God is Light

1 John 1:1–5 (NLT)

1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. 2 This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. 5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.

Mission of Reveal – Reveal Jesus, draw people into the LIGHT

Intro John, Apostle, “disciple who Jesus loved” – had seen, heard, and touched Jesus

1 John 1:1 (NLT)

1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.

Proclaim/Declare/Shout

THE ONE – who existed from the beginning – He is a man, but not a mere man. He is also fully God for he ALREADY EXISTED in the beginning

JOHN’s GOSPEL –

John 1:1–5 (ESV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

1 John 1:1 (NLT)

1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.

John so excited! We have heard, seen, touched with our own hands.

He is the Word of Life!

1 John 1:2 (NLT)

2 This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us.

This one who is life itself – He is the resurrection and the Life, he overcame death

         He is the creator

He was REVEALED to us! – God chose us to reveal himself.

         We testify! – He is the One who is Eternal Life!

         He was with the Father and then revealed to us.

1 John 1:3 (NLT)

3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

HEY! Again, PROCLAIMING – shouting, testifying! We have ACTUALLY SEEN AND HEARD.

WHY? So you may have fellowship with the Apostles!

         Hitch your train to someone who is going somewhere!

         Hang out with us!

WHO DO YOU HANG OUT WITH? Who do you FELLOWSHIP with?

         In Middle school – my small group of friends all went on to be pastors

         In college – several in my small group went on into ministry

       Are you fellowshipping with those who are in darkness or in the light?

              With a group always talking about Stock Market – probably heavily invested in stocks, or crypto, or real estate

                  Always talking about hunting or boating

John the Apostle wants to have Fellowship with us – SO THAT we can have fellowship with the SON!

         Who hang out with? The MOST popular people?

         Do you want to hang with the Creator of the Universe?

         He is writing to Christians and wanting to take them deeper.

         Do you want to go beyond just getting saved and actually having fellowship with Jesus?

1 John 1:4 (NLT)

4 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.

He is writing this some 30 years AFTER the resurrection! Still Joy, still excitement!

WHY DOES JOHN WRITE?

         You may have Joy! (1 John 1:4)

         You may not be deceived (1 John 2:26)

You may KNOW that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13)

1 John 1:5 (NLT)

5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.

Heard the message directly from Jesus!

God is light! – purity, holiness, truth, revelation, clarity

In Him – no darkness, no evil, no evil ideas,

         NOT AT ALL

Greek and Roman gods – they created gods in man’s image

Our own pictures of our father – sometimes angry, sometimes selfish

Lustful, judgmental, vindictive

The gods could be kind, but they were much more often cruel, capricious, vain, vengeful, and careless.

1 John 1:5b

“God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.”

BUT ISN’T THERE A GOD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT AND OF THE NEW TESTAMENT? ISN’T HE ANGRY IN THE OT?

Isn’t God a “comic-kill joy” not wanting us to have any fun, always concerned about breaking his laws, and getting offended when we want to try things our own way?

ALL ABOUT THE LENS…

ILLUSTRATION:

We often see it as Aggressive and destructive, or passive aggressive and snarky or suppressed.

But there is righteous anger. Anger –THE MORAL EMOTION – “I am against that! That is WRONG!” – saying it and feeling it with passion.

         We equate anger with yelling and screaming or violence

         NOT NECESSARY

My Son – learning to ride a bike, I told him to stay beside me or behind me, had ridden on ahead. I said to stop. He stopped pedaling but tried to balance and accidentally ended up in the road and almost hit by a car. The driver of the car was freaked out and angry, I was angry because he hadn’t listened and almost died.

SAME WITH GOD – God doesn’t want anyone to die or get hurt, or be separated from Him for eternity.

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

“not wishing” – not willing, not desiring, not wanting

1 Timothy 2:1–4 (ESV)

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We are supposed to pray for kings and rulers because God wants them to be saved.

God is so loving He even cares about politicians

Paul talking about praying for kings and rulers and those in authority – God desires for everyone to be saved. We are supposed to pray for our leaders.

I’m not a Biden fan, in fact for the last 4 years, I’ve been waiting for him to leave office, just Biden my time.  – Praying for his salvation!

 God’s Love

God so loved the world (John 3:16)

God desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4)

God doesn’t want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9)

God gets angry because people are doing things that hurt others or

         Probably nothing gets me angrier than when someone hurts one of my kids – particularly one of my kids hurting another kid!

GOD TOO!

Matthew 18:3–6 (ESV)

3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Human trafficking -gets me angry.

When people fall into idolatry – God gets angry! They are hurting themselves and others!

1 John 1:5b

“God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.”

Isaiah 45:7 (NKJV)

7 I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’

Genesis 1:1–5 (ESV)

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

God uses darkness, calamity to bring about His will.

Isaiah 45:7 (NKJV)

7 I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’

Create calamity – tried to explain away.

God is GOOD, He is going to use it for my good and His glory.

PICTURE???

Fires in California? Yes!

         WHY? To expose the pride, to expose the darkness,

Palisades, CA? wealthy neighborhood

       MY JOB AS A PASTOR: To comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable

         God does the same, He LOVES US ENOUGH to disciplines us.

Hebrews 12:5–11 (ESV)

5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Discipline is painful

SPANKING is painful -

BUT WHY?

Hebrews 12:6 (ESV)

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

ILLUSTRATION: Friend Brian, Loved God, but was getting into a snarky spiteful Christian place.

Several months ago he had a heart attack, it humbled him and drew him back to God.

IT WAS A CALAMITY IN HIS LIFE. He spoke about it afterward and was grateful for it because it caused him to realize what was most important. Relationships with his wife and God and others.

2 weeks ago he went home to be the with the Lord.

1 John 1:5 (NLT)

5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.

God is light – He is perfectly loving, perfectly just, no unrighteousness

When you go through trials, God is light, He is with you, He is using this to draw you to Himself.

APPLICATION:

Where have you been questioning that God was good? Choose by faith to believe He is good and using the experience for your good and His glory.

What darkness do you have in your life that you need to bring into the Light?

Since God is light and has no darkness, God is not trying to humiliate and destroy you, but liberate and heal you. By faith, step into the light, confess your sin and be healed (James 5:16)

Hope has a name

I saw a Christmas movie this season, great music but it felt they added and changed the story under the line of creative license, I was annoyed.

Then I read this in a new translation I’m reading through that I’ve seen used a few times, coming out of Matthew 1: 18

Matthew 1:18-19

18 Here is the story of how the Chosen One was born: His mother, Bitter Tears (Mary), had been promised in marriage to He Gives Sons (Joseph). But before they came together in marriage, while still a virgin, she found out that she was carrying a baby in her womb from the Holy Spirit.

First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament (Mt 1:18–19). (2021). IVP: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press.

Mary (ma’-ry) = Bitterness; rebellious; obstinate; (root = trouble; sorrow; disobedience; rebellion).

Smith, S., & Cornwall, J. (1998). In The exhaustive dictionary of Bible names (p. 167). Bridge-Logos.

Give birth to

Jesus (je’-zus) = Jehovah is salvation; Jehova, my salvation; Savior.

Joseph (jo’-zef) = May God add; he shall add; increasing; (root = to add).

Why is it that the Lord chose, Bitterness to give birth to Jehovah my salvation, mean while May God Add/increase, didn’t event have part in that increase.

Anna (an’-nah) = Grace.

Abigail #1 (ab’-e-gul) = Father of exultation; father of joy; cause of joy; the joy of my father; exultation; joy; gladness; my father is joy.

Eve (eev) = Life; life-giving; living; (root = to live; to prosper; to keep alive; to give life). Mother of all who have life.

Joanna (jo-an’-nah) = Jehovah has been gracious; Jehovah has shown favor; the LORD is grace; the LORD give graciously.11 

Ruth (rooth) = Beauty; something worth seeing;

Rachel (ra’-chel) = A ewe; a sheep;

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV): 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Immanuel, God with us. Holy God, All powerful God, Covenant Keep God, with us.

Isaiah 53:3-6

3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Is 53:3–6). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

by the Swedish preacher, Carl Boberg and translated by British minister/missionary, Stuart Hine

How Great Thou Art

… And when I think that God, His Son not sparing

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in

That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing

He bled and died to take away my sin

… Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Luke 2:34–35 (NLT)

34Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 

35As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

(2)

I was offended at the thought that Mary meant bitter,

That ‘s not who I imagined Mary to be.

I was offended that Joseph was not strong and decisive.

Not much different than the Pharisees offended that Jesus did not lead a revolt again the Roman occupiers,

He did not honor their efforts to stay ceremonially clean, but instead ate with tax collectors and sinners, healed on the Sabbath and lead people away from moralism, and into faith in Himself. for salvation.

Before encountering Christ, he considered himself blameless (Philippians 3:6). Years later, he'd describe himself as “the least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). Some years after that, he'd call himself “the least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8) and “the worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15)

1 Timothy 1:14–15 (ESV)

15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

(3)(Application)

Where are we Mary, bitter, rebellious, obstinate?

And the Lord is giving us an opportunity to surrender, believe God would fulfull what he has spoken?

Where are we Joseph?

We believe we are able to be fruitful, produce, bring increase, yet the Lord is asking you to humble yourself and support not what you are able to do, but what the Holy Spirit is doing through another.

Elizabeth spoke, filled with the Holy Spirit

Luke 1:42

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

Her blessing was not because of her perfection, but God’s grace. the Father chose Mary, of the tribe of Judah, in the line of David, neither of which she could boast in.

Surely she was going to give birth to a son

Isaiah 9:6–7 (CSB)

6For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 

7The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the LORD of Armies will accomplish this.

In the same way, God works with and through a broken Israel, He works with and through a broken Gentile.

(4) This is the Mystery

the word Mystery is in the New Testament 21 times. Mostly used by Paul.

The Mystery is clear in Eph 3:6

Gentile (those other than Jews) are co-heirs with the Jews with Christ

Romans 11: don’t be ignorant of the Mystery,

Romans 16: to bring about the obedience of faith.

1 Cor 15: Mystery: we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed, perishable for the imperishable.

Eph 1, 3,5,6

1:9 - to unite all things in him

3 - Gentiles are fellow heirs

5 - the image of the husband and wife is Christ and the church.

6 - proclaim the mystery of the Gospel.

Col 1, 2,4

1 - Christ in you (gentiles, ) the hope of glory

2 - God’s mystery is Christ

4 - pray we can declare the mystery of Christ

2 Thes 2 (lawlessness)

1 Tim 3 - elders must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience

Rev 1 - mystery of the 7 stars

Rev 10 - in the days of the 7th trumpet, the mystery of God would be fulfilled

Rev 17 - mystery of the woman, the beast.

They Mystery is Summarized in

Ephesians 3:6

6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The more I lean into this mystery, the result amazes me. I have more peace, more love, more delight, more wonder and more humility.

I think back even a few years ago and think how I was so quick to recommend the habit I had started,, not knowing that in 6 months the Lord would lead me on to a new way of interacting with Him. Where the foundation of my life in Christ was not my routines, though I have some, but in my relationship with God the Father, through Jesus the Son, being led by the Holy Spirit.

My life is less about what I bring and more about that He holds me in his hands. And not just me, but everyone around me. He holds us in his hands. He holds the whole world in his hands. The older I get, I learn the Lord and his kingdom is not a mystery to figure out, but mystery to behold and as we behold him, we are transformed to look more like him.

(5) This Mystery beget hope for…

1 Peter 2:10 ESV

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Pe 2:10). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

We have hope, and that hope has a name. His name is Jesus.

He does miraculous things in and through our lives, not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

Phil 2:19

(WE have) Hope in Jesus to accomplish the work that is greater than us, that extends past us

1 Tim 1:1

Christ Jesus our hope in our calling

1 Thess 1:3

steadfastness of Hope producing thanksgiving to God from those that have invested in us.

2 Thess 2:16

Jesus is our hope, leading to comfort for hearts and the establishing of every good work and word.

Titus 2:13

Our blessed hope, the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all the lawlessness, and purifying for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1 Peter 1:3

In Christ, we have a living hope through his resurrection,

1 Peter 1:13

(Because) our hope is set fully on the grace revealed at the revelation of Jesus.

(min 19)

The only thing that is attributed to Mary is she believed what the Angel said would come to pass.

Joseph was a good man deciding to put her away quietly.

Apart from that, It’s only assumption and traditions that cause us to lift up these people beyond us, to justify God’s use of them and not us.

Whether you were born a Mary, bitter, rebellious, yet the Lord called you and is equipping you,

or maybe you are Joseph, full of capability but God has called you to stand back and support the Work of God in another.

Maybe you are like Jesus, born to be a king, but in a season of submission.

Or maybe all three,

May we lean into the mystery,

Ephesians 5:8 ESV

8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Joey’s first Christmas

Matthew 1:18–19 (ESV)

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

BETROTHAL – like engagement but more formal in that time, like being married only not living together or coming together intimately

Deuteronomy 22:23–24 (ESV)

23 “If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her, 24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones, the young woman because she did not cry for help though she was in the city, and the man because he violated his neighbor’s wife. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.

Joseph – righteous, cares about Mary’s reputation

HIS REPUTATION AFFECTED – assumption that he is the one who got her pregnant;

IMAGINE the thoughts going through his head –

            I thought she loved me

            I can’t believe she cheated on me

            She’s delusional saying it was an angel

                        She cheated

                        Now she’s delusional

Virgins don’t have babies – Mary probably told Joseph the story but unbelievable

MATTHEW 1:20-23

20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.”

NOW JOSEPH SEES ANGEL

            Ok –

            Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife! – raise another man’s kid?!?

            “conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit”

            Name him Jesus – salvation

            “he will save his people from their sins”

            Fulfill prophecy

                        God with us!?

                        WHAT?!?

            Can you imagine the pressure? I’m going to be the father to the Son of God –

                        I hope I don’t mess this up?

                         Don’t mess HIM up!

Matthew 1:24–25 (ESV)

24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Joseph – says, “ok, let’s do this.”

            JOSEPH OBEYED

            Kept her a virgin - protect

Luke 2:1–5 (ESV)

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

THE CENSUS – need to register and go to ancestral home - to Bethlehem

-       90 miles – 31 hours or about 5 or 6 day walk! – WHILE PREGNANT

-       I know walking can help the baby come – BUT NOT 90 MILES!

Joseph thinking about pregnant wife –

            About family who will take him in – “at least we are going to my home town, family will take me in.”

            “JOEY – I think the baby’s coming!”

Luke 2:6–7 (ESV)

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Imagine the pressure Joseph felt

1.     First baby

2.     No room at the inn – WHAT NO FAMILY TAKE ME IN????

3.     Ancestral home – yet NO ONE TAKE HIM IN!

PRESSURE – how I’m providing for my family – I can’t even find a decent place for my wife to have a baby

            Joseph – God! What are you doing?

            ANYONE EVER BEEN THERE? FEEL LIKE EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE IS FALLING APART?

Feel like a failure?

      Stigma of betrothed wife getting pregnant

      Go to Bethlehem and NO FAMILY will take you in (and VERY pregnant wife)

      Wife and you have to stay in stable, baby born with the animals

      All these people (shepherds and angels) show up to see your failure

ONE NARRATIVE – or if Joseph gets over himself and realizes it is not about him, but about Jesus, he doesn’t need to let that bother him.

WHAT IS BOTHERING YOU THIS CHRISTMAS TIME? WHAT IS THE NARRATIVE YOU ARE TELLING YOURSELF? Is it because of how you look and you feel like a failure as a

            Parent                         Husband/wife

            Business owner         Employee                   Son/Daughter

Satan wants us to focus on ourselves and MISS that it is about Jesus!

MARY – “Let it be to me according to your word.”

            Declare the Promises of God as a gift!

THEN THE WISE MEN/MAGI SHOW UP

gold for a Mighty King, frankincense for a Ministering Priest, myrrh for a Martyred Prophet

Luke 2:33–35 (CSB)

33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Sword will pierce your own soul?

REVEAL FELLOWSHIP – REVEALING JESUS, revealing hearts,

GOD ALLOWS THE TRIALS TO REVEAL OUR HEARTS – HE KNOWS ALREADY, but wants us to know and see what is going on inside of us.

Salvation – are you trying to do on your own strength?

            Joseph just had to take Mary as his wife and name the baby Jesus.

APPLICATION:

What is God calling you to do this Christmas Season?

What stress are you adding to your life that God doesn’t intend for you to carry?

What promise from God’s Word do you need to cling to?

Is there something you need to surrender to Him? Your life, your hopes, your ambitions, your idols?

Is there someone you need to reconcile with?

Christmas Meditation

Luke 1:26-38

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."

But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her,

"Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."

Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. "For nothing will be impossible with God."

And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her."  Luke 1:26-38

I.  Real time and space history.  This is not a myth told to inspire.[1]

II.  It is not blind faith.  Mary asks honest questions and seeks honest answers.

III.  Active Passivity :  Saying yes to the impossible.

Mary at her Annunciation models faith for us. She shows us that faith is more than intellectual agreement, but is also trust, submission and commitment.

Mary trusted in God’s promises in HIS WORD and in the specific revelation of Gabriel, chose to surrender and submit to God’s specific will for her life and committed herself to be part of God’s plan of salvation in Messiah Jesus.

Today, we can hear the gospel of Jesus, and ask for it to be done to us according to the great promises offered to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Mary become a model for us on how to live by the gospel.

1. The offer of having Christ in your life and beginning a life of faith in him is happening today in real time and space history.  Right here and right now.

A.       For those who have never had Christ be in you.

B.       For those who have had Christ in us but who need to be renewed in our living by faith in the gospel

2.        Asking honest questions and getting honest answers is how a strong faith if born.   The heart will not long hold onto what the mind rejects.  (see The Case for Christmas by Lee Stobel)

3.         Our Response: An Active Passivity – I can’t, YOU can, Let it be to me according to YOUR WORD.

[Rom 6:11, 13 AMP] 11 Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin [and your relationship to it broken], but alive to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus. ... 13 Do not go on offering members of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness. But offer yourselves to God [in a decisive act] as those alive [raised] from the dead [to a new life], and your members [all of your abilities--sanctified, set apart] as instruments of righteousness [yielded] to God.

[Gal 2:20 AMP] 20 "I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

I recommend you buy yourself a Christmas present a book by Francis Schaeffer that first taught me these truths decades ago called True Spirituality

[1] http://www.apologeticsguy.com/2014/12/the-virgin-birth-jesus/

Died With Christ; Alive in Christ!

Luke 2:8–14 (ESV)

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Matthew 1:21 (NLT)

21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

SIGN – baby lying in a manger –

            Manger = feeding trough – usually made of stone

Sarcophagus pictures

Feeding trough (“manger”) in Megiddo, Israel

Decorated sarcophagus of wealth person

Swaddle – babies, but also the swaddled the dead bodies, wrapping up like a mummy

Matthew 2:11 (ESV)

11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Gold – divine, kingly

Frankincense – priestly

Myrrh. – burial (sacrifice)

Message

JESUS DESCRIBES HIS MISSION

Luke 4:16–21 (ESV)

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Isaiah 61:1–3 (CSB)

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of our God’s vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord to glorify him.

Matthew 5:3–12 (NLT)

3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Revelation 3:14–22 (ESV)

14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

GRAIN OF WHEAT

John 12:24–25 (ESV)

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

John 12:25 (NLT)

25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.

Romans 6:3b–8 (NLT)

…we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.

John 3:3 (ESV)

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Romans 6:9-11 (NLT)

 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:12–14 (NLT)

12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

RESURRECTION

1 Corinthians 15:35–57 (NLT)

35 But someone may ask, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?” 36 What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first. 37 And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting. 38 Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have. A different plant grows from each kind of seed…

43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. 44 They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.

45 The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. 46 What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later. 47 Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. 48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. 49 Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man. 50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. 51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. 54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

NEW LIFE

2 Corinthians 5:14–17 (NLT)

14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

PAST GONE – set free from past

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 (ESV)

9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

LAZARUS

John 11:38–44 (ESV)

38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

CLOSE

1 John 3:1–3 (CSB)

1 See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure.

Understanding Myself and Others

1. I am wonderful – You are wonderful

[Psa 139:14 NASB95] 14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.

2.        I am wicked – You are wicked

[Rom 3:10-12, 23 NASB95] 10 as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; 12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE." ... 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

3.        I am wounded – You are wounded

[Psa 109:21-22 NASB95] 21 But You, O GOD, the Lord, deal [kindly] with me for Your name's sake; Because Your lovingkindness is good, deliver me; 22 For I am afflicted and needy, And my heart is wounded within me.

4.        I am weak – You are weak

[Psa 82:3-4 NASB95] 3 Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver [them] out of the hand of the wicked.

[Mat 9:12 NASB95] 12 But when Jesus heard [this,] He said, "[It is] not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.

5.        I am washed – You are washed

"(18) "Come, let us settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are crimson red, they will be like wool. " {Isaiah 1:18 CSB}

"(14) Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for you are my praise. " {Jeremiah 17:14 CSB}

6.        I am welcomed – You are welcomed

[Rom 15:7 NASB95] 7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

7.        I am wild – You are wild

[Jdg 17:6 NASB95] 6 In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.

[Act 2:44-47 NASB95] 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they [began] selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Conclusion –

clip from First Knight -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMgC2K1Paio

[Jhn 13:34 NASB95] 34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

We must love people as wonderful, wicked, wounded, weak, washed, welcomed, and wild.  Even as God loves us in all these complex aspects of our lives.

Pirates in the Care of Demons: COmplete in Christ

Colossians 2:3 (ESV)

3 in whom [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

In Christ are hidden all the riches of wisdom and knowledge – All the answers are in Him.

Our minds are like colanders – affected by experiences we have that contradict the Word of God – need to take the truth of God’s word and plug up the holes – to keep more of the Word of God

Colossians 2:4 (ESV)

4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV)

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:8 (ESV)

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

DOCTRINES OF DEMONS

Will always add or subtract to the gospel

Pervert the nature or character of God

Steal your identity in Christ

If you allow sin, it deadens your sensitivity to the Spirit.

How do you know if you’ve been plundered?

            You are back under law

            You are trusting in your ability, self-righteousness

            You are unforgiving, suspicious of others

            Your identity and self-worth are in something other than Jesus

Colossians 2:9–10 (ESV)

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

TRINITY!

Colossians 1:15–16 (ESV)

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Image of Invisible God

Firstborn of all creation – Firstborn means pre-eminent one, the one to receive the inheritance (First Lady Melania Trump – not the original lady, but first in position, in honor).

            Multiple times the second born called the firstborn (Genesis 48:14, Jeremiah 31:9 – Ephraim called the firstborn)

            Jacob and Esau (Esau first, but Jacob gets the inheritance) Exodus 4:22 Israel is called “my firstborn”

John 8:56–59 (ESV)

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

John 1:1 (ESV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Errors Explaining the Trinity:

1.     Modalism (H2O ice, water, steam) – God just changes forms (denies the Personhood of the Trinity)

2.     Tritheism – 3 separate gods  (results in polytheism instead of 1 God in 3 persons)

3.     Aryanism – Jesus was not fully God, but a created being subordinate to the Father

Every analogy of the Trinity breaks down

Three persons, 1 Godhead

ILLUSTRATION: Stand on top of a mountain. From one side see clear to the ocean to the east and see the sunrise. Face opposite direction toward west and can see sunset.

I don’t fully understand everything about a combustion engine, but I trust my car will run when I have gas and turn it on, it will move.

Why do we think that we would be able to understand God? Scientists still wrestling with quantum physics

Colossians 2:9–10 (ESV)

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Jesus is the head of all rule and authority! He is the boss, he is King! He has power and authority over everything! HE IS GOD!

Colossians 2:10 (ESV)

“and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”

Colossians 2:10 (NASB 2020)

10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over every ruler and authority;

Filled = complete

Are you complete?

Most of us would say no. I lack something.

            I lack height.

            I lack intelligence

            I lack luck

            I lack money

            I lack good looks

            I lack ___________

What do you lack?

            THE WORLD Tells us YOU LACK

            YOU NEED

OR YOU COMPENSATE BECAUSE YOU DON’T HAVE

YOU ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST!

            Satan – “you lack spiritual gifts” – you don’t have discernment, you don’t have tongues, you can’t prophesy, you can’t heal people

        Satan is trying to sell you something you already have or don’t need

1 Corinthians 12 – the Body, many members/parts – 1 body

1 Corinthians 12:29–31 (ESV)

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

YOU ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST!

I don’t feel complete.

            Because you have drunk too much of the world’s standards, or worldly comparison in the church.

OR Deluded by plausible arguments – casting doubt on God’s character, His goodness, or on the finished work of Christ.

Colossians 2:11–12 (ESV)

11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Fullness of deity in Christ, You are Complete in Him,

NOW how are you complete?

Circumcision of the heart (OT) – circumcision made without hands

Analogy between circumcision and baptism

            Circumcision was identifying with the people of God

            Baptism is identifying with Christ – THROUGH FAITH

Circumcision cuts away the flesh – in the Christian our fleshly nature.

Colossians 2:13 (ESV)

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses…

            Before coming to Christ – we were spiritually dead

Ephesians 2:1–2 (NLT)

1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.

I’m dead in my sin – not awake or even aware of spiritual things, not until God awakens me (John 3 – You must be born again)

FRUSTRATED EVANGELISM – until we realize the person needs to respond, BUT God makes them alive – SEE NEXT VERSE

Colossians 2:13–14 (ESV)

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

GOD MAKES US ALIVE!

CUTS AWAY THE DEAD FLESH, makes us alive!

            Born again!

Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV)

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

HOW MADE ALIVE? Forgiving all our trespasses/sins

Are you more alive to Christ or to the World?

Colossians 2:12 (ESV)

12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Made alive by God, died with Christ

EITHER

Alive to God and dead to this world OR

Dead to God and spiritual things and alive to this world (alive = controlled)

Understand died with Christ

Colossians 2:11–14 (NLT)

11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.

Romans 6:1–11 (NLT)

1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

Died with Christ – dead to sin, decide in your heart “no” – I don’t need you, I don’t want you. To partake of sin is death.

ILLUSTRATION: Lori’s gluten allergy – when she realized that eating the bread made her feel sick, she associated pain with the bread, no longer looked appetizing

We often associate pleasure with the things that are killing us and avoid thinking about the pain.

Be killing sin or it will be killing you – John Owens.

The things that control you, and feed your flesh need to associate with death and pain

PORN = DEATH

FAME = DEATH

BEAUTY = DEATH

MATERIALISM/RICHES = DEATH

UNGODLY RELATIONSHIP = DEATH

APPROVAL OF OTHERS = DEATH

Colossians 2:15 (ESV)

15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Colossians 2:14–15 (AMP)

14 Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross. 15 [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].

Colossians 2:14–15 (TPT)

14 He canceled out every legal violation we had on our record and the old arrest warrant that stood to indict us. He erased it all—our sins, our stained soul—he deleted it all and they cannot be retrieved! Everything we once were in Adam has been placed onto his cross and nailed permanently there as a public display of cancellation. 15 Then Jesus made a public spectacle of all the powers and principalities of darkness, stripping away from them every weapon and all their spiritual authority and power to accuse us. And by the power of the cross, Jesus led them around as prisoners in a procession of triumph. He was not their prisoner; they were his!

 TPT - The Passion Translation - not really a translation but a paraphrase or commentary on the Bible. Not reliable, but can be occasionally useful for a different perspective or reading.

Colossians 2:15 (ESV)

15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

THEY HAVE NO WEAPONS!  - only lies and fear

All comes back to the GOSPEL! Do you believe the Gospel?

Do you daily come and embrace the Gospel?

Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV)

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Other answers:

YES – I am a leader at my church

WE EACH HAVE OUR OWN LIST OF ‘BAD SINS’ – AND AS LONG AS I DON’T DO THAT, I’M A GOOD CHRISTIAN.

Are you resting in the finished work? Your sins have been wiped out. You don’t need to earn God’s favor; you already have it in Christ.

You don’t need to compare yourself with others; you are already complete in Christ!

THE CHECKLIST ITSELF IS LAW!

APPLICATION

Where do you feel you don’t measure up or are not good enough? Is it really something that is important or are you being lied to by the enemy?

Holiday Season with Jesus or Judgment

Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

8He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

What parties, gatherings do you anticipate this coming 2 months?

Some, none? Some of us are booked, others don’t have anything.

Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles , Dedications (hanukah)

Isaiah 1:12–20 (ESV)

12“When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? 

13Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. 

14Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 

15When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. 

16Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 

17learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. 

18“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 

19If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 

20but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

he corrects us because he longs for relationship with us.

Hosea 6:6 (ESV)

6For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Stop Evil

Do Good

Seek Justice

Correct Oppression

Justice to the Fatherless

Widow’s Cause.

It is not sacrifice I desire but obedience.

Jesus Justice, Mercy, Humility

Justice = מִשְׁפָּט‎ mishpat

Act justly

Dt 27:19

Dt 1:17

Lev 24:22

Dt 21:17

Often referencing acting justly to the widow and the orphan, widow,

Mercy = חֶסֶד‎ chesed

Exodus 34:6–7 (ESV)

6The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 

7keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

Humble = צָנַע‎ tsana

JESUS AND THE SABBATH

Matthew 12:6–8 (ESV)

6I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 

7And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. 

8For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

2 tim 2:14

Matthew 9:11–13 (ESV)

11And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 

12But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 

13Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Where do you see yourself judging yourself and others?

Politically?

Socially?

Personally?

Micah 6:8 (ESV)

8He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Comfort in Judgment and Self Righteousness

Amos 5:21–24 (ESV)

21“I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 

22Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. 

23Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. 

24But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

John 4:21–24 (ESV)

21Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 

22You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 

23But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 

24God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Romans 14:5–6 (ESV)

5One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 

6The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Galatians 2:16 (ESV)

16yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

This Holiday season, remember Who it is that deeply loves you, the one who has committed His life for you.

Black Friday. Spending 100 on a 200 item is not saving it is capitalistic pressure to spend on yourself your loved ones,

We spend money we don't have on things we don't like for people we are upset at.

GUARDING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HOLY SPIRIT PART2

Luke 3:21-22 NKJV

When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form of a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.

🔥“The Holy Spirit rests upon the revelation of sonship”🔥

THE THREE PREPOSITIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. WITH (Para-Along side) John 14

2. IN (En-fixed position of energy inside) John 20:22

3. UPON (Epi- overflow upon  (Acts 1-2)

Romans 8:15-16

“…you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”

HOW DO YOU GROW IN LISTENING TO DIVINE ROOMMATE, HOLY SPIRIT?

🔥WORSHIP IN THE WILDERNESS 🔥

Luke 4:1 NKJV

“THEN Jesus, being FILLED with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,”

WILDERNESS: MIDBAR: to speak

Luke 4:14 NKJV

“THEN Jesus returned in the POWER of the Spirit to Galilee…”

Galatians 1:15-17 NKJV

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia…”

Hosea 10:12

“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”

THE CROSSROADS OF GOD VS SATAN

Luke 4:3-4 NKJV

And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ”

(Deuteronomy 8:3)

Luke 4:5-8 NKJV

THEN the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

Luke 4:9-12 NKJV

THEN he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’

Luke 4:13 NKJV

“Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.”

Luke 4:14-15 NKJV

“THEN Jesus returned in the POWER of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.”

THE BAPTISM

OPEN HEAVENS

THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE VOICE

“This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”

Luke 3:23-3:38

GENEALOGY

Luke 3:23 NKJV

“Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,”

Matthew 1:16 NKJV

“And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.”

Psalm 2:7-8 NKJV

I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.

Ephesians 1:3-6 NKJV

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”

Galatians 4:6-7 NKJV

“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

GUARDING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HOLY SPIRIT

II Corinthians 1:21-22

(God in Christ) “…has sealed us and given us The (Holy) Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Matthew 3:16-17 NKJV

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

🔥Jesus came to make it possible for us to have what the Father 

gave Him🔥

John 14:1-6

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

MANSION: Dwelling place 

John 14:10-11 NKJV

“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells IN Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me…”

EN-fixed position of energy inside and or upon 

John 14:15-18

If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells WITH you and will be IN you. 

I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

THE THREE PREPOSITIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. WITH (Para-Along side)John 14

2. IN (En-fixed position of energy inside) John 20:22

3. UPON (Epi- overflow upon (Acts 1-2)

POST RESURRECTION PASSOVER 

John 20:22

“And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

POST ASCENSION PENTECOST

Acts 2:3

“Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.”

Luke 11:9-13 NKJV

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!

Romans 8:15-16

you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God

I Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

“..do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

WHY AM I NOT HEARING DIVINE ROOMMATE HOLY SPIRIT TALK TO ME?

Ephesians 4:30

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

I Thessalonians 5:19

“Do not quench the Spirit.”

HOW DO I GUARD MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY DIVINE ROOMMATE, HOLY SPIRIT?

Proverbs 4:23-27

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

Galatians 5:22-26

“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”

🔥Walk in love, and you won’t disturb the Dove🔥

“The crossroads of rejection and acceptance are the moments of grace that bring greater revelation”

Isaiah 53:3

He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.

THE CALVARY CROSSROADS

1. Death of earthly father

2. Rejected in Nazareth

3. Rejected by mother and brothers

4. Rejected by spiritual leaders

5. Betrayed by friend

6. Abandoned by His disciples

Luke 23:33-34 

“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do 

Matthew 27:46

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

Luke 23:46

 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last

🔥HOW DID JESUS GUARD HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH DIVINE ROOMMATE, HOLY SPIRIT?🔥

Matthew 3:17 NKJV

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

HOW DO I GUARD MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY DIVINE ROOMMATE, HOLY SPIRIT?

BELIEVE….

John 17:22-23

I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

I Believe ABBA loves me the same as He loves His one and only son JESUS

II Corinthians 5:17, 21

“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

PIRATES IN THE CARE OF DEMONS - TAKEN CAPTIVE

Shocking Identity Theft Statistics

• Prevalence: Almost one-third of Americans have been a victim of identity theft. 

• Cost: In 2023, American adults lost $43 billion to identity fraud

·       Victims spend over six months and 200 hours trying to recover their identities.

The average loss of victims to identity theft is $500.

The average age of identity fraud victims is 30 to 39 years.

WHY STEAL YOUR IDENTITY?

            TO MAKE MONEY

            TO INFLICT PAIN

            TO HAVE FUN, PRANK

Currently in a Series on Colossians 2 – which is really about Hidden Treasure we have in Christ and the Pirates in the Care of Demons who want to come and steal it.

REVIEW

Colossians 2:3 (ESV)

3 in whom [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

In Christ are hidden all the riches of wisdom and knowledge – All the answers are in Him.

Our minds are like colanders – affected by experiences we have that contradict the Word of God – need to take the truth of God’s word and plug up the holes – to keep more of the Word of God

Colossians 2:4–5 (ESV)

4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Plausible - Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; conceivably true or likely

THE TEST OF FAITH – MY EXPERIENCE SAYS THIS; GOD’S WORD SAYS THIS

PIRATES IN THE CARE OF DEMONS – Well meaning people, following the wisdom of demons instead of Christ

Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV)

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

IDENTITY IN CHRIST  - walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him.

Colossians 2:8–10 (ESV)

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Taken captive – other translations:

“cheat you”/plunder you (ultimately steal your identity in Christ)

            Captivate – steal freedom, tries to control/enslave, own

                        Many Christians are captivated by Reels, YouTube, News, Porn, video games, phone games (Candy Crush?)

                        YouTube/Social Media/Web – want our attention

                        Control my attention, control my time, ultimately my wallet

Captivate/Cheat/Plunder by

            Philosophy

            Empty deceit

            Human tradition

            Elemental spirits of the world

Philosophy – “love and pursuit of wisdom” – or investigation of truth and nature

A worldview is a collection of attitudes, values, stories and expectations about the world around us, which inform our every thought and action. Worldview is expressed in ethics, religion, philosophy, scientific beliefs and so on (Sire, 2004). A worldview is how a culture works out in individual practice.

Worldview – a framework to interpret life

                        Red or Blue/Republican or Democrat?

                        Conservative or Liberal/Progressive

                        Christian, Atheist, Buddhist, Muslim?

                        Life came from God, from aliens or simply evolution over millions and billions of years?

                        Sermons are worldviews

EVERY MOVIE, VIDEO, YOUTUBE, PODCAST, SONG HAS A WORLDVIEW!

Every Movie, Show, YouTube, Reel, you watch has a worldview

            Is it based on truth or lies or distortion?

Reason and argument can lead us away from the truth, is the great arguer and manipulator.

            Or is it completely taken out of context to distort or manipulate perception?

                        60 minutes interview of Kamala Harris -

Colossians 2:8 (ESV)

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Captivate/Cheat/Plunder by

            Philosophy

            Empty deceit – “that which gives a false impression” (Vines)

Fake News????

Deep Fake Videos – TikTok Channel devoted to Fake Tom Cruise Videos DEEPTOMCRUISE -

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6yw9YszJEmA

SLIDE: 2 years ago Russia release video of Volodymyr Zelensky telling his troops to surrender to Russia.

Got News?

            Rumor – 2nd hand information

            Print –  in print, newspaper/magazine/web

            Voice – audio recording

            Video – video recording

Our culture – believes if it is on the web, it is probably true.

            Headlines often misleading

SEARCH ENGINES – algorithm bias to our bias (or theirs!)

            2016 elections Google biased search results to favor

            “clickbait”

Gaslighting - is a type of emotional abuse that involves manipulating someone into questioning their own thoughts, memories, and reality. The gaslighter might convince the victim that they're remembering things wrong or misinterpreting events.

            Comes from 1938 play and 1944 film Gas Light.

It’s like he says about sin. This is so good so fulfilling I love this, it’s amazing, trying to entice us, but then before giving it to us, he says oh. But your Christian you shouldn’t do that, so that we dig deeper in our rebellion and distrust of God and do it thinking it was our idea and not his.

Colossians 2:8 (ESV)

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Captivate/Cheat/Plunder by

            Philosophy

            Empty deceit

            Human tradition

We tend to co-op the views of those we trust.

We set up monuments for the people God used in the past – it was good enough for Luther, Calvin, or A.B. Simpson -

Tradition – has value – but not over the word of God.

Mark 7:5–13 (NLT)

5 So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.” 6 Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ 8 For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.” 9 Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. 10 For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ 11 But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ 12 In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. 13 And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”

Colossians 2:8 (ESV)

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Captivate/Cheat/Plunder by

            Philosophy

            Empty deceit

            Human tradition

            Elemental spirits of the world (principles, spiritual powers)

            Danger of dreams, visions, impressions

            Joseph Smith (founder of the Mormons) and Muhammed (founder of Islam) visited by angels.

1 Timothy 4:1 (ESV)

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

Pull away – isolate from Body of Christ (perceived rejection)

Twist the Gospel

Doctrines of Demons

Will always add or subtract to the gospel

Pervert the nature or character of God

Steal your identity in Christ

If you allow sin, it deadens your sensitivity to the Spirit.

How do you know if you’ve been plundered?

            You are back under law

            You are trusting in your ability, self-righteousness

            You are unforgiving, suspicious of others

            Your identity and self-worth are in something other than Jesus

John 18:33–38 (ESV)

33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

Hidden Treasure and Pirates in the care of demons

Colossians 2

HOW TO DISCOVER THE TREASURE

HOW TO USE THE TREASURE

HOW TO PROTECT THE TREASURE FROM PIRATES

Colossians 2:1–3 (ESV)

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

SO MUCH IN HERE! MOST PEOPLE JUST KEEP READING!

            Like an Apple Watch- it tells the time but so much more:

                        How well I slept last night

                        How many steps I’ve taken, how many calories I’ve burned

                        Emails, messages

                        Directions

                        Phone calls

                        Plays music

                        Warns me when the noise level is too loud

                        In future, make coffee, change a flat tire

Same with this passage -

Paul’s Struggle for others:

1.     Hearts may be encouraged

2.     Being knit together in love

3.     To reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ

                        Grasp the Gospel, reality of Christ, absolute truth of the Gospel

                        Sureness of the promises of God – FULL ASSURANCE

                        Satan’s weapon is doubt, lies

                        VS. FULL ASSURANCE

                             My experience is this, but Word of God say this!

                            FULL ASSURANCE says I can trust the Word of God and base future decisions on the Word of God IN SPITE OF my experience

            SO THIS IS AN AMAZING APOSTOLIC PRAYER – praying what Paul prays is powerful.

Ephesians 3:18–19 (ESV)

18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Colossians 2:1–3 (ESV)

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4.     In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge

TREASURES OF WHO GOD IS, HIS CHARACTER AND NATURE

            WHO YOU ARE – YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST

            HEAVEN AND HOW TO GET THERE

Ephesians 3:8 (NLT)

8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

TREASURES?

Matthew 13:44–46 (ESV)

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Are you Rich in Christ? Not asking if you are a Christian named Richard…

What is your spiritual net worth?

Not all Christians have the same spiritual net worth?

Spiritual net worth about collecting and applying, assimilating the treasures in Christ.

Most people work for a paycheck and don’t have a lot of surplus. They spend what they make and never seem to get ahead.

As Christians you and I can gain new riches each day

            We can add to our spiritual wealth daily, but do we?

You may say, I have Christ, so I have everything – yes! BUT can you access it? If you are like most Christians, you access only a tiny bit of your riches in Christ. Like a having a bank account with a billion dollars, but you have limited yourself to only taking out $10/day. Even if your daily limit was expanded to $2000/day, you would still only access 5% of that billion dollars in an entire lifetime!

MOST CHRISTIAN ARE ONLY SCRATCHING THE SURFACE OF THEIR RICHES IN CHRIST! YET THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE!!!!

Proverbs 2:1–5 (ESV)

1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

What are these treasures? How do they make us rich?

Luke 12:32–34 (ESV)

32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

2 Peter 1:3–11 (ESV)

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:4–5 (ESV)

4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Plausible - Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; conceivably true or likely

THE TEST OF FAITH – MY EXPERIENCE SAYS THIS; GOD’S WORD SAYS THIS

PIRATES IN THE CARE OF DEMONS – Well meaning people, following the wisdom of demons instead of Christ

Why does Satan want to delude us of the treasures in Christ? How important are they?

Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV)

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

ILLUSTRATION: 2- Colander – representing our mind/heart (1 mind without Christ, 1 labeled Mind with Christ). Wounds on the soul are holes that allow the Word of God to pass through, instead of dwell in us richly. Need to fill those holes with the truth of God’s Word. – pour water (labeled The Truth of God’s Word)

              Plastic liner labeled “Christ in me” – lining one colander. Pour into this one 2nd – but don’t allow the audience to see the label

HIDDEN TREASURES YOU EMAILED ME

TOTAL FORGIVENESS FROM ALL OUR SINS

1 Peter1:6-7

Trials come to prove the genuineness 

of our faith.

So often I pray for God to protect me and my loved ones from distress and suffering. While I know those prayers are needed,I think it’s more important to pray for a change of outlook when disaster does strike.

It’s so difficult for me to count it all joy, but those verses remind me, that I will never know if I truly trust him if trials never  come.

Matthew 5:10-12

Persecution for righteousness sake is a gift. Lets us know we are on the right track, allows us to share experiences with our Saviour, and reveals to us our own level of faith and obedience.

Developing a relationship with The Lord is not only possible; it is what He wants and doing so was The Best Thing I could have ever done.

Joel 2:25-26 ESV. I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you.

APPLICATION

What promise of God do you need to declare over your life right now?

Where do you doubt God?

ARE YOU HOME YET?

Pictures of “home yet sign” 

Have you ever taken a long trip and wished that you were home already.  These signs can really speak to our desire to be done with the journey.   

Home is where the heart is.  

Home is where you are safe and secure. 

there is no place like home.  

Tabernacles this year October 16-23 

Pictures of Booths 

Leviticus 23:42–43 (ESV) 

42You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All native Israelites shall dwell in booths,  

43that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” 

This is after he has delivered his people out of Egypt with Moses.   

Why would God send his people away into slavery in the first place?  

Genesis 15:13–14 (ESV) 

13Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.  

14But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 

Even after that exile in Egypt was over, you would think we could off put that behind us.  

Deuteronomy 24:21–22 (ESV) 

21When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.  

22You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this. 

We see every time they forgot, In his holy Jealousy, and loving kindness he would send them back.  Back into slavery, back into sojourning, back in to_________deferred hope of a home. “  

First the Assyrians, then the Babylonians, then they return only to be occupied by the Romans.  

All this was a type and shadow, a picture of what was to come.  Because Jesus had other sheep, that’s you and me, to bring into his fold. When Jesus shows up in the middle of the Roman occupation, and the disciples ask if now is the time he will restore the kingdom to Israel, Jesus responds.   

Acts 1:8 (ESV) 

8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

and it’s not long after that great persecution comes on Jerusalem and the church once again are sojourners, exiles, scattered abroad.  

Lord, why must we remember and rehearse this exile and sojourning? 

Are you home yet?  

NO 

You are in Exile, this Earth is not your forever home.   

How do you know you are Lot, You know those cities right int the valley look really good, Sodom is so beautiful and close to society.   

Israelites asking to go back to slavery because they wanted the leeks and onions.  

You know you forgot you live in Exile when… 

Truth is found within my self 

We live in a culture that has bought into a worldview that is opposed to God’s truth.  a Psychologicalized self.  Where our feelings are the basis for facts.   Listen to these statements.  

You discover the truth about yourself by looking inward.  

You should pursue what you most desire.  

You can believe whatever you want as long as those beliefs don’t affect society.   

Truth is found within (look inside yourself, therefore truth is relative) 

Desires exalted above devotion (whatever makes you happy) 

We hear phrases like… 

You do you 

find yourself by looking with in 

speak your truth   

Well if it isn’t hurting anyone 

Jesus Brand 

Jesus is just one more brand competing for your loyalty. and we have mixed Branding of Jesus and every other competing lifestyle brand.  buy the t-shirt, go to the concert, follow on Instagram.  

Christian Concerts, Christian T-shirts, Christian Instagram, Christian lingo, Christian coffee cups, Christians schools, Christian books, Christian media, Christian  

Christian is reduced to an adjective  

Slap a fish or a dove on it…. and it makes it holy.  

With 49% that are comfortable with the label “Christian” 

With those that grew up in church and once considered themselves Christians,   

78% will wear the label Christian but  

But only 10% of those would say they have a meaningful relationship with Jesus.  Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead to conquer sin and death, That Jesus is king, shaping their whole life, body, mind, heart, and soul.  The Bible is the inspired Word of God and contains truth about the world.   

We are so busy with “Christian things we forgot the Christ in the center of it” 

This counterfeit for  Holy Spirit Devotion to Christ-centered discipleship has contributed to the inoculation of the church  to authentic relationships with Jesus.  

Information Overload /  Anxiety 

we have more information than ever with more to worry about, more choices to make, more possibilities to miss out on than our grandparents could have imagined and that all by Tuesday at lunch.  

Education by search engine 

 If I need to change a fixture in my bathtub and Home Depot didn’t have it.  I call Paul, Google could do it.  

 When I’m struggling with leading in God’s church, search engines can’t communicate what looking into Pastor Dave’s eyes as he tears up over the pain of loving God’s broken bride for over a quarter century.  

Tyranny of the Now 

 the most important things are not the most urgent.  

    We have poisoned our bodies with preservatives because we needed fast food 

    We find ourselves on a hamster wheel of constant updates and new.  Once you get used to the software, user interface, whatever, it changes.   

    Ever since the Industrial revolution, we increasingly believed that newer was better.  

                $600 to change a head light.  Having to take off half the front end of a car to change a head light. I don’t know if newer is better.   

Entertain our time away 

   Sit on a plane these days, and the majority of people are passing the time, watching shows.  Doom scrolling is real.   

Filtering Reality.  

    News is sound bites 

 Social media is carefully curated content to communicate not our selves, but a filtered image.   

… 

Are you home yet?  

NO 

This is not your home,  

we live in a digital Babylon 

Heaven is your home and you are a sojourner, You live in Exile,   

Your home is not  in information overload, the tyranny of the urgent, Entertaining your time away in a filtered reality 

Be in the world but not of it.  

John 17 

So what do we do?   

1 Peter 2:11–12 (ESV) 

11Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.  

12Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 

Go to church but don’t expect church going alone to bring intimacy with Christ.   

   that’s like me thinking I can have 2 meals a week with my family and I’m going to have deep connection with them.  I need meals every week, one on one time, larger family time.  Times for fun, times for working through not so fun things.  Time where I’m weak and they carry me, and times where they are weak, and I need to help carry them.  

Live Godward.  Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. Prayer is a two direction conversation. Learn to listen more than you speak.  To others and to God.  

Daniel was given the king’s food, education on the language and culture, all in an effort to indoctrinate him.   

I’m not in exile, I’m home.   

We must live with discernment 

Joseph in Egypt 

Jeremiah in the middle of being conquered by Babylon,  

Daniel in Babylon 

Esther and Mordecai after that.  

Peter and John understood even after Jesus 

Today technology  

 pushes the tyranny of now.  

framing and filtering reality.  

weaponizing humor by making snark cool 

overloading our choices.  

filling our time and distracting our minds.  

making people even more image conscious 

giving people a sense of interaction and participating. 

This has lead to low level anxiety that has become an epidemic in our culture.   

We must become discerning of culture.   

I’m not talking about how the candidate is heaven sent to hell spawned.  

I’m talking about how your attention has been torn away from heaven and is fixated on the temporal instead of the eternal.   

1 Peter 2:11–12 (ESV) 

11Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.  

12Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 

train in and teach the whole Gospel.  

We are made in God’s image, but we all sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God, Jesus was crucified, and raised from the dead to conquer sin and death and God’s ultimate plan for the world is to set things right with a new heaven and earth.   

Christian Nationalism has distracted us from our home.   

Kingdom Now, Dominion theology has distracted us.   

Set our hearts on heaven.   
 

Revelation 5:12–14 (ESV) 

12saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”  

13And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”  

14And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. 

REPENT 

The kingdom now Theology got it wrong. 

You put on the Jesus t shirt.  But you never picked and carried his cross 

Lord Forgive us for making idols of this  

🔥WHEN MY WORLD IS ON FIRE…

Luke 12:49-50 NKJV

“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!”

Matthew 3:10-12 NKJV

“And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Zechariah 14:12-13 NKJV

“And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths. It shall come to pass in that day That a great panic from the Lord will be among them. Everyone will seize the hand of his neighbor, And raise his hand against his neighbor’s hand;”

Revelation 9:18 NKJV

“By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”

I Peter 4:17-19 NKJV

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”

Luke 12:51-53 NKJV

“Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Luke 12:54-56 NKJV

 Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?”

🔥SIGNS🔥

1. RAINBOW WHITE HOUSE June 26, 2015 Supreme Court decision

2. COVID March 2020 – world shut down

3. LAWLESSNESS fires across our country (summer of love)

4. COLD LOVE

5. PERSECUTION

6. WARS

Afghanistan

Russia and Ukraine

China, Russia and North Korea

Psalm 83 & Ezekiel 38-39

Damascus destroyed in a day Isaiah 17

🔥Matthew 24🔥

II Timothy 3:1-5  NKJV

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

II Thessalonians 2:9-12 NKJV

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

WHEN MY WORLD IS ON FIRE, I WILL BURN FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

Luke 12:57-59 NKJV

“Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”

II Peter 3:1-7 NKJV

“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

II Peter 3:10-13 NKJV

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

Isaiah 6:1-7 NKJV

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.”

Hebrews 12:25-29 NKJV

“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”

Isaiah 43:1-4 NKJV

“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”

“…Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you…”

WHEN MY WORLD IS ON FIRE, I WILL BURN FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

The 4T’s - The Temple of God

I Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

“…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

John 14:11 NKJV

“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me…”

John 14:12-14 NKJV

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

John 14:16-18 NKJV

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

Ephesians 1:13 NKJV

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,”

II Corinthians 1:21-22 NKJV

(God in Christ) “…has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”

Romans 8:15-16 NKJV

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,”

Exodus 25:8-9, 16, 22 NKJV

“And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it. And you shall put into the ark the Testimony which I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you…”

Romans 8:11 NKJV

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

I Thessalonians 5:19 NKJV

“Do not quench the Spirit.”

Ephesians 4:30 NKJV

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

I Corinthians 6:18-20 NKJV

“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

 I Corinthians 6:15-17 NKJV

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”

Hebrews 12:14-17 NKJV

 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.”

Ezekiel 8:1-12 NKJV

And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord God fell upon me there. Then I looked, and there was a likeness, like the appearance of fire—from the appearance of His waist and downward, fire; and from His waist and upward, like the appearance of brightness, like the color of amber. He stretched out the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my hair; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven, and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the image of jealousy was, which provokes to jealousy. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the vision that I saw in the plain. Then He said to me, “Son of man, lift your eyes now toward the north.” So I lifted my eyes toward the north, and there, north of the altar gate, was this image of jealousy in the entrance. Furthermore He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary? Now turn again, you will see greater abominations.” So He brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, there was a hole in the wall. Then He said to me, “Son of man, dig into the wall”; and when I dug into the wall, there was a door. And He said to me, “Go in, and see the wicked abominations which they are doing there.” So I went in and saw, and there—every sort of creeping thing, abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed all around on the walls. And there stood before them seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, and in their midst stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan. Each man had a censer in his hand, and a thick cloud of incense went up. Then He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the room of his idols? For they say, ‘The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land.’ ”

Ezekiel 8:13-14 NKJV

And He said to me, “Turn again, and you will see greater abominations that they are doing.” So He brought me to the door of the north gate of the Lord’s house; and to my dismay, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz.

Ezekiel 8:15-18 NKJV

Then He said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Turn again, you will see greater abominations than these.” So He brought me into the inner court of the Lord’s house; and there, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs toward the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, and they were worshiping the sun toward the east. And He said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a trivial thing to the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence; then they have returned to provoke Me to anger. Indeed they put the branch to their nose. Therefore I also will act in fury. My eye will not spare nor will I have pity; and though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.”

2 Corinthians 6:15-18

“What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

2 Corinthians 7:1

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

II Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”

2 KINGS 23

Psalms 119:11 NKJV

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

John 17:22-23 NKJV

“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

John 17:23 NLT

“…you love them as much as you love me.”

Song of Solomon 2:16 NKJV

 “My beloved is mine, and I am his…”

“I am His and He is mine”

4T’s - Talent to serve

Intro

Our world is fixated with talent. We have talent scouts, and talent shows, and there

America’s Got Talent

American Idol

X-Factor

Talent SHOWS

Primarily Singing – but also magic, dance and other things

            Athletic Talent –

            Musical Talent

            Artistic Talent

            One of the shows – American idol – ‘WE IDOLIZE TALENT’

            Autograph of talented people, pictures with them

Review

Psalm 24:1 (CSB)

1 The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord;

God owns it all –

4T’s

Time (days/years/lifetime)

Treasure (money/possessions)

Talents (abilities/gifting)

Temple (body)

2 weeks ago – Treasure- tithing (biblical, not just OT, but NT as well, and test of our heart and trust in God); discipleship issue –

            Invest in God’s priorities – instead of a 401(k) a 401(h) – investing in Heaven and the things that are important to God

Last week – Pastor Michael – Time – how are we investing our time? Investing in eternity?

This week – TALENTS!

Message

Matthew 25:14–15 (CSB)

14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey.

Biblical talent is NOT an ability or skill, but a unit of weight (approximately 75 lbs)

1 talent = 6000 denarii or 20 years wages

            Gold is $2647.10/oz (12 troy ounces (10% heavier) in pound) = $2,382,300/talent

            Silver is $31.50/oz (12 troy ounces in a pound) = $28,350/talent

ORIGINALLY WORD ABOUT WEIGHT, but 16th and 17th century BECAUSE OF THE BIBLE, the word talent = weight of ability; skills weighted in a particular area

                                            Running, artwork, singing, etc.

Matthew 25:15

15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability.

NOT FAIR! – one with 5 talents = $12M!; 2 talents = $4.8M; 1 talent = $2.4M

ABOUT ABILITY – more ability more talents

Matthew 25:16-18

16Immediately the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

Rich get richer, not fair

            Need equity not equality

Matthew 25:19-21

19 “After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’ 21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’

5 + 5!

Well done good and faithful servant.

Faithful over a few, I will put you in charge of many things.

            FEW??? - $12M ! – from God’s perspective $12M is chump change

Share your master’s joy. GOD DELIGHTS IN YOU USING YOUR GIFTS AND RESOURCES

Eric Liddell in the movie, Chariots of Fire says, “I believe God made me for a purpose - but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” –

NOTICE- it doesn’t say “when I win” -

When you are doing what God created you to do, HE beams!

When our kids do well, we are excited (sometimes more than they)

TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO BE SOMEONE ELSE, OR DO SOMETHING THEY WERE NOT CREATED TO DO.

Matthew 25:22-23

22 “The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’ 23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’

Matthew 25:24-25

24 “The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’

Knew accountability was coming

Harsh – reap where haven’t sown?

            Seems unreasonable?

WHY GOD ASK FOR MORE? He gives the gift with the expectation that we are going to do something with it.

FEAR! – Fear of losing

Our Fears?

            Losing

            Rejection

            Failure

            Doing it wrong

Matthew 25:26-27

26 “His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned.

OUCH!

God sees: Evil, lazy!

GENERATION OF MEN – in 30’s and 40’s spending hours each day gaming

            44-54% of population game 8+ hours/week

            27% Millennials (1 in 4) game 13+ hours/week

Live your life for something more- mission vision direction purpose

Invest for interest

Matthew 25:28-30

28 “ ‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 30 And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

NOT FAIR AGAIN!

God has given each a gift talent or ability. Ultimately it’s His. He is going to harvest it. 

Are you growing it and making more or burying?

Is it wrong to not use talents? Yes and no. Just because you are good at something doesn’t mean you should do it. 
Good at stealing?
   At deceiving?
   At manipulating people?

    World’s greatest hot dog eater? Need to practice and take time away from family? Prob better to invest in family. 

ERIC LIDDELL – had his brief career as a runner, but as soon as he got his degree he went on the mission field.

“I WAS MADE FOR CHINA.”

My trumpet playing - 
God used to teach discipline
It was for a season. (during that season I played in ensembles that played for many famous people (Pope John Paul II, Presidents: Gerald Ford, George Bush, and Donald Trump)

Just because a person is tall doesn’t mean they are supposed to play basketball. 


2 reasons don’t surrender talents:
1. Fear
2. Greed (it’s mine, for me)


Not fair- not fair that Jesus suffered and died for you. 

FINAL ILLUSTRATION BIBLE USES IS THAT OF A BODY

1 Corinthians 12:4–11 (ESV)

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

1 Corinthians 12:12 (ESV)

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:14–15 (ESV)

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.

1 Corinthians 12:16-21

16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

Ephesians 4:7–16 (CSB)

7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people. 9 But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? 10 The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. 11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

1 Peter 4:10–11 (NASB 2020)

10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Each one HAS received a special gift – employ it in serving one another

1 Peter 4:10 (NASB 2020)

10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.

YOUR GIFT IS MEANT TO SERVE THE BODY OF CHRIST (THE CHURCH)

He didn’t give it to you to show your talent and find your identity in that special thing you can do.

Don’t use your talent to show off, but to serve others.

Employ in serving

Good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. (manifold grace)

2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Because of God’s grace and gifts in our life, we should respond. Don’t respond out of guilt.

APPLICATION

What is your talent, ability or gifting?

Are you surrendering it to God and using it for His glory or yours?

What step of faith does God want you to take today?

The 4T’s: Treasure

The 4T’s are a spiritual blood test of your heart and relationship with God and what you believe about God.

READY FOR A CHECK- UP?

Physical health is about habits; spiritual health is also about habits

The Spirit Filled Church is devoted in their:

Time, Treasure, Talents, Temple

1. TIME: Prayer & Fasting, The Word, Fellowship, Service

2. TREASURE: Trust in Tithes & Offerings

3. TALENTS: Spiritual Gifts to serve & equip The Church of Jesus Christ

4. TEMPLE: Holy Stewardship of body & mind. Health & purity.

FIRST DIAGNOSTIC QUESTION OF THE HEART?

What do you have? What do you own?

                            Got a car

                            Got a house

                            Got a job

                            Got a hobby

                            Got time

Biblically, what do you own?

Psalm 24:1 (ESV)

1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

Psalm 24:1 (CSB)

1 The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord;

If you are a believer, you belong to the Lord.

If you are not a believer, you still belong to the Lord!

Psalm 24:1 (CSB)

1 The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord;

Time, Treasure, Talents, Temple – mine, but really, I belong to the Lord so they are really HIS!

1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

You don’t REALLY own anything.

What do you have that will survive the ACID TEST?

ACID TEST – the only things that are truly yours are those that survive being put through the world’s worst acid.

            Money? NO

            House/possessions? NO

            Body? NO

SLIDE: 4 PILES

            What are you doing with what has been entrusted to you?

Using on yourself?

Luke 12:13–34 (CSB)

13 Someone from the crowd said to him (JESUS), “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 “Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 Then he told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? 18 I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. 19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ 21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

What does it mean to store up treasure for yourself?

What does it mean to be rich toward God?

Luke 12:15

15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

NET WORTH – the value of all your assets less debts

money dysmorphia’ - feeling “irrationally insecure about finances” is trickling down to the masses: in a recent survey by Qualtrics for Credit Karma,

29% of US adults reported experiencing money dysmorphia, while 

~45% of Gen Z and millennials said they were “obsessed” with the idea of being rich.

Social media – about being rich

Luke 12:19

19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool!

God calls those who want to “eat, drink and enjoy yourself” – fools, you fool!

1 Timothy 6:9–10 (CSB)

9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

NOTICE – MONEY IS NOT THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL!

THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT.

We live in a culture that loves money.

            Side hustle

            Side biz

Why do we love money?

            Money promises power

            Money promises control

            Money promises security

            Money promises me to do what I want

            Money promises me to buy what I want

            Money promises me to be what I want

Infected with the disease of “materialism”

            Trying to find happiness, satisfaction and peace in things

RICH MAN – storing up for himself – build bigger barns, amass more wealth.

Do we have money dysmorphia’(feeling “irrationally insecure about finances”)???

WORLD DOESN’T BELIEVE IN GOD, SO INSECURE, BUT CHRISTIANS INSECURE, TOO?

Luke 12:22-30

22 Then he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? 25 Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? 26 If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. 28 If that’s how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he do for you—you of little faith? 29 Don’t strive for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don’t be anxious. 30 For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

God knows what you need. He owns it all; He cares for it all. He cares for the birds and the flowers; He cares for you.

Luke 12:31-32

 31 “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided for you. 32 Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.

Seek His Kingdom – Start There! God first.

He “delights to give you the kingdom”? BUT HE is waiting on us to trust HIM.

Luke 12:33-34

33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Money bags that won’t grow old – in HEAVEN

ANSWER THE QUESTION – WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE RICH TOWARD GOD?

            Investing in Heavenly Money Bags

Luke 12:33

33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor.

Giving – generosity – the antidote to materialism/materialitis –

When you give it away, it no longer has a hold on you.

Luke 12:33-34

33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Heavenly money bags –

            investing in the Kingdom –

            invest in God’s work/ministry

            invest in Missions

OPPOSITE IS TRUE – invest in Gold, or Apple or NVIDIA stock – you follow it (is it up? Is it down? When is the earnings announcement?

IS THERE A PLAN OR PRINCIPLE TO BE RICH TOWARD GOD?
First Fruits, Tithes and Offerings

Proverbs 3:5-10 NKJV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”

First Fruits – first 1/10 of the harvest

We want to see miracles like the Red Sea part, but rarely do people walk in faith to see those miracles.

Malachi 3:8–12 (NLT)

8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

CHEAT GOD? How?

Tithe = tenth of increase (income)

Throughout the old testament talks about Tithe

Israelites commanded to give a tithe to the Levites

Can’t give 2% and call it a tithe – tithe = 1/10th so true tithing is giving a tenth with above that as offerings.

Ancient Israel gave 23% (2 tithes for various purposes and then another tithe every 3 years for orphans, widows, or sojourners)

Malachi 3:10b (CSB)

Test me in this way,” says the Lord of Armies. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.

Malachi 3:10b (NKJV)

And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

Malachi 3:10b (NASB20)

and put Me to the test now in this,” says the Lord of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows”

Malachi 3:11–12 (NLT)

11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Teaching Kids giving – don’t really understand the value of money – but when tell to give they give because they know Mom and Dad are paying for everything so easier to give away.

Easier to give away when it is not yours!

            JUST LOOK AT UNITED STATES CONGRESS!

TITHING – is it just Old Testament?

Abraham gave a tithe of the spoils to Melchizedek (Gen 14:19-20)

            Abe doesn’t do it to get God’s blessing but in response to God’s blessing

Jacob – give a tithe in response to God’s promise of blessing and inheritance

Matthew 23:23 (CSB)

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, and yet you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These things should have been done without neglecting the others.

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (NLT)

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

2 Corinthians 9:8–15 (NLT)

8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

KEY POINTS –

In the World – common to not feel like you have enough (money dysmorphia)

We don’t give because we don’t trust God.

We don’t give because we feel money is power and we want power and control.

We don’t give because we are selfish and want things to please ourselves.

Giving is a response to what God has done; not out of guilt

Giving is investing in God’s 401(k)

Tithing is for today and the only place God challenges us to test Him.

APPLICATION

Confess lack of trust in God, and begin the Tithe Challenge – give God the first 10% of every paycheck

Get finances in order – take Financial Peace University

Review your will or trust so that your estate reflects Biblical values.

Struggle with materialism? – give it away

Luke 21:1–4 (CSB)

1 He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

AUTHORITY AND POWER pt4 - “Fellowship with Demons”

Matthew 10:1-4 NKJV

“And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”

I Corinthians 10:20-21 NKJV

“…I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.”

 Ephesians 4:27

“…do not give the devil a foothold.”

1 Samuel 16:23 AMP

“So it came about that whenever the [evil] spirit from God was on Saul, David took a harp and played it with his hand; so Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would leave him.”

GENERATIONAL CURSES?

Exodus 20:5-6 NKJV

“you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

Epigenetic’s Diagram

John 9:1-3 NKJV

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.”

Ezekiel 18:1-4  NKJV

“The word of the Lord came to me again, saying,”

“What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge’? “As I live,” says the Lord God, “you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel. “Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die.”

Ezekiel 18:19-21 NKJV

Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father?’ Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live. The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. “But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.”

 Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

John 13:21-27

…Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him…”

I Corinthians 10:14-22 NKJV

“… my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge foir yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?”

I Corinthians 11:26 NKJV

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”

I Corinthians 11:27-32 NKJV

“Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.”

I Peter 4:17 NKJV

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God…”

PSALM 18:3

I WILL CALL UPON THE LORD, WHO IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED; SO SHALL I BE SAVED FROM ALL OF MY ENEMIES

1. WE CAN CALL UPON THE LORD

2. WE KNOW HE IS WORTHY

3. WE HAVE ENEMIES

4. WE CAN BE SAVED

Galatians 3:1-3  NKJV

 “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

Galatians 3:10 NKJV

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”

I John 1:5-7 NKJV

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Revelation 12:9-11 NKJV

“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

THE CUP OF THE LORD

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Luke 22:19-20

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

Matthew 27:33-34

They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it.”

Psalms 75:8

“In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs.”

Luke 15:14-20

“After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

John 19:28-30 NIV

“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

THE LORD IS NEAR YOU

Psalms 34:18a  NKJV

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart…”

Psalms 145:18 NKJV

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.”

Matthew 5:1-3 NKJV

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:3 NLT

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him…”

Psalm 34:18 NKJV

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,

And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

Revelation 3:20 NLT

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

Luke 17:20-21 NKJV

Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

James 4:8 NKJV

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

Psalm 34:18 NKJV

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,

And (He) saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:19a NKJV

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous…”

Psalm 34:19b NKJV

“…But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Psalm 34:20 NKJV

He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Psalm 34:21 NKJV

Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.

Psalm 34:22 NKJV

“The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.”

Psalm 34:1-6 NKJV

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.”

Psalm 145:18 NKJV

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.”

James 4:7-10 NKJV

“…submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

THE MAP TO JESUS

Matthew 5:3-10 NKJV

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Isaiah 55:6 NKJV

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.”