Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Leaving Tomorrow!
Well, tomorrow is the day! We'll be leaving to the Springfield Bible Conference at Faith Bible Church. The pastor is Curt Daniel. There's an article he wrote in one of the books I just recently got done with. He's also written a book over 500 pages on the theology and history of Calvinism and an book that's 900 pages about John Gill. And he's written more things.
He'll be preaching two messages Saturday.
Of course most of you probably know the other speaker....Paul Washer.
I remember pretty well the day I first watched a whole sermon by him. He's been a great influence in my life. He'll be speaking most of the time at the conference.
Sunday there will be a hour for a "Questions and Answers" session. All messages will be recorded and given away for free on CD or MP3. So, I hope to be able to post the messages up. They also have a book room. Them being a Reformed church I hope they will have some puritan works. I plan on bringing both of the cameras (picture and video). Maybe the hotel will have Wi-Fi so I can write updates while I'm there.
Please be praying that God will save someone there.
-Curt
He'll be preaching two messages Saturday.
Of course most of you probably know the other speaker....Paul Washer.
I remember pretty well the day I first watched a whole sermon by him. He's been a great influence in my life. He'll be speaking most of the time at the conference.
Sunday there will be a hour for a "Questions and Answers" session. All messages will be recorded and given away for free on CD or MP3. So, I hope to be able to post the messages up. They also have a book room. Them being a Reformed church I hope they will have some puritan works. I plan on bringing both of the cameras (picture and video). Maybe the hotel will have Wi-Fi so I can write updates while I'm there.
Please be praying that God will save someone there.
-Curt
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Book Review #3: The Attributes of God
By A.W. Pink
I had this book sitting on my bookshelf for around a year. I only read it once, and I didn’t understand it. But, I decided to read it again. I couldn’t believe I didn’t like it the first time! It hit me like a ton of bricks. This book was great! Allow me to list a few reasons why:
Pros:
1. Pink uses a bunch of Scripture. If you go to around the end of the book it has a index of Scriptures that were quoted within the book. The Scripture index is four pages long.
2. He quotes puritans (enough said).
3. He packs such a powerful punch within just a few pages. In this book Pink covers 17 attributes kind of quickly, however what he does say blows your mind away!
4. He’s very easy to understand.
Cons:
1. I would only give this book one con….. It isn’t long enough! It’s around 120 pages. I would have loved if Mr. Pink could have made this volume longer. I would have liked to read what he would have written.
Conclusion:
Don’t let the size of this book fool you. It’s only a little over 100 pages, but it packs a punch. Pink grasps your hand and takes you to theological thoughts you may have never thought of. He sort of reminds me of the interpreter in John Bunyan’s classic, as he tours Christian to several rooms to show him deep mysterious things. If you ponder upon the things you read in this book, it will really heighten your theology of our God. I especially love when he talks about the topic of unconditional election.
This would be a great book to give to any Christian. If they’re a false convert, I think it would be hard for them to read this. Since Pink expounds so much on the highness and holiness of God. You can tell one of his missions is to glorify God, and debase man.
I would recommend reading this as a devotional reading. Read a chapter everyday for 17 days. And really ponder about what is within this book. I’m very blessed to have read this.
One place to buy this work is CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=67723&netp_id=437457&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers
You can buy it at Amazon a little cheaper used.
I had this book sitting on my bookshelf for around a year. I only read it once, and I didn’t understand it. But, I decided to read it again. I couldn’t believe I didn’t like it the first time! It hit me like a ton of bricks. This book was great! Allow me to list a few reasons why:
Pros:
1. Pink uses a bunch of Scripture. If you go to around the end of the book it has a index of Scriptures that were quoted within the book. The Scripture index is four pages long.
2. He quotes puritans (enough said).
3. He packs such a powerful punch within just a few pages. In this book Pink covers 17 attributes kind of quickly, however what he does say blows your mind away!
4. He’s very easy to understand.
Cons:
1. I would only give this book one con….. It isn’t long enough! It’s around 120 pages. I would have loved if Mr. Pink could have made this volume longer. I would have liked to read what he would have written.
Conclusion:
Don’t let the size of this book fool you. It’s only a little over 100 pages, but it packs a punch. Pink grasps your hand and takes you to theological thoughts you may have never thought of. He sort of reminds me of the interpreter in John Bunyan’s classic, as he tours Christian to several rooms to show him deep mysterious things. If you ponder upon the things you read in this book, it will really heighten your theology of our God. I especially love when he talks about the topic of unconditional election.
This would be a great book to give to any Christian. If they’re a false convert, I think it would be hard for them to read this. Since Pink expounds so much on the highness and holiness of God. You can tell one of his missions is to glorify God, and debase man.
I would recommend reading this as a devotional reading. Read a chapter everyday for 17 days. And really ponder about what is within this book. I’m very blessed to have read this.
One place to buy this work is CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=67723&netp_id=437457&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers
You can buy it at Amazon a little cheaper used.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Review #2: Jesus Among Other gods by Ravi Zacharias
This is the first book of Ravi Zacharias that I have read so far. I bought this book about a year ago and I read parts but never got around to finishing it. I have watched several videos of Mr. Zacharias preaching and lecturing. He’s one of my favorite people to listen to. He has a story and an answer for almost anything. He’s pretty easy to listen to. And the same goes for reading his book.
Pros:
1. As I stated earlier he’s very easy to read. Some parts may have lost me, but through most of the book he was pretty easy to understand. His writing reminded me so much of C.S. Lewis. It was almost as if I was reading a brand new book from Lewis. (Although, I think he used Scripture more than Lewis.)
2. I love his mixture of theology and apologetics. I think it’s very important for an apologist to remember what Ravi says, “apologetics is the seasoning. The gospel is the main course.” I love how he answers questions that skeptics have today by going to the Bible.
3. I think it’s great how bold he is in the book. I’m very pleased to see he didn’t back down. He plainly tells the truth. And that’s what he calls it - TRUTH! I think it’s also brilliant how he expounds upon the uniqueness of what Jesus said compared to Buddha, Mohammed and others.
Cons:
1. Not much mention of the gospel. I would have liked Mr. Ravi to write a chapter all about the gospel. That would make it a very good book I would want to give to the lost. I would probably still give a few copies to people I know. But it would make it even better if it had a chapter all on the gospel.
2. This book is almost 200 pages long. I would have liked Ravi to make a larger book. There’s a lot more he could have mentioned. But that’s for other books I suppose.
3. I would have liked to see more theology.
Conclusion:
I would rank this as an apologetic classic, along with “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis. (Although I would note that Lewis had a lot of bad theology. But I believe he still wrote some good books. In this instance I learn to chew the meat, and spit out the bones.) If I were to make a theology/apologetics 101 list, and I could only put ten books in there, this would be on that list. It was a delight to read. And maybe someday I will read it again.
Pros:
1. As I stated earlier he’s very easy to read. Some parts may have lost me, but through most of the book he was pretty easy to understand. His writing reminded me so much of C.S. Lewis. It was almost as if I was reading a brand new book from Lewis. (Although, I think he used Scripture more than Lewis.)
2. I love his mixture of theology and apologetics. I think it’s very important for an apologist to remember what Ravi says, “apologetics is the seasoning. The gospel is the main course.” I love how he answers questions that skeptics have today by going to the Bible.
3. I think it’s great how bold he is in the book. I’m very pleased to see he didn’t back down. He plainly tells the truth. And that’s what he calls it - TRUTH! I think it’s also brilliant how he expounds upon the uniqueness of what Jesus said compared to Buddha, Mohammed and others.
Cons:
1. Not much mention of the gospel. I would have liked Mr. Ravi to write a chapter all about the gospel. That would make it a very good book I would want to give to the lost. I would probably still give a few copies to people I know. But it would make it even better if it had a chapter all on the gospel.
2. This book is almost 200 pages long. I would have liked Ravi to make a larger book. There’s a lot more he could have mentioned. But that’s for other books I suppose.
3. I would have liked to see more theology.
Conclusion:
I would rank this as an apologetic classic, along with “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis. (Although I would note that Lewis had a lot of bad theology. But I believe he still wrote some good books. In this instance I learn to chew the meat, and spit out the bones.) If I were to make a theology/apologetics 101 list, and I could only put ten books in there, this would be on that list. It was a delight to read. And maybe someday I will read it again.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Jeff Noblit Sermon Jam
audio clip of Jeff Noblit from the Building Bridges conference Southern Baptist and Calvinsim hosted by the founders ministry and southeastern seminary.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Review #1
The Christian In Complete Amour
This was the first puritan work I have ever read. I’ve read books about Puritanism. And I’ve read books on sermons by puritans. But this is my first time reading a set by a puritan. And I must say, I’m very pleased.
This set was first published in three volumes in 1655, 1658 and 1662. All three volumes put together make it over 1,000 pages. But don’t let that intimidate you. It took me about two months to finish it (since I’m a slow reader). But I find it best, for me at least, that I can retain more of the book if I kind of read it slow and think about certain parts of the book. I also find it handy if you have someone to discuss it with you as you read it. I think if someone were to have a group study of this set, they could probably spend years within it. It’s one of those books where I felt like I wanted to highlight most of the book. However, I knew I had to be a little more choosey what I wanted to highlight. Or else It would be hard for me to go back and do some quick quotes. I’ve been doing that with my books for a few months now. I like to highlight certain parts. Then, I go back and take some time mediating upon those quotes.
Pros:
1. If you ever have read puritan works before you know they’re not the most easiest books to understand. Some are a little harder to read than others. But William Gurnall was surprisingly easy to understand most of the time. He had a few hard moments to try and wrap my brain around, but for most of the book he was very easy to read. It could just be that I was reading the modernized abridgment of his work. But I doubt it. I think that’s just the way Gurnall wrote.
2. Gurnall was a very gentle puritan. However, he was not squishy. He knew when to be stern. And when to be comforting. This is a pretty good work for those who need spiritual counseling, because they’re doubting whether they’re saved or not.
3. He uses Scripture a lot (of course, I think most of the puritans do). It’s hard to find a page where he doesn’t have a Bible reference.
4. Gurnall is very good with discussing spiritual warfare. It’s simply amazing how long Gurnall can expound upon Satan’s tricks, the evilness of sin (which puritans where good at that), the importance of reading our Bible, praying, etc, etc.
5. Would be very good for devotional reading. In Gurnall’s book he has a lot of really good life application.
6. The last piece of amour he expounds upon is “The Christian’s Sword.” And in my opinion it is the best chapter. It would be worth it to buy the whole set just for this chapter. In one section of the chapter, he explains how the Bible is indeed the holy word of God. And as you’re reading you think you’re reading an apologist. In fact, I think in some parts he did better than some apologists do today.
Cons:
Cons:
1. It could just be the modernized abridgment of it, but every now and then you kind of wonder whether Gurnall believes in unconditional election and perseverance of the saints. Which you know he does believe in these great doctrines. But every now and then he says certain things that make you wonder if he does or not. So, it’s kind of confusing at certain moments.
2. Sometimes puritan works are a little hard to follow because of how they wrote. They have the main topic, then as they write about the main topic, they go expound upon an other topic, which they categorize into numbers. Then, they may go to letters. Then maybe more numbers. And at the time you’re done reading through all that you forget what they were first talking about. But if you can remember what the topic started with and the points they’re going through, you should be just fine.
3. Not too much mention of the cross. I would have liked Gurnall to take a little more time in talking about Christ and Him crucified.
Conclusion:
I got a lot of jewels from this beautiful puritan work. It may have a few cons. However, the pros outweigh them. Plus, the price is great! This is a great work, for a very affordable price. I would recommend this to every Christian.
Conclusion:
I got a lot of jewels from this beautiful puritan work. It may have a few cons. However, the pros outweigh them. Plus, the price is great! This is a great work, for a very affordable price. I would recommend this to every Christian.
You can buy this book in several places.
I tried to find it at Monergism.com. But for some reason I can't find it on there anymore. One of the cheapest places I found to buy it was here: http://www.heritagebooks.org/bookstore/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5298
Or you can buy it separately at CBD if you wish: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntk=keywords&Ntt=The+Christian+In+Complete+Amour&action=Search&N=0&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1&Go.x=19&Go.y=8
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Mirror, Mirror
In his Stoplight video commentary, Stuart Shepard considers the man who is suing over the parts of the Bible that make him feel bad.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Download Pilgrim's Progress For Free!
Through the month of July, you can download John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress on audio book for free here: http://christianaudio.com/free_download.php
Monday, June 9, 2008
Episode 21 Is Now Uploaded!
Here's some of what is discussed: A few good words from Paul Washer.
Another Way of The Master Fan calls in.
Biblical Evangelism.
We discuss the doctrine of Perseverance of the saints.
We also discuss judgement.
If you don't repent you'll perish.
You can download this and all the other episodes either here:
http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/81910
Or you can download them on the TalkShoe widget on the left side of the blog.
-Curt
Another Way of The Master Fan calls in.
Biblical Evangelism.
We discuss the doctrine of Perseverance of the saints.
We also discuss judgement.
If you don't repent you'll perish.
You can download this and all the other episodes either here:
http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/81910
Or you can download them on the TalkShoe widget on the left side of the blog.
-Curt
Episode 20 Now Back Up!
I'm very pleased to announce that episode 20 is back up! This is an edited version. I plan to edit just about every episode from now on. If you haven't listened to episode 20 yet, be sure to do that.
I may have another episode for tomorrow.
PS: PeoplePastor, I replied to your comment on the last post. I was thinking about commenting back by an email. However, I wasn't for sure what your email was.
-Curt
I may have another episode for tomorrow.
PS: PeoplePastor, I replied to your comment on the last post. I was thinking about commenting back by an email. However, I wasn't for sure what your email was.
-Curt
Sunday, June 8, 2008
New Episodes
I'm sorry I have'nt made any new episodes in a while. The reason I took down episode 20 for a little while was because I wanted to do some editing with it. I plan to buy a program that can convert the right kind of files tomorrow. I should have episode 20 back up tomorrow, as well.
Also, with my new microphone I should be able to make more episodes.
I may host episode 21 live this coming Saturday night.
Also, with my new microphone I should be able to make more episodes.
I may host episode 21 live this coming Saturday night.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The Prodigal Son
I apologize that I haven't made a new episode all month so far. Right now I only have one microphone, and it doesn't work that well (sometimes not at all). I plan to buy a new one sometime next month. Then later I may buy a much better one.
When I do get a new microphone, or use an cell phone I plan to do a study on The Prodigal Son. Right now I'm reading John MacArthur's new book A Tale of Two Sons. So far the book is amazing! I can't wait to do an study on this parable. Please be praying about that.
I may be doing some non-live episodes soon. I can do a lot more episodes if I do. But I still plan on doing live episodes.
-For God's glory,
-Curt
When I do get a new microphone, or use an cell phone I plan to do a study on The Prodigal Son. Right now I'm reading John MacArthur's new book A Tale of Two Sons. So far the book is amazing! I can't wait to do an study on this parable. Please be praying about that.
I may be doing some non-live episodes soon. I can do a lot more episodes if I do. But I still plan on doing live episodes.
-For God's glory,
-Curt
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Seen The New Narnia Movie?
Have you seen the new Narnia movie? I seen it last week. Please post what you thought of the movie?
Also, don't forget to watch the video I posted up today.
Also, don't forget to watch the video I posted up today.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I Don't Know If We Should Cry Or Get Mad. Clown-Led Communion
This is the service I was talking about on yesterdays show.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Transformed
Tomorrow My family and I will be leaving for the Transformed conference. I'll be going to the Saint Louis One. This will be the third on I've been to. However, this will be the very first one I've ever been to that had Emeal (E.Z.) Zwayne. But the rest of the gang will be there also Kirk Cameron, Ray Comfort, and Todd Friel. I'm hoping I can get all four of them to sing four million dollar bills. Speaking of the Million dollar bills, they will be only five dollars there. On the website they're 6 plus shipping. This time my parents will be joining the sermons. I'm not for sure if my dad is saved or not, so please pray for his salvation. And pray for everybody there. I hope they will have an outreach time, where we can hit the streets.
Your brother in Christ and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Curt
Your brother in Christ and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Curt
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A Mormon Explodes!
An example of what happens when the self-righteous stand before the mirror of God's Law. To the Christians in this clip: well done!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Episode 17 Is Now Uploaded!
Here's some of what is discussed on this episode:
Ray Comfort Shares the Gospel with a muslim.
Charles Spurgeon Faced The False teaching of Baptismal Regeneration.
Don't Change The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ!
And More.
Ray Comfort Shares the Gospel with a muslim.
Charles Spurgeon Faced The False teaching of Baptismal Regeneration.
Don't Change The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ!
And More.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Update
The girl was found. I still don't know too much info about it. I heard some man got arrested.But glory goes to the Lord that she was found.I don't know if her family is saved or not. So, pray for the salvation of her and her family and for the guy. I beleive she was around 14 years old.
Prayer Request
My sister just called a few moments ago. We were alerted to know that a girl that lives not too far from us is missing. She was last seen yesterday at church. Police and firemen are out looking for here even as I'm typing.
Please pray for her and her family!
I'll keep you updated.
-Curt
Please pray for her and her family!
I'll keep you updated.
-Curt
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Episode 14 Is Now Uploaded!
I just got done hosting episode 14. It was a blast making it! As it always is.
We discuss the word Propitiation.
There's going to be greater punishments on judgement day.
We get a few words from Charles Spurgeon about this topic.
Please pray that God will use this and all the other podcasts for His glory,
-Curt
We discuss the word Propitiation.
There's going to be greater punishments on judgement day.
We get a few words from Charles Spurgeon about this topic.
Please pray that God will use this and all the other podcasts for His glory,
-Curt
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Episode 14 Being Aired Live Tomorrow
I plan to do episode 14 tomorrow morning. Check the time on the widget to the left. I will not be on the computer, so I can't take live calls or see the chat menu. But you can still listen live.
We discuss the word Propitiation. Also, If I got time I'll share my sermon with you. The Eveverlasting Name of Christ. Your works will and can not save you. The works of the saved. And the works of the lost.
-Curt
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Don't Forget Atheist Day!
I know I've already posted up something today. But I wanted to remind everybody that today is National Atheist's Day.
You can buy a sticker just like this one for only a buck at right here at Living Waters.com:http://www.livingwaters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=500&Category_Code=Miscellaneous.
There's also tons of really good gospel tracts that you can buy to either pass out, or leave at places for people to find. http://www.livingwaters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=gospeltracts
Here's also another really good place to buy tracts:http://www.customtractsource.com/
Don't let this opportunity pass by.
Go share the gospel!
-Curt
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Christ; True And Faithful
Here's the sermon I plan to preach to my youth group April Second. Please pray for me and the students.
Please open your Bibles to Revelation chapter three. Let’s start at verse 14 and end at verse 22. But before we begin in our text, allow me to give an brief history of it.
First a little info about the author, which is John. I’m sure almost of everyone here knows about this Author. So, I’ll only mention when they tried to kill him.
It was from Ephesus , it is said that he was cast into a large vessel filled with boiling oil that did not harm him. As a result, he was released and banished to the isle of Patmos, which is were Revelation was wrote.
Okay I discussed the who. Now the what. What is happening in this text. The seven letters to the seven churches are being written. Let’s go to chapter one of Revelation starting with verse 9. Let’s go down to verse 17, and end on verse 19.
The verse we will be reading and studying on today will be the letter to the church of the Laodiceans. It’s the seventh final letter. And most would say it’s the worst church so far.
Now let us read the text. Chapter 3 starting with verse 14 and end at verse 22.
The city of Laodicea was know mainly for three things; It’s wealth, wool, and it’s eye salve. It was wealthy city. If you go a little further in chapter three you see how Christ mentions their wealth.
Now lets go into the letter
(Read verses 14 through 22)
(Repeat verse One.)
I like how Christ starts the letters. He starts them by stating who he is. Just before he states the condition of the church, he states who he is. The church may read the letter, ponder upon it. And get very angry, as to who would say such things about them. “Who is this that says they know our deeds? Who is this that says we are lukewarm? Who is this that counsels us to buy from him? Who does he think he is?” He’s the (repeat verse one.) He has every right to judge. He’s sovereign, perfect, righteous, all-knowing and etc, etc.
It says that he is “the Amen.” Amen is from the Hebrew word meaning “truth,” “affirmation,” “certainty,” It refers to something firm, fixed, and unchangeable. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews chapter one says that God’s throne is forever and ever. In the same chapter verses 10 through 12 says,
Hebrews 1:10 And:
“ You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
11 They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
12 Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.”
I wonder on another topic how often people wish that God would change. How maybe that they could do certain things and they wouldn’t be sins. Maybe that God would be a little less holy, a little less pure, a little less just, a little less righteous. And maybe He would see some things as not being really all that bad.
In Psalm it says that God’s name shall endure forever. Who else can say that they have a name that shall last throughout all of eternity. What happened to the name of Baal. Which many worshiped years ago. His name is no longer heard of . Nor is the “gods” of Rome. You never hear their names spoken of anymore. Where is Moloch which the Canaanites and some Jews use to sacrifice their babies to? He is gone as well. Old Pharaoh and the Egyptian monarchs heaped up their pyramids and said “they shall last forever,” and so indeed they shall for but a moment. But the time is approaching when time shall devour even those. So, with all the proudest works of man, whether they have been his temples or monarchies, he has written “everlasting” on them; but God has ordained their end, and they have passed away. Imagine the great works of man Deviance’s Mona Lisa. With all it’s beauty and mystery. Soon to dust. The leaning tower of Pisa now amazing. As the ages pass by, it will be nothing but a pile of rubbish. Time will eat all of mans physical works. I say physical work because the believers true works for Christ will last. Christ told us to store treasures in heaven not on the earth. I will mention more of this subject, if I have time. Whether they be made of the strongest stone, the mightiest steel, the hardest iron, the thickest thread or the best plastic, which is what most of everything is made of these days. Even the best of man’s buildings will be devoured by time. Let’s look at the everlasting name of Jesus Christ in another way. If all of the believers in the world were to be wiped out, would Christ’s name be gone. No never. The stones would sing, the hills would be an orchestra.
The sun would lead the chorus; the moon would play upon her sliver harp; stars would dance in their measured courses; and the void immensity would burst into one great shout, “Thou art the glorious Son of God; great is thy majesty, and infinite thy power.” Can Christ’s name be forgotten No; it is painted on the skies; it is written on the floods; the winds whisper it; the seas chant it; the stars shine it; the animals low it; the thunders proclaim it; earth shouts it; heaven echoes it. But if these were gone would Christ’s name be forgotten? No. Turn your eyes to heaven “Who are these that are arrayed in white , and whence came they?” “These are they that came out of great tribulation; they have washed their robes, and made them in the blood of the Lamb; therefore they are before the throne of God, and praise him day and night in his temple.” And if these were gone; if the last harp of the glorified had been touched with the last fingers; if the last of the praise of the saints have ceased. Would his praise cease then? No. For the angels still sing his praise. The seraphim’s would continue their worship. All of the heavenly beings would continue to worship their master, for He is worthy. But if these perished-if all the angels have been swept away, if the wings of the seraphim’s never flew again, if the voice of the holy angels was never heard ever again, would his name perish? Absolutely not! As for God upon the throne sits, the everlasting One, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. And if the universe were all annihilated still His name would be known, for the Father would know it, and the Holy Spirit would know it. And the Son would know it.
For those who wish to destroy the name of Christ. I shall ask them this “how shall you do so?” With persecution perhaps? Has not history shown you that that will never work. Those who killed millions of Christians hoped to also destroy the name of Jesus. It never worked. It only strengthened the believers. It spread the gospel even more. Thus it brought glory to the name of Christ. Nay, a thousand are to be found, and ten thousand if it were necessary , who are willing to march to the stake tomorrow: and when they have burned , if you could take up their hearts, you would see graven upon each one of them the name Jesus. How will you quench it? It is not in your power. We laugh at your weak attempt.
His name truly “shall endure forever.”
2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us that all of God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ. God promised in the Old Covenant that he would send his Messiah. Even all the way in Genesis chapter three, God said that someone would come to crush the serpent‘s (the devil‘s) head. The Old Covenant is never meant to be permanent. All the old sacrifices of the Old Covenant was just a foreshadow of Christ. They could not take away sins. They could only cover sins. They were a fuzzy picture. Think of it like this. Is your shadow you? No. It’s only a fuzzy picture of the very substance. They long awaited for their Messiah to come. But when he did, they killed him. They wanted Christ to be like a King David. They wanted the bondage of the Roman empire removed. But Christ had a much bigger plan. He said he came to seek and save that which was lost.
And after Christ died, rose again, and ascended to the right of the Father, there was still those who wanted to hold on to the fuzzy pictures. They still wanted do their sacrifices. That was one of the groups of people that the author of the epistle to the Hebrews wrote to. They still wanted to keep the pictures. But why would they? They have Christ. They have the substance (Christ) right there. That’s kind of like holding onto a photo of someone that you know dearly. And they just invited you to dinner with them. But you say “no.” Because you’re too busy looking at their picture.
Christ is also the “Faithful and True witness.” Everything Christ says and said are 100 Percent accurate. In fact in Titus chapter one we are told that God cannot lie. If God promises something, you can be sure of it. Unlike humans. Even if they have the best intentions to fulfill their promises, they still get broken. I remember a story that Ray Comfort told. Someone once told him that they found it hard to believe some of the things that are in the Bible. Ray asked him “where do you live?” He said such and such a street. He said “I don’t believe you.” He asked “what’s your name?” I forgot what his name was, but let’s just say it was Jeff. Ray said “Oh, I don’t believe that either.” As Ray was doing this, the man seemed to get angry. Ray told him that if a mere man is offended at his disbelief, how much more is God offended. You could probably preach about the promises of God in thousands of different sermons, and different promises. But I shall just mention these two; the promise of justice, and the promise of eternal life.
First, the promise of justice. Some would argue if this is a promise at all. Whether you agree or not, it’s up to you . Nevertheless I’ll still go on this topic. God promises that ever human being will get justice. Every person will face judgment day. However, the believer’s judgment will be different. We are going to be judged for our works in Christ. Works does not save us, but when God saves a person, that person will produce good works. But the lost will be judge for their sins. Christians will not be judged for their sins because that was taken care of on the cross. The Bible says that Christ is the propitiation (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 4:10.) That means that Christ pleased that holy wrath of God upon the cross. Christ absorbed all of God’s holy wrath, that we should have gotten, upon himself. John Piper said it like this: “The reason the believers will not be judge for their sins, is not because God’s wrath was withheld. But because it was spent on Christ.” Romans says that he who knew no sin became sin for us. Christ lived a perfect, holy, sinless life and our sins, our transgressions, was placed upon him. And God the Father crushed Him. Isaiah 53:10 says that it pleased the LORD to bruise Him. You learn several lessons from the cross. God’s love is one of them. But God’s hatred for sin, is another.
Back to the title; the promise of justice. Every single person will die and stand before God. And God will not over look sin. Men think they can scheme, plot, or trick their way into heaven and have their sins overlooked. But don’t misunderstand me. Remember the believers will not be judged for their sins. The lost will. Maybe they think that since God is loving, and kind that He will overlook their sin and let them into heaven. Use that same kind of thinking in an earthy court. A man has just stolen a car and murdered the man who owned the car. Here’s his court day. As he’s sitting there in the court waiting what will become of him, people are thinking “I can’t wait until he gets justice. He dissevers what’s coming to him. Lock him up and throw away the key.” Just then here comes the judge. The people are commanded to rise. Here it comes justice, so they think. The judge stares right into the criminals eyes and says “You have done some horrendous crimes. But I’m a loving and kind judge. Thus You are free to go.” The criminal himself can hardly believe what he’s hearing. As soon as news gets out, the people are outraged. They scream “We want justice!” But never mind them. What do you think of that kind of judge. “Well, he’s unjust. He’s worse than the criminal himself. That judge should be brought to justice. Same with God. God is good. Therefore, he must punish murderers, rapist , thieves, adulterers, and crooks. But He’s so good that he won’t stop there. He’ll also punish Liars, fornicators, blasphemers, and etc. Some may say “Well, I don’t see lying, lusting, hating and other things all that bad.” That kind of thinking is dangerous. For you see God as unjust. And sin as such a small thing. Thus you see God as very unimportant. And not worthy of worship. Let’s say someone kills an ant. What kind of punishment will they get? None. What if they go and kill a cat. They may get a fine. What if they go find a homeless man and murder him. They would and should defiantly get jail. What if someone assonates the president? They would probably get life. What changed? They did the same act, but they get different punishments. What changed was who the act was committed against. That’s my point. Christ says in
Mt 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mt 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
In the same chapter Christ says
Mt 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Mt 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
What seems so small in our eyes is huge in God’s eyes. Because God is infinitely holy, just, righteous, pure, and good, the acts against Him is worthy of eternal hell. The subject of hell is kind of hard too mention. But we must mention it. You can’t share the gospel without the mention of sin and judgment. A Christian walks up to lost soul, and says “Christ died for you.” “Well” Says the lost person, “why did He die?” If we leave out sin and hell we’re not really being honest with people. We may tell them things that will lull them to sleep and hush their conscience, but they will be awakened when they die and are cast into hell. It’s as simple as this. Man broke God’s law and he must be punished.
We’ve loved things more than God
We’ve made idols
We’ve blasphemed His holy name
We’ve not kept the Sabbath
We’ve dishonored our parents
Some may not have done the physical act of murdering someone, but I’m almost certain that everything has hated someone. Which God sees that as murder.
Also, some may not have done the physical act of adultery, but I’m certain that all have looked with lust. Which God considers that the same.
We’ve stolen, even if it was something small. The size of the thing we stole doesn’t matter. God isn’t impressed with certain thief’s. He doesn’t go “Jimmy only stole a pencil. But whoa, that guy stole a car!” The size of the object doesn’t matter. It’s still stealing.
We’ve lied. Same with the 8th commandment it doesn’t matter how big of a lie. I’ve heard I don’t know how may people say “Just because I tell one lie doesn’t make me a liar.” So how many lies does it take? Five? Eight? Ten, then a bell rings? Nope. If you’ve murdered that makes you a murderer.
We’ve all coveted. Who here can say that they never desired something that someone has?
And the final nail in the coffin is James 2:10 That says
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
I know the subject of sin and hell may have been a little uncomfortable. But it makes talking about our next subject all the more glorious!
The promise of eternal life.
Whenever I share my faith with someone and once I’m done talking about sin, the law of God, righteousness, the wrath of God, etc. Then I mention greatest thing ever done in history. I say “Now, do you know what God did so that you won’t have to go to hell? And have a relationship with Christ forever, and ever.” Some say “no.” God became a man (Jesus Christ), born of a virgin , lived a perfect holy sinless life, suffered and died on the cross, taking our sins upon himself, raised again on the third day, and then He ascended to heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father. It’s like this, let’s go back to the court room. Let say you’re in court you’re broken the law, you have not a penny to pay the fine. There’s no possible way for you to pay it. Just then someone you don’t even know walks in the court room and says “You’re honor I will pay his fine.” That’s what Jesus did. He knew we are not worth dying for. But He said “I’ll still do it. I’ll die for them, for your glory Father.” We broke the law. Jesus paid the fine. He satisfied the wrath of God. Which we deserve. Remember Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane , sweating great drops of blood, saying Father “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” For a while I wonder what was “The cup.” Later I learned that the cup was the wrath of God.
Isaiah 51:17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
Jeremiah 25:15 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
Lamentations 4:21 Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.
And others verses talk about it.
Picture a giant dam ten thousand miles high and ten thousand miles wide. And you’re standing below it. You’re a mile away. And all of a sudden the door is taken away, and all that water comes crushing down. Just as soon as it almost touches you, the ground opens up and sallow’s every single drop of water. So, the wrath of God destined for people was drunken by Christ.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Christ took that cup out of His Father’s hand and drunk every lost drop. And when He cried out “it is finished.” He turned that cup upside down not a single drop fell out.
Now, if someone may be saying “What must I do to be saved?” You must repent (that means confess your sin, turn from your sin, and turn to Christ) and put your faith and trust in Christ. And Christ alone for your salvation. Christ said in Luke chapter 13 that unless you repent you’ll perish. The Bible says in Acts chapter 17 that God commands all men everywhere to repent. And I’m sure that everyone here knows John 3:16. And the word believe there doesn’t mean just believe that He exists. It means to trust and rely upon Him.
And we are not to come to Christ just because we don’t want t go to hell. “Oh, I don’t want to go to hell. I don’t love Christ, but I want to go to heaven.” Paul Washer the missionary said “When you catch a corn field on fire, you get all kinds of creepy things running out of it. Snakes, and spiders. But they’re still snakes and spiders.”
We should want to come to Christ because he died for us. And He’s infinitely beautiful, and glorious. Every man wants to go to heaven. They just don’t want God to be there.
To the person who may think they will have plenty of time to repent later, I say this: Don’t wait until later to repent. The Bible says that now is the day of salvation. You mustn’t think that you have plenty of time. “Oh, I have many years in my life still. I’ll wait until next year to put my faith in Christ. I still want to sin some more before I give that up.” I can’t stress enough how important eternity is. If you could rip the carpet of hell, and speak with them there. A lot would probably say “I thought I had time. I never thought I would die so soon. I thought it would never happen to me.”
You’re like the man walking on old, broken, molded, flooring. And there’s holes everywhere. But you know not where they are. For the floor is covered with carpet. With each step you take could be you’re last.
You’re like the blind man walking aimlessly all around a high way. And knows not what will hit him.
Please do not say “Soul, I have many years to still repent and trust. But for now I love my sin. I want to drink and be merry.” For you know not when God will say “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.”
How awful it would be to say “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
The Bible says when a person repents and puts their faith and trust in the Savoir Jesus, that He will forgive all your sins, past, present, and future. And God will became your Father. And you will no longer be a child of the devil (which is stated in John 8:44) but you will be a child of the Most High God. And you can say “I’m going to heaven, not because I’m a good person. But because I’m a very bad person, who has been forgiven by a very good God.”
What does it mean to be justified by God? It doesn’t mean that once someone becomes a Christian they’ll never sin again. John makes it pretty clear in his first epistle that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. It’s a legal term. And it means “to declare righteous.” The very moment a person repents and put their faith and trust in the Savior God imputes Christ’s righteous to us. And God declares you to be righteous before Him. God says to the universe “You want to know how good I am. I saved this person. I died for them and rescued their soul. I saved them. Not them. I saved them.”
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.
Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
Anybody here know that song?
Think of this: a reporter is going around asking different beliefs the question “Do you believe in an after life?”
He goes to the muslim and says “do you believe in an after life?” The muslim says “Yes. It’s called paradise.” The reporter says “Do you believe you’re going there?” The muslim says “Yes.” The reporter asks “Why?” he says “Because I love the Koran, I give alms, I do good.”
The reporter goes to the mormon and asks if he believes in a heaven. He says “Yeah.” “Do you believe you’re going there?” Asks the reporter. The mormon says “yes, because I do good deeds, I give to the poor, I respect people, I love and obey the book of mormon, and the mormon church.”
The reporter comes to a Christian and asks if he believes in a heaven. The Christian says “Yes” “Are you going,” replies the reporter. The Christians says “ In sin was I born. I lived a evil life. I’m the chief of all sinners. I…” Just then the reporter stops the Christian and says “I don’t understand. All these other men I get why they’re going to heaven. They say they’re good people. But why you?” “Because my salvation is upon the merit of another. I repented and put my faith and trust in Jesus. And God graciously saved me. I’m going to heaven because my God died for me. And he raised from the dead and sat down at the right of God.”
You see Christianity is the only belief that teaches that. All other beliefs say that you can earn you’re way to heaven.
As it is so beautifully stated in the hymn Rock of Ages
“Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling.”
Note: I didn't comment on the rest because I felt I didn't have enought time to mention it to my youth group. I was wanting to tell them that this verse doesn't mean that Christ is created. But it means that He's the creator.
Please open your Bibles to Revelation chapter three. Let’s start at verse 14 and end at verse 22. But before we begin in our text, allow me to give an brief history of it.
First a little info about the author, which is John. I’m sure almost of everyone here knows about this Author. So, I’ll only mention when they tried to kill him.
It was from Ephesus , it is said that he was cast into a large vessel filled with boiling oil that did not harm him. As a result, he was released and banished to the isle of Patmos, which is were Revelation was wrote.
Okay I discussed the who. Now the what. What is happening in this text. The seven letters to the seven churches are being written. Let’s go to chapter one of Revelation starting with verse 9. Let’s go down to verse 17, and end on verse 19.
The verse we will be reading and studying on today will be the letter to the church of the Laodiceans. It’s the seventh final letter. And most would say it’s the worst church so far.
Now let us read the text. Chapter 3 starting with verse 14 and end at verse 22.
The city of Laodicea was know mainly for three things; It’s wealth, wool, and it’s eye salve. It was wealthy city. If you go a little further in chapter three you see how Christ mentions their wealth.
Now lets go into the letter
(Read verses 14 through 22)
(Repeat verse One.)
I like how Christ starts the letters. He starts them by stating who he is. Just before he states the condition of the church, he states who he is. The church may read the letter, ponder upon it. And get very angry, as to who would say such things about them. “Who is this that says they know our deeds? Who is this that says we are lukewarm? Who is this that counsels us to buy from him? Who does he think he is?” He’s the (repeat verse one.) He has every right to judge. He’s sovereign, perfect, righteous, all-knowing and etc, etc.
It says that he is “the Amen.” Amen is from the Hebrew word meaning “truth,” “affirmation,” “certainty,” It refers to something firm, fixed, and unchangeable. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews chapter one says that God’s throne is forever and ever. In the same chapter verses 10 through 12 says,
Hebrews 1:10 And:
“ You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
11 They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
12 Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.”
I wonder on another topic how often people wish that God would change. How maybe that they could do certain things and they wouldn’t be sins. Maybe that God would be a little less holy, a little less pure, a little less just, a little less righteous. And maybe He would see some things as not being really all that bad.
In Psalm it says that God’s name shall endure forever. Who else can say that they have a name that shall last throughout all of eternity. What happened to the name of Baal. Which many worshiped years ago. His name is no longer heard of . Nor is the “gods” of Rome. You never hear their names spoken of anymore. Where is Moloch which the Canaanites and some Jews use to sacrifice their babies to? He is gone as well. Old Pharaoh and the Egyptian monarchs heaped up their pyramids and said “they shall last forever,” and so indeed they shall for but a moment. But the time is approaching when time shall devour even those. So, with all the proudest works of man, whether they have been his temples or monarchies, he has written “everlasting” on them; but God has ordained their end, and they have passed away. Imagine the great works of man Deviance’s Mona Lisa. With all it’s beauty and mystery. Soon to dust. The leaning tower of Pisa now amazing. As the ages pass by, it will be nothing but a pile of rubbish. Time will eat all of mans physical works. I say physical work because the believers true works for Christ will last. Christ told us to store treasures in heaven not on the earth. I will mention more of this subject, if I have time. Whether they be made of the strongest stone, the mightiest steel, the hardest iron, the thickest thread or the best plastic, which is what most of everything is made of these days. Even the best of man’s buildings will be devoured by time. Let’s look at the everlasting name of Jesus Christ in another way. If all of the believers in the world were to be wiped out, would Christ’s name be gone. No never. The stones would sing, the hills would be an orchestra.
The sun would lead the chorus; the moon would play upon her sliver harp; stars would dance in their measured courses; and the void immensity would burst into one great shout, “Thou art the glorious Son of God; great is thy majesty, and infinite thy power.” Can Christ’s name be forgotten No; it is painted on the skies; it is written on the floods; the winds whisper it; the seas chant it; the stars shine it; the animals low it; the thunders proclaim it; earth shouts it; heaven echoes it. But if these were gone would Christ’s name be forgotten? No. Turn your eyes to heaven “Who are these that are arrayed in white , and whence came they?” “These are they that came out of great tribulation; they have washed their robes, and made them in the blood of the Lamb; therefore they are before the throne of God, and praise him day and night in his temple.” And if these were gone; if the last harp of the glorified had been touched with the last fingers; if the last of the praise of the saints have ceased. Would his praise cease then? No. For the angels still sing his praise. The seraphim’s would continue their worship. All of the heavenly beings would continue to worship their master, for He is worthy. But if these perished-if all the angels have been swept away, if the wings of the seraphim’s never flew again, if the voice of the holy angels was never heard ever again, would his name perish? Absolutely not! As for God upon the throne sits, the everlasting One, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. And if the universe were all annihilated still His name would be known, for the Father would know it, and the Holy Spirit would know it. And the Son would know it.
For those who wish to destroy the name of Christ. I shall ask them this “how shall you do so?” With persecution perhaps? Has not history shown you that that will never work. Those who killed millions of Christians hoped to also destroy the name of Jesus. It never worked. It only strengthened the believers. It spread the gospel even more. Thus it brought glory to the name of Christ. Nay, a thousand are to be found, and ten thousand if it were necessary , who are willing to march to the stake tomorrow: and when they have burned , if you could take up their hearts, you would see graven upon each one of them the name Jesus. How will you quench it? It is not in your power. We laugh at your weak attempt.
His name truly “shall endure forever.”
2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us that all of God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ. God promised in the Old Covenant that he would send his Messiah. Even all the way in Genesis chapter three, God said that someone would come to crush the serpent‘s (the devil‘s) head. The Old Covenant is never meant to be permanent. All the old sacrifices of the Old Covenant was just a foreshadow of Christ. They could not take away sins. They could only cover sins. They were a fuzzy picture. Think of it like this. Is your shadow you? No. It’s only a fuzzy picture of the very substance. They long awaited for their Messiah to come. But when he did, they killed him. They wanted Christ to be like a King David. They wanted the bondage of the Roman empire removed. But Christ had a much bigger plan. He said he came to seek and save that which was lost.
And after Christ died, rose again, and ascended to the right of the Father, there was still those who wanted to hold on to the fuzzy pictures. They still wanted do their sacrifices. That was one of the groups of people that the author of the epistle to the Hebrews wrote to. They still wanted to keep the pictures. But why would they? They have Christ. They have the substance (Christ) right there. That’s kind of like holding onto a photo of someone that you know dearly. And they just invited you to dinner with them. But you say “no.” Because you’re too busy looking at their picture.
Christ is also the “Faithful and True witness.” Everything Christ says and said are 100 Percent accurate. In fact in Titus chapter one we are told that God cannot lie. If God promises something, you can be sure of it. Unlike humans. Even if they have the best intentions to fulfill their promises, they still get broken. I remember a story that Ray Comfort told. Someone once told him that they found it hard to believe some of the things that are in the Bible. Ray asked him “where do you live?” He said such and such a street. He said “I don’t believe you.” He asked “what’s your name?” I forgot what his name was, but let’s just say it was Jeff. Ray said “Oh, I don’t believe that either.” As Ray was doing this, the man seemed to get angry. Ray told him that if a mere man is offended at his disbelief, how much more is God offended. You could probably preach about the promises of God in thousands of different sermons, and different promises. But I shall just mention these two; the promise of justice, and the promise of eternal life.
First, the promise of justice. Some would argue if this is a promise at all. Whether you agree or not, it’s up to you . Nevertheless I’ll still go on this topic. God promises that ever human being will get justice. Every person will face judgment day. However, the believer’s judgment will be different. We are going to be judged for our works in Christ. Works does not save us, but when God saves a person, that person will produce good works. But the lost will be judge for their sins. Christians will not be judged for their sins because that was taken care of on the cross. The Bible says that Christ is the propitiation (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 4:10.) That means that Christ pleased that holy wrath of God upon the cross. Christ absorbed all of God’s holy wrath, that we should have gotten, upon himself. John Piper said it like this: “The reason the believers will not be judge for their sins, is not because God’s wrath was withheld. But because it was spent on Christ.” Romans says that he who knew no sin became sin for us. Christ lived a perfect, holy, sinless life and our sins, our transgressions, was placed upon him. And God the Father crushed Him. Isaiah 53:10 says that it pleased the LORD to bruise Him. You learn several lessons from the cross. God’s love is one of them. But God’s hatred for sin, is another.
Back to the title; the promise of justice. Every single person will die and stand before God. And God will not over look sin. Men think they can scheme, plot, or trick their way into heaven and have their sins overlooked. But don’t misunderstand me. Remember the believers will not be judged for their sins. The lost will. Maybe they think that since God is loving, and kind that He will overlook their sin and let them into heaven. Use that same kind of thinking in an earthy court. A man has just stolen a car and murdered the man who owned the car. Here’s his court day. As he’s sitting there in the court waiting what will become of him, people are thinking “I can’t wait until he gets justice. He dissevers what’s coming to him. Lock him up and throw away the key.” Just then here comes the judge. The people are commanded to rise. Here it comes justice, so they think. The judge stares right into the criminals eyes and says “You have done some horrendous crimes. But I’m a loving and kind judge. Thus You are free to go.” The criminal himself can hardly believe what he’s hearing. As soon as news gets out, the people are outraged. They scream “We want justice!” But never mind them. What do you think of that kind of judge. “Well, he’s unjust. He’s worse than the criminal himself. That judge should be brought to justice. Same with God. God is good. Therefore, he must punish murderers, rapist , thieves, adulterers, and crooks. But He’s so good that he won’t stop there. He’ll also punish Liars, fornicators, blasphemers, and etc. Some may say “Well, I don’t see lying, lusting, hating and other things all that bad.” That kind of thinking is dangerous. For you see God as unjust. And sin as such a small thing. Thus you see God as very unimportant. And not worthy of worship. Let’s say someone kills an ant. What kind of punishment will they get? None. What if they go and kill a cat. They may get a fine. What if they go find a homeless man and murder him. They would and should defiantly get jail. What if someone assonates the president? They would probably get life. What changed? They did the same act, but they get different punishments. What changed was who the act was committed against. That’s my point. Christ says in
Mt 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mt 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
In the same chapter Christ says
Mt 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Mt 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
What seems so small in our eyes is huge in God’s eyes. Because God is infinitely holy, just, righteous, pure, and good, the acts against Him is worthy of eternal hell. The subject of hell is kind of hard too mention. But we must mention it. You can’t share the gospel without the mention of sin and judgment. A Christian walks up to lost soul, and says “Christ died for you.” “Well” Says the lost person, “why did He die?” If we leave out sin and hell we’re not really being honest with people. We may tell them things that will lull them to sleep and hush their conscience, but they will be awakened when they die and are cast into hell. It’s as simple as this. Man broke God’s law and he must be punished.
We’ve loved things more than God
We’ve made idols
We’ve blasphemed His holy name
We’ve not kept the Sabbath
We’ve dishonored our parents
Some may not have done the physical act of murdering someone, but I’m almost certain that everything has hated someone. Which God sees that as murder.
Also, some may not have done the physical act of adultery, but I’m certain that all have looked with lust. Which God considers that the same.
We’ve stolen, even if it was something small. The size of the thing we stole doesn’t matter. God isn’t impressed with certain thief’s. He doesn’t go “Jimmy only stole a pencil. But whoa, that guy stole a car!” The size of the object doesn’t matter. It’s still stealing.
We’ve lied. Same with the 8th commandment it doesn’t matter how big of a lie. I’ve heard I don’t know how may people say “Just because I tell one lie doesn’t make me a liar.” So how many lies does it take? Five? Eight? Ten, then a bell rings? Nope. If you’ve murdered that makes you a murderer.
We’ve all coveted. Who here can say that they never desired something that someone has?
And the final nail in the coffin is James 2:10 That says
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
I know the subject of sin and hell may have been a little uncomfortable. But it makes talking about our next subject all the more glorious!
The promise of eternal life.
Whenever I share my faith with someone and once I’m done talking about sin, the law of God, righteousness, the wrath of God, etc. Then I mention greatest thing ever done in history. I say “Now, do you know what God did so that you won’t have to go to hell? And have a relationship with Christ forever, and ever.” Some say “no.” God became a man (Jesus Christ), born of a virgin , lived a perfect holy sinless life, suffered and died on the cross, taking our sins upon himself, raised again on the third day, and then He ascended to heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father. It’s like this, let’s go back to the court room. Let say you’re in court you’re broken the law, you have not a penny to pay the fine. There’s no possible way for you to pay it. Just then someone you don’t even know walks in the court room and says “You’re honor I will pay his fine.” That’s what Jesus did. He knew we are not worth dying for. But He said “I’ll still do it. I’ll die for them, for your glory Father.” We broke the law. Jesus paid the fine. He satisfied the wrath of God. Which we deserve. Remember Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane , sweating great drops of blood, saying Father “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” For a while I wonder what was “The cup.” Later I learned that the cup was the wrath of God.
Isaiah 51:17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
Jeremiah 25:15 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
Lamentations 4:21 Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.
And others verses talk about it.
Picture a giant dam ten thousand miles high and ten thousand miles wide. And you’re standing below it. You’re a mile away. And all of a sudden the door is taken away, and all that water comes crushing down. Just as soon as it almost touches you, the ground opens up and sallow’s every single drop of water. So, the wrath of God destined for people was drunken by Christ.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Christ took that cup out of His Father’s hand and drunk every lost drop. And when He cried out “it is finished.” He turned that cup upside down not a single drop fell out.
Now, if someone may be saying “What must I do to be saved?” You must repent (that means confess your sin, turn from your sin, and turn to Christ) and put your faith and trust in Christ. And Christ alone for your salvation. Christ said in Luke chapter 13 that unless you repent you’ll perish. The Bible says in Acts chapter 17 that God commands all men everywhere to repent. And I’m sure that everyone here knows John 3:16. And the word believe there doesn’t mean just believe that He exists. It means to trust and rely upon Him.
And we are not to come to Christ just because we don’t want t go to hell. “Oh, I don’t want to go to hell. I don’t love Christ, but I want to go to heaven.” Paul Washer the missionary said “When you catch a corn field on fire, you get all kinds of creepy things running out of it. Snakes, and spiders. But they’re still snakes and spiders.”
We should want to come to Christ because he died for us. And He’s infinitely beautiful, and glorious. Every man wants to go to heaven. They just don’t want God to be there.
To the person who may think they will have plenty of time to repent later, I say this: Don’t wait until later to repent. The Bible says that now is the day of salvation. You mustn’t think that you have plenty of time. “Oh, I have many years in my life still. I’ll wait until next year to put my faith in Christ. I still want to sin some more before I give that up.” I can’t stress enough how important eternity is. If you could rip the carpet of hell, and speak with them there. A lot would probably say “I thought I had time. I never thought I would die so soon. I thought it would never happen to me.”
You’re like the man walking on old, broken, molded, flooring. And there’s holes everywhere. But you know not where they are. For the floor is covered with carpet. With each step you take could be you’re last.
You’re like the blind man walking aimlessly all around a high way. And knows not what will hit him.
Please do not say “Soul, I have many years to still repent and trust. But for now I love my sin. I want to drink and be merry.” For you know not when God will say “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.”
How awful it would be to say “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
The Bible says when a person repents and puts their faith and trust in the Savoir Jesus, that He will forgive all your sins, past, present, and future. And God will became your Father. And you will no longer be a child of the devil (which is stated in John 8:44) but you will be a child of the Most High God. And you can say “I’m going to heaven, not because I’m a good person. But because I’m a very bad person, who has been forgiven by a very good God.”
What does it mean to be justified by God? It doesn’t mean that once someone becomes a Christian they’ll never sin again. John makes it pretty clear in his first epistle that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. It’s a legal term. And it means “to declare righteous.” The very moment a person repents and put their faith and trust in the Savior God imputes Christ’s righteous to us. And God declares you to be righteous before Him. God says to the universe “You want to know how good I am. I saved this person. I died for them and rescued their soul. I saved them. Not them. I saved them.”
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.
Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
Anybody here know that song?
Think of this: a reporter is going around asking different beliefs the question “Do you believe in an after life?”
He goes to the muslim and says “do you believe in an after life?” The muslim says “Yes. It’s called paradise.” The reporter says “Do you believe you’re going there?” The muslim says “Yes.” The reporter asks “Why?” he says “Because I love the Koran, I give alms, I do good.”
The reporter goes to the mormon and asks if he believes in a heaven. He says “Yeah.” “Do you believe you’re going there?” Asks the reporter. The mormon says “yes, because I do good deeds, I give to the poor, I respect people, I love and obey the book of mormon, and the mormon church.”
The reporter comes to a Christian and asks if he believes in a heaven. The Christian says “Yes” “Are you going,” replies the reporter. The Christians says “ In sin was I born. I lived a evil life. I’m the chief of all sinners. I…” Just then the reporter stops the Christian and says “I don’t understand. All these other men I get why they’re going to heaven. They say they’re good people. But why you?” “Because my salvation is upon the merit of another. I repented and put my faith and trust in Jesus. And God graciously saved me. I’m going to heaven because my God died for me. And he raised from the dead and sat down at the right of God.”
You see Christianity is the only belief that teaches that. All other beliefs say that you can earn you’re way to heaven.
As it is so beautifully stated in the hymn Rock of Ages
“Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling.”
Note: I didn't comment on the rest because I felt I didn't have enought time to mention it to my youth group. I was wanting to tell them that this verse doesn't mean that Christ is created. But it means that He's the creator.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Episode 12 And 13 Is Uploaded!
I had a great time making these episodes. We had quite a bit of live listeners. But we did have our first prank phone callers. I edited them out. Please pray that God will save them. And if their are any other lost listners of our show, that God will save them for his glory.
Here's what is discussed on episode 12:
Old Testament shadows of Jesus.
And here is what some is discussed on episode 13:
Church discipline.
Who should serve who?
We discuss the wrong belief of panentheism and pantheism.
You can go to our TalkShoe page:http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/81910
Or you can listen at the left of this blog on the side panel.
-Curt
Here's what is discussed on episode 12:
Old Testament shadows of Jesus.
And here is what some is discussed on episode 13:
Church discipline.
Who should serve who?
We discuss the wrong belief of panentheism and pantheism.
You can go to our TalkShoe page:http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/81910
Or you can listen at the left of this blog on the side panel.
-Curt
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Episode 12 May Air This Saturday
Depending upon what happens that day, I may host episode 12 this coming Saturday.
We'll see what happens. Be sure to keep an eye on TalkShoe.
-Curt
We'll see what happens. Be sure to keep an eye on TalkShoe.
-Curt
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Episode 12 Is Here!
Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:
A discussion on the church of the Laodiceans. Why does the church have such a low view of God?
-Curt
A discussion on the church of the Laodiceans. Why does the church have such a low view of God?
-Curt
Episode 11 Is Here!
Here's the first video we played:
Here's the second:
Also, Someone calls in to ask a question about same sex marriage.
Download this episode and all the other ones, on the side of this blog.
Please pray that God will use our podcast for His glory and His glory alone,
-Curt
Here's the second:
Also, Someone calls in to ask a question about same sex marriage.
Download this episode and all the other ones, on the side of this blog.
Please pray that God will use our podcast for His glory and His glory alone,
-Curt
Friday, March 7, 2008
Our Blog Is Now Open!
I'm happy to announce that the Think Biblically Radio blog is now open.
On episode 11 I'll announce it. I can't wait to get started. I plan to post updates, videos, videos that was on the show, etc.
Please pray that God will use this blog and this show for His glory,
-Curt
On episode 11 I'll announce it. I can't wait to get started. I plan to post updates, videos, videos that was on the show, etc.
Please pray that God will use this blog and this show for His glory,
-Curt
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
