Faith Baptist Church of Newborn GA

Divorce and Remarriage

I. The PATTERN

Genesis 2:18-25 18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. It is clear that the pattern God established with the first marriage, the union of Adam and Eve is one that is an indivisible joining of the two. This is a union of much more than a fleeting emotional response to an attraction based on a physical attraction. It is a total union of the two, physical, mental and emotional. It is permanent and cannot be broken except by death. The two literally become one flesh joined in a union that cannot be explained in only human and earthly terms. Because man is more than just body and soul, he is also spirit, this union is also spiritual and must be understood in spiritual terms. We can see the reality of this in the cases of divorce and remarriage. In some cases it can be made to work, but the past relationship and its failure always leaves scars that complicate the new marriage. God’s plan for man is much better than anything that the world with its changing fashion and degrading morality can conceive. The two become one flesh until death do they part!

II. The PENALTY for adultery or fornication Leviticus 20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. This may seem extreme to our modern sensibilities, but it shows how seriously God takes the matter of marriage. Today’s attitude toward marriage can be best described as apathetic, at worse completely hostile. God ordained marriage is under attack by the popular culture, comedians make jokes about it all the time. It is portrayed in film and TV as a dysfunctional and evil institution. It is perceived to be a vestige of a bygone era. The reality is that the family made up of a father, a mother and the children is the foundation of all human society. The culture that depreciates marriage and denigrates those that adhere to biblical standards and morals cannot long endure. God has not changed nor will He. A nation cannot scrap all that God has given and continue to receive His blessings. Galatians 6:7 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. This principle is true and certain. It can’t be annulled or avoided. We are experiencing the fruit of the seeds sown in our society for the past century or so.

III. The PICTURE of salvation John 3:27-29 27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. Revelation 21:1-2 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:9 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. The picture of the church as the bride or Christ is important because it shows some vital aspects of salvation. Notice:

A. The Saved are Chosen by God. I want to say first of all that because we are chosen it does not support the doctrine of predestination for salvation. In Jewish custom the bride was chosen for the son by the father. We see this in the account of Abraham selecting, with God’s guidance, Rebekah as the bride for Issac. Those who are saved have been chosen by God. He established the criterion as “whosoever will.” We can see that the bride of Christ are those who have been given to Him by the Father. John 6:37 37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. We are chosen by the will of God because we believed and received Jesus as our personal Saviour.

B. Another aspect of our relationship to the Lord in salvation is that it is an eternal relationship. The Scriptures are clear that we being born into the family of God are secured by His perfect sacrifice. Our sins are cancelled by the power of Christ’s blood. John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. If we simply accept God at His word we need no more than this verse to show that salvation is eternal. There are many other verses that teach the same truth and none that show that salvation is somehow probationary, contingent upon good behaviour.

IV. The PROCLAMATION of Jesus Matthew 19:3-9 3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. This passage clearly teaches that it not God’s will that anything other than death would end a marriage. The bride of Christ being a picture of the church shows that our salvation is eternally secure in God’s will and power. Praise God that it doesn’t depend on our power because we are still weak. Consult Romans chapter 7. If the Apostle Paul could cry out about his own weakness, I must confess that I can only cast myself and my burdens on the mercy, power and grace of God! The lesson to be learned is that just as our salvation is eternal, it is God’s will and plan that marriage should be lifelong until death.

V. The PERCEIVED Exception Matthew 19:9 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. Many make the mistake of interpreting this passage with our present day laws and customs in view. One must take into account the customs of the Jews at the time of the writing. I will refer to the marriage of Mary and Joesph. Matthew 1:18-20 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. The construction of the language indicates that upon the betrothal Mary was, in a legal sense, already the wife of Joseph. If he had broken the engagement it would have required a legal proceeding. I’m old enough to remember when people were sued for ‘breach of promise’ when an engagement to marry was broken without proper cause. The time of betrothal was a time of testing. It was to prove the purity of the couple. Once the marriage was consummated the two were then one flesh and there remained no exception for divorce. Time fails me to do a more complete study. But the conclusion is that marriage is to be unbroken by the actions of men.

Romans 1:14-32

 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

This passage is a terrible indictment of sinful men. Many sins are listed here but we can see the emphasis is on sexual sins.  We are living in a hyper-sexualized era. From infidelity in marriage to the sexual exploitation of children. From ancient times perverted sex has been an integral part of idolatry. Modern idolatry takes many forms, such as the “green movement”, which is nothing more than worship of nature or the creation rather than the Creator. We will look at modern sexual idolatry. This presents itself  in the form of the perversion of all things that are good and wholesome. The cultural shift to normalize same sex marriage and the push to convince us that one can change their “gender” at will. I believe many are aware of the impossibility of this, but some are convinced that they have the power to overcome the creation of God. As we see the current situation, please notice:

1. The POWER of the Gospel – it is the power to:
   1. CAUSE the sinner to halt – People are so busy with the things of this life that they can avoid the discomfort of thinking of eternity. God has placed within each of us the innate knowledge of our sinfulness. At least one time during their life God will speak to the heart of a person drawing them from the things of the world to Himself. He does not force them to repent of their sins and receive Jesus as Saviour, but He brings them to a point where they must make a decision; life or death, darkness or light, Heaven or Hell. 
   2. CONVICT – Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God has placed within each one a certain and sure knowledge that God exists and we are responsible to Him. The Gospel brings conviction. Paul tells us that the law made it clear that his sin was “exceeding sinful” Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. Human beings are by their very nature religious.  God has provided an unescapable witness for His existence and His power. Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: It isd a truth that all worship something, either the true God or any other thing that Satan can deceive one into accepting as the object of their worship. 
   3. CONVERT – Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. The greatest miracle is when a sinner comes to Jesus by faith, accepting Him as their Saviour.  At that moment God gives a second birth, a spiritual birth.  Man is a triune being, he is body, soul and spirit.  When we are born physically we have physical life and our soul inhabits our body, but the spirit is dead. The second birth is when the Holy Spirit using the Word of God gives spiritual life to the repentant soul. 
2. The PERVERSION of Sin
   1. The PROGRESS of Sin – James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  The sinner left to his own devices will grow bolder in his sin.  His conscience will be silenced by repeated acts of sin. ! Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; A man doesn’t start out with the grossest of sins, but over time and with many acts of sin their tolerance and desire for sin is increased. We can see this at work in our present day society, according to a recent news report 25 % of youth now say that they are homosexual, bisexual, transgender or some other perversion. There has been a precipitous increase in this phenomenon in the past few years.  It defies logic that it is a natural occurrence, it is drive by satanic forces at work in the world. The boldness of sinners has increased greatly, consider: 2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 
   2. The POWER of Sin – the power of sin is to capture and enslave its victims. 2 Timothy 2:25-26 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.  So many in our society today are addicts, some to drugs but a large are addicts to sexual perversion. Time fails us to make a comprehensive list of all the perversions that plague the world today.  While perverted sex is not a modern phenomenon, it is rampant today.  Perhaps the most troubling aspect today is that perversions of all types are being “main streamed”. The popular culture from entertainment to government to education is engaged in promoting the ungodly as good and the godly as old-fashioned, out dated and evil. This indoctrination has drawn many into the slavery of carnal desires that the unsaved have no ability to counter.  As with many drugs the need to satisfy the craving demands an every greater dose.  That which is exciting is soon too mild to satisfy the addict.  With sex this manifests itself with an increasing of the perversions practiced.  We now see many things that have come up in the last few years, things such as transgenderism and even those who say that the “identify” as animals. The Biblical ideal of a man and a woman forming a family through marriage is now considered abnormal. 
   3. The PRODUCT of Sin – Death:
      1. Physical – universal – Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying “there are only two things in this world that can be counted as certain, death and taxes.”  Some have figured a way out of taxes, but death is certain.  For the Christian death should hold no fear @ Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 
      2. Spiritual – eternal Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. This death, the second death is what one should fear.  It is an everlasting death.  In the Lake of Fire lost souls are always dying and yet are never obliterated.  
3. The PRIDE of the sinner – The root of sin can be seen in the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden.  Satan appealed to their pride. Genesis 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. The most common religion today is humanism or the worship of man, which is really the worship of self.  Pride motivates the sin of rebellion against authority. God is the ultimate authority and therefore is the ultimate object of rebellion. 
4. The PRESSURE to confirm – The result of the pressure to conform to the world is seen in the vast increase in the number of people, especially young folk, who have fallen into the trap of sexual perversion. Homosexuality, transgenderism, promiscuity among other sins are increasing on every hand.  The trends defy all historical patterns. They are the result of our situation with the rapid communication, of TV and the internet. The old saying that “a lie can run around the world before the truth puts his boots on, but truth will come marching in” holds a lot of truth.  God’s Word is truth and will be verified in the end.  Much sorrow and loss will be the result of conforming to the fashion of the moment. The ultimate goal of those who promote and practice all types of sexual perversion is not to be accepted or even to be elevated above the normal but it is that all participate in their sin.  Notice in Romans 1:32 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Compare this with the account of the angels who entered Sodom to rescue Lot.  The men of that wicked city would not be content until they had forced themselves upon them. Evil is never sated, its perverse desires and demands always grow greater and more wicked. In our present day we have seen the progress of sin and perversion.  What was universally condemned only a few years ago is now held up as the paragon of virtue. We are engaged in a spiritual war. We must recognize this fact and reject the wisdom and morality of the world and cleave unto the Word of God, in belief and in practice. We must become obedient in all aspects of our lives.  The hope for our nation is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. This is the answer. While I exhort all Christians to vote and participate in the political life of our nation, there is no hope in politics alone, we must first have a revival among God’s people. Those who hold office must be first obedient to God if we are to enjoy the blessings of God.  Let us dedicate ourselves to prayer and service to God. Let the revival begin in us.  

Amos 8:10-14

[10] And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day. [11] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.   [12] And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. [13] In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. [14] They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beer-sheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again.

Introduction – Our text verse, and the two verses which follow, contain a prophecy that is strange to our ears.  It is strange, because God is accustomed to sending out his word, and calling on men to hear and believe it.  It must be said here again that ‘his ways are not our ways’, and there are many things in the Bible that the minds of men cannot now, and may never comprehend.  However, we believe the scriptures offer an explanation of this unusual promise made by God.  We will take special notice of three things in the text:

PROVIDENCE

The fulfillment of this prophecy rests in the providence of God.  He not only knows the future, but he can guide events to accomplish his purpose.  Notice the:

1. POWER – The power to bring it to pass rests in WHO he is v.11 says ‘I‘. As human with a prideful heart we think that we possess a certain degree of power. In this time we are told that we will destroy the world by human activity, if we continue to drive gasoline powered automobiles and heat or cool our home that certain destruction is impending.  The “transgender” movement tells us that just by wishing we can change our most basic nature, that is a man can be a woman when he declares it to be so. This, of course, flies in the face of all reality. The certainty that God is the source of all power is confirmed in Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  God spoke the entire creation into existence and maintains it by the power of His word. Colossians 1:16-17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. It is only the arrogance of sinful man that leads him to believe that he can do that which is in the power of God and He alone. 

2. PROMISE – When God says, ‘I will’, his word can be trusted.  Titus 1:5 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; There is one source that can always be trusted, that is the Word of God.  When God tells us something it is already accomplished in reality. This is because God is not limited by time, He lives in the eternal present. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: His plans cannot be frustrated. When Satan, fallen angels or men rebel against Him, He simply uses their actions to further His plans. I have often heard many say that the Romans or the Jews killed Jesus, this is false. No one can kill God, remember the Lord said John 10 15-18 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold,andone shepherd. 17Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. Many confuse foreknowledge with predetermination. Because God knows what we will do and has planned accordingly does not mean that He forced us to act in a certain manner. God cannot lie and always keeps His Word, when He says I will, it is certain. 

3. PURPOSE – God’s people must be chastened because of their refusal to hear his word in the past, and the foreknowledge of God enables him to see that in the future they will continue to do so.  It was so in Israel then, and it is so among God’s people today! In Amos 2:4, we read ‘Thus saith the LORD;  for three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof;  because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments’.  God’s purpose in chastening His children is for their good and His glory. Hebrews 12:5-11 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. My father was a wonderful parent who loved me and part of his love was to discipline me.  Today his discipline would be considered extreme. I submit that it was necessary because I needed correction in the path I was on.  My father’s chastening was not pleasant but it achieved the desired result. God wants His children to live obedient lives for His glory. When we don’t He will deal with us in love. He convicts the wayward child of his sin and will chasten when the rebellion continues. 

PLAN

In v.11 of our text, God promises a ‘famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD’.  How can this be so?  Does not the scripture say in Isaiah 55:11 ‘So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto I sent it’?  

This principle certainly must be considered in the light of man’s freedom to choose whether he will hear and believe that word.  The only possible conclusion, then, is that God does not send forth his word to force his will on men, but to reveal his will.  It is then the responsibility of man to respond to this revelation, and to reap the consequences of his choice.  

There are two possible explanations, then, for this prophecy of a ‘famine of hearing the words of the LORD’.  First, it could be that men will choose not to hear the words of God, and this prophecy simply reflects God’s foreknowledge of this choice.  Men can avoid hearing God’s Word by:

1. STAYING away from the preacher and others who believe the Bible and will share the Truth with them.

2. SPEAKING rather than listening – I have met many who think they know it all, and don’t need any more instruction. 

3. STRAYING thoughts – Our minds can be distracted from the word when we pay attention to distractions.

4. SEDATING ourselves with drugs, alcohol, etc.  

5. SEARCHING out false teachers and preachers who will tell us what we want to hear, rather than ‘thus saith the Word of God’.  This is a serious problem in our day.  Denominations and cults are abounding today, and each is trying to grab up as many ‘converts’ as possible.  Some will tell folks most anything if they can get and keep a crowd in their church.

6. SHIFTING our attention to the messenger rather than the message – People will accept most any doctrinal teaching today if the preacher ‘puts on a good show’.  Even in our fundamental ranks, personality has become predominant rather than principle.

7. SLUMBERING while the word is being preached.

Secondly, it could mean that God will providentially take away his word that it may not be heard for a season.  He could do this in two ways:

1. SHUTTING the prophet’s mouths – He could do this by simply removing the prophets themselves, as it seems may be happening in our day.  One after another of the great preachers I have known have been taken away by death, discouragement or disqualification, and few are taking their place!  Many of these ‘replacements’ are compromisers and man-pleasers.  He could also accomplish his purpose by restraining the prophets from their preaching for a season.  In Hoses 4:17, notice that God said ‘Ephraim is joined to idols:  let him alone’.

2. STIFFENING the hearers’ hearts – Just as God responded to Pharaoh’s refusal to hear his word by hardening his heart to further resist the divine message, so may this famine involve a hardening of the hearers’ hearts that they will not hear.

I believe the second of these two interpretations  is  the  most likely.  The reason for this choice is based on the words ‘I will send’.  This statement indicates that the immediate source of this ‘famine of hearing’ is God himself.  We believe that the foreknowledge of God enabled him to foresee the continued refusal of the people to ‘hear’ his word, and this prophecy is describing the result of God’s own response to this refusal.  

PROPHECY

We know that the consequences of such a famine brought great darkness and spiritual ignorance over the land of Israel, and it is doing so in our day.  I have never seen such an unwillingness to hear the gospel by sinners, and the word by saints in all my years as a christian.  I suppose every generation of preachers has said similar words, but with some periods of revival excepted, it seems to be a pattern in this wicked world.  The sad truth is that one day it will be too late!  Notice in  Amos 8:12-13 [12] And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord , and shall not find it . [13] In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. that listeners will one day find that God has taken steps to prevent their hearing the word.  Notice them:

1. FINDING – Some day when men realize that human wisdom and worldly pursuits cannot truly satisfy their God-given thirst for truth, they will begin to seek the ‘well-spring’ of truth, the Word of God.  Then, the truth will not be found.  God in his sovereignty sets limits upon how long men may refuse to ‘hear‘ his word.

2. FAINTING – V.12 indicates the extreme effects of being cut off from the Word of God.  Their desperation will not be rewarded, and the result will be ‘faint‘.  Their thirst will not be satisfied!

3. FALLING – The word ‘fall‘ in v.13 indicates the end result of a famine of ‘hearing the words of the LORD’.  No nation or people can prosper without the Word of God!

A Desire to be Realized

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.  

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. CONTEXT
      1. Acts Is the record of the early church
      2. Chapter 20 is the record of Paul’s last meeting with the Ephesian church
   2. TEXT – The purchase of the Church  We see in the purchase of the church that there is:
2. A DESIRE to be REALIZED
   1. God’s PLEASURE Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. The purpose of the whole creation is to give glory to God. The purpose of man is to give glory to God.  The purpose of the church is to give glory to God. God and God alone is worthy of being glorified. When the church meets the focus should be on the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is God in the flesh Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. We must constantly guard against pride creeping in and leading us astray in seeking the glory that belongs to God alone. The desire of every pastor is to see the congregation grow. If it does the flesh will begin to insist that the growth is the result of the effort and talent of the pastor. If a believer is blessed to lead someone to Christ, the flesh will want to crow about it.  We all must remember what the Saviour saidJohn 15:1-8I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and everybranchthat beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, yearethe branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and casttheminto the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. All that is accomplished is by the grace and power of God. We are merely His chosen instruments therefore we cannot claim glory but must glorify and worship our Lord and Saviour. God is pleased when we render glory and honor to His name. 
   2. God’s PURPOSE Ephesians 1:9-10 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: God is going restore what Adam surrendered to Satan in the Garden of Eden.  We see the plan and purpose of God in: Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  God created man with the purpose of enjoying the worship of and fellowship with them.  The first requirement of fellowship is obedience.  Fellowship and true worship requires free will.  He could have created us without the ability to disobey, but fellowship would be impossible. Worship would be mere form and meaningless. 
   3. God’s PROBLEM Ephesians 2:11-22 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
      1. The ‘Racial’ (human race) enmity – man is separated from God by sin. Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. When we are born we inherit many things from our parents, among these is sin and death Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: When Adam chose to reject the will of God in the Garden he plunged us all into the sin and enmity with God.  We then received his twisted sin nature and only the new birth by faith in Jesus Christ can change the nature and remove the enmity between God and His wayward creatures. The problem is that the penalty of sin is death Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God’s holiness demands that He be just, justice is the penalty be exacted. But His mercy and grace seek to justify the sinner.  We will see in a moment how God resolves this dilemma. 
      2. The ‘national’ enmity – Jew and Gentile separated from each other by sin. The hatred that existed and still exists between different peoples is the result of sin. Satan uses the sin nature to breed suspicion and hatred in the human heart. Our sin nature tells us that we are superior to others because of race, religion, tribe, nation or many other pretexts. The Jews were chosen to be God’s messenger nation to the world but their pride precluded them from fulfilling this mission, instead it generated animosity and division. God wanted to remove this division and we see the plan He has to accomplish this. 
   4. God’s PLAN – the church to be purchased by the blood of Jesus to be:
      1. Separated from the world Revelation 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. By means of the sacrifice of His Son God brought in being the new institution of the church.  We see that God purchased our salvation and that the church is made up of people who have been saved, their sin debt paid by the shed blood of the precious Saviour. The price of the church was the blood and death of the the Son of God. He came to Earth in the form of the Lord Jesus  Christ.  He was Emmanuel, ie “God with us”, that is God robed in human flesh. The great mystery of the incarnation is that Jesus is 100% God and 100% man.  This truth is something that one must be convinced of by the work of the Holy Ghost as it is truly spiritual and cannot be comprehended by the natural man. 
      2. Sanctified unto God Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. One purpose God has in our salvation is to separate us from the world, the flesh and the Devil.  He seeks our sanctification, that is our separation from these things and our separation unto God.  Sanctification is the dedication of a person or thing unto the service of God. We as believers should be sanctified 2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, When you consider this verse with Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. We can see God’s purpose is to transform us from the willful, rebellious, sinners to obedient sons of God who live to give honor, worship and glory to our Saviour and Lord.  The natural man, unregenerate man or the carnal man cannot receive or even understand the things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. By the work and power of the Holy Spirit we can be sanctified, transformed, sanctified to the glory of God.

A message by my Pastor Ken Jacques, who is now in the presence of our Lord

Ye Will Not Come Unto Me

And ye will not come unto me that ye might have life.      John 5:40

Introduction

Since the beginning of the church age, there has been controversy about the basis upon which God saves sinners.  There are two extreme positions on this subject, and I reject both.  The first is often called Arminianism, which places the responsibility for salvation ultimately upon the will of the sinner.  That man is free and able to exercise his will to come to Christ or not is a key point of their doctrine.  The second is often called Hyper-Calvinism (or extreme Calvinism), placing all responsibility for salvation in the hands of God, and that human will plays no part in the process.  They believe God has already ‘chosen’ those who will be saved, and that those not chosen cannot be saved.  This may be an oversimplification of a complex issue, but it will suit our purpose.  Our text seems to contradict the doctrine of the Calvinists by placing the responsibility squarely upon the `will’ of the sinner. My conviction lies somewhere between the two extremes, and we will try to deal with this doctrine in this study.  We will consider several scripture passages in the gospel of John.  Notice the:

WITNESS to the SINNER

In our text, Jesus is preaching to unbelievers.  In the preceding verses (32-39) John 5:32-39 [32] There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. [33] Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. [34] But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. [35] He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. [36] But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. [37] And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. [38] And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. [39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.  He is removing the excuse of ignorance. These Jews had received ample witness that Jesus was the Messiah, and the Son of God.  They had the witness of:

1. JOHN – In v.32-35, Jesus reminds them of the witness of John the Baptist `Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth’.

2. JESUS’ WORKS – In v.36, he says `But I have greater witness than that of John:  for the works which the Father hath given me to  finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me’.  In the presence of this generation, Jesus had healed the sick, cast out demons and raised the dead.  These were the marks of the ministry of Messiah as foretold by the prophets of old.

3. THE FATHER – In v.37, notice the words of Jesus `And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me’.  At his baptism in Jordan, the Father gave public approval of his Son.

4. SCRIPTURES – The final witness cited by Jesus is the scriptures.  God inspired the prophets to write of the coming of Christ, and Israel had been thoroughly prepared by their message for his coming.  Notice in v.38 he rebukes their unbelief, and then in v.39 appeals to the witness of the scriptures `Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:  and they are they which testify of me’.

It is clear that Israel had received sufficient witness as to the identity of Christ to have believed on him, and Jesus is holding them responsible for their own unbelief.

WORK in the SINNER

It is here that we must reconcile a ‘seeming’ difficulty with another passage of scripture.  Consider the:

1. PROBLEM – In John 6:44, this same apostle writes the words of Jesus `No man can come unto me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him‘.  Now, the Calvinist may ask, How do you reconcile this verse, which states the natural man is not able to come unto Jesus on his own, and our text which clearly holds men responsible for not being willing to come to him?  Do we have a contradiction here?  No, never!  The Word of God is perfect and complete, and has no contradictions!  

2. PLAN – The answer to this dilemma lies in John 12:32, where Jesus declares `And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me’.  The plan of God is that thru the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, all men will be drawn to him. Yes, no man can come except he be drawn, and all shall be drawn.  This means that all will be enabled to come to Jesus.  

3. POWER – The agent of the Father in drawing men to Christ is the Holy Spirit.  He works within the sinner’s heart to free the will of the sinner from bondage to sin, Satan and society, and blindness of heart.  

4. PRINCIPLE – The Spirit frees the enlightened will, but does not force faith upon any sinner.  At some point(s) in every sinner’s life, he is promised that his will shall be freed sufficiently to enable him to choose to come to Christ or not.  It is then his responsibility to choose to believe. But when, how often and for how long does the Spirit draw and enable the sinner to believe?  Only God, our creator knows for sure.

WILL of the SINNER

God has made it possible for man to choose belief or unbelief, but men respond differently to this freedom of the will.  There are two possible responses to this opportunity, provided for us through the precious blood of Christ, they are either: 

1. WHOSOEVER WILL’S – A few choose to answer the call of Jesus when he says Matt 11:28 `come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden’.  Then in John 6:37 he says `and him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out’.  All through the New Testament we find the invitation to come to Jesus in repentance and faith.  In the last chapter of the Bible (Revelation 22:17) we hear ‘And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come.  And let him that is athirst come.  And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely’.

2. WHOSOEVER WILL NOT’S – What a mystery!  That the sovereign creator of men is willing, because of his love for them, and for his own glory, to permit them freedom to choose to come to him or not!  Why do men refuse?  The Bible gives many reasons, but on the believing side of Calvary, it is hard to remember being so hard and unbelieving.  Unfortunately, most take this path, and end up in the lake of fire.  Not because they were chosen to go there for no reason, but because when given the ability to choose, then rebelled and went on their way without Christ!

Conclusion

We have tried in this study to touch on some of the most debated scriptures in this controversy.  But there are many more, which in my judgment, confirm the conclusions above that Man is unable in his natural state to come to Christ, but through the finished work of Christ, and the drawing of the Father by the Spirit, his will is freed.  By this he is enabled to choose faith or unbelief, and he bears the responsibility for this choice!

Whosoever Will – Philip Bliss

Whosoever cometh need not delay,

Now the door is open, enter while you may;

Jesus is the true, the only living way;

Send the proclamation over vale and hill,

Tis a loving Father calls the wanderer home,

Whosoever will may come.

Death

Ecclesiastes 9:3

This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event to all:  yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.      

Hebrews 9:27 KJVS

[27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Psalm 116:15 KJVS

[15] Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Introduction – Ecclesiastes is occupied with discerning the mysteries of this life, ‘under the sun’.  Of these, the greatest is death.  Solomon’s observations on life here ‘under the sun‘ all seem to end at the graveside.  In vs.1-6 of this chapter, the fact that all die is a matter of deep frustration to this man of wisdom.  One reason for this is the almost universal idea among the ancients that length of life is always determined by one’s righteousness or wickedness.  Now there is no doubt that there is a ‘window’ of time given to every man for his death, and that his manner of life can have a definite effect on whether it is long or short (Ecclesiastes 7:17).  “Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?”

As a pastor, I have been constantly exposed to death and its effects on those left behind.  My observations and my study of the scriptures have resulted in the following thoughts on the subject of death.  Notice the:

REALITY OF DEATH

Some foolishly believe death is not real!  There are two kinds of death mentioned in the scriptures.  First, there is physical death.  this is the subject of Solomon’s observations in the text.  Second, there is spiritual death, or the second death  mentioned in  Revelation 20:11-15 [11] “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”  in the `lake of fire’.  Both are equally real, but we are able to see the results of physical death all around us.  Physical death is:

1. UNIVERSAL – In Ecclesiastes 9:2-3, we read “All things come alike to all:there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked;  to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean;  to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not:  as is the good, so is the sinner;  and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.  This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event to all:  yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead’. We see those who have their bodies frozen after their death so that some time in the future when a cure for what killed them has been found, they can be thawed out and cured. This is a sad and silly attempt to circumvent the certainty of death. Medical advancements have been remarkable in the past years, but one thing is still the same ie. ‘every one dies’. It comes to the rich and famous as it does to the lowly and poor. Benjamin Franklin once observed that there are only two things in this life that are certain ‘death and taxes’. Some have means of not paying taxes, but all die.  

2. UNAVOIDABLE – Solomon further says in Ecclesiastes 8:8 `There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death:  and there  is no discharge in that war;  neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it‘.  The New Testament scriptures agree in Hebrews 9:27 we read “it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment:”.  That is an appointment all will keep (except for that one generation of believers living when Jesus returns, this was not revealed in Solomon’s day). We spend an enormous amount on ‘health care’ in the United States.  I fully understand, at my age most of my trips from home involve doctors or pharmacies. I can eat the prescribed diet, do the prescribed exercises, avoid the vices such as drink and drugs, but in the end I will die (should the Lord not return beforehand). 

RESULTS OF DEATH

Like a stone tossed into calm water, death causes ripples all around.  Many are affected, in addition to  the one who has died.  Consider some of these effects of death:

1. SURPRISES – I have always found it interesting to observe the shock and surprise experienced by those who have had a loved one die.  This surprise is in evidence even if the death has been anticipated for a long time!  I have seen families lose a loved one 90-100 years old, remark “Why did they have to be taken NOW?” I found this in my own experience. My father died very suddenly and unexpectedly. Naturally I was shocked to hear the news and it took some time to adjust. When my mother passed it was a different story. She had lived a good and long life. She suffered a severe stroke, she lived about a month after that. We expected her death, but it was still a shock to me.  The fear of death makes us want to ignore it. Because we don’t want to face death and often don’t prepare for it comes as a surprise and a shock. 

2. SEPARATES – Physical death is separation of the soul from the body it has occupied since conception.  It separates us from our friends and families, and from the world we live in.  Our modern religious environment refuses to accept the reality that man was created by God and in His image. The physical body is our ‘house’ it is the abode that we inhabit for this life.  When we die, it is not an end of existence, but a change of residence. In my life I have lived in a number of houses, when I moved out of one into another my existence did not end.  It continued in another place. Death is the same idea.  Paul expresses it in 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. After death the soul migrates to one of two places; the saved are transported into the presence of God, the lost find themselves in the flames of Hell. While until the time of the resurrection they are not inhabiting their bodies, they still have all the feeling and desires.  This is cleary seen in the account of Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man is in Hell, his body is in the tomb, yet he is suffering in the flames and he wants water. We can begin to understand this when we consider people who have lost a limb and they suffer ‘phantom pain’ in the missing member. They will tell you the pain is real even though there is nothing there to feel the pain.  In the same way people in Hell are and will suffer the agonies without being in their bodies at the time.

3. SETTLES – Death settles the destiny of the one who has passed from this life. There are only two possibilities, Heaven or Hell. Up unto the moment of death, there is still hope that one can change the destiny of his soul by repenting and trusting in Christ.  Some do not believe in deathbed repentance, but tell that to the thief on the cross.  One thing I do know, that death ends all hope for repentance and faith.  This life only is given to us to make this choice! I often hear people ask for prayer for someone who has died, too late! We must make every effort to reach them in this life. I have officiated at a number of funerals. Many times I see people who are distraught at the death of their love ones, but while they were alive they showed no concern for them, neither their physical or spiritual needs. But there is nothing that you can do for them now. Their fate is settled. 

4. STOPS – Death brings an end to many things familiar to us here on earth.  For the:

1. Saints – Pain, sorrow, trouble, stress, fear will all be ended. Job tells us Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. When Adam sinned in the garden he brought a curse upon all of mankind. Genesis 3:17-19 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground forthy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

b. Sinners – pleasure, happiness, and all good things will cease. All the things that the flesh craves will no longer be available to those in Hell. The torment in Hell is not just the flames, but also the constant desires that cannot be satisfied.  The drug addict cannot ease his suffering, the sex addict will no longer have a way to fulfill his perverted desire. Adding to the suffering is the isolation from contact.  Jesus spoke of the conditions in Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. All the pleasures of the flesh denied and the terror of suffering alone and in darkness. 

5. SORROWS – Whether sinner or saint, our death brings sorrow to those around us.  Even ‘Jesus wept‘ at the tomb of Lazarus.  Death can even bring sorrow and a sense of loss to some even if they didn’t know the deceased.  Just the reality of death is sufficient to grieve their heart. When we hear reports of natural disasters with great loss of life our reaction is one of shock and sorrow.  We don’t know the people affected but the thought of lives lost, especially the children brings sorrow to us. When it is someone we know and love the sorrow touches us much more deeply.

6. SPOILS – Death has a way of spoiling our worldly plans and schemes.  I remember a man who had made elaborate plans for his retirement, only to die and leave them two days after he retired!  None is sure of tomorrow! I am reminded of a man who had been faithful in church for many years. As he approached the age of lessened responsibilities he decided to build his dream house and as it was finished and the last purchases were being made to furnish it, he suffered a heart attack.  He said many times “when my house is done I’ll be back in church.” He did not return to church or live in his dream house.  He made his plans but death spoiled his plans. 

7. SILENCES – Our voice is silenced…whether for good or evil.  But you may say doesn’t the Bible say, “he being dead yet speaketh’?   Yes  it does,  but  remember,  this  ‘speech’  after death is the result of our ways and words during this life. The only thing we leave that is of value is a legacy of faithful service to God. You may leave a fortune in material things, but these are easily squandered on worldly things. Our testimony can live on after us. Think of those heroes of the faith, many had none of the world’s good but their legacy has inspired generations of believers to sacrificial service. We may never know until eternity how God will use our service and testimony.  Let us be faithful and obedient, leaving the results to God. 

8. SUMMONS – Hebrews 9:27 says ‘And as it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the Judgment‘.  Death then is a summons to appear  before God to answer  for our lives.  Death is a summons that cannot be ignored.  It often comes when least expected. Luke 12:15-21 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16  And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink,andbe merry.20 But God said unto him,Thoufool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?21 Soishe that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. The uncomfortable truth is that you will die. After death comes judgment The verse in Hebrews makes it clear that all will give an account for our lives.  Those who reject God’s offer of forgiveness and eternal life in Christ must suffer eternal death in the Lake of Fire. The choice is up to each individual. A decision that determines one’s eternal destiny. 

9. SHOWS  – God’s sovereign power over the affairs of men is demonstrated by the death of men.  The fact that he determines the manner and time of our death demonstrates that HE is in charge. Many think that they are in control of their lives. While God allows all men a certain latitude in their actions, no one can choose the time, manner or place of their death.  God not only knows the moment of our death, He has determined it!

REASON FOR DEATH

People frequently ask, Why death?  Simple question, with a simple answer Romans 5:12 “Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by  sin;  and so death passed upon all men, for that all  have sinned.”  The sin of MAN brought the curse of death into the world.  Let’s not blame God!

REMEDY FOR DEATH

Jesus gave the remedy for death at the tomb of Lazarus his friend in John 11:25-26 “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life:  he that believeth  in me, though  he were dead,  ye shall  he live:  and whosoever liveth and believeth  in me shall never  die.”  Jesus Christ himself is the remedy for death.  Receiving him is the secret to escaping the second death. We must:

1. RECOGNIZE that we are sinners, deserving of God’s judgment

2. REPENT of sin and unbelief

3. RECEIVE and trust Jesus Christ as our personal savior

Blood on our Hands

2 Kings 24:1-4

[1] In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. [2] And the Lord sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by his servants the prophets. [3] Surely at the commandment of the Lord came this upon Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did; [4] And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the Lord would not pardon.

Genesis 4:8-11

[8] And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. [9] And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? [10] And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. [11] And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;

1. The PRINCIPLE – God holds us responsible for the blood of others.
   1. NATIONALLY – We can see from 2 kings 24 that while the blood was shed by or at the order of Manasseh, God held the nation as a whole responsible.  Manasseh as the head of the people did his evil in the power and authority of the nation. This corporate responsibility is frightening when I think of the millions of children that have been murdered in their mothers’ wombs. God does not overlook innocent blood!  
   2. INDIVIDUALLY – The passage in Genesis show that each individual is responsible for their actions. The clear teaching here is that Cain was responsible for the crime he committed. While we don’t know if the training he received from his parents may have been lacking in some points, we can be assured that the innate knowledge of his conscience told him it was wrong to kill.  He was the author of his crime and he was responsible. 
2. Our National RESPONSIBILITY – We can pray
   1. Victims of UNPUNISHED Murders – Ecclesiastes 8:11  Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. I have heard some truly terrifying statistics about the number of unsolved murders in this country. The problem is growing. We can again look to the 1973 supreme court decision which gave legal cover to the slaughter of millions of innocents. This was one of the steps in a long decline of the moral and spiritual condition of our country. Life has become cheap and disposable. When one believes that humans are nothing more than accidents of evolution it becomes easy to kill for any reason or no reason at all.  Another aspect is the laxity of the punishment handed out for this most heinous of crimes.  In the rare instance when the death penalty is imposed it has little meaning as it is not imposed speedily. The penalty twenty or thirty years in the future does nothing to deter crime today.  As the number of murders mount the possibility of solving them and bringing the criminals to justice diminishes.  Again we must say that God does not overlook innocent blood. 
   2. Victims of ABORTIONS – Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.The greatest crime in our nation’s history is that of the murder of more than sixty million babies by abortion. This is a holocaust of historic proportions. It is more than the dead from WWII. It is multiple times the number of our combat losses in all the wars and conflicts in the history of our nation. These are the most innocent of all. We were told the lie that the child in the womb is just a lump of cells without feelings. Ultra sounds technology gives vivid proof of the lie.  It is heart rending and infuriating to watch the process that is used to destroy the body and life of a child.  A child in the womb is a creation of God and is the responsibility of the mother and society in general to protect.
   3. Victims of DRUG ABUSERS who kill to get dope and Victims of DRUG DEALERS who sell drugs (poison) – Habakkuk 2:15 Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!  We are experiencing an unprecedented epidemic of death due to illegal drug use.The number of drug death has reached over one hundred thousand a year and it’s growing. There are many factors that contribute to this plague, among them are the invasion of illegals, some of which are transporting drugs.  Also we must say that the number of addicts in our country has grown dramatically.  The root of all this problem is sin.  The spiritual conditions in the United States is at a low point in our history. So many are slaves to their carnal desires and thereby slaves to Satan.  Satan’s desire is to damn and destroy as many as he can.  As a society we have expelled God and His Word from the public square and from the schools. The popular culture is not only non-religious but is actively at war with God and anything godly. 
   4. Policemen who die because the public won’t support them and criminals are emboldened. – Romans 13:1-7 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. We have all seen too many reports of policemen killed in the line of duty in recent years. The police have a very difficult job. They should be supported in all ways we can. As Christians we are obligated to hold them up in prayer.  As citizens we must lend our voice in support demanding the courts and politicians do their part to carry out justice. When evil doers have no fear of punishment, there is no restraint on their actions. The police often pay the price by being in danger needlessly.  Their duty is hazardous enough under the best of circumstances. 
   5. Suicides by children who have no hope. The Bible can’t be taught in School. – The anchor of the soul is the certainty that God exists.  To believe that one is nothing more than a cosmic accident whose life has no meaning or purpose, that he upon his death his life will end in oblivion.  He will soon be forgotten, any accomplishments will be forgotten. It will be as if he had never been at all. When children are taught that they are just more intelligent animals, they soon begin to act as animals. Children need the hope and comfort that the love of God gives.  The hymn “Jesus loves me” has given the hope of God’s love to countless children over many years.  The despair and hopelessness of an existence without God leads many children to the terrible decision to take their own life. 
3. Our Individual RESPONSIBILITYEzekiel 33:7-9[7] So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. [8] When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. [9] Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
   1. Preachers who refuse to preach the TRUTH – So many preachers move with the current of popular opinion. This is the reason that sins such as homosexuality, transgenderism, abortion, divorce and fornication are not called out from the pulpit of many churches. One pastor of a famous megachurch is reported to have said that he didn’t preach on sin in order to not offend visitors. We should never seek to offend anyone, but if the truth hurts, so be it.  When we stand before the Lord we will give an account of all that we say and do.  
   2. Churches which refuse to hear and heed the TRUTH – Acts 17;11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. The pastor who stands in the pulpit has a great privilege, but with that great privilege comes a commensurate responsibility to preach truth.  But those that sit under his teaching have an equal responsibility that is to do as those of Berea. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.We are told to try the spirits, how is this to be done? The measure of truth is the Word of God. The missing component in so many churches is the searching of the Scriptures. It is important for each to do their duty. If those in the pews are derelict in certifying the truth of the preaching, error will go unchecked.  It doesn’t matter if the error is intentional or not, it is error and does damage. 
   3. Churches who spend their time, money and effort on entertainment rather than evangelism – So many churches have become social clubs or political organizations rather than a light house of the Gospel sending out the light into a dark and dying world. The reasons for this are multiple. The most common are the fact that most of the people are members of the church but are not saved. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Without the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit the natural man will seek and do what seems right to him and appeals to the flesh. Human logic dictates that we seek to draw a crowd by means of worldly inducements, such as entertainment or some sort of reward. 
   4. Christians who refuse to witness or Christians who live carelessly in front of sinners or Christians who refuse to invite folk to church. – Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. It is incumbent upon us to dedicate our lives to the furtherance of the work of God. This means that everything we do, all that we say and how we spend our time and money should be done with the glory of God as the object. 

A Missionary and his Supporters

Philippians 1:1-7

[1] Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: [2] Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, [4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, [5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; [6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: [7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

1. Paul’s REASON for Thanksgiving
   1. Their FAITHFULNESS – They could be counted on – The one ability that every Christian can have and exercise is dependability. That is just another way of saying faithfulness  It does not matter what gifts and abilities we may have if we are not at our station ready and willing to exercise those gifts. Think of it this way, I could be the greatest heart surgeon in the world, but if I am not where the emergency is, my skills, training and experience are of no value whatsoever. I may be the most gifted speaker with a God given ability to explain the things of God, but if I will not use that ability in the service of God it is of no consequence at all. As the expression says ‘even a hound dog can be faithful’. 
   2. Their STEDFASTNESS – Year after Year – The Christian life is a marathon not a dash. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. It is a difficult thing to continue to labor year after year, especially if we do not see results we think we should see. This is where faith is involved. If I am faithful in doing the will of God the results are up to Him. I think of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah who labored faithfully for some forty years seeing little results.  However his work has had an impact far beyond anything he could have imagined. In this life you may never see what God does with you and your labor for Him. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. One might then cite ‘the parable of the talents’. The emphasis is on the faithfulness of the servants in laboring for their master. 
   3. Their PARTICIPATION in the work
      1. Praying – Perhaps the greatest weakness in the spiritual life of the average believer is a lack of effectual prayer. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. So much of the average prayer is either some kind of rote recital or lukewarm filled with platitudes and presented without the fervency of desire.  Most are presented in a dignified, emotionless manner more suited to a requisition for supplies for an office than a plea to the Sovereign of the Creation. The business of serving God should move us to the core of our souls. There is more energy and fervency at a college football game than in the prayer life of most Christians. 
      2. Giving – Luke 12:34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. What is important to you will determine how much time, effort and money you spend on it. For some it may be fishing and a $40,000 bass boat seems a reasonable expenditure, for others it seems a foolish waste of money. To those who don’t see the value in a soul money spent on missions is a foolish waste and possibly worse, an intrusion into someone’s culture.  I remember while on deputation being asked what the folks who give to missions get out of it. To the lost man or carnal Christian it seems a waste to send resources to benefit people we don’t know nor who can help us. Giving to missions is an integral part of worship because it is the heart of God. 
      3. Working – It may seem counterintuitive but it is much harder to get time from someone than money.  Most of us have what the economist calls ‘expendable income’. Time is precious to us, we have lives ruled by the clock and calendar. We find time to do that which is a priority, whether it be a hobby, shopping or television. If missions are important to one they will make the effort to participate in the work of missions. 
2. Paul’s RECRUITS
   1. A Local Assembly – The institution that God has created for this dispensation is the church.  The manifestation of the church here is the local assembly.  All work should be done under the auspices of a local assembly.  This does not preclude cooperation between churches.  Many congregations are small and lack the resources to send a missionary to the field, but by combing their efforts it is possible to do just that.  It is our belief that the work of God should be done under the supervision of a local church or a group of locals churches.  The workers should come from these local congregations.  The local church should take care to examine the candidates for membership as to their salvation.  The local church is given the responsibility of preparing the workers for the ministry of the church, whatever their calling might be.  God will, of course, use our natural abilities and our training and experience, but these should be directed by the teaching of the Scriptures and the guidance of faithful brethren, all being led by the Holy Spirit. If an independent unaccountable institution is created, albeit for a good purpose, it is all too easy for an ‘ends justify the means’ attitude to infiltrate and unscriptural means to be used in the effort.  God has ordained the local assembly as both an agent in His work and a check on the methods used in that work.  
   2. A Long Reach – I may never be able to travel far and wide, but with my giving to missions I can have an influence to the far reaches of the world.  My prayers are completely unhindered by distance.  I have the privilege and responsibility to go Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. By means of cooperation with other churches and fervent prayer we can certainly accomplish the ‘Great Commission’. Places and people that I will not see until we reach Heaven can be part of our effort by these means.  That is a long reach. 
   3. Their Reason for doing – Their Love for
      1. God – John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments. Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Love is not just an emotion, it is an exercise of the will.  I took a vow to love my wife, if love is just an emotion that rises and falls beyond my control, I made a foolish vow.  However love being a decision to do the best for the object of my love is not beyond my control. Love will most definitely produce emotions but they are the product of love not the essence of love.  If I love God, the best I can do is obey Him.  Love will often cause us to do things that are not pleasing to the flesh, such as discipline our children or speak the truth to our loved ones.  It is difficult to tell those dear to us that unless they repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their Saviour they will spend an eternity in the flames of Hell, but love impels us to this very action.  In the same manner our love for God impels us to obey the missionary call.
      2. Paul – the missionary – The Philippians loved Paul not only because he was God’s instrument to reach them with the good news of the Gospel, but also because God puts a love for the brethren in the heart of those who are saved. They loved Paul because he was in the family of God and they loved the work that God had given him to do. We should have a love for all of God’s people and love those who are faithful in carrying out that work.
      3. The Lost – We must have a love for the lost though they don’t deserve it.  But I freely confess that I cannot have that love except by the work of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures are clear that we received Jesus as our Saviour, we also received Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. The Holy Spirit imparts to us the love that God has for the lost. 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: Love without action is just an emotion and without any eternal value, true love impels us to take the Gospel to those in the darkness of sin.  
3. The DURATION – Beginning with the New Birth – From the first moments after the new birth God gives us a desire to see others receive Jesus and this wonderful freedom we have in our Lord and Saviour.  We have freedom from sin and its penalty, its guilt and even its power. This desire only matures in the faithful believer and God will expand our reach as we learn to obey as we grow in grace.  Physically I may not be able to do the things I once did but now I can teach and I can give and I can pray.  My part of the labor may change but I still have a job to do until my passing or the rapture. 
4. The TESTIMONY of the Philippians should provoke us to greater:
   1. Effort – I am constantly amazed at my ability to underestimate God’s ability to give me strength to do more.  I find that I tend to rely on my own strength but in Christ I can do more than I could ever imagine.  When we read of the heroes of the faith we must keep in mind that they did not do those things in their own power, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. 
   2. Endurance – Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Need we say more? We can do more and continue longer than we think. We just follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and He will supply the strength needed. 
   3. Sacrifice – Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. If what we give, be it time, money or anything else we value, is not something we need it is not a sacrifice. Faith requires that we give beyond our natural ability and trust God to supply our need. He will always =give what we need. The problem we have is a confusion between our needs and our desires. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. We have made many modern things out to be necessary when we merely want these things for the ease which they impart to our lives. We must be willing to do without the things of  the world if necessary to advance the work of God.  

Isaiah 1:18

[18] Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord : though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

This text recounts God’s pleadings with the ungodly to repent.  He loves all His creatures. He only wants the very best for them. However God will not force anyone to receive salvation nor will He force those who are saved to serve Him and live a godly life. He draws all to Himself by the wooing of the Holy Spirit. He convinces men of sin and offers forgiveness and eternal life. In this text God is calling men to understand their need for forgiveness of sin and that He is the only one who can take away that sin. Notice the:

1. IDENTIFICATION ‘US’ ie two parties at enmity with one another, ie The:
   1. SINNER – your sins – be you saved or unsaved. The reality is that our forefather, Adam, brought sin and death upon us by his sin in the garden. While the truth is that when we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour we are changed (II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.) we still struggle with the sin nature. Consider the testimony of Paul in Romans chapter 7 of Paul, the great apostle, had a constant battle with the sin that is with us and will be until we receive our redeemed bodies.  
   2. SAVIOUR ‘saith the Lord’
2. INITIATIONRomans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  He takes the first step in reconciling man to Himself even though men are often:
   1. UNCONCERNED – Men often focus on the temporal to the exclusion of the eternal.  This is due to various reasons some of which are:
      1. Deception of the Devil. Satan has much experience in deceiving men.  He started in the garden with the deception of Eve.  He uses many techniques such as ‘science’. There is absolutely no evidence for evolution but it is proclaimed far and wide as established truth.  There are many other examples.  We could mention the use of lures of money, sex, fame or other enticements to the flesh to keep men distracted from the most important question of life ie what comes after death?
      2. Dread of Death – Hebrews 2;15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Death is the greatest fear of mankind.  Our conscience tells us that we are subject to forces which are supernatural and beyond our control. Death is a certainty but is also shrouded in mystery.  What really occurs when we die? What do we feel? Most importantly what comes after? The Bible holds the answer to this question but Satan works to keep men from hearing or reading the Word of God.  There is a constant flow of stories of ‘near death experiences’. The one common aspect of these stories is an absence of any mention of Jesus.  Many times there are vague allusions to a shining being or a bright light.  These seems to give a heavenly aura to the scene. \However the Scriptures clearly indicate that after death comes judgment.  Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: The reason men fear the judgment is that in their heart they know that they have sinned against God and will have to give an account to Him. It seems easier to ignore the reality of death than to prepare for that certain event.  
   2. UNEDUCATED – Though Satan, the flesh and the world fight to keep men from learning the Word.  It is the duty and privilege of the believer to take the Gospel to all men.  While there are some who are faithful witnesses many fewer are those who will invest the time and effort in discipleship.  Much more is required than a class on Sunday morning, discipling a new believer means becoming involved in their lives and using all opportunities to answer, question and teach. Think of the hours Paul spent with those whom he discipled.  Let us do likewise.
   3. UNWILLING John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. I vividly remember an encounter that I had while witnessing one day.  I spoke to a young man about his soul and his eternal destiny. He told me that he did not want to be saved because if he did he would stop drinking and he loved the bottle more than eternal life.  This was at least 45 years ago.  It is burned into my memory.  How sad a confession, he was very respectful and knew the truth but chose rather the ‘pleasure of sin for a season’ rather than eternal bliss in Heaven.  I often wonder how many are they that choose death over life.
3. INVITATION ‘come now’ Notice the;
   1. PROBLEM – ‘your sins – iniquities – It is a hard and unpleasant thing to admit to our sins.  One of the worst punishments my dad had for me was just to talk to me and ask me what I had done.  It is an excruciating experience to look at one who loves you and whom you have disappointed and verbalize the wrong that you have done.  When I knew that my dad was aware of some transgression of mine it was very hard to be in his presence.  Even if it involved a whipping, how wonderful it was to have that thing that divided me from the good graces of my father removed.  Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
   2. PROMISE – ‘they shall be cleansed’ 1 John 1;9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.Marvelous promise of cleansing from sin and its stain.  Every sin leaves it stain and scar. Good works will not suffice to remove them. Our soul and conscience is defiled by works of sin. Sin’s effect can even damage our physical being, not only by disease but also by the stress caused by an awareness of our guilt.  The precious truth is that we can be completely cleansed from sin. 
   3. PROVISION  – through Christ Isaiah 53:4-11 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. [8] He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. [9] And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. [11] He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. One of the most remarkable facts of history is that God so loved man that He gave His only Son to pay our sin debt and provide us entrance into the family of God and a home with Him in Heaven. A right relationship with God, a clean record in the rolls of Heaven and a home with the Creator God is all  available to all who will receive it by faith. Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. It is difficult for me to grasp the reality that men will reject the great promise of salvation, but many do. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wideisthe gate, and broadisthe way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because straitisthe gate, and narrowisthe way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
   4. PREREQUISITE (19) repentance Let’s start with the definition of repentance.  To repent is to have a one hundred eighty degree shift in our thoughts and concepts of sin, ourselves and God. Where we once sought to justify our actions or at least to make an excuse for them, we now agree with God that only He is righteous and we are sold under sin. Our only hope of being righteous is to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and thereby receive His perfect righteousness as a gift of God.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Why now? Because of:

I. The of SUBTLETY of Satan

A. To DECEIVE you 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. We are inundated with a barrage of propaganda from the world. It comes in the form of ‘science’ (see 1 Timothy 6:20 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:). We are told that God doesn’t exist, that the physical universe is just an accident of nature, that man is just a more evolved animal and not made in the image of God, that the Bible is an arcane, ancient book filled with fables of men attempting to explain the things that frightened them as they were beyond their control or understanding. The dominant religion today, secular humanism, teaches that the idea of sin is a fallacy and truth is not absolute. What is being planted in the minds and hearts of the people is confusion. This is the same plan that Satan used in the Garden of Eden to confuse and deceive Eve. It is amazing, but true, that Satan’s ways have not changed. He and his minions still deceive men by the millions every day. Reality itself is denied every day. We are told that biology is no more than a simple social construct. If Satan can deceive people into accepting an obvious falsehood such as transgenderism then people will accept anything no matter how ludicrous.

B. To DISTRACT you Matthew 13:22 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. There is a war being waged around us all the time. It is a spiritual battle for the souls of men. The Devil uses an ancient tactic, one that has been used in war for all of history, the tactic is to distract the enemy. Distraction serves the purpose of causing the prey to expend their resources, their attention for the wrong purpose. We are assailed by the things of modern life that consume our time, TV, internet, sports, movies, hobbies, and of course work. Each of these take a portion of our time. I have often heard the term ‘multitask’ but this is really an impossibility. No one can concentrate on two things at the same time. Sometimes people do have more than one thing going on simultaneously, but it is not really possible to hold two thoughts at the same moment. They are merely switching from one thing to another quickly. If you are kept busy thinking about the things of the world you will not be thinking about God, about eternity and about where you will spend eternity.

C. To DISCOURAGE you Matthew 13:20-21 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. The World and the Devil has convinced many that:

1. God is not a loving Creator, but an angry, vengeful deity that seeks an opportunity to punish them for the slightest transgression.

2. That a life given to God would be devoid of any pleasure or happiness.

3. That Christians are joyless, judgmental hypocrites.

4. That they could never be good enough to be saved any way so ‘eat, drink and be merry’.

D. To DELAY you Matthew 8:21-22 21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. If Satan can delay your decision to accept Christ he knows that death will claim you in the end. Also, the more one rejects the wooing of the Holy Spirit the harder the heart becomes. As one grows older the more difficult it becomes to overcome the hard callousness of the heart built up from years of sin and rejection of the Truth.

E. To DEPRIVE you Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.The SCARS on your life

F. Sin often leaves PAINFUL scars

G. Sin often leaves PERMANENT scars

II. The SCOFFERS around you are often:

A. ENVIOUS Acts 4:36 – 5:3 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land. Many of those who have tasted the carnal life and then see the joy of Christ in others are driven by envy to denigrate the Christian faith and the new life with all its joys. Believers are mocked and at times much worse.

B. EGOTISTIC – The sin nature causes man to be selfish. The scoffers are interested in soothing their own conscience. They try to take others down to their level rather than turning to Jesus and have their sins forgiven and their lives made new and whole.

C. EVIL – Jude 1:3-4 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. There are men who have gone so far into sin that they are completely given over to Satan and are used by him to dissuade others from receiving Christ. Matthew 23:13 13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

III. The SETTING of your ways Matthew 15:1-3 1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

A. We become SET in our ways – Habits can become second nature and with the passing of time are more difficult to change.

B. We become STUBBORN about our ways – One of the hardest things we can do is admit that we have been wrong. Tradition and habit can override what we know to be true. Pride also hobbles our ability to change and repent of our sins. Repentance is an absolute necessity for salvation.

IV. The SUDDENNESS of death James 4:13-14 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Luke 12:16-24 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Consider the following points with this in mind; death comes to us all and we never expect it.

A. The SNAPPING of the jaws of death – Man lives his whole life in the fear of death. Death is a subject that most avoid if they can. The very thought of our mortality is frightening to the point of overwhelming our emotions. Man is proverbially ‘whistling past the graveyard’.

B. The SMELL of the smoke and flames of Hell – The sinner knows in his heart of hearts that he is worthy of God’s anger and punishment. In the moments of honest reflection one can sense the reality of the coming judgment.

C. The SHORTNESS and uncertainty of life – A long life in our time would be an hundred years. Now that I have decades, I can testify how quickly time passes. It seems just a few days ago that I was leaving home and enlisting in the USAF. A relative of my wife once said that “we never grow old, just our bodies do.” It is a common self-deception that we will always have more time. Man does not want to accept that the truth that we see in Hebrews 9:27 [27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: But it comes to all and much sooner that we expect.

V. The STIFFENING of our will Proverbs 29:1 1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

A. Sin HARDENS the heart – The first time one commits a particular sin, the prick felt in the heart is intense, but the next time it’s less and each time it grows fainter until it is no longer felt at all.

B. SELF-CONFIDENCE hardens the will – Man’s ability to self-justify. He seems to think that God will make an exception in his case. This combined with pride often leads a man to reject the will of God to follow his own desires.

C. SPURNING the gospel hardens the heart and will – The more times that a man hears the Gospel and willfully rejects it, the harder his heart becomes.

VI. The SAVIOUR will soon return

A. The SAINTS will be taken Matthew 24:36-41 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

B. SINNERS will be left behind

C. A STRONG delusion will be sent to those who have heard and rejected the gospel. I believe that we can see the stage being set today for the strong delusion that we read of in 2 Thessalonians 2:11 [11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: The reports of UFOs with the attendant speculation of life on other planets. News of so-called exoplanets have been aired recently invoking the idea of other ‘earths’. Old religions are being revived to explain the questions that naturally arise in the mind. Some come dressed up in new coverings, one example of this is nature worship, now called ‘the environmental movement’. It still the same old worship as described in Romans 1:25 [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

D. SHOCKING tribulation will follow Matthew 24:21-22 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. The Tribulation will be a time of judgment being poured out upon the earth The reality of God’s wrath will. Be greater than anything in our experience. Many want to say the prophecies in the book of Revelation are symbolic because of the enormity of the coming events.

VII.The SEASON of Conviction may pass – come while:

A. The Spirit is PRODDING your heart John 6:44 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

B. Christians are PRAYING for you

C. Someone is PREACHING to you

D. God’s providence is PRESSING

VIII.The SORROW of others

A. They are CONCERNED for your soul

B. They are CAUGHT UP in the knowledge of your sin

C. They are CONFORMED to your lifestyle (ie. Children, companions)

D. They are CONTAMINATED by you influence (wife, friends)