he rose to become second in charge of the world empire in Egypt. Nine years later his brethren bowed down to him as they sought for food for Israel. Joseph was 39 years of age when his family came to join him in Egypt.  God had a plan and a purpose, still being revealed. For some 400 years they were troubled by the Egyptians, never suffered to remain too comfortable, for that was not their home. It is interesting how the Bible often presents the World as a picture of Egypt, and how the Jews, having been in exile since the great DIASPORA, have never been suffered to get too comfortable.  God took them out of Egypt with a strong hand. God seems to be taking them out from among the people of the world today. 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; One Exodus is the blessings of the Jews from among the people of the world. What will happen to the world when its blessing is removed? The other EXODUS will be the Church from the earth, what will transpire on the Earth when the Church is taken out of the world? Revelation 3:10 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. You have a purpose beloved, a role that you are going to play, are you willing to trust him as you witness his work in the world understood through his WORD? Exile Prophesied  Exile Prolonged Exodus Pronounced Exodus Pressed Exodus Purposed Exile Prophesied  Luke 19:41–44 41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, 42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. 43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, 44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. The Jews were held accountable to know the timing of the coming of Christ when he came for them the first time.  The consequence of their rejection of him has come to be known as The Great Diaspora (Diaspora, is a greek word that simply means “Dispersion”). John wrote; John 1:10–11 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. A time would come shortly after when a prince would

God Will Toward Men Luke 2:1–14 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. God had done everything to show good will toward men from the moment he clothed Adam and Eve with coats of skin teaching them that only by the shedding of innocent blood will their sin be covered, to when he called Abram out of the Ur of the Caldees and choose out a people to himself to reveal God to the world. Through saving this people via a great famine then bringing them out of severe bondage in Egypt by revealing his great power to the world and into the land he had promised to Abraham centuries earlier. He made a nation out of a disobedient and gainsaying people, a people who continued to backslide from God even from the begining.  God set up for them the kingdom as they desired. He overlooked their desire to replace God for a King like all the nations and worked his plan of redemption for the world through that desire for a King to rule over them. The first King was merely a reflection of the people.  But God sought for a man after his own heart and called David out of Bethlehem, a lad who became the giant slayer and would rule his people well for 40 years. Every king from that time forth was measured in comparison to David.  The wars he fought precluded him from building a temple to the Lord. Blood was upon his hands and he, as a man of war, was not suited to build the temple of peace. This would come by a prince of peace, the son of David, King Solomon. A young man who prayed not for fame nor fortune, but for wisdom that he may lead the people well whom God had given him charge.  And God added to the wisdom he gave to Solomon, fame and fortune he did not ask for.  God adding Glory to the the King who would build his Temple was fitting, for it would not be a poor man in want that would represent the eternal abundance of God, but a man renowned and filled with riches as well as wisdom that would build this wonderful house of prayer. But not even this earthly king would keep the calling of God, his backsliding as renowned as his wisdom and wealth. Though he turned his heart back to the Lord, the son who came after him would split the kingdom through his vanity and pride. From that time forth, no matter how many prophets came to the kingdom, the people continued to wrestle against God their Saviour. A promise however would be given them, a great promise deep in the Old Testament, a promise of GOOD TIDINGS, a promise of coming GREAT JOY and peace, even to ALL PEOPLE, iden

Saved Pt 2: Bewitched Galatians 3:1–5 1 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? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. It is evident that Paul does not mince his words in his letter to the Churches of Galatia. He does not wish in any way that his own words would become muddled nor misinterpreted. It is clear he believes the churches of Galatia have been “bewitched”, a strong word that alludes to a level of deception far more sinister than any ordinary lie, one that has contained within it a far darker rendering. The word is employed elsewhere only in reference to the sorceries of Simon who greatly “bewitched the people of Samaria” in Acts 8:9-11. Paul refers to the churches of Galatia as “foolish” for being so easily bewitched, 1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, He refers to them again as ‘foolish’ in verse 3, 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? In this he makes it clear that they are not in obedience to “the truth” in that first verse. He claims that before their own eyes “Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among” them.  What is it that they have turned to? Who is it that has troubled them with “another gospel”? What is that other gospel he refers to in the first chapter? “Which is not another” (Gal 1:6-7). Galatians 1:6–7 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. A Conditional Salvation is what Paul is referring to. One that ultimately depends upon you, which is CLEARLY NOT GOOD NEWS. It is Not “another gospel” Paul refers to the nature of that other gospel in his rhetorical questions of verse 2-3;  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? Beloved the ONLY argument that can affirm any form of conditional salvation is based purely on a doctrine of works.  This is quite literally the ONLY other option, which is not another. Why? Because works cant save you, thats why. Jesus said…, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 Any person that believes salvation can be lost for any reason while living the course of this life, are stating that ultimately THEY THEMSELVES are the “way, the truth, and the life”. Jesus was just some strange introduction that must have died for our past sins but now its up to me. It is little wonder that Paul refers to it as a damnable heresy, even “another gospel” in the first chapter. Turn there with me so we can see this to be clear. Galatians 1. (Brethren, before we conclude this introduction, the one element that I find in dealing with this matter is that those who believe you can lose your salvation cannot see that the only alternative left to them is a doctrine of WORKS. They don’t seem to see it that way however. They deny that that is what they believe but they cant seem to frame it or explain it. Those who try to do so end up making the greatest complexity of how a man can be saved. Completely contrary to Paul speaking of “the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Cor 11:3). What is that simplicity? “Believe on the Lor

A Simple Trust Matthew 18:1–14 1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. “Who is the greatest…?”. It is the trust of a child that is the greatest. A simple trust, a simple faith. One that believes simply that which is being told them by he who is true and good. It is interesting in the contrast of what God values compare to man. Man things that some great act will glorify them in heaven and yet God lifts up those who a simple faith, a simple trust.  They who will believe him at his word are they who are lifted up, not they to attend to any great act. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Not just greatness, entry itself is barred to the man or woman who presumes a prideful right to heaven. It is the humility of a child that measures qualification.  We are to “become as little children” else “ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven”.  Jesus makes it plain in verse 4; 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. What we see here is the infinite value in which God places a child like faith, a simple trust in his words. For some reason this is valued above all else, nothing else seems to matter more. In fact, mankind is BARRED FROM HEAVEN without such a simple trust. No its not a perfect life that he values. For “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). It is not any goodness in us that he would honour to life eternal, for “there is none good, no not one” “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable” (Rom 3:12). We have ALL thought that heaven is gained by goodness and its fascinating to see that Jesus, the one who’s very purpose statement is found in verse 11 of our text here in Matthew 18, believes that the man is found ONLY when he knows he is lost…and becomes like a child before God. The thought shines an interesting light on that famous passage in Matthew 10:39 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 1 For the Son of m

Baptism: All Righteousness Fulfilled. Reading of Matthew 3:5-17 A theologian named Augustine of Hippo, born in the mid 4th century, identified a fascinating reality respecting the Bible as a whole, and he summarised it in a saying that is still applied to this very day. “The New Testament is in the Old Testament Concealed; The Old Testament is in the New Testament Revealed” That is that much that we find in the Old Testament is either revealed or fulfilled perfectly in the New Testament. This is precisely what we find respecting our understanding of Baptism. Turn in your Bibles to Acts 8:37 Vs 36, “What doth hinder me to be baptised?” was the question of the high official of Ethiopia, under Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians.   Immediately we are struck by the answer, for the only portion of the scriptures that we understand him having may be limited to “Esaias the prophet” (v28). It was from here that we also read Phillip, beginning “at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (v35). If this were all he had we might ask where did he come to the conclusion of Baptism? Allow me to provide a few indicators; Isaiah 1:16 16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Isaiah 4:4 4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. Isaiah 12:3 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. See also Isa 44:3, 52:15, 55:1, 35:6-7, 41:17-18, 43:2, 44:4, 58:11, 32:15, 45:8. While these do not all present a clear picture of Baptism as we know it, they all have a link to water and redemption.  Isaiah 44:3 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: Isaiah 45:8 8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. “If thou beleivest with all thine heart” came the the answer of Phillip the evangelist verse 37. Thus we are given the conditional answer to one of the most pertinent questions respecting Baptism.  The first is the recognition of the “hinderance” or a condition for Baptism, (“What doth hinder me…?” being the question that reveals it.)  The second being the answer acknowledging both the truth of the hinderance together with the condition that would remove it, “if thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest”. And hereby we begin to understand that Baptism is NOT for everyone.  The answer by Phillip excludes clearly all people who do not believe in their hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord. The location for the belief is in the heart, not in the head.  This testifies also that Baptism is NOT A RITUAL.  It is done with the full knowledge and awareness of the individual confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord and that “I have believed the gospel to the saving of my soul”. “I have been purified by my sin forever through the blood of Jesus Christ.” But WHY is Baptism? Why was Jesus Baptised? Matthew 3:13–17 13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. When I set myself to write this sermon respecting Baptism I found that the passage seen in Matthew 3 where Baptism is introduced to us in the New Testament, lays out an almost perfect representation of what Bapti

Final Authority Psalm 119:105–112 105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.  107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.  108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.  109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.  111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. The Word Is Light Psalm 119:130 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Isaiah 8:20 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 2 Peter 1:19 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: John 12:46 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. The World Is Darkness John 3:19 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Deuteronomy 28:25 25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth. Isaiah 59:9–12 9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. 10 We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men. 11 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us. 12 For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; 2 Corinthians 6:14 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? The CHURCH is Losing Its Light Authority Options: Expert opinion (Science, Scholars, Experts) Majority Opinion (“Extraordinary Popular Delusions and The Madness of Crowds” by Charles Mackay. First published in 1841. From the financial madness of Tulipmania and the South Sea bubbles to ‘Witch hunts’, ‘The Crusades and relics.)MediaMockeryManipulation (Covid 19)Jurisdictional (Mum and Dad, Government, Law)Feelings Fear 2 Peter 3:14–16 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.  15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Isaiah 8:20 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Jesus Christ, The Lamp, The Light, The WORD of GOD John 1:1–5 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  5 And the ligh

The Disciples Examination 1 Corinthians 4:14–21 14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.  16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.  17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.  18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.  21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? Paul takes the front foot in this last portion of 1 Cor 4, both in defence but then also in attack as he sets up his witness against those who question HIS witness as an apostle of Christ. He places the church in check and has them question themselves, examine themselves and consider his ministry consider his ministry in the light of their pride. He seems to deal much with their pride in this chapter.  The phrase “puffed up” is only found six times in the Bible, five of which are in this very letter of 1 Corinthians and out of the sixteen chapters, chapter four features it three times. It is their PRIDE that believes themselves equipped to judge, and we shall see next week that it is their sin that predisposes them to pride.  Paul needs to deal with them firmly and address this pride because of that which he needs to deal with moving forward from this changer. Paul however must first affrim both his authority as well as his integrity that they may attend to that which he expects. The overall portion of this passage could be referred to as The Disciples Examination, for Paul gives several reference points in the passage respecting faithful stewardship and the character behind it, until he ultimately reveals HOW the examination presses to the truth. He writes of the FATHERS CARE in verse 14-15, that they may know the sincerity of his affection toward them. He does so because he does not wish them to scorn his chastisement of them or to see him as an enemy, but as a father who has “begotten them through the gospel“. He writes to a LEADERS EXAMPLE in verse 16, knowing that if they would follow him as he follows Christ, they will do well. Then he references a standard by which all GOOD ministers ought to be held accountable, and that is their consistency respecting teaching the church of God. We see this employed to set up what comes next as the disciple is examined. Lastly is his test of them, The DISCIPLES EXAMINATION, Where its is not their words that are tried, but that which manifests itself through the power of God, their external witness and re-presentation of Christ. A Father’s Care 1 Corinthians 4:14–15 14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.  There are aspects of the character of the Christians in Corinth that bring questions to the mind of the apostle respecting their maturity in the things of the Lord. Paul ought to have been expecting fruit that accompanies salvation, fruit that aligns itself with a congregation that has turned from the vanity of idolatry respecting the motions of the world, to that which recognises them as disciples of Christ.  He expected unity and not division. Humility and not pride.  Meekness rather than hubris, and a focus on that which has eternal reward rather than efforts to comfort a tempo

P18 Fools For Christ 1 Corinthians 4:7–13 7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?  8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. 9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.  10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.  11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; 12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:  13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. Notice that verses 9 and 13 seem to be a parenthesis to verse 10. Both testifying to how Christians of the world are perceived by the world. Spectacle unto the world v9 We are fools for Christ’s sake v10 The filth of the world v13 An open and closed parenthesis to “fools for Christ”. Paul loved the Corinthians Churches, but when it came to exalting men he certainly had reason to rebuke them. They thought themselves wise in Christ, he believed himself and the apostles fools for Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:21 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. And for this he was willing to risk all. Spectacle To The World   1 Corinthians 4:7–9 7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?  8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.  9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.  Paul writes of the distinction between how the brethren of the Corinthians Churches think of themselves and compares that to how the apostles and those suffering for the work of the Gospel are thought of by the world. It is difficult to see if it is satire or sarcasm that Paul is employing in this passage as he attempts to bring about humility in the hearts of his self conceited brethren; 8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.  He goes on in the next verse; 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.  What seems clear is that the Corinthians Churches thought of themselves more highly than they ought to have thought. Turn back to Romans 12 It is interesting that Paul wrote to the Corinthians from Rome, but in writing to the Romans from Corinth, Paul said; 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3 Beloved, there is that remnant of the flesh that resides within all of us that likes to think of ourselves more highly than we should, we are charged however to think “soberly”, and as Paul writes, “according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” And this is how Paul begins his chastisement of them in our passage in 1 Cor 4:7. 7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, w

Pt:17. 19/10/2025 Then Shall Every Man Have Praise of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. It is Love which motivates us to obey God and Fear motivates us not to disobey God. 2 Corinthians 5:14 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: The word “Constrain” is the same as the word “motivate” (see Job 32:18-19 where it is likened to a belly ready to burst) Love motivates us to do God’s will. Fear motivates us not to disobey God. Exodus 1:17 17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. The midwives feared God more than they feared the king of Egypt, and so they did not want to disobey God. So too was the lack of fear that moved the same King to disobey God. Exodus 9:30 30 But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God. Paul is addressing the behaviour of the Corinthians respecting their wayward judgment of Paul’s ministry and he does so through the stating of basic facts that, if trusted and beleived by the people, would be praiseworthy of the Lord; then shall every man have praise of God. Paul’s first lays out the basic requirement of the Servant of God that ought to be presumed as a minimum requirement, 2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Paul was indeed a steward, and most importantly one of ONLY 12 Apostles.  Apostle Defined: He had seen the risen Christ, was called directly by Christ to attend to the work of Christ even as he was beforehand a persecutor of Christ our Lord. Any steward of ANY master ought to fear them enough not to disobey them but love them enough  to be truly “faithful” in their work. The more the steward has loving regard for his master, the more he will be naturally found faithful. Therefore; When Fear of God and love for God leads to faithfulness in God; then shall every man have praise of God. Next we see Paul’s admonishment of the Corinthians for their presumptuous judgments of him.  We do not have a clear understanding of what it was that they seemed to have rashly judged of Paul, its seems that it was not actions but motives, for we are ALL called to judge actions but none can judge motives. MOTIVE defined: Is a reason for doing something, an underlying incentive that drives a persons actions. NONE of us are qualified to judge any persons motive, only God can justly do so. Whatever it was which the Corinthians Churched judged of Paul, we can see at least that they were overconfident in their judgment: Wise in their own conceit.  We recognise this because not even Paul thought himself qualified to judge his own motives. I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; These are some of the areas of our own lives we need the Lord to search us out diligently. We often think our motives are pure, but it takes a deep and humble searching of our own hearts as we ask him to “see if there be any wicked way in me” (Ps 139:24). You may surprise yourself beloved! And so,  Fear & Love For God LOOKS to His Judgement in HIS Time then shall every man have praise of God. When Paul states emphatically “Therefore judge nothing before the time” in v5, we become even more confident that he is not speaking of matters that we 

The Right Side of the Divide Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15  Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-18 Introduction: So much of our ministry at Hope Baptist Church is committed to the word of God…and whetting people’s appetite for the word of God. Our earnest desire is that people grow in the grace and knowledge of their Lord and Saviour and that…through the word of God. Continuing on from my previous message: “Appreciation for the Scriptures” today’s message deals with:  DOCTRINE and RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of God. INTERPRETATION and gaining a better understanding of the word of God.  Today’s text (v15) comes as part of an exhortation from Paul to Timothy…and not only an exhortation but a warning also.  It’s an exhortation to continue and grow in the grace of God which is in Christ.  It’s an exhortation to follow the example set by Paul himself.  It’s an exhortation to instruct others who will likewise be able to teach.  It’s an exhortation to endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ… It’s an exhortation to make the gospel the sole focus of his life and remind others of the same.  And in so doing to avoid vain babblings which are of no profit but rather subvert the hearers…and not only are they unprofitable, but they also have the potential to overthrow the faith of some. Clearly these are serious warnings. And warnings that apply to us all… Verse 15 of our text sits right in the middle of the exhortation and gives us the means by which to heed the warning and avoid the pitfalls and to fulfill the commission given by Paul to Timothy.   The means is to “Study” and to “Rightly divide the word of truth.”  Underpinning the seriousness of the charge should come the realisation: THAT DOCTRINE MATTERS  When we talk about dividing and divisions, many things come to mind.  We see divisions among believers addressed in 1 Corinthians (We will look at this in our second point).  Incredibly we see that the word of God itself…divides.  We have to realise that there is no such thing as NEUTRALITY when it comes to the word of God. Jesus said if you are not with me, you are against me. “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matthew 12:30) SO YES…the word of God does divide: Jesus came NOT to bring peace but a sword…a two-edged one at that. We see that right from the beginning when God spoke this universe into existence, he DIVIDED light from darkness.  And God saw the light, that it was good: and God DIVIDED the light from the darkness. Genesis1:4 And in like manner the word of God divides light from darkness in the believer.  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness [A REFERENCE TO CREATION], hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2Corinthians 4:6 Again: DOCTRINE MATTERS!!! And because DOCTRINE does divide and it is imperative that you be on… THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DIVIDE. This is the title of today’s message and my personal exhortation to you today. Let’s pray 🙏 The Requirement of Study: “Study to shew…” Our text today tells us to study…and right off the bat I’m going to highlight the deficiencies and perversions of modern versions which go out of their way to avoid the concept of study.  “Do your best…” NIV “Make every effort…” NET “Be diligent” NASB, NKJV “Work hard” NLT “Do your best to win God’s approval” CEV “Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple” The Message Looking at these examples, you’d almost think that there was a deliberate effort being made to steer believers away from studying the word of God and you’d be right . I’m certain that Satan doesn’t want us to study our bibles.  The commandment of sc

Pt 7 The Persecuted The Persecuted Matthew 5:10 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It looked like the letter j, a short wide hook with a dot atop the vertical line of the letter, but it was in fact the Arabic letter ‘nun’ (’n’), the letter that begins the word “Nazarene”. It was marked upon every home and business where it was suspected Christians dwelt. It was placed there in the summer of 2014 when the Islamic State made their way across Syria and Northern Iraq. The goal was to eradicate Christianity from every nation in which the radical extremist Islamic terror Group called Islamic State, or ISIS for short, invaded. “Pray the Shahada and convert to Islam, Pay the Jizya (Tax on non Muslims), Leave the country, or die”. These were the four alternatives that were offered, but only if they were lucky. Most often only the first and last option were given by the second rate soldiers. (Pray the Shahada or die) Most often there was not an Imam or a learned man in the midst of the soldiers to correctly provide all four options according to Islamic Law, and so many were killed. Fire, Crucifixion, Stoning or Decapitation were the forms by which the lives of the righteous were taken. I saw many of the images, for a man not desensitised by graphic video games and movies, it was disturbing. In June 2014, as Isis made its way in the stifling summer heart across Syria and Iraq, the options were given in full to many Christians, and over 100,000 Christians chose to leave everything behind, rather than convert to Islam. These are they whom the Bible refers to as “of whom the world was not worthy” (Heb 11:28). Richard Wurmbrand, the founder of The Voice of The Martyrs organisation which helps and reports on persecution of Christians around the world, wrote; “We are not all called to die a martyrs death, but we are all called to live a martyr’s life”. Definition Persecution: “The unfair, cruel, or abusive treatment of an individual or group over a prolonged period for beliefs which differ from those of the persecutor.” The Blessedness Identified. The Persecuted Set Aside. The Righteous Ones Identified. The Blessed Ones Now Unified pray The Blessedness Identified. Matthew 5:10 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Is it my fault? It is difficult at times to know why it is that people come against you.  Sometimes it is a family member, sometimes it is one that you believed was a close friend. Sometimes it is a person you once greatly respected.  And from what seems to be out of no where, they hate you. Is it my fault? You begin to question your self and to ask how it can be that such things are coming upon me. What did I do wrong? Why am I being maligned? Why do they hate me so? When it comes from a world that advertises its hatred is one thing, but when it comes from those who profess to share your faith it is quite another. Is it my fault? In the west we are not yet persecuted as they are in other nations, not yet.  In the west we seem to be persecuted emotionally rather than physically.  I am not yet sure which I prefer.  Emotional assaults, (especially by those you might love), are assaults on the mind and break the heart.  The mind begins to question itself, seeking why it is that such is coming against you. Confusion begins to take hold and it is not difficult to ask yourself the question, IS IT MY FAULT? The most painful of all the experiences is complete disillusionment, “how can this happen?” “Why did this happen?”.  Disillusionment leads to confusion, confusion leads to a questioning of your own sanity, the questioning can lead either to depression or bitterness. But the scriptures give answer; Ephesians 6:12 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalitie

Pt 6 The Peacemaker Matthew 5:9 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Peacemakers are they who apply all their ability to bring peace between fueding parties, whether than be between themselves and others or as an intermediary between others. These are makers of peace and their state is blessed. Conversely there are they who are sowers of strife, sowers of division, the worst are they who sow division between brethren which is hated of the Lord (Prov 6:12-19). Whether it be dividers of families or dividers of them united in Christ.  If the state of the maker of peace is blessed, logically the state of the sower of division is cursed. CHOOSE to be a peacemaker with all your ability, and be blessed. The American Dictionary of the English Language, defines the noun “Peacemaker” as; – ‘One that reconciles persons when at variance’ The Oxford English Dictionary simply refers to a peacemaker as; – ‘A person who brings about peace’. The Bible gives to us a clear understanding; James 3:18 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Ephesians 4:3 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. When considering synonyms to the word they are plentiful but often limited to an intermediary; – Arbitrator, Mediator, conciliator, reconciler. The antonyms are just as helpful, opposites often well highlight the meaning of a word in question; – Instigator, troublemaker, agitator, warmonger, peacebreaker. Matthew 5:9 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. The State of the Peacemaker (Blessed) Matthew 5:9 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. We speak of these verses as a collective  and each one of them beginning the same way, and that with a single word, “Blessed”. Here we have “Blessed are the peace makers” We think of that blessed state not only in that which will be received in response to the act, but also that which is the very state of the individual in the performance of the act. HAPPY is the man who is a peace maker.  Happy is the man who does all he can to facilitate peace between people who are opposed one to the other. HAPPY is the man who does all he can to help reconcile his OWN relationship that has been broken, that ought not to be broken. It is incredible to think of the heart of those who understand that relationships are not designed by God to be in a faulty state.  We were never created to hate one another, we were all created for fellowship, for love one to another, for relationship. John 13:35 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. You CANNOT have a right relationship with God if you WILL NOT have a relationship with a brother or a sister in the Lord. 1 John 4:20 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? We were created to love one another just as much as we were created to Love God.  Peace one with another is testimony to our peace with God. SOMETHING IS WRONG! Terribly wrong, something is broken, someone lied, someone misunderstood, someone is covetous, someone sinned! The first thing we all need to realise is that it is not the design, nor the purpose of God to have division in any relationship.  Blessed are the peacemakers! If we are happiest when relationships are in peace, we are most miserable when relationships are divided! So, knowing FIRST that God would NOT be pleased in a divided state is vital to those who long to please God.  Something therefore is wrong when division occurs, we all know this. None of us are happy when there is tension in a relationship, we know something is wrong. When a component in the home does not work in accor

Pt 6 The Pure In Heart Introduction Matthew 5:8 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Charlie Kirk.  We may wonder how many pulpits around the world may feature this name in their Lords Day sermons this week. All those who are born again are the “Pure in heart”, they are they who have their sins washed away in the blood of Jesus Christ.  They are they who conscience has no more remembrance of sin.  They are they who have been given a new heart, with new affections and new desires. They are they who desire the Lord would forgive their sins daily, they are they who desire the Lord may even bring up any wicked way in them. They are they who see good as good and evil as evil. They love just judgement, and plead for justice. They see Truth as true and not opinion. They are they who know we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. They fight evil with love and proclaim the greatest love of all, that of Jesus Christ who died that they may live. They are the pure in heart…..AND THEY SHALL SEE GOD. Charlie Kirk was such a man. Charlie Kirk was the public and well known example of such people all over the world.  The assassination of Charlie Kirk is the public portrayal of a world who hates God and who, 2000 years ago, crucified their own HOPE. Jonah 2:8 8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. Throughout history “the pure in heart” have lost their lives by those who “forsake their own mercy” as they did when they crucified their saviour. Throughout history “the pure in heart” have given their lives to proclaim the gospel of hope and for such work they too are slain, and today “see God”. But the gospel cannot be killed. The truth cannot become untrue. Good can never be evil. The bitter can never be sweet And Light can never be darkness Purity can never be defiled. These are not vain words that sound nice, they are not on a SCALE. There is no MORAL EQUIVALENCE respecting how the Bible presents the “Pure”, the moment there is any impurity it is no longer pure.  The murder of Charlie Kirk does not kill the gospel, to the contrary, it enflames it! The Crucifixion of Christ transformed the world. For two thousand years the lives of “the pure in heart” have been taken away for the hope of the Gospel.  No, they were not public figures.  No, Charlie Kirk was not greater than they. They are the nameless martyrs of history who this day ASLO see God. And their martyrdom inspired those around them to be bolder in their faith, to be courageous. To proclaim the truth, to stand for justice and to hold the world to account because CHRIST IS COMING TO JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD. They are they for whom “The world was not worthy”, they fulfilled their calling just as Charlie Kirk did, and today they all “see God”. Charlie was a unique man risen up by God for God’s own purpose, and just as Sampson slew more philistines by his death than in his life, so too I believe Charlie’s death will inspire multitudes more to proclaim the Gospel’s truth. The Sermon Today is simply titled; The Pure In Heart How I pray it would be an encouragement. Pray. The Pure See The Holy The Pure See The Evil. The Pure See The Righteous The Pure Shall See God The Pure In Heart See The Holy Matthew 5:8 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God Purity throughout the scriptures relates to that which is untainted, perfect, without blemish, unadulterated, perfect.  It is represented directly 97 times in the Bible so it is not difficult to glean an understanding as to the meaning and it is this meaning that is vital for us to gain an awareness of who it is that is spoken about in this passage, for “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God”. Of the 97 occurrences of the word, 40 of them relate to the purity of Gold.  Gold has been in the headlines again in the last

Trusting The Father Trust In The Father Proverbs 3:1–12 1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 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.  7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.  9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.  11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. This is the writing of a father to a son, to look to The Father for the benefit of the son. Solomon, the author of the Proverbs, writing most likely to the son who will claim the throne when he dies, Rehoboam. As to the willingness of the son to trust the father in his words, we gather that he did not.  It is a story similarly (but not always) repeated throughout history in dynasties and businesses around the world; the Kingdom is established in the 1st generation, expanded upon in the second generation and lost in the third generation. The Kingdom was established in David, Expanded upon in Solomon and almost completely lost in Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, grandson of David. The Counsel of Solomon was not trusted by the son, and the nation of Israel was divided, only a remnant was left, and only due to the promise of God to David the king. The lack of trust in the father in one generation affected a nation for many generations. One of the greatest burdens of a father is that he may have the trust of his Children.  If he is a wise man and fears the Lord, he is a man worthy of your respect and trust, and he will then lead you, as Solomon did his son, to  5 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. .  But we also learn from this account. Perhaps it was Solomons own later life of backsliding that was witnessed by his son that caused the son not to trust God the Father. We have a great responsibility as fathers, where our own backsliding can potentially affect the next generation.  If only our Children may determine to learn from our mistakes and TRUST in THE FATHER themselves. TRUST IN THE FATHER is everything. GOD IS THE most perfect example of a father to us all, and he desires that we may learn to TRUST HIM. When my children were small I wanted them to learn BY EXPERIENCE that they could trust me.  Whenever we were on an outing, or at the beach or in the pool, I would have them do something that required them to TRUST in me for a good outcome. They may jump from a rock-ledge into my arms. I would always promise to catch them and I would never break that promise. I wanted them to learn by experience that I am worthy of their trust from the small things to the large things. So too it is with God the Father. He bids you to trust him. 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;  And you will find that you will LEARN TO DO SO BY EXPERIENCE. He will begin with the small things. First to determine to 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. This Trust is a DOUBLE EDGED SWORD, where to gain the one you must lose the other. It is a MINDSET. A Conscious Determination. Just as Honouring your earthly Father is a conscious determination SECOND to LEARN to trust him by EXPERIENCE. The gr

What About The Gospel? Mark 16:15–16 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. What About The Gospel? My sermon today is a topical one.  As we watch ourselves entering into the final aspect of the Last Days, political fervour is rising in our hearts and for good reason.  We are loosing our freedoms, we are losing are justice system, we are losing our wealth, we are losing our basic human rites, we are losing our privacy, our nations sovereignty and even our sanity. So in every way it is understandable to see people rise up in the hope the basic freedoms, which we long took for granted, would be returned.  But we are NOT asking why this is all happening. We want the blessings that came from God but do not want the God of the blessings. We protest that the lamp wont light, but have left off the oil. What about the Gospel? While we seem all the more pleased to fight the temporal darkness, far too few are willing to simply light the lamp that dispels the darkness. It always did. What about the Gospel? For this temporal world even Christians are employing such words as “responsibility” and “Duty“, “Freedom” and include our “Children” and our “Grandchildren” in the mix of words to both motivate and inspire our participation in protest. We are motivated to protest our government but not motivated to share the hope of Christ which blessed us with the freedoms we enjoyed. We have become largely Christians who prioritise the temporal over the eternal, failing to see that the VERY forsaking of the eternal has cursed the temporal! IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT THE GOSPEL. Never has this world been blessed without it.  It was THE GOSPEL that took this world OUT OF THE DARK AGES and into HIS MARVELLOUS LIGHT. Now, somehow, we think that removing the light of the Gospel and the Word of God, we will not suffer darkness? 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  1 Thessalonians 5:5–6 Now many decry the natural loss of the light of the Lord. They want the blessing, but deny the one who blessed. We may ask, What about the Gospel? The answer is too often little more than a shrug. The children of light however they know the times, they know the season. They read the word and align the world. They know we are nearing that final kingdom and they see the preparations with all clarity. Those reading their Bible see that time is short, but are naturally torn.  Even though they see a convergence of the Biblical signs showing there is no turning back, they still retain temporal hope for a temporal world…..but have forgotten why we are here. What about the Gospel? Today there is a reference to The Great Awakening around the world, and indeed there is.  Evil is no longer hiding in the dark and they see it now and call it out.  But they have awoken a minute to midnight.  WHAT ABOUT THE GOSPEL? It is ONLY the Gospel that will save them. ______________________ The World Was Not Worthy Hebrews 11:37–38 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) … Of whom the world was not worthy… Throughout history the people of God were a separated people. SEPARATED FROM THE WORLD, and for this those of the world HATED THEM. They understood that there was a far greater picture of life than merely the here and nowand were diligent in their pursuit of that which matters for all eternity. Hebrews 11:24–26 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rathe

Pt 5 Mercy Measured In Majesty Matthew 5:7 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Mercy: What is it to be merciful? We know that God is a God of mercy, we know that his mercy endures for ever, he knows what it is to be merciful.  But as for the natural man mercy does not come naturally. We may fall on the “mercy of the court” when we are heart broken for the crime we have committed and we may plea both our guilt and for mercy, but the natural man is not predisposed to grant it. It may be that only those who are the recipients of mercy can can become merciful.  Only those whose sins are forgiven, who have received mercy when they know full well they deserved JUSTICE, these can administer mercy, they may even do often enough to be identified as “merciful”. Mercy: What is it to be merciful? There is but one place to Measure Mercy….it is in the Majesty on high. Before we ourselves can know we are merciful, we need the example of mercy to reveal through his word what mercy is. There are 360 occurrences of “mercy”, “Merciful” and “mercies” within the scriptures that we might know how God himself interprets the word. We employ the Bible’s own built in dictionary.  Most words in the Bible are used more than once and thereby give to us an opportunity to learn by its context, what each word means in its context. Our word in question is employed 360 times, giving to us a wonderful scope of its use and meaning. There are a number of other words linked to ‘mercy’ to also help bring an understanding of how mercy is measured in the Bible. 9 verses ‘mercy’ is linked with compassion. 19 verses, ‘mercy’ is linked with Grace. In 27 verses, mercy is linked with covenant, promise and faithfulness each being a synonym for the other. In 39 verses, mercy is linked with truth and justice (Judgement) in the scriptures. In no less than 50 verses, the word is linked directly to its enduring and long-sufferingaspect. More that half of which is found in one chapter of the Bible, Psalm 136. As we look through the scriptures to the scope of use respecting mercy we find several other fascinating characteristics; It is ALWAYS granted to the repentant and contrite. It is NEVER, granted to the wicked and unrepentant, at least not in FULL measure. It is ALWAYS granted to them who love the Lord and Fear him. While MERCY is extended to the contrite and repentant, JUSTICE is that which is given the wicked and unrepentant. Yet still some mercy may be found. Ezra reminds us that often…  God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;Ezra 9:13 In this we find a great understanding to the concept of mercy, for we cannot know what it is to be merciful until we learn how mercy is measured. MERCY IS MEASURED IN MAJESTY. God is the Standard, and so we will find… Mercy Defined By Its Object Mercy Always Unmerited Mercy Limited To The Contrite. Mercy Magnified By Justice. Mercy Defined By Object Matthew 5:7 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. This verse cannot apply without the consideration to its OBJECT. Mercy is an act that requires a recipient, without a recipient of mercy, mercy cannot be shown. The Object is the recipient of mercy from the merciful. This is true even of That Majesty by which Mercy is Measured. We are the OBJECTS of his mercy.  It is through his mercy shown us here and now that God reveals his grace to the people of the ages to come. Turn to; Ephesians 2:4–7 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through C

Pt 4 The Hungered Blessed Are The Hungered Matthew 5:6 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. The Appetite Of The Blessed The Malnourishment Of The Blessed The Longing Of The Blessed The Satisfaction Of The Blessed The passage before us today has with it an assumption that is expected to be completely understood by those here referred to as “the blessed”, and that is that they naturally HUNGER AND THIRST after Righteousness.  They have a deep longing, an appetite, for that which is not yet satisfied, not yet filled within them. But more than this; there is no expectation that this longing, this appetite, shall be satisfied this side of eternity.  Christ made this claim almost two thousand years ago, and no man yet testified to it being fulfilled in his lifetime. NO, the satisfaction, the hungering and thirsting, shall be FILLED in heaven and we awake to the likeness of Christ.  John wrote of this; 1 John 3:2 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. King David testified to this longing Psalm 17:15 15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. What is also noted is that this passage does not refer to those who do not belong to the Lord. The reason this is so, is due to the object of the longing of the blessed. “Righteousness” is not that which the lost of the world seek after, this is not their longing nor is it their appetite. BUT it is the longing of those whose hearts have been changed by Christ. Before we were saved, we would sooner have filled our “bellies with the husks that the swine do eat” than we would have sought after “righteousness”. Our desire, before we fell on our knees to God, was the forbidden fruit of the garden, we desired and continued to chase after the “lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 Jn 2:16), certainly not hungering and thirsting after “righteousness”. Therefore this is an EXCLUSIVE promise, it singles out the blessed in no uncertain terms. Perhaps it was possible for the lost of this world to associate themselves with those who feel “poor in spirit of v 3, or even “they that mourn” in verse 4. Perhaps they may also vainly consider themselves as inheriting that which is set aside for the “meek” of verse 5.  But there is not a chance they could convince even themselves that they  “hunger and thirst after righteousness”, at least not while “their god is their belly…who mind earthly things” (Phil 3:19). As we go through this study today it will not be difficult to see that this verse truly is exclusive to only one body of people, they whose desires can only be found in “the blessed” of The Beatitudes. These are The Hungered! Amen Pray. The Appetite Of The Hungered Matthew 5:6 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Genesis 3:6–7 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. It is a matter of interest that the world has not changed in almost six thousand years. So long has the world had appetite only for the things of the world and not after God. It was the apostle John who admonished his church, as many in his own day had strayed from the bread of life and turned to the vanity of the world, and so he writes; 1 John 2:15–17 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of th

PT 3 Blessed Are The meek Introduction Matthew 5:5 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Summary Definition of Meekness “Meekness is a spiritual attribute characterized by humility towards God and gentleness towards others, stemming from a conscious choice rather than weakness . It involves accepting one’s place in life without complaint, receiving discipline without resentment, and yielding in non-essential matters to prevent strife . Meekness is not a weakness of character, but rather a strength under control . It is a fruit of the Spirit, possessed only by spiritual Christians who are yielded to the Spirit” Blessed Are The Meek Matthew 5:5 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Who Are The Meek? (God’s people) It is not truly challenging to identify WHO the meek are within the scriptures. From its first mention, to the description of the character of the individuals, to that which they shall all inherit, it is clear that the people identified as “Meek”, are God’s own people, or at least, those whom God has peculiarly dealt with and called. This we see in the first appearance of the word in the Bible, turn to Numbers 12:1–3 1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. 3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) Two items we immediately recognise respecting Moses and the identifying characteristic the Lord has placed in the parenthesis of verse 3; Firstly that he is particularly favoured and called by God.7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold:… In this passage we see first of all that God sees fit to precede the text parenthetically with the descriptive characteristic of “Meekness” in verse 3, to then follow it up with the distinction respecting how God appears to him compared to others. Secondly, is that characteristic NATURE that meekness is identified with. The Psalms are the next appearance of the word and this is where the characteristic nature of meekness is witnessed.  In reaching the Psalms, we have now read the entirety of the historical portion of the Old Testament, and the word appears only once, that which is related to Moses. (There is an almost perfectly even distribution between the Old and New testaments for this word, 15 occurrences in the Old and 16 occurrences in the New Testament.) More than half of the 15 occurrences in the Old Testament are found in the Psalms, which provide both the knowledge of who the meek are, together with what meekness is. As to WHO they are; They are they who seek him; Psalm 22:26 26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. They are they whom he guides and teaches; Psalm 25:9 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. They are they whom God saves; Psalm 76:9 9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah. In that same line of salvation, they are they to whom the gospel is preached. Isaiah 61:1 1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Therefore, what is represented in these passages, (which is also reflected in the New testament), is that those who are identified as “Meek” are the peculiar people of God. Meekness is not NATURAL in man as we will see moving forward, it is a GIFT of the Spirit

Are There Few? The concept of fewness is found all throughout the scriptures.  We see it related most famously to the “broad and Narrow way” that Jesus spoke of, but it is not limited to only to that of salvation. Few there were who feared God’s words and warning and entered into the ark at the time of the pouring out of God’s wrath on a God-forsaking world at the time before the flood. Few there were found righteous in the lands of Sodom and Gomorrah before the fire and brimstone fell from heaven and devoured the people and the land. The ashes of which are to be shaken off the feet before modern day tourists enter their busses. Few there were among God’s own people who heeded the warnings of the prophets before the Babylonians took them away, and NONE at all would listen to Jeremiahwarning to obey God and submit to the Babylonian King. When Jesus came, many followed him, but few remained and all scattered when he was taken to be crucified. Few were in the upper room when the Spirit of God fell upon them and the Church began,  Few again who believed the Gospel, Fewer still who remained faithful to the end. What is fascinating about all of this is that through the entirety of the Bible, it is The Few that God is pleased with.  The FEW that end up being in the right, the FEW that hold to the truth, the FEW that are not deceived…. And the FEW that be saved! It is the exact OPPOSITE of that which the world thinks is true, where majority opinion governs and might makes right.  Jesus said; “…WIDE is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Mt 7:13) Pray Are There Few That Be Saved? Luke 13:23–30 23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,  24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.  Are there few that be saved? Strive to enter in at the strait gate: Clear impression we have is that there shall be less people saved than we like to think. Long ago the disciples asked the Lord Jesus saying, “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Mt 24:3), Jesus never did shy away from answering the question, and he did so with many clear and explicit descriptions, descriptions that all converge toward that one specific timeframe. We have seen individual elements over the last two thousand years, but it is fair to say that today we are living in the Time of The Signs, so many things OBJECTIVELY converging toward that end the disciples spoke about. Before that time comes the Bible teaches that Christians, true Christians, those who have personally believed in their heart that Jesus Christ died for their sins, are going to be “caught up“; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:52 tells us what it will happen; 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. This is that bizarre time that we refer to as the Rapture of the Church (a latin word that simply means “Caught Up“).  If it were not in the Bible, we would all be right to think its nuts….but there it is, and not just there but in several places in the Bible, with several other historical examples. The point is that for decades people have speculated that SO MANY PEOPLE are going to disappear that its going to disrupt the entire world system. They have counted all the people who live in what is referred to as “Christian Countries” and ‘called themselves “Christians“.  These inc