John Bunyan wrote a whole book about it

Easy to forget who God really is and

What God has really done

Very, very important to understand 6:37

Three assurances include:

I. A GIVING V.37A

“Gives” = to give freely of one’s own accord

Father gave a people to God the Son

All merits of their salvation placed on Him

II. A COMING V.37

“will come” = to become a follower

Will believe and repent

Whosoever will may come

III. A KEEPING V.37

This is the good part

“by no means” = never, ever by no means

NO ONE who comes will ever be cast out!

No more beautiful passage in all of Scripture

Been read over cradles and cribs

Been prayed in many closets

It ministers to every sorrow

A song to sing in the darkness

I. THE LORD WHO LIVES V.1

Burning Bush in Exodus 3:13-14

He is everything —— even without us

Speaks of the eternity of God

II. THE LORD WHO LEADS VV.2-5

Notice WHO does all this

Leads in paths of righteousness

Leads us THROUGH the valley

III. THE LORD WHO LOVES V.6

Speaks of security & benefits & blessings

Dwell where? in the house of the Lord

Bible addresses many subjects

Some in great detail; others just a little

We are to use truth, reason and common sense

Bible doesn’t talk much about cremation

Everyone must choose for themselves

I. RISING POPULARITY OF CREMATION

A pragmatic, economical thing to do

Why so popular?

II. REDEMPTIVE PURPOSE OF THE BODY

1. Creation must be considered

Man was made in the image of God?

2. Revelation of God - He chose a Body!

John 1:1-3 and 14-17

Body of Jesus was buried. Why not burned?

3. Resurrection of the Body I Cor.15:12-24

4. Regeneration or New Birth I Cor. 6:19-20

5. Rewards for things done in your Body

II Corinthians 5:8-10

III. REASONABLE PURSUIT OF A CHOICE

YOU have a choice to make

What role will the Bible play in that decision?

Connection between graveyard and churchyard

Context of Philippians 1

Paul was quite confident that

Dying in Christ is better than living

Verse 21 is the key verse

To die is “gain” = profit, advantage

I. IMMEDIATE GAIN IN LIVING FOR CHRIST

Spiritual life, relationship with God through Christ

Member of God’s family, abundance of grace

II. GREATER GAIN IN DYING

Everybody wants to go to heaven

But nobody wants to die

How is dying better than living?

Ten great reasons: innumerable blessings

III. EVERLASTING GAIN

Death may be fearful & painful

Results are far more glorious

Story of A. W. Tozer

Read as much of him as you can

The Pursuit of God; Knowledge of the Holy

Lived and died according to these 5 truths

Context of Matthew 6:33

I. DEAL THOROUGHLY WITH SIN

Never excuse it or deny it

II. NEVER OWN ANYTHING

God alone has the right to take it

Note on "Cowboy Logic"

III. NEVER DEFEND YOURSELF

I Peter 3:8-17

IV. NEVER HURT OTHERS

Ephesians 4:30-32

V. NEVER ACCEPT ANY GLORY

Only God is worthy of glory

Hymn written by Augustus Montague Toplady

1740 - 1778 — died of TB at age 38

Hid in the rocks during a fierce storm

Inspired by that experience to write the hymn

Rock speaks of security and safety

That Rock is none other than Jesus Christ

Ps. 18:46; I Cor. 10:1-4

I. HE IS A ROCK OF STRENGTH V.1

“Rock" = a craggy rock. a large rock, immoveable

Christ is our source of strength

II. HE IS A ROCK OF SAFETY V.2

“Fortress" = a place of safety, a stronghold

A refuge from the storm Ps. 46:1; 62:7-8

III. A ROCK OF SALVATION V. 2B

“Deliverer" = to rescue, to save from danger, distress

Greatest need is deliverance from sin

This deliverance is found only in Christ

The men are ready; supplies are plentiful

But the LORD always provides deliverance

Ever asked the question: where is God in war?

Where is God when bad things things?

Is He asleep? Disinterested? Busy?

The question is fair and tough and universal

Complex and complicated question

The answer is quite simple

I. THE LORD SEES IT

Job 14;5;, 28:24; Psalm 139:1-6; Proverbs 5:21-23

II. THE LORD KNOWS IT

Acts 15:18 ; Acts 17:24-27; Romans 11:33-36;

Present, past and future

III. THE LORD WILL AVENGE IT

Judgment Day is on its way

The Judge is coming

Every sin without exception will be paid for

by the one who committed it OR

Christ’s death and atonement will pay for it

forever!

Jesus often expressed truth by asking questions

He asked many great questions

The Psalmist in Psalm 8 asked one as well

What is man? Who is man?

We must understand the gravity of sin

I. A HUMBLE DOCTRINE

Many do not want to hear the truth

Rather hear about the goodness of man

II. A NEGLECTED DOCTRINE

Seldom heard; rarely comprehended

“Everybody is saved” mindset prevails

III. AN ILLUMINATING DOCTRINE

Key to understanding a wicked society

Must open our eyes and see the truth

IV. A NECESSARY DOCTRINE

We are blinded to this truth

V. A GLORIOUS TRUTH VV.5-8

You are thinking: what in the world does that mean?

Penal = disciplinary, corrective action

retribution for crime committed

Substitution = in the place of

to take the place of

No salvation with penal substitution!

I. ITS DECLARATION IN THE BIBLE

It is Biblical

Closely related to propitiation

Romans 3:25

Hebrews 2:17

I John 2:1-2

I John 4:8-19

II. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPIATION AND

PROPITIATION

Expiation means only 1/2 of propitiation

III. THE DEMANDS OF PROPITIATION

1. It is the work of God Himself

2. It was made by the death of Christ

3. It manifests the righteousness of God

Thank God for penal substitution!

This message focuses on the design of the Atonement What was its purpose and its intent? Stated another way: did Jesus Christ die for All the sins of all people? All the sins of some people? or Some of the sins of all people? Some Baptist history …. Three truths we all agree on: 1. The value of the death of Christ 2. Benefits that flow from the Cross 3. Universal salvation is not an issue Unfair to cherry pick some verses I. THE UNITY OF THE TRINITY 1:2 Was it EVER God’s design to save everybody? God doesn’t need your help or defense II. THE VERACITY OF SCRIPTURE 1:2 When does “all" mean "all without exception?”

III. THE REALITY OF THE CROSS

Did the Atonement actually save anybody?

Or only potentially a possibility to save everybody?

What a glorious truth — that God would save anybody!

Psalmist saw the prosperity of the wicked

And he did not understand

How blessed they seemed to be

So happy and joyful

Yet …. he was struggling. Life wasn’t fair

Have you ever thought like that?

Ever been there?

His steps nearly slipped …. UNTIL he went

Into the sanctuary of God

I. RECONSIDERED HIS PERSPECTIVE VV. 16-17

God will do that, you know

II. REALIZED HOW GREATLY BLESSED HE WAS VV.23-24

Is God good to you? How so?

III. RECOGNIZED THE FLEETING PROSPERITY OF WICKED

What else, who else do you need besides God?

Is anything any better than God?

What ended World War II ...

Context of the Corinthian church

Constantly pointing them to the Cross

I. THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS V.18

Preaching = message, word, logos

Christ died for sinners only

“Foolishness” to many

“Power” to the believer

II. THE PERSHING OF THOSE WHO REJECT

“perish” = to destroy, to cut off entirely

A consequential thing to reject the Gospel

III. THE PERVERSION OF THE CROSS

Verses 22-23 - Jews wanted a sign

Greeks wanted wisdom

Both found in Christ alone!

IV. THE PERMANENCE OF THE CROSS

Verses 24-25

Christ is the power and wisdom of God

Forever central to the heart of God!

I love the Gospel of John

The 7 “I AM” sayings

It is a life changing, life transforming book

Those who truly met the Messiah were changed

I. THE GRIEF EXPERIENCED VV.1-5, 28-35

Jesus was a people person

Grieving the loss of a loved one is natural

But it is also a process

II. THE TRUTH STATED VV.24-25

Jesus doesn’t give life; He is life

Do “resurrection” and “life” mean the same thing?

III. THE QUESTION POSED VV.26-27

No so much … can Jesus raise the dead?

But "can I, will I raise … you?"

IV. THE DEAD RAISED VV.38-44

Remove the stone

Jesus prayed and called Lazarus by name

The dead arose!

Easy to exalt one doctrine to the exclusion of another

Is it possible that we preach so much about grace

that we forget the resurrection?

In preaching the cross do we downplay the resurrection?

Why is that?

Afraid of liberals and skeptics?

If the resurrection isn’t true — then

I. NOT EVEN CHRIST IS RAISED VV.12-13

II. PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL IS USELESS V.14

III. FAITH IN CHRIST IS WORTHLESS V.17A

IV. EVERY WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION IS A LIAR VV.5-8

V. ALL OF HUMANITY IS STILL IN ITS SIN VV.17B-18

VI. CHRISTIANS ARE A PATHETIC PEOPLE V.19

But NOW —— Christ is risen!

Body never located or found!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart!

Some churches are known for specific ministries

Luke 16 is a true story, not a parable

It teaches us many truths

Today, I mention only four:

I. A REALIZATION OF THE AWFULNESS OF HELL V.23

This man wasn’t joking about Hell

He was “in torments”

II. A REVELATION OF THE BLESSEDNESS OF HEAVEN V.23

Saw Lazarus in “Abraham’s bosom”

Heaven is a place

III. A RECOGNITION OF NO CHANCE AFTER DEATH V.26

A great gulf, a great divide — no purgatory

An insurmountable division > ‘fixed”

IV. A RESTORATION OF AN EVANGELISTIC SPIRIT VV.27-31

He pleaded for the lives of his brothers

Gospel that saves us compels us to go!

OT is filled with many role models

Male and female role models

One of the lesser known women is Hannah

Mother of Samuel

Story is as much about the character of God

as it is Hannah

I. WOMEN OF FAITH ENDURE REAL PROBLEMS 1:1-5

Women face all kinds of challenges today

Distinguishing factor > our response

II. WOMEN OF FAITH EXTEND VIBRANT PRAYERS 1:10

Look at how she prayed “ fervently, persistently"

III. WOMEN OF FAITH EXPERIENCE GOD’S PROVISION 1:19-20

Sometime He gives us what we want

He always gives us what we need

IV. WOMEN OF FAITH EXCEL IN KEEPING PROMISES 1:22

God has no pleasures in fools who do not keep their vows

V. WOMEN OF FAITH EXPRESS THEIR PRAISE 2:1-10

With great joy in her heart!

Value of the book of Proverbs

Filled with truth and wisdom

Also filled with warnings & questions

Verse six contains one of those questions

I. THE CONTEXT VV.1-4

Alcohol, civil authority, laziness

II. THE CONTRAST V.6

What a question!

Most men do what? Loquacious?

Faithful = trustworthy, reliable, dependable

Proverbs 19:23; 20:7; 20:13

Why are so many churches struggling?

III. THE CHARACTER V.6

Look at Christ > I Tim. 2:5-6; Rev. 1:4-6

The ONLY Mediator

Aren’t you glad He was faithful?

I Cor. 4:2 > a requirement, not an option!!!

Many today are searching for something

but they don’t know who or what

Hungry and thirsty for God but don’t know it

People today want and need a Big God

Quote of John Piper

I. ALL HEARERS ARE HUNGRY FOR GOD AND NEED TO EAT

Isaiah 55:1-3

The Great Street Vendor is quite clear

Stray and you starve

II. PREACHERS HUNGER FOR GOD AND NEED TO KEEP EATING

I should be the biggest eater in the church

But you can never eat too much

III. GOD’S PEOPLE NEED TO EAT AND KEEP EATING

Tastiness of a delicious Sunday meal - no dessert for now

Must absolutely feed our own souls

IV. FULL SATISFACTION IS COMING

Compare Isaiah 55 with Revelation 22:17

Very last invitation of the Bible is “to come"

A fascinating and incredible story

Name of God is not mentioned

Jewish nation rescued from extinction

Rescue was led by Mordecai and Esther

Explains the Feast of Purim

I. SELECTION OF ESTHER 2:15-18

Mordecai was Esther’s uncle

Encouraged her to enter the beauty contest

II. THE DETECTION OF HAMAN 3:2-5

Haman wanted to kill all the Jews

Mordecai discovered Haman’s plan

Esther decided to confront the King

III. THE PROTECTION OF THE JEWS 7:1-9

Haman’s plan was thwarted

Jews were saved because of Esther’s courage

Importance of the third day!

Country singer Travis Tritt & trouble

To live life = to experience trouble

Everybody has or will have trouble

Trouble becomes a donor — for good

Every trouble has a blessing, a calling

And an invitation

Quite of A. W. Tozer

Context of Romans 5

I. TROUBLE PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE V.3

II. TROUBLE MAKES YOUR SPIRIT HUMBLE V.4

III. TROUBLE MAKES YORU CHARACTER PURER V.4

IV. TROUBLE MAKES YOUR HOPE BETTER V.4B-5

Hope in the resurrection of the dead

Poem by Raymond Edman

I Peter 3:15 issues a strong challenge

Must be ready to give an answer …

Quote of John Newton

Context of Colossians 3:8-11

Christ is all in relationship to 5 truths:

I. GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE

Where was Christ … before time?

II. GOD’S ETERNAL BOOK

Isaiah 40:8 > story of redemption

III. GOD’S ETERNAL SALVATION

It is truly a Gift

IV. GOD’S ETERNAL GLORY

A conclave of the angels

V. GOD’S ETERNAL JUDGMENT

It is real. Certain. Eternal consequences!

Jewish believers were being persecuted

It was because of their Christian faith

Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ

More to be gained in Christ

Than to be lost in Judaism

I. THE LORD IS WITH EVERY CHRISTIAN APART

FROM HIS DESERVINGS AND FEELINGS

Psalm 139:7-12

II. THE LORD DWELLS IN THE CHRISTIAN

Holy Spirit indwells your spirit

Your spirit is in your body

III. THE LORD NEVER LETS HIS CHILD GO

Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:31-39

IV. THE LORD MAKES INTERCESSION FOR HIS SAINTS

Hebrews 7:24-27; I John 2:1-2

V. THE LORD GUARANTEES OUR ETERNAL SECURITY

Hebrews 13:5-6

Many people reject the Lord Jesus

And they do so for many reasons

There are some obstacles to overcome

I call them "spiritual monsters"

I. NOT IN THE LACK OF NECESSARY FACULTIES

Born physically alive but spiritually dead

We have the same faculties as Adam did after the Fall

II. HIS INABILITY IN HIS CORRUPT NATURE

Born with a sin nature

Nature of a pig is to wallow in mud

III. THE DARKNESS OF MAN’S MIND

Confused and defiled

Rom. 3:11, Ephesians 4:17-19; 5:8

IV. THE COMPLETE CORRUPTION OF HIS AFFECTIONS

Why are people not flocking to the House of God?

Love self and pleasure more than God

V. THE TOTAL DEPRAVITY OF HIS WILL John 5:40

Man is not willing!

Must be a coming to Christ! How so?

Are you a patriotic person?

What do you think when you sing or her

“God Bless America?”

God’s greatest blessings are spiritual

Legislation is great but spiritual transformation

is better

Most Americans want the favor of God but not

God Himself

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord

Look at context a verse 12

Verse 1-3 = will rejoice in its God

Because of:

I. HIS OMNIPOTENCE VV. 6, 9

Nothing He cannot do

II. HIS OMNISCIENCE VV.10-15

Nothing can surprise Him

III. HIS OMNIPRESENCE VV.13-15

No place He doesn’t exist

All three attributes seen at the Cross!

Do you have any “go to” authors or friends?

I have a few favorite authors (friends)

Most frequently I turn to the Word of God for

encouragement and assurance

I find comfort and assurance in Jude 1-2

I. INTRODUCTIONS MATTER V.1

Importance of our relationship to Christ

He was a “bondservant”

II. EVERY WORD MATTERS V.1

1. Called =

2. Beloved =

3. Kept =

III. ETERNAL PRIORITIES MATTER VV.3-4

To protect from heresy and false teaching

IV. GOD’S LOVE MATTERS V.1

More than anything in the world

V. GOD’S MATH MATTERS V.2

“Multiplied” =

Many Christians are content to stay in the kiddie pool

Just splash around a little bit

Refuse to learn and grow and commit

Context of Luke 9

The focus is on Christ > me, me, my, my

I. THE CENTRALITY OF CHRIST

Colossians 1:15-19; Ephesians 1:19-23

Christ is central to His church: Head

II. BASIC TO THE CHURCH

Colossians 2:9-10

Don’t need to add anything to Christ

Jesus Christ is enough

III. THE PRIORITY OF THE CHURCH

I love that old hymn “Satisfied with Jesus”

Question: is He satisfied with us?

Is Jesus Christ alone … enough?

What else could you possibly need?

Culture is saturated with informational overload

Literally bombarded from all sides

How do we navigate all this information?

By looking to the Word of God

How do you respond to the Word you hear?

Context of James 1

Six types of hearers:

I. THE BLIND HEARER

II. THE FEARFUL HEARER

III. THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS HEARER

IV. THE PESSIMISTIC HEARER

V. THE PARTIAL HEARER

VI. THE WISE HEARER V.25

He “continues” … Not forgetful

He is a “doer”

He is “blessed” Matthew 7:26

The Christian life is spiritual warfare

We have a real enemy who is powerful

We can see where he has been

He is an enemy of your soul

Every day and every night He lurks

I. THE DECEIVER

Genesis 3:8-13

Matthew 24:5, 11, 24

II. THE ACCUSER

Revelation 12:9-11

I John 2:1-2

III. THE KILLER

John 10:10

Deliberately and absolutely

IV. THE VICTOR

John 10:10; I John 3:8; Luke 10:18-21

Luke 10:18-21

“Abundant” = abounding, overflowing

John 16:33; Romans 8:37; I John 4:4 and 5:4-5

Lots of uncertainty exists among Christians

As to the validity of their salvation

They feel like they are; they hope they are

But … still lack that sweet blessed assurance

Romans 12:1-2 tells us how you can know

Context of Romans 12

Three truths will ring with certainty about

I. A CHANGED MIND V.2

Don’t be conformed but transformed

A mental, intellectual component

II. A CHANGED WILL V.1

Following Christ is an act of your will

You will to follow Christ

III. CHANGED AFFECTIONS V.2B

Your emotions reach out to know God better

To follow Him more closely

Want to have that blessed assurance?

Verse 31 is a key text

How a believing heart is created & perseveres

Thomas was absent for Jesus’s 1st appearance

He said “I won’t believe unless I see …”

Would not believe the reliable 10 witnesses

I. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS VV. 26-27

The crucified risen Christ has a real body

In Heaven, right now interceding for us

II. THE PEACE OF JESUS VV.19 & 26

Peace = tranquility, exempt from rage

Jesus did’t rant and rage at them

III. THE PRIORITY OF HIS LORDSHIP V.28

Jesus asks Thomas to "reach and feel”

No record that he ever did

He did say “My Lord and my God”

A tremendous statement in v. 29

Do you have any rich relatives?

Do you wish you did?

You have a rich God who owns everything

Context of Ephesians 1 - rich beyond measure

Three truths stand out

I. THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING V.18

Hope > An expectation of what is sure

Calling > outward and inward

Decisive and enduring

II. THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF HIS INHERITANCE V.18B

Riches = wealth, abundance

Inexhaustible wealth & riches of God

Inheritance = allotted portion; promised possessions

III. THE GREATNESS OF HIS POWER VV.19-23

To exceed a fixed goal; to rise above comparison

Surpasses all our needs

Power = dynamite, miraculous; supernatural

That is our great inheritance in Christ

Aging brings more difficulties, not less

Navigating those difficulties in not easy

Not sure of the circumstances but very real

David turns to prayer in time of need

Burdens must be given to the Lord

I. A DEFINITION OF A BURDEN V.22A

Has the idea of a personal load

Weighs heavy on heart, mind and body

II. A DEFINITION OF CASTING V.22A

Cast = to throw, to hurl

= to move something from one place to another

We are to cast all our burdens on the Lord

III. A DEFINITION OF GRACE V.22B

Do you have any burdens?

Have you cast them on the Lord?

Has he lifted that burden?

“Sustain” = support, strengthen, nourish

God’s inexhaustible sufficiency!

II Timothy was Paul’s last written correspondence

Here Paul is talking about the last days

“Last days” = in the New Testament refers to the

time between His First Coming and His Second Coming

Can truthfully say we are closer than ever before!

Somewhat present in every age; more intensified today

I. THEIR TRAITS vv.1-5

“Perilous” = difficult, dangerous, furious

The Christian life isn’t easy

“lovers of themselves” = self indulgent

“lovers of money” = displaces love for God

“disobedient to parents” = spiritual authority

II. THEIR TACTICS VV.6-7

Must be spiritually discerning

Note how they try to deceive people

II. THE TRUTH V.5B

“Avoid them “ = to turn away from

Most people face some challenging crisis in life

Psalm 46 composed during a time of crisis

Where to turn? to God Himself!

Psalm 46 is filled with the name of God

“LORD” is mentioned in vv. 7,8,11

Verse 10 is the key verse =

A vision of God to meet our crises

I. OUR GOD IS A POWERFUL GOD V.1

Refuge = a place of safety

Strength = might, power, boldness

An inner power to keep going

II. OUR GOD IS A PROTECTIVE GOD V.1

“A very present help” when in trouble

He is always protecting His children

III. OUR GOD IS A PRAISEWORTHY GOD V.10B

The raging seas or shaking earth

THe LORD is always worthy of our praise!

Concept of covenant is important in Bible

God made covenants with Noah, Abraham,

and David

Concept of covenant been lost in our society

Talk about the most important covenant

The Covenant of Redemption

Made between the Trinity in eternity past

Three major truths from Philippians 2:5-11

I. IMITATION v.5

Imitate the humility of Christ

II. HUMILIATION vv.6-8

Took the form of a bondservant, a slave

Voluntarily, willingly, joyfully

III. EXALTATION vv.9-11

“Therefore” is very important

“highly exalted” = raised, elevated

“THE name” - above every name

Universal recognition of His Lordship

Augustus Toplady was a great hymn writer

Wrote the hymn “Rock of Ages”

Note stanzas 2 and 3 of Hymn #284

There is such a thing as remaining sin

Sin is present “in” us and “with” us

Two extremes: presumption and despair

When we sin, we have an Advocate!

Three truths about this Advocate:

I. WHO IS HE? V. 1-2

Jesus Christ the righteous

He defends the accused against his adversary

He is propitiating the Father for our sins

II. WHERE IS HE? V. 1

At the right hand of God on the Throne

He is with the Father advocating on our behalf

III. WHAT IS HE DOING? V. 1

1. Advocating for our sins

2. Propitiating the wrath of God

3. Admonishing obedience

We live in a world of burdened people

Many things/people weigh us down

Peter is writing to people who were burdened deeply

He encourages them to trust the Lord

Verse 6 is a command!

I. THE BURDEN OF OUR SINS I Peter 2:24

The sin burden is great

Too heavy for men to bear

II. THE BURDEN OF CHANGING OTHERS 5:7

It is always and only the Lord who gives the increase

You CANNOT change people

III. THE BURDEN OF PERFECTIONISM

See Luke 10:39-42

You can never be “good enough”

IV. THE BURDEN OF KNOWING THE FUTURE

Today’s provision is tomorrow’s proof

Trust in the faithfulness of God!

Hank Williams song “Dust on the Bible”

“Get the dust off your Bible and

redeem your poor soul”

Dust on your Bible = dust in your soul

Spurgeon: “if you find a professing Christian

indifferent to his Bible, you may be sure that

the very dust upon its cover will rise up in the

Judgment Day against Him”

Look at Jesus and His Bible in Matt. 4

If He needed it — then so do we!

I. THE UNITY OF THE BIBLE

Just one author

Just one major character

II. THE BIBLE HAS ONLY ONE THEME

Theme of redemption

III. THE BIBLE HAS ONE GRAND CONCLUSION

Jesus is coming again

He will make everything right!

There are truckloads of “saved” hypocrites

Live a life of duplicity and pretense

Early church was experiencing revival

Satan tries — unsuccessfully — to corrupt the church

Note contrast between Barnabas and Ananias

I. THE EXPRESSION OF THAT LIE 5:1-2

The root of the lie was pride

Made themselves hypocrites

II. THE EXPOSURE OF THAT LIE 5:3-4

Holy Spirit revealed the lie to Peter

A willful, deliberate, premeditated lie

III. THE EXPULSION OF THAT SIN 5:5-11

Every Christian faces three judgments:

1. Judged as a sinner at Calvary

2. Judged as a servant at Judgment Seat

3. Judged as a son or daughter

Billy Graham quote: “I believe the time for everyone to

die is in God’s hands”

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder sang

“Are You Afraid to Die?”

Science cannot teach us about death

Only the Bible can do that

All people die; all people will be raised

I. SOWN IN CORRUPTION; RAISED IN INCORRUPTION

15: 50, 52, 53A, 54A

II. SOWN IN DISHONOR; RAISED IN HONOR

15:43 and Romans 9:18-21

III. LAY DOWN MORTALITY; TAKE UP IMMORTALITY

15:53

Who wouldn’t want to make that exchange?

Revelation 7:14-17 and Revelation 21:3-4

The Lord will take away the sting of death

Are YOU ready?

Willie Nelson wasn’t the only one

Jesus spent a lot of time "on the road"

Used 19 X in New Testament;

Used 5 X in Mark 8:27; 9:33, 34: 10:32, 52

3 X Jesus talks about His upcoming death

I. HIS IDENTITY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SOURCE

OF DEBATE

Lots and lots of opinions

Quote of the ArchBishop of Canterbury

II. HIS IDENTITY MUST BE DISCERNED SPIRITUALLY

On the road, He spoke of His death

III. HIS IDENTITY CAN ONLY BE EXPLAINED AND

DEFINED BY HIS NATURE, WORKS & WORDS

IV. IT REQUIRES COMPLETE SUBMISSION

Mark 8:34-35

In all areas of life

Jesus defines Jesus! No one else.

A.W.Tozer quote: “what comes into our minds when

we think about God is the most important thing

about us.”

Who is God to you?

A celestial Santa Claus?

Gray bearded ole Grandpa in rocking chair?

Does God ever change His mind?

Places in Bible where it “seems" like He does

Why would God even need to?

What would it mean if He did?

I. BIBLE TEACHES THAT GOD IS UNCHANGING

Psalm 102:26-26: James 1:17

II. UNIVERSAL SCOPE OF GOD’S DECREE

He determines all that will happen

III. GOD’S OMNISCIENCE RULES IT OUT

Always due to new knowledge, information, etc.

What if God decided not to keep His promises?

IV. GOD’S PERFECTION & FULLNESS OF BEING

God never changes His mind because ehe doesn’t need to

Spiritual discernment is in great demand

But seldom practiced and used

Spurgeon:"the challenge is not between right and

wrong but between what’s right and almost right.”

How do you deal with difficult issues?

Bible is at odds with many worldly standards

Don’t be a troublemaker

V. 21 > to test, to examine, to analyze

We have a responsibility to be spiritually discerning

Why?

I. TO PROTECT AGAINST FALSE TEACHING V.21

Nothing will kill a church quicker

II. TO PRODUCE SPIRITUAL MATURITY

All mature Christians practice discernment

III. TO TRY AND PLEASE CHRIST

IV. TO PERFORM OUR CORPORATE DUTY

V. TO PROMOTE THE KINGDOM OF GOD V. 22