2000 Sermons

What a Mighty God We Serve 8/20/00

Hebrews 13:5-6

Jesus Christ wants you to accept Him as your constant companion and unfailing guide. When I travel to an unknown country I make arrangements in advance for a guide. The first person I look for when I get there is my guide. I then commit myself into his care. This gives me confidence and a sense of security.

When Alexander the Great and his army came to the Khyber Pass he called for his map makers and requested maps of the territory beyond. They informed him all maps stopped at the pass. When he and his army marched through the Khyber Pass, they were literally marching off the map. Our loving Lord often puts us in a position where we are required to march into unknown territory.

At such times we need a good guide.

Our text identifies our constant companion and competent guide. Athletes often use a term we need to apply to our faith. That expression is: “We have got to stay focused.” Keep your eye on your guide.

Have confidence in His – – – –

I. HIS ABIDING PRESENCE VS. 5
Do you ever feel like God is out to lunch. He is no where to be found. Most of us have had those moments when we awoke and could have easily prayed: “Dear God, I don’t feel like you are here. I feel so all alone.” Pray that prayer when you feel like it, BUT don’t stop there. Continue, “Though I don’t feel like you are with me I thank you for the fact you are with me. You said you would never leave me nor forsake me. Thanks for being here even when I don’t feel like it. Now let’s you and me go get ‘um.”

Feelings fluctuate, they are fickle, they fool us. Facts are constant. Your feelings may be temporarily influenced by circumstances, diet, or even climate. Facts don’t change.

To be emphatic regarding His presence the Lord compacts into a single expression five compounding negatives in Hebrews 13:5. This passage consists of what is known as synergistic compounding negatives.

He said: “I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU…” This is a forever never that has no exceptions. It literally means, “I will never, no not ever, no never leave you.” Included in forever is NOW. The expression “leave you” means: “I will never, no not ever, no never leave you behind, abandon you, give up on you, or send you back.”

He further says, “NOR FORSAKE YOU” This means, “I will never, no not ever, no never cause you not to survive, or leave you helpless.”

Now let’s string them all together: “I will never, no not ever, no never abandon you, give up on you, send you back, cause you not to survive, or leave you helpless.”

If you feel as though He has called your emotions a liar and God’s Word truth. Let your feelings be converted by the facts. Pretty emphatic isn’t it. It is a fact. Don’t let your feelings argue with this fact. Facts are faithful, feelings are fickle.

What is said is important. Who says it is even more important. Consider the source. God Almighty authored that statement for Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. Observe, “He Himself” said it. Who is He?

He is all powerful. To use the theological term He is omnipotent meaning, all powerful. He has the power to do what He says He will do. He is all present. Again the theological term is omnipresent meaning, all present. He is present to perform.

He is all knowing. Once again a theological term is omniscient meaning, he is all knowing. He has the knowledge to know what to do.

Do you ever feel like you just don’t have strength to go on? Do you ever feel like you are all alone?
Do you ever feel like you don’t know what to do?
When you feel like you don’t have the strength to go on? Remember it is the all POWERFUL, the omnipotent, God who said, “I will never, no not ever, no never abandon you, give up on you, send you back, cause you not to survive, or leave you helpless.”

When you feel all alone remember it is the OMNIPRESENT, all present God who said, “I will never, no not ever, no never abandon you, give up on you, send you back, cause you not to survive, or leave you helpless.

When you simply don’t know what to do remember it is the OMNISCIENT, the all knowing God who said, “I will never, no not ever, no never abandon you, give up on you, send you back, cause you not to survive, or leave you helpless.”

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!

When David was instructing Solomon on building the temple he said to him: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you” (I Chronicles 28:20).

Practice the presence behind the promise.

This portion of verse 5 begins with “I” and ends with “you.” Ours is an “I-you” relationship. It is to be relied on in times of crisis.

It was when Arthur Ray Ebersol drowned. Paramedics were working over him with a sense of urgency. His dad was pleading with his son to start breathing. Then in the background could be heard a voice singing. It was the mother of Arthur sitting in the paramedics van singing:
“I’ve seen the lightening flashing
I’ve heard the thunder roll,
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing.
Trying to conquer my soul.
I heard the voice of Jesus
Telling me still to fight on
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
No never alone.
No! Never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.”

II. HIS AMAZING PRE-EMINENCE VS. 6
“The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

This we can say “boldly.” The word “boldly” means “to say with confidence.” It is the opposite of the word “fear” used in the last part of this verse.

We don’t need to fear because we can say, “The Lord is my helper…”
The word “helper” depicts one ready to run to the aid of a friend at the earliest sign of need. The Greek word translated “helper” is BOETHOS. Used as a naval term it meant the tightening of a tackle to hold something secure against a storm. As our helper He holds all secure against the storms of life.

God is our “helper.” As such He expects and deserves our very best personal efforts.

This shows HIS WILLING READINESS AND DESERVES OUR READY WILLINGNESS.

I have a beloved friend, Claude McBride, who for many years has served as chaplain for the University of Georgia football teams. Dr. McBride is a master of homespun humor. As a banquet speaker he assumes the role of a character called “Happy.” Happy is a rather unrefined exponent of sage wisdom. Using language of the old south Happy shares with his pastor in Possum Gap and the newly organized church choir. The choir consists of a completely inexperienced group of non-musicians. In explaining the dynamics involved in singing a “CAN-ta-ta,” Happy defines three terms.
“Pianissimo, y’all, means sing out so ever’body can hear ya, but jus’ barely.
“Crescendo, hear’, means sing out a li’l more, but keep holdin’ back some.”
“Fortissimo! means gimme everythang you got right now!”
Jesus Christ wants you to live a Fortissimo life. He appeals to us, “gimme everythang you got right now!”
“I will not fear. What can man do to me.”

Courage against man consequents from confidence in God.

We live in a frightful and frightening world. Secular circumstances will scare you witless unless you have a stabilizing faith in Christ. There are numerous waves of fright that periodically roll across our society like tidal waves.

Have the numerous public panic parties taught us anything?

In 1979 NASA warned of potential danger resulting from the deterioration in space of the Skylab satellite. The FAA closed airspace, state and local governments went on alert; companies sold helmets. Skylab burned up July 11, 1979, over the Indian Ocean. All that fear for nothing.

New Mexico scientist Iben Browning projected a major earthquake would devastate much of the mid-U.S. Many people prepared for the worst. Schools in parts of five states dismissed. Disaster drills were conducted. Sales of bottled water, canned food, and earthquake insurance soared. There was no earthquake. All that fear was unnecessary.

New Age astrologers warned of a harmonic convergence that would produce chaos all over the world on August 16, 1987. Nothing happened.

For several years fear virtually choked many Americans as the year 2000 approached. Regrettably much of the Y2K bug fear was fostered by members of the Christian community. The stroke of midnight came and was virtually insignificant. Again, mass fear was wasted.

“What can man do to me?” A lot! This does not say we will not suffer. It means we have no cause to fear. Biblically we have been forewarned in this world we are going to have tribulation. But Christ who has overcome gives cause for good cheer.

III. HIS ASSURING PERMANENCE VS. 8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”

Prior to chapter 13 of Hebrews comes a passage pregnant with illustrations of individuals who through the years had found God faithful. They are described as a “great cloud of witnesses.” By being witnesses we tend to think of them as observers of us. Actually as witnesses it means their life examples witness to us of the faithfulness of our consistent God.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That means He is ever the same, constantly true to Himself.

It has another application also.

“Yesterday” He served as Redeemer on earth.
“Today” He is fulfilling His role as Intercessor in heaven.
“Forever” refers to the eternal Almighty God.
To the artist He is the One altogether lovely (Sol. 5:16).
To the architect He is the Chief Cornerstone (I Pet. 2:6).
To the astronomer He is the Sun of Righteousness (Mal. 4:2).
To the baker He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
To the banker He is the hidden treasure (Matt. 13:44).
To the builder He is the sure foundation (Isa. 28:16).
To the carpenter He is the door (John 10:7).
To the doctor He is the Great Physician (Jer. 8:22).
To the educator He is the new and living way (Heb. 10:20).
To the farmer He is the Lord of Harvest (Luke 10:2).
One of the principle roles of our Lord is Savior. He always has been.

Years ago there lived a devout scholar named Jerome. One of his primary accomplishments was to translate the Bible from Greek into Latin. This he did mostly in a cave which interlocked with the cave in which Christ was born. In his later years he had a dream while there. In the dream the Christ child appeared to him. He was so inspired by Christ he offered him money saying, “Here, this is yours.” Christ refused saying, “I don’t want it.”

Jerome brought some of his most cherished possessions and offered them. Again Christ refused them.

Then submissively Jerome said, “If there is anything in the world I can give you, tell me what it is. Tell me! What do you want? What do you want me to give you?” He said that in his dream Christ looked at him and said: “Give me your sin! That is what I came for.”

That is what Christ came for — to take away our sin.

The writer of the Revelation confirms Christ as the one “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8).

Let Us Remember, Relish, and Return on This Memorial Day 5/28/00

Proverbs 14:34

Jesus Christ repetitiously called upon people to “remember.” Knowing the truths spoken and seeing the forgetfulness of the people, He appealed for them to remember statements and standards that would guide them.

Biblically memorials were often established to keep alive the action taken or truths learned. These memorials varied.

DAYS were often set aside as memorials. To keep alive the memory of God delivering His people from slavery in Egypt the Lord established the Passover and said of it: “This day shall be to you a memorial …” (Exodus 12:14).

BOOKS often record memorial deeds and events. Joshua won a remarkable victory over Amalek and the Lord commissioned the people to “Write this for a memorial in a book..” (Exodus 17:14).

PLACES are also set aside as memorials. The Lord declared the Tabernacle should be “A memorial unto the children of Israel” (Exodus 30: 16).

EVENTS are commemorated as memorials. When Joshua led the children of Israel out of the wilderness into the promised land a memorial was established. A stone memorial was established on the banks of the Jordan. It was done so those who came after them and seeing the stones might ask, “What do these stones mean?” This allowed the story to be retold and the memory kept alive (Joshua 4:5 – 7).

Our Lord established the Lord’s Supper and charged us to engage in it “In remembrance …” of Him.

Our predecessors knew of the expediency of our nation remembering, relishing, and returning to virtues and values and long since established a Memorial Day. It was intended to be a day on which the nation would pause and honor those fallen in battle and the precious principles for which they died. Most have forgotten the reason for the holiday and simply enjoy a day off from work. Let us —-

I. REMEMBER THE FALLEN
Rudyard Kipling said, “Lord of host, be with us yet, lest we forget, lest we forget.” It is fitting that our nation should pause to remember the countless sons and daughters who at great sacrifice and many at the greatest sacrifices won and preserved our freedoms.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR 25,324
CIVIL WAR 498,332
SPANISH AMERICAN WAR 1,862
WORLD WAR I 116,710
WORLD WAR II 407,316
KOREAN WAR 54,546
VIETNAM WAR 58,098
PERSIAN GULF WAR 146

As we remember and memorialize those who paid the ultimate price let’s not fail to honor those who also served and sacrificed. In remembering the fallen let us —

II. RELISH THE FREEDOM
We honor those who have gone before by striving to preserve and perpetuate the values and virtues for which they gave of themselves while resisting the vices that erode them. Dare this generation spare itself by not paying the price to champion the good for which others died?

To have a freedom and not exercise it is little better than not having that freedom. For example, much is said about not having the former freedom of prayer in schools once enjoyed. We have the freedom of prayer in our homes. Are we using it? Is there no more prayer in your home than in our schools? What value is a freedom if not exercised?

Let us show our appreciation for our freedoms by using them to the fullest glory of our Lord.

The appeal made to ancient Israel is applicable today:
“Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest; when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the
land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; …then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth … “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth… “Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.” (Deuteronomy 8:11-19).

Let us relish the freedom and —-

III. RETURN TO THE FOUNDATION
Judge Robert Bork describes America as “Slouching Toward Gomorrah.”

By no means were all of our Founding Fathers Christians nor did they all always live according to the teaching of the Bible. They did however believe the Bible and establish our nation on Scriptural principles.

Thomas Jefferson noted: “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis — the conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?”

Our predecessors have marked out path with memorials.

E. Stanley Jones observed, “If we lose our sense of being led, we become victims of circumstances.”

Eighty one year old Benjamin Franklin left us this verbal memorial:
“In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine Protection. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor…. Have we forgotten the powerful friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?

“I have lived, sir, a long time and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: God governs in the affairs of men….”

Thomas Jefferson left us this verbal memorial: “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis — the conviction in the minds of people that these liberties are the gift of God.”

The framers of our Declaration of Independence left us the legacy of these lines: “With firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

For a memorial look at our currency. There you will see the words “In God We Trust.” On the right side of a dollar bill is the great seal of the United States. There is a great pyramid and above a giant eye symbolizing the eye of God. Above the pyramid in Latin are the words “He smiles on our beginnings.” Beneath it in Latin these words: “A new order of the ages.”

Our predecessors labored under the conviction that God was overseeing their efforts in establishing a new order of freedom.

In 1831 the French government sent Alexis de Tocqueville to examine our prisons and penitentiaries. He became so intrigued by our system of government and its institutions that he spent considerable time analyzing life in America. On his return to France he wrote his classic, “Democracy in America.” Many scholars feel it is the greatest of all works on any national policy and culture. In it he wrote: “I sought for the greatness and genius in America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there…I sought for the greatness and genius in America in her democratic congress and her matchless constitution and it was not there…

“Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand here genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”

Tocqueville like Solomon was right: “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is the reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Arnold Toynbee, the distinguished historian, numbers nineteen great civilizations that have existed since governments were formed. Ours is one. Toynbee observed spiritual currents running through history. He concluded no major nation has ever been murdered. They have committed suicide. They forgot the true purpose of their being, and rotted on the inside. Let’s learn!

Now let us —-

IV. RENEW THE COMMITMENT

• Let us renew our commitment to the regimen of prayer. As Ben Franklin called the nation to prayer so the call needs to be renewed. When President Eisenhower took the oath of office he focused the nations attention on II Chronicles 7: 14: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14). Let’s!

• Let us renew our commitment to the cause of Christ in general. The purpose of our Pilgrim predecessors in coming to America is spelled out in the New England Charter as: “…to advance the enlargement of Christian religion, to the glory of God almighty.” Let’s!
  
• Let us reexamine our concept of the extent of the truth printed on our currency: “In God We Trust.” Let’s!
  
  Have you invested your trust in His Son as Savior?

The Final Exam 2/20/00

Revelation 20:11-15

Jesus Christ is spoken of as the One who will judge the world: “because He [God] has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

This verse attests to the fact every person will someday be involved in a great time of judgement. It reveals:

* A DATE IS DETERMINED

* A STANDARD IS DECIDED

* A SCOPE IS STATED

* A PROOF IS PROCLAIMED

A Date Is Determined when God will judge the world. That means each of us will be involved. There are no exemptions. None!

Does it ever seem the wicked prosper and seem to get away with it? Centuries ago the prophet Jeremiah was puzzled by this and wrote:

“Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?” (Jeremiah 12:1).

They will not in the day of the ultimate judgement. They will face a final judgement. The date is already determined.

A Standard Is Decided and it is the person Jesus Christ. The criterion will not be to find someone you are better than and gain a passing grade by comparison. The standard is Jesus Christ.

There will be no oversight or error in His judgement. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25).

The prophet Daniel describes the judge as “the Ancient of Days,” before whom “a river of fire was flowing.” Then Daniel adds: “Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:9, 10).

Christ sets the standard and is the standard.

“The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgement to the Son …. And has given Him the authority to judge because He is the Son of Man” (John 5:23, 27).

Before British law required warning signals along railways bridge keepers were required to flag down approaching trains and warn them the bridge was out.

One passenger train plunged into the river because of it not being properly warned. At the trial the bridge keeper was asked by the judge if he waved his warning lantern. He responded that he had.

Later the bridge keeper confided to a friend he was glad the judge didn’t ask if his lantern was lit.

The whole truth wasn’t known when the judgement was made. Our Lord will know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

A Scope Is Stated and it is the whole world. All persons of all ages will be involved in a final judgement.

“For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher, said, “What men fear, is not that death is annihilation, but that it is not.”

At the end of World War II Richard Niebuhr reminded readers that the fear of death was chiefly the fear of judgement.

Daniel Webster declared the most significant thought to cross his mind was that of his personal accountability. You too are personally accountable.

A Proof is Presented and it is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. In light of this the Easter celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ might well be the most dreaded holiday of the year.

Having achieved the unachievable, the resurrection, God the Father has demonstrated His ability to fulfill His promises. He has promised there will be a final judgement.

It is wishful thinking to say there was and will be no resurrection. In modern excavations a sealed vase was found in an Egyptian tomb. In it were seed known to be more than three thousand years old. They were hard as stone and shriveled. They were carefully planted and within thirty days sprang to life after having lain dormant in a dusty tomb for centuries.

This is a faint illustration of the fact the mortal body shall put on immortality.

Acts 17 notes the three predictable responses:

* Some mock: “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked…” (Acts 17:32).

* Some delayed: “We will hear you again on this matter” (Acts 17: 32c). The Bible wisely warns: “Boast not yourself of tomorrow” (Proverbs 27:1). This is not an encouragement to take wise forethought. Much progress has been enjoyed as a result of people who wisely planned for tomorrow. Much of the fruit picked today is a result of persons who yesterday planned for it.

The warning is against counting on tomorrow as a given.

Planning for tomorrow is practical. Depending upon it is impractical. The way to plan for tomorrow is to do today what equips you for tomorrow.

Spiritually, the way to plan for tomorrow is to prepare today by aligning your life with Christ. In that way you have prepared for tomorrow and have no cause for anxiety about it.

* Some believed: “However, some men joined him and believed” (Acts 17: 34).

In which category do you belong?

In the Book of the Revelation reference is made to two future resurrections. The first will occur at the next coming of our Lord. It is a resurrection to life. It will happen at a time called the Rapture when Christ shall come in the air for His saints.

However, there is another resurrection spoken of.

It is the resurrection unto judgement and occurs at the end of the period known as the Millennium. After Christ shall have ruled on earth for 1000 years Satan will be released for a short period on earth. Only believers will be on earth at the beginning of the Millennium. All who are born during the Millennium will live in a perfect environment and have believing parents. Even with Christ physically present and ruling on earth the evil hearts of some of those born during the Millennium will covertly be in rebellion against Christ. To expose these Satan is allowed to be released and they overtly follow him. This proves it is an evil heart not heredity of the environment that is responsible for evil acts.

After Satan shall have been released for a short time on earth he is finally cast out into the lake of fire and brimstone, hell. Beginning with Revelation 20: 11 the final exam is noted.

This is called “the great white throne” judgement. The throne of judgement is “great” because of its POWER. It is “white” because of its PURITY.

Those who stand before the great white throne will have rejected “so great salvation” (Hebrews 2;3).

They are those who were not involved in the first resurrection, believers.

This judgement is not to determine the destiny of those involved. That has already been determined by their rejection of Christ while alive. This passage teaches there will be degrees of punishment. This judgement is to determine the severity of persons punishment. This is an often overlooked or actually unknown Bible fact.

Believers have been judged.

^ They were judged at the cross as SINNERS. “There is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

^ They are presently being judged as SIBLINGS of the Father. As His children He leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name sake. His reputation in part rest on our faithfulness.

^ They will be judged as STEWARDS. Grow not weary in well doing for one “Well done” from Him will make it all worth while. In the first part of verse 12 reference is made to “books,” plural. In the last part of verse 12 reference is made to “the book,” singular. The book is further identified in verses 12 and 15 as “the Book of Life.”

Found revealed in this passage is insight regarding salvation. There are only two schools of thought on how to be saved. One is that you must work for your salvation. A person must earn, merit, or deserve God’s good favor. This is done according to this school of thought by good works.

The other concept of salvation is that it is only by grace, that is, God’s favor. Ephesians 2: 8, 9 make this clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Those who are depending upon their good works to save them need to give careful attention to the basis of their judgement revealed in verse 12: “The dead were judged according to their works, by the things written in the books.”

The very works depended upon for salvation become the basis of condemnation. This is true because these person have relied upon their own good works rather than the good work of Christ on the cross.

Works are an unmistakable evidence of the loyalty of the heart. Works will reveal a persons loyalty is not to Christ.

This passage reveals God to be a good bookkeeper. He has a record of our deeds. Whoever you are your biography is kept by God.

Those whose names are not in the Book of Life join the devil in the lake of fire.

Earlier reference was made to the varied response to the news an inevitable judgement awaits every one.

A historical event illustrates types of responses. Years ago the Robert E. Lee was the most palatial boat that plied up and down the Mississippi River between Vicksburg and New Orleans. There were other beautiful boats but this was the favorite of the people of Vicksburg. Every Wednesday afternoon hundreds would gather along the river to watch as the Robert E. Lee cast off and turned her prow down river and headed to New Orleans.

One beautiful Wednesday thousands gathered on the wharf to wave goodby and shout “bon voyage” to friends and family. Passengers hung over the gunwales and shouted such things as, “We will write when we get to our destination.”

The Robert E. Lee backed out, rang its bells as its whistles blew and smoke rolled out its funnels. The river hands sang those wild weird river songs that make the blood tingle and tears roll down cheeks. About a mile down river the Lee turned a bend in the river and disappeared from view.

It was about 2:00 AM when the first telegrams began to arrive in Vicksburg. The vaunted paddle wheeler had caught fire and rapidly burned on the river. About midnight the captain had discovered the boat was on fire. He summonsed the clerk and said, “This boat is on fire and I want you to run down in the saloon and down every corridor and rap on each state-room door and cry, ‘Get up; the boat is on fire!’ He ran around knocking at the doors and screaming, ‘The boats on fire!”

He had no time for an explanation if he was to warn everyone; there was no time to argue. Those few who heard the warning and responded saving their lives tell of the various responses of others who perished.

Upon hearing the knocking some swore and cursed and vowed to respond to a person who would be so alarming. Others laughed at such an idea as this great vessel being on fire saying, “There is no fire.” Some thought it was a joke and rolled over to an eternal sleep. A few were frightened and hid under their beds. Some heard the warning and responded. Those same responses are offered to the idea of a great day of judgement coming. Some curse the messenger. Some laugh at the very idea. Some think it is a prank. Some are frightened and withdraw.

Others believe and respond thereby getting prepared for that inevitable event. What is your response?

The Book of the Revelation contains this urgent warning: “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of his judgement has come” (Revelation 14:6, 7). The Lord God does not desire for persons to be in the Great White Throne Judgement.

* God is not a ghoulish God looking for an opportunity to punish us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation” (II Corinthians 5:19).

* Christ has gone to extremes to help persons avoid judgement. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life” (John 5:24).

A Model Mother

I Samuel 1:27, 28

JESUS CHRIST honored His earthly mother and appealed by example and exhortation for you to do the same. The need abides for mothers to be honored as well as for them to be honorable.

Former President Theodore Roosevelt framed the role with this beautiful depiction.

“When all is said, it is the mother, and the mother only, who is a better citizen than the soldier who fights for his country. The successful mother, the mother who does her part in rearing and training aright the boys and girls who are to be the men and women of the next generation, is of greater use to her community, and occupies, if she only would realize it, a more honorable as well as a more important position than any man in it. The mother is the one supreme asset of national life; she is more important far than the successful statesman, or business man, or artist, or scientist.”

Mothering is an all-consuming, exhausting process that requires energy, concentration, perseverance, patience, time, and a lot of other elusive attributes. Moms deserve praise and accolades. Additionally, I would like to throw in some helpful hints on being a mom.

1. Keep your marriage a priority. Don’t use your child as an escape from the reality of your marriage and what it needs.

2. Don’t neglect your personal spiritual life even for your child. There will be times you will need divine wisdom and supernatural strength to be an effective mom. Hannah, the mother we are going to consider momentarily could never have survived her emotional stress and disgrace if she had not had a viable personal faith.

3. Be glad, right now, that your children want to be with you. Those moments will fade fast and there is no way to return to the thrill of being needed that those early years afford. Enjoy the fact you are your child’s best music and art critic. The music often comes from clanging pots and pans serving as symbols. Kazoos, toy xylophones, drums, and wind-up record players often provide the music in the early years. All too soon they give way to boom-boxes.

Moms are often called upon to appraise artwork scrawled on bedroom walls, the best table cloth, and sidewalks.

Young moms are expected to be authorities on the care and feeding of snails, butterflies, worms, dogs, parakeets, grasshoppers, guppies, and gerbils.

4. Buy stock in companies that manufacture diapers and bandages. You will feel personally responsible for our nation’s sound economy while providing for your future.

5. For girls, this is important, never buy a dress without considering the “twirl” factor.

6. For boys, don’t worry if the only word he knows by age six is “vroom.”

7. Keep your sense of humor. What may tend to upset you today will be cause for laughter in the future.

8. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You will make mistakes. Forgive yourself and move on.

Moms and dads as well, here is a part of childhood I didn’t know until I learned it by experience. One day the door will open, and in will walk a young adult, your child, your best friend. It happens all too rapidly and is worth any effort to achieve it.

Children here is a verse to memorize: “Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice” (Proverbs 23:25).

We can learn much from Bible moms. Can you imagine comments coming from these little Bible sons:

“Abraham, stop wandering around the countryside and get home in time for dinner.”

“Cain, get up off your brother. You are going to kill him if you keep that up.”

“David, I told you not to play with that sling in the house. Now put it down and practice your harp. We pay good money for those lessons.”

“Samson, get your hand out of that lion’s mouth. You don’t know where it has been.”

“Noah, no you can’t keep them. I told you I don’t want you to bring home any more stray animals.”

“James and John, stop that burping contest at the table. If you keep that up people will call you the sons of thunder.”

“Judas, have you been in my purse again?”

The Old Testament contains the story of a young wife and her ambition to serve the Lord as a mother. She is the model of a good mother. Women, let me ask you a vital question. If you had lived in the Bible era, would you have been a good example for inclusion in Scripture of a good and Godly mother? If not, I appeal that you start molding your life today after such an example — Hannah.

The story develops in a time of great national trouble for Israel. They were in need of a Godly leader. At that same time a young woman entered the story. Her name was Hannah.

I. HANNAH WAS COMMITTED TO GOD

Before she was a wife, she was a true believer and an ardent worshiper. Before she was a mother, she was a Godly woman. She regularly engaged in worship and prayer (1:10). She sought God’s will: “If thou will” (1:11). To show the sincerity of her prayer, she linked herself to God by a difficult vow. Hannah called herself “the handmade of the Lord.” When a child sees its mother’s commitment to the Lord and observes her consistency in Christ the child is drawn to her and Christ. When the parent is seen to be willing to be under the authority of the Lord the child is more willing to be under the authority of the parent.

Even when the Priest, Levi, misunderstood her, she remained calm and gracious. He saw her praying and thought she was drunk (1:14). The old priest’s ill-founded conclusion added gall to the sorrow of her heart. She was courteous but persistent. Seeing her sincerity, Levi said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition” (1:17). She went home content because she believed.

From Hannah we can all learn how to calmly and graciously defend our rights.

II. HANNAH WAS COMMITTED TO HER HUSBAND

Hannah made the right choice of a husband. That for some persons is their biggest mistake. “David Frost’s Book of World’s Worst Decisions” lists some major mistakes. One big one is thought to be Coca- Cola changing its formula. For ninety-five years after Dr. John Pemberton cooked up the first batch in his back yard in 1886, the formula was good enough. Then in 1985 it changed. That, however, wasn’t Coke’s biggest mistake. Earlier in this century Coke passed up the opportunity to buy out a young, twice-bankrupted competitor called Pepsi-Cola.

All of us, like Coke, make mistakes; but Hannah made few.

She had the right husband. Being unable to have children made her the object of derision by Peninnah. Hannah’s husband Elkanah offered her encouragement at every opportunity. The Scripture says he was better to her than ten sons.

What we are not told is Hannah was beautiful. Her sweet spirit must have shown itself on a sensitive face in which her moods were reflected like sunshine and shadows on a quiet lake.

Before she was a mother, she was a loving and loyal wife. She lived in a day when it wasn’t uncommon to have more than one wife.

For a man not to have children was considered a disgrace. To insure against this men often had more than one wife. Though this principle was common in the Old Testament era, God never sanctioned it. It has never had God’s approval. It should be remembered this happened at a time when “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

Elkanah had another wife, Peninnah. She was Hannah’s “thorn in the flesh.” Difficulty arose in that her husband’s other wife had children and she didn’t. This was a time in history when childbearing was thought of as a blessing of God. Not to have children implied sin in the life resulting in the punishment of God. (1:2).

Her husband’s other wife criticized and teased her to the point she became very sad. Hannah is a beautiful example of how the most unpleasant of circumstances can produce a character that is a blessing to all. The other wife, Peninnah, tantalized her for not having children. Jealousy, the green-eyed monster that mocks the meat it feeds on, had taken possession of Peninnah. Peninnah is spoken of as “her adversary who provoked her severely, to make her miserable” (1:6).

She refused to cause trouble even when her husband asked why she was sad. She did not tell of the derision caused by her competitor, her husband’s other wife. (1:8). Instead she devoted herself to unselfish love for her husband and a forgiving spirit toward the other wife. When her child was born she devoted herself to his welfare. Every child wants and needs parents who want him or her. A child has a built in radar that can detect whether or not it is wanted. Every child needs a mother whose commitment level is far above her comfort level.

I have been serving on the Georgia Child Protective Services Task Force. Hours of study have been devoted to the welfare of children in our state. One grief that has become increasingly apparent to me is that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of children a year are born unwanted. Hannah loved her child, Samuel. She not only told him of her love for him but professed it to others. Parents say it and show it. Let your children know they are wanted and loved.

Instead of pouring out her bitterness on others, she poured out her grief before God. That is always best. Her serenity of spirit was a veritable lily among thorns.

III. HANNAH WAS COMMITTED TO HER CHILDREN.

Hannah, though barren, yet believed. She was childless but not prayer less. In her pain she found consolation in prayer. Her faith was a ripe flower in an almost sterile field. Her first child was born in answer to prayer.

He came late in life. Because of this she might well have been expected to cling to him. She promised him to God before his birth. She was resolute in keeping that commitment.

Samuel, meaning “offering of God,” was the name given him. Samuel was the first of the prophets after Moses and the last of the judges in Israel.

By his very name she acknowledged she had asked the Lord for him.

The Japanese have developed a centuries old art of growing dwarfed trees. They take a small seedling that might well grow into a ninety foot tree and sever the taproot with scissors. The tree is forced to live off the shallow surface roots. Thus, it grows only a few inches tall. Without the taproot to go deep into the earth, the tree, even though fifty years of age, remains a dwarf. Some parents have mastered the art of growing spiritually dwarfed children by cutting off their spiritual taproot.

Hannah resolved to train Samuel until formal weaning. In their culture this was until about the age of seven. Weaning was not just physical but emotional.

She made a special, spiritual sacrifice by bringing him to the house of the Lord while he was very young (1:24).

Joyfully she relinquished him to the Lord and sang a beautiful prayer of praise expressive of her faith (2: 1 – 10). Her prayer/song was very similar to that of Mary when she rejoiced over the miraculous conception of Jesus.

God honored and blessed her with five more children.

Though she gave Samuel to the Lord and left him in the temple to be trained by the priest, she continued to keep in touch and love him. Each year she carried him a new garment as assurance of her love and commitment.

In addition to this physical show of love, she prayed regularly for him.

Samuel grew to become a great prayer intercessor for Israel. Thus, he mirrored his Godly mother.

Gideon: How to and Not to Find God’s Will 5/21/00

Judges 6:36-40

JESUS CHRIST wants to give you divine guidance more than you want to receive it.

Have you ever said something like: “I would be glad to do God’s will if He would just give it to me in writing.” Yet, the Scripture says, “We walk by faith not by sight.”

Finding God’s will is one of the major faith-walks of the Christian experience. It is both simple and complex. Certain parts of His will are clear in Scripture. Others require application of Biblical principles as guidelines to knowing it. Knowing God’s will is critically important for all believers.

Years ago a young man was seen alongside the road with his car hood up looking under it with consternation. A chauffeur-driven limo pulled up and a man got out, watched a moment, and told the young driver what to do. He was desperate and ready to try anything. The car started instantly. The young man asked, “How did you know what to do?” “Well,” said the stranger, “I am Henry Ford and I built the car, so I know all about how it works.”

For precisely that reason we need to know God’s way of doing things. He made us and wants to give us instructions.

The Scripture says “So then do not be foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).

Gideon was a person who wanted it in black and white. He was a “show me God” type person. He wanted to know God’s will regarding an upcoming confrontation. So he put out a fleece and told God to let him know His will by allowing the fleece only to have dew on it and for the ground to be dry in the morning. The next morning the fleece was covered with moisture and the ground dry. Gideon still had doubts. He thought it might have been coincidence so he reversed the process and asked the Lord to let the fleece be dry and the ground be wet be next night.

Is that technique to be considered standard operating procedure for Christians? NO! How do we know it isn’t. There are several reasons, but one is that if it were we would not be asked to walk by faith and not by fleece. Notice:

GIDEON ALREADY KNEW GOD’S WILL. It wasn’t faith that stimulated Gideon to use the fleece. It was doubt. Notice that twice in verses 36 and 37 Gideon said, “as Thou hast spoken…”

Gideon’s problem wasn’t knowledge it was faith and resulting obedience. That is most often our case. Gideon was skeptical about trusting God’s Word. Obedience to the known is the first essential to finding the unknown.

There is no need to come to God asking for more of His will to be revealed if you are not doing what you already know to do. He is not going to reveal more to you not to do. Once He sees your obedience in doing what you know to do, it pleases Him to reveal more to you to do.

It is like a child coming to a parent with one hand behind its back and asking for more cookies. When the child is persuaded to reveal the hidden hand, it is full of cookies. The parent then says, “Eat those you have and then I will give you more.”

In Judges 6:11 Gideon is seen beating out wheat when the Lord Jesus, as the Angel of the Lord appears to him. In verses 12, 14, 16 Gideon is clearly told three times what the will of the Lord was.

Through the miracle of verse 21 Gideon had no cause for further doubt as to the will of God. Gideon knew God’s will.

FLEECE SETTING SUPERSEDES GOD’S WORD IN IMPORTANCE. Gideon’s problem was doubt. Do you believe?: Psalm 32:8; 37:23, 24; 48:14 and Isaiah 58:11?

FLEECE SETTING IMPLIES AN OBLIGATION ON GOD’S BEHALF. We are instructed not to tempt the Lord. Gideon’s conduct revealed He was trying to dictate to God the standard by which he should oblige him. I respect Gideon’s confusion. He was in isolation among his peers as a believer. However, I should not let his confusion become my standard.

FLEECE SETTING SELDOM SOLVES THE PROBLEM. Gideon was enrolled in God’s slow learners class. He wanted God to do it twice.

GUIDELINES FOR FINDING GOD’S WILL

1. We have been given a Guide. The word guidance doesn’t appear in Scripture. We often spend more time looking for guidance than we do looking to the Guide. Step number one in seeking divine guidance is keep your eyes on Jesus. Guidance comes from Him. If you are out of His will, you can’t find His will until you return through the point of your exit.

His will is never mechanical. It is always personal.

2. Godly counsel is often used to find God’s will. This is called the fourth-and-one principle. In football when there is a critical situation in which a first down is needed, the quarterback often calls time out and goes to the sideline to talk with the coach. Notice that St. Louis quarterback Kurt Warner goes over to talk with coach Dick Vermeil in these situations. He doesn’t go to the sideline and phone my fifteen year old grandson and ask his advice. If you are going to seek Spiritual counsel, seek it from an established, proven source.

3. A desire for God’s will results in it being revealed. “Delight thyself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37: 3,4).

4. Guidance is confirmed by the peace of God. “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Col. 3:15). The word translated “rule” literally means “umpire.” Let the peace of God call safe to out things in your life. This is only possible for the person who knows and abides in the Word; one whose conscience is controlled by the Word of God.

5. Guidance is based on the written Word of God. God never contradicts His Word. If you feel you are being led to do a certain thing you know to be contrary to His Word, be assured the leadership isn’t coming from Him.

Start with the known to find the unknown. He has said that it isn’t His will for any to perish (II Peter 3:9). That leaves no doubt about it. He desires for you to be saved.

“This is the will of God, even your sanctification” (I Thess. 4:3).

Before looking for any further revelation of His will, you must be certain of these two.