Jesus is wonderful! No man could ever do what he has done. Christ and the Father are one. Christ brings counsel to us from God because they are one. Jesus just the same today – The Mighty God, The everlasting Father.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…

Jesus is one with the Father from everlasting to everlasting. He was “all in” and his meat was to do the Father’s will.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

God so loved the world – everyone! He gave his only Son. Jesus is Prince of peace, keeps us in perfect peace. He’s our peace.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Mary and Joseph were espoused, not completely married, but contracted to marry; a marriage solemnly declared to be in the future, and a promise of it made if God permit. After Mary told Joseph she was with child by the Holy Ghost, he was thinking what to do about Mary. He was a just and kind man, one who didn’t jump to conclusions and demand the letter of the law, but he waited before God. In his waiting, Joseph received an answer and he was obedient to God.

Matthew 1:18-23 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared…in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet…Behold, a virgin shall…bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which…is, God with us.

The angel came to Joseph in a dream to fulfill the prophesy in Isaiah that a virgin would bring forth Immanuel.

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

An angel announced the Savior to the shepherds and the sign that they would find the baby laying in a manger. The angels were proclaiming Christ’s hope of glory, his mercy, his longsuffering, and of God being with us.

Luke 2:10-14 And the angel said…Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Paul said Christ in you is the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:25-27 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages…but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Christ’s birth was given to us as the great foundation of our hopes and fountain of joy in times of great grief and fear – for hope in hopeless situations where God is with us.

Psalm 16:7-9 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

In 1998, Sister Leslie’s daughter, Margaret, joined the army and was stationed in Georgia. In late spring of 1999 she had a physical as she was being discharged from the army because she couldn’t pass the physical test. The doctors discovered that she had Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a routine chest x-ray. Her symptoms indicated it could be stage 3. Sister Leslie and her husband flew back to be with their daughter during the diagnosis. The biopsy was done on a Saturday. Afterward Sister Leslie asked if Margaret would like to go to Birmingham, Alabama for the church service at Brother Karl Wilson’s congregation where she had friends. She wanted to go so they drove 5 hours to Birmingham. They were met by Brother Wilson who offered support and comfort. The next day they got to Sunday morning service late because of the time change. The choir was singing the song So You Would Know (by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir). “How many times must I prove how much I love you? How many ways must my love for you I show? How many times must I rescue you from trouble, For you to know just how much I love you?”

The Lord was blessing so they kept singing the verse over and over. Sister Leslie and Margaret were both in tears. At the end of the service Sister Leslie asked Margaret if she’d like to be prayed for and she did. They walked to the front of the church. Brother Wilson prayed, “Lord, you see the child’s need and you know the mother’s desire.” Monday morning in Georgia, the biopsy result was stage 1 cancer. Margaret went through the full chemo prescribed, then came home for many weeks of radiation at Travis AFB. After that she returned to Georgia and was discharged, she came home pronounced cancer free.

From 2001 until 2008 they had very little contact with Margaret, but she was living in Sacramento. In 2008 she contacted them about restoring their relationship. Now they have a very strong relationship. Over the years she’s had difficulty breathing. The beginning of this year she questioned the doctor and pushed to get some answers. Last week the doctor described her condition as “radiation sickness.” The radiation severely damaged her lungs and heart. She’s now facing open heart surgery in February to replace 2 valves, repair another valve, and maybe have 2 bypass procedures. Because of the scar tissue from the radiation, her risk of not surviving the surgery is almost double that of someone without that scar tissue. Needless to say, she’s very anxious. She is 45 years old and has 2 sons still at home. The youngest is not yet 18.

Last week Sister Leslie was praying and the Lord blessed her with a mustard seed faith for Margaret. She thanked the Lord for His plan and is waiting to see what God will to do. The Lord blessed with much hope and assurance that this is going to work for Margaret in many ways. God can do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Sister Leslie received a text that said, “If you have a way to get in touch with Alabama – please let him know.” That meant she was asking for the saints to know of her condition so they’d pray. It was “exceeding abundantly above what she could think of her doing.”

Abraham believed in hope against hope. Sara was too old to get pregnant but Abraham believed God would give them a child. Are we willing to wait in hope for the most good to come from a situation? People around us are affected by what God does for one person. There are many parts in a car engine that all have to work together. Many pieces of our lives must come together. It’s hard to imagine how the pieces of God’s plan come together in our life and how long it will take.

Romans 4:18-21 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that…spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God…fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Yes, we have hard places to go through. Sometimes we’re troubled, cast down, confused, and don’t understand. God has a perfect plan. Are we willing to admit we need God’s help and can’t do it alone? Christ never denied those who came to him for help. He met each one who came to him with the compassion they needed.

Romans 8:24-25 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Christ in you, the hope of seeing the glory of God’s working, in God’s time.

Matthew 28:20  and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We present our bodies as a living sacrifice when we give up ourselves and crucify our flesh. We have to give of ourselves or we won’t receive the fulness of the kingdom of God.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Things will be difficult for us unless we go deep and give of ourselves. 1. We need to die to self, 2. We need to live for God, putting our faith and trust in him. There are admonitions that can only be beneficial to those of us who are serving God. We have to throw the wood, hay, and stubble in the fire to let God burn it up. When we realize something isn’t beneficial or good for us, we get rid of it. We purge ourselves of those things to be a vessel of honor and so God can call us “thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). This is our reasonable service, especially when we consider his sacrifice for us. Many of us have retired from our jobs. Anything of value takes work and comes with responsibility. There is value in serving God. We’re no longer conformed to this world. We can and do live holy in this world. We prove it by doing it!

II Timothy 2:19-26 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The enemy works on us to do wrong but we are righteous and have victory over sin in this world.

Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

We must not think of ourselves more highly than we should, but think soberly according to the faith God has given us. When we realize how weak we are, then we’re strong in Christ.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Watch out for self exaltation. Let another praise you, not yourself.

Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Don’t be wise in your own eyes. We’re all members of one another.

Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

We empathize when a member suffers. We all have a part in the work of the body. Saints are the best workers because you can trust them. We don’t have the same gifts but should covet the best gifts – gifts God wants to give you personally.

I Corinthians 12:25-31 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

We’re all one and the color of our skin, our nationality, or our background don’t matter because we’re one.

I Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

We need to wait on the Lord for all aspects of our lives and God will guide us. He that gives is instructed to give with simplicity. It doesn’t matter if we’re not recognized for our giving.

Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

The poor widow gave of her poverty. God loves a cheerful giver. We willingly give of our resources or just a helping hand.

Luke 21:1-4 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

Our love for others is without dissimulation (hiding true feelings) or pretense (not genuine) or showy, but from our heart.

Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Let’s love in deed, by doing, and in truth!

I John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Our faith needs to be active and alive so it’s useful and solves problems or it isn’t good for much. We can compare this to having books in our house that we aren’t using. They’re just taking up space and aren’t very useful. We’re looking at two aspects of faith and how we believe. Faith is a function of both experience and reason. Reason is what comes from our thinking brain and is how we interpret the world or make sense of it. Experience is how we encounter God and it isn’t meant to come from our brain but from heaven. Reason and experience help us through the Word and the Spirit.

John 8:1-5 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

The Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus and tried to trick him into saying something against the law. They asked what he thought when the law of Moses said the woman should be stoned. Jesus created a new remedy for the woman at that moment. The Pharisees daily living and morality was only governed by the law, not by mercy. They accused him of heresy for what he said. God gave the law to Israel because of the hardness of their hearts. The law of God creates good governance among men because humans are inclined to sin and have a sinful nature. There was no remedy for those who did things that required death according to the law. Sin separates us from God, but he sent Jesus to be a sacrifice that’s eternal – to be our Savior.

John 8:7-11 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Jesus cast woe on the Pharisees because they were trying to use human intellect and reason to have a relationship with God. Mercy and faith come from experience. Jesus said he came to fulfill the law. He brought the ability to have the experience of a personal relationship with the Lord. The law of God required no personal, heart relationship with God. It required obedience to a law. If they obeyed the law, they were found pleasing to God.

Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

The Spirit of truth or Holy Spirit guides and teaches us the truth. We need the Spirit to understand what the law teaches.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Jesus spoke to Philip, one of his disciples, and said there are things we’ll only know if the Spirit is in us. We need a motive in us that is not just in our head. It helps us interpret life. Human reason always comes from the human mind so we have a bias that’s based on our experiences.

Brother Dave has a bias in planning trips out of the country by details from his reasoning. It includes how to get a taxi or bus and to a hotel, so he’s not lost. He sometimes gets stressed and feels out of control if he doesn’t know all the details. It’s good to understand your bias so you can be neutral. It can influence how we interpret scripture. If you don’t understand your bias, it will inform your thinking and you won’t listen very well. Some people have a preference for the experience and how it feels. Some incorrectly believe in relativism so there’s no right or wrong – it’s only subject to what the person feels.

John 14:7-10 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

Nicodemus used reason to say how he felt about Jesus – that he was a teacher come from God who performed miracles. Jesus told him that he needed to get an experience – to be born again. Nicodemus’ reason couldn’t understand being born again. The experience comes by submission of our intellect or reason to the Father. Some theologians are saying the Bible is no longer relevant today. When reason is disconnected from experience, anything goes. Nicodemus seemed to be coming because he recognized he didn’t have the experience. His knowledge prompted him to go talk to Jesus.

John 3:1-3 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Consider reason as the written word or the law and experience as the Spirit. The Word and the Spirit work together. In the Revelation when the two witnesses were killed and left dead in the street, we think of those two as the Word and the Spirit. To leave a body in the street and not bury it was the ultimate disrespect. There was no respect for the Word and Spirit so it was like they were dead. Over time if people depend more on their reason and interpretation, there won’t be mercy and judgment that come from the Spirit. Some people say, let’s just measure right and wrong by our own spirit and how we feel about things. That turns out to be shown by liking each other and treating each other fairly, but it leaves out what the Word says. Our reason and experience need to work together. Our experience needs to be governed by our reason and our reason to be governed by our experience. The Spirit is ultimately the spirit of love. If we don’t allow our experience to govern our reason, the experience of love will be missing. Our experience with the Spirit will also include humility. If we want to argue about scripture, then love and humility aren’t governing there.

If we have disagreements at home: 1. Let God be true. And 2. Seek to understand what the experience will bring and God will approve of. Let the revelation of God through reason make sure we’re still in agreement with the word of God. Unless we’re faithful to the word of God, we can get off in our experience so it only becomes a social gospel.

The Mojave desert is 22,000 square miles of desert and is home to the Devil’s Playground. It is a barren wilderness of sand, dunes, rocks, and salt flats. It seems like it goes forever and you’re not getting anywhere if you walk in the desert. The desert is surrounded by rocky, dry mountains. The area only gets 1 inch of rain per year. It’s called a rain shadow desert because the surrounding mountains block the rain. The people of Baghdad, California in San Bernadino county had one period when it didn’t rain for 767 days. Temperatures in Death Valley can be 120 degrees. Sometimes people see mirages in the desert that appear to be a great lake because of the heat waves off the desert. People get so thirsty they head for the lake but keep going and going and never get there. They keep following a false hope in the intense heat and barren land, so it eventually leads to death. There are creatures we don’t want to be around – tarantulas,  poisonous rattle snakes and bats. This reminds us of Ezekiel’s prophesy of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-9).

Commentary of Matthew Henry says, “By a prophetic impulse and a divine power he was, in vision, carried out and set in the midst of a valley, probably that plain spoken of ch. 3:22, where God then talked with him; and it was full of bones, of dead men’s bones, not piled up on a heap, as in a charnel-house, but scattered upon the face of the ground, as if some bloody battle had been fought here, and the slain left unburied till all the flesh was devoured or putrefied, and nothing left but the bones, and those disjointed from one another and dispersed. He passed by them round about, and he observed not only that they were very many (for there are multitudes gone to the congregation of the dead), but that, lo, they were very dry, having been long exposed to the sun and wind. The bones that have been moistened with marrow (Job 21:24), when they have been any while dead, lose all their moisture, and are dry as dust. The body is now fenced with bones (Job 10:11), but then they will themselves be defenceless. The Jews in Babylon were like those dead and dry bones, unlikely ever to come together, to be so much as a skeleton, less likely to be formed into a body…”

The dry bones are typical of the unsaved. When we weren’t saved, we saw a mirage of things we thought we needed but the mirage disappeared when we got there. Every soul that isn’t saved is in that barren, dry land and reaching for mirages that don’t satisfy. We know this because we can see a lot of incredibly wealthy people who aren’t satisfied and some even committed suicide. We felt that dry and barren life that didn’t satisfy. Wealthy people have huge homes but they’re empty and people don’t even live there most of the time. They have several mansions and seem to think that the more they get, they’ll be satisfied. But it’s all a mirage because the only thing that will truly satisfy is Christ. Our homes and things are only temporary and we can’t take them with us when we die. We’ll stand alone to face God at that time. The sooner people realize those things are mirages, the closer they’ll be to finding where the true blessing and living water are that truly satisfy. When Sister Diana finally got out of the Mojave desert and began to see trees, it made her really appreciate seeing something besides the barren desert. When people are coming to Christ, they get a glimpse and see the life of being saved is attractive. God pulls on us to see there’s something that can really satisfy.

Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirst land, where no water is;

Once we taste the water of salvation and satisfaction, we desire that life and thirst for God to take control of our life.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

People in the world have short times when things seem wonderful in their life. However, those times are like the one inch of rain in the desert. The flowers spring up in the desert when it rains, but it only lasts a short time – one rainfall, one batch of flowers, and then back to the barren desert. There’s a prosperous place of abundance for us in the Lord. It’s where we find real living water for our life to be refreshed. There’s peace and contentment only found in Christ.

Psalm 147:7-8 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Mt. Hermon is at the northern boundary of where Joshua had a great victory when God led him to the promised land. Blessings come from the cooling breezes, rains, and cold snow water of Mt. Hermon. This is so different than the land in the Mojave desert. The Mojave desert doesn’t allow water to come in. In the same way, the thinking of the world won’t let souls get the refreshment from the living water of the Lord. Mt. Hermon brings in water and refreshing. This is the land that the children of Israel inherited – Mt.  Hermon where the refreshing rains come. Our land is in the shadow of Mt. Hermon with refreshing, cooling breezes. It’s where the dew falls gently and it isn’t severe when it does storm. When you think spiritually of Mt. Hermon, there’s a blessing in the water coming from the place God prepared for us (the Church Of God, Mt. Zion) to moisten our hearts. Without water, how will you grow? When we receive the moisture, it makes us ready to receive the seed of God’s word. The world sees the growth of the seeds that sprout, even in times of great difficulty. We show “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (as the song says) to the world.

Psalm 133:3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Our land becomes Hephzibah which means, My delight is in her. When we realize where we’ve come from, there’s no turning back to our Mojave desert. The devil will try to lure us back to that barren land, but it isn’t worth it. It’s worth it to stay true and have satisfaction and singing in our heart.

The lyrics of the “River Of Pleasure” (Barney  Warren, 1891) say:

1 Oh, drink of the river of pleasure, A deep, living stream of delight; The source of all blessings forever, It flashes in heaven’s pure light.

Refrain: Oh, drink of the river of pleasure and love, I feel it so deep in my soul; It gladdens the one who is born from above, And maketh the wounded heart whole.

2 Oh, drink of the river of pleasure, ’Tis sparkling with joy for thy soul; It flows in the bosom forever, That’s given to Father’s control. [Refrain]

3 Oh, drink of the river of pleasure, For thee it is flowing along; Down from the bounteous Giver, Its music a sweet, charming song. [Refrain]

4 Oh, drink of the river of pleasure, And surely thy spirit shall know, Thy longing and thirsting are over, Thy blessings forever shall flow.[Refrain]

The longer we’re saved, the more we realize how we need to die out to ourself and our flesh. It’s so much better than the Mojave with all its heat and vile, poisonous snakes and lizards. Years ago Sister Diana had to visit women’s prisons to do fire safety inspections as part of her job. One of the women looked so sweet and Diana thought, oh she must be here for a minor crime. She found out the woman had killed her mother. Thank God that we are what we appear to be. We don’t have hidden things and we’re honest so we can trust each other in the Church Of God. When someone is dying, their skin gets all dried out and waxy looking because all the moisture is sucked out of them. That’s how we are in sin. Some can’t seem to make their way out because they’re following mirages. When we’re together, it’s a beautiful thing! We don’t want to go back to that barren and dry land. Come to the living water so the blessings can overflow and others will see and come too. When we come to the end of our life, the Lord will check our water level as we stand at the judgment to see if we have living water or the mirages of the Mojave desert of dry bones.

Isaiah 62:4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

What do thankfulness and gratitude mean? How can we give thanks for everything? Do we have these attributes?

I Thessalonians 5:15-18  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God…

If we give thanks for everything, everything will work together for our good. Prosperity and adversity will work toward our good when we’re thankful. When we complain, we disobey so we don’t benefit from being grateful and obedient.

I Thessalonians 5:18 (Amplified Bible) in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Gratitude refers to the quality of appreciating and giving thanks for things you have and things you’re grateful for. It helps you get closer to God by recognizing all the blessings in your life and makes it easier to focus on the positive. Gratitude is a positive response to experiencing God’s goodness and grace. Then you realize God is working in your life so you show your gratefulness in how you live. Gratitude in the Bible means “extending favor towards” or giving grace and kindness as a response. The Greek word in the Bible means the quality of showing appreciation and returning kindness.

Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The word for gratitude is in the Bible 157 times, thanks or thankful – 72 times, and fear not – 365 times. We need to learn and develop gratitude. Our thankful times give us more times to express our feelings than we normally have.

Examples of gratitude in the Bible that we can learn from:

The leper, Jesus healed him and he was one of all 10 lepers that returned to praised God and thank him (Luke 17:11-19).

The sinful woman brought an alabaster jar of expensive perfume to anoint and wash Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50).

King David wrote Psalms about how grateful he was, even at his lowest points he thanked God for His forgiveness.

Hannah was barren and cried to God in prayer. He gave her Samuel and she gave great thanksgiving (1 Samuel 1:1-28).

Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den because he wouldn’t worship other gods. He still gave thanks and worshipped. God heard his prayer and protected him, so he came out of the den glorifying and thanking Him (Daniel 6:1-10).

Job lost everything (children, possessions, health). He still praised God. God blessed him with more than he had before (Job 1:1-22).

Paul persecuted Christians. But after his heart was changed, he was a humble, grateful person. He was grateful in prison.

It’s easy to be grateful when things go well. It’s harder to be thankful when challenges come. Often we fall into negative thinking that leaves no space for being gratefulness. The best solution when you struggle to be grateful, is to go to the scriptures and remember everything happens according to God’s will. He’ll give peace and strength as you go through. We can rest and be grateful for what he’s doing – like our Biblical examples. We need to be ready with an arsenal of thankfulness.

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Steps to help us be grateful for the hard things in life:
Accept. Acceptance is the first part of being thankful. Acceptance means fully acknowledging the facts of a situation and not fixating on how it shouldn’t be. It doesn’t mean you’re happy about the situation. Jesus accepted what he had to do.

Luke 22:42-43 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Have you been given a gift that you didn’t like and wondered why in the world did they think I would want this, or that this would make me happy? Have you ever wondered about things that happen or don’t happen in your life? Have you asked God, why have you allowed this? How can this be part of your perfect plan? I don’t see anything perfect about this. God gives us grace and strength for right now. It’s all right when we accept it by trusting God for all we face or think about.

Quotes by Sarah Ban Breathnach about acceptance:

“Accepting Real Life: What is acceptance? Acceptance is surrendering to what is; our circumstances, our feelings, our problems, our financial status, our work, our health, our relationships with other people, the delay of our dreams. Before we can change anything in our life we have recognize that this is the way it’s meant to be right now. For me, acceptance has become what I call the long sigh of the soul. It’s the closed eyes in prayer, perhaps even the quiet tears. It’s “all right” as in “All right, You lead, I’ll follow.” and it’s “all right” as in “Everything is going to turn out all right.” This is simply part of the journey.

Over the years I have discovered that much of my struggle to be content despite out side circumstances has arisen when I stubbornly resisted what was actually happening in my life at the present moment. But I have learned that when I surrender to the reality of a particular situation– when i don’t continue to resist, but accept– a softening in my soul occurs. Suddenly I am able to open up to receive all the goodness and abundance available to me because acceptance brings with it so much relief and release.”

“Whatever situation exists in your life right now, accept it. Cast a glance around and acknowledge what is going on. This is my tiny kitchen with the dirty floor, this is how much I weigh, this is my checking account balance, this is where I am  right now. This is that is really happening in my life at the present moment. This is okay. This is real life.”

“After accepting our present circumstances, no matter what they are, we must learn to bless them. …blessing whatever vexes us is the spiritual surrender that can change even troublesome situations for the better. Blessing the circumstances in our lives also teaches us to trust.”

Surrender: We have to surrender our way after we accept. Surrender is the act of giving up control or resistance. Sister Leslie visualizes the old forts in the early days of the Wild West when she thinks of surrender. When someone in the fort surrendered, they walked out with their hands up. Surrender is the act of giving up what we think we can control. We give up control, accept the outcome to be in God’s hands, and commit it to him. Paul said, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him” (II Timothy 1:12).

Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit: to give in charge or trust; deliver for safekeeping; entrust; consign.

Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

The “IT” in “he shall bring it to pass” isn’t necessarily our ways or our plans. He will bring to pass that which is His perfect plan for our lives. When you’re in the hospital, you don’t have much choice in your care. You’re stuck with their food, gowns, booties, bed, and pillows. They’re going to come in and take your vitals every 3 hours. You have to commit it. When we commit all our burdens, then the Lord sends his angel to walk beside us.

Bless: After accepting our circumstances and surrendering, we must learn to ask God to bless it. When we ask for God’s blessing on someone or something, we’re asking for God to fulfill their needs and make things right. We’re exercising our trust in God, his wisdom, his compassion, and trusting God will work things out. He has a plan for us and his love never fails. In the middle of the trial or circumstance, we can be thankful for what we’re going through. The regular practice of choosing thankfulness in our interactions makes it easier. Gratitude improves relationships, brings you closer to loved ones, and makes you happier. It protects us from toxic emotions of greed, frustration, anger, bitterness, hate, and jealousy.

A study about Personality And Individual Differences in 2012, showed that grateful people have fewer aches and pains. Being positive gives mental and physical benefits that increase happiness and reduce depression. Grateful people are more compassionate and empathic than others. Practicing gratitude causes confidence and even helps us have better sleep. We need to take time every day to think about what we’re thankful for or write things in a gratitude journal.

God wants to help us learn how to serve him and have victory over the enemy so he can send us out to help others. Some in religion profess to love God but use scriptures to comfort them in their sins. The most common one is John 3:16. They quote quote it but aren’t interested in what God says about how to live for him. They don’t believe in his name. An angel told Joseph that Jesus will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21) but some don’t accept it. They don’t like the light, don’t want to be corrected and don’t want to be delivered from their sin. There are others who are broken and want God’s help. Those who are doing truth come to the light, like the moths outside come to the light on your porch. They love that light. God’s people are honest and love light. We love the light to receive correction so we know God’s pleased with us.

John 3:16-21 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son…to condemn the world; but that the world…might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the…Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come…and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest…wrought in God.

It’s good news that God wants to save us from the prison house of sin. It’s bad news to say we have to stay in sin! The Lord gives us patience, compassion, empathy, and understanding to help souls. We don’t learn the scriptures so we can win an argument, but to help people. If we don’t ask God for his help and direction to send us, then we’re already on the wrong track. When we were in sin’s darkness, we stumbled and didn’t know what was wrong with us. We felt we had no hope. When someone testified to us or we heard the truth, God opened the prison door and light came in so we could see how to get out of sin if we wanted to. God said, you can come out if you want out but don’t go back. Jesus died on the cross to deliver us. Our focus is to make heaven and our mission is to rescue souls. God gave us something we can use to help others. A lot of religions may be concerned for people and do nice things, but they don’t really care about their soul.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek…sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

When we get saved, we get in a battle and have to endure hardness. The devil is right there trying to shut us down as soon as we get started. He wants to get us side-lined by being wrapped up, focused, and distracted by our life with our family and job first. Paul says we can’t be entangled in affairs of this life. We need to fight for victory. God chose us to be soldiers.

II Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

We defeat the devil every time we stay focused on Christ. He’s first – his objectives, his desires, his thoughts. If we’re not good to do our devotions by reading and praying, we’re not going to do well. It doesn’t mean we’re looking at really bad things but if we don’t focus on Christ, we’re focused on the wrong things and darkness will come in.

Matthew 6:19-23 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

The devil wants to deceive us so Christ isn’t first anymore. We can go to church and have devotions but find out Christ isn’t first anymore. You can’t serve God and self or the world. We don’t fight for self, sin, religion, or doctrine but we fight Satan now. The battle we fight starts in our mind. The devil will use imaginations like, Oh they don’t like me, or things somebody said, or false things we were taught. God is able to pull down strongholds in our mind from childhood, false opinions and ideas, or anything the enemy uses against you. We must cast down imaginations every day. We need God’s help and grace to fight the devil.

II Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

God prepares us to be a good soldier. We need God’s word and Spirit to teach, correct, and make us complete (thoroughly furnished). At home you have things you need so you have what you need when things happen.

II Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

God wants to send us out into his harvest. We have to ask God to send us because we don’t know what’s happening with our neighbors or others. We pray for our neighbors but we don’t know what’s going on their lives or when is the right time to talk to them about the Lord. He can open a door or tap us on the shoulder at the right time when he wants us to talk. He sends us forth as lambs among wolves. As lambs, we’re gentle and patient. We’re lambs that God gives swords that are like fine surgical instruments. We don’t take the word to prove what we know or to indoctrinate people. The word is sharp enough to discern thoughts. The word isn’t meant to hurt but we’re careful and prayerful about how we use it.

Luke 10:1-3 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two…into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he…The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray…the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go…I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

Avoid doesn’t mean we cut people off but we’re not arguing with them about scriptures. We must be gentle and study so we can teach what we’ve learned that will help them. Some oppose themselves and don’t even know it. We have to show ourselves friendly with people so we show them we care about them.

II Timothy 2:23-26 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The gospel reveals the righteousness of God and those who hold the truth in unrighteousness. It doesn’t come by getting baptized, joining the church, learning the catechism, or shaking the preacher’s hand. We need Jesus to make us righteous.

Romans 1:16-19 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as…written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest…God hath shewed it…

Jesus put light on the Pharisees and scribes who were hypocrites so he could reveal light to people. They were hindering others because they knew what God said but didn’t do it. Those who hold the truth in unrighteousness use parts of God’s word in a wrong way. They say nobody can be free from sin or we’re all sinners but saved by grace. They use scriptures out of context to convince people that they can’t be saved to sin no more. They don’t help people to be delivered from sin. We can’t trust a minister that’s says a baptism certificate means we’re saved. Jesus said we can tell by the fruit in our life.

Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

False prophets look like a lamb but are ravening for your soul. You know them by their fruit. People see you aren’t sinning.

Matthew 7:15-17 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

The enemy tries to trick people with 2 big lies. Big lie #1. Nobody can live without sin. It means that Jesus died on the cross but doesn’t have power to deliver you from sin; Big lie #2. The devil came from heaven. It means there’s chaos in heaven.  God can’t manage heaven, so how can he help you manage your life? They say the devil was an angel in heaven that got kicked out. Spiritual math of those lies 2 lies results equals: God has no power. Jesus sent the 70 disciples out. They were preaching and casting out devils in Jesus’ name. Jesus saw Satan was cast out of those people so when they reported to him, he was saying “I know it.” We see lightning in the sky, then hear the report of thunder. God called the sky heaven to Abraham.

Luke 10:17-20 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

The devil gives false prophets the ability to transform themselves into ministers of light. They’re wolves in sheep’s clothing.

II Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

God will give us a great reward us if we live for him and battle in righteousness for the Lord. We aren’t laboring in vain and he that wins souls is wise, so we need the Lord’s wisdom.

Proverbs 11:30-31 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

If there are leaders that have a list of core objectives from A – Z, they accomplish all the objectives that are on their map. They get to objective Q and everyone is paddling along with them, like they’re in a canoe going down a river. Then there’s a mountain range in the way and they say, we’ve never been here before. They don’t know how to get across because it’s off the map. What they did up to that time was on the map. Being off the map means we know what direction we want to go but we don’t know how to get there. Beyond the mountain, there’s a river that leads to our destination. The mountain in the way that is a problem because no one has ever been there. If you want to go west, you can see the sun that sets in the west so you keep going west but there are rocks in the way of the canoe. Throughout history the church has found itself off the map at times. That doesn’t mean the church has lost its way or that God is not on his throne or that the gospel has changed. It means people who make up the church have never been here before so they’re trying to find their way through a place that’s off the map. Do you think Peter had a moment that he felt was off the map when he saw a vision of a sheet with all kinds of unclean beasts and God said, “rise and eat”? He’d never been there before.

In our culture, we’re in a moment of time where people are saying men can marry men, women can marry women, and boys can be girls or girls can be boys? We’ve never been here before. There are other cultural transformations that we are figuring out how to navigate through and it’s off the map of any place we’ve ever been. Gender identity is a huge shift in culture that caught some by surprise for how to handle it. Five years ago we didn’t anticipate that cultural change. Our core values are important to going through the times that are off the map of places we’ve been. Our mission and core values never change so they keep us united and going the right direction to follow our mission.

Our Mission at the Church of God is to draw all me to Jesus.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

If Christ is lifted up in our lives and our witness, people will be drawn to the right place. If we lift up the bride which is the church but not the bridegroom, that’s a problem. If we lift up something else besides Jesus, it will take us in the wrong direction. If we start to confuse the bridegroom with anything else, then we violate the first of the 10 Commandments. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” If we lift up the bride and say the bride has to look like this or can’t go there or can’t do that, then we spend all our time on the bride and we won’t be lifting up Jesus. If we get the bridegroom right, she will always follow the bridegroom. In times past, some people have gotten it switched so they were fussing over the bride but not the groom. They presumed that they had the bridegroom right so it was like they said we don’t need to talk about the bridegroom. The mission is, If I be lifted up, I’ll draw all men unto me. The great commandment is to go teach all nations what Jesus commanded. There are objectives we use to reach our goal. These are not necessarily in order.

Objective #1 to be a witness is an action step to reach the mission goal.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Objective #2 is to feed the sheep. If we feed the sheep, we’ll lift up Christ.

John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Objective #3 Be a light to the dark world we live in. We aren’t a light just because we come to church and sit here. We’re a light because we go out and illuminate wherever we live, the market we go to, and our family.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Objective #4 Jesus said to care for those who are suffering. We can’t just say “have a nice day” and not do anything.

Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

We could have lots of opinions at church, like whether or not we have church Sunday night. We could have an opinion about whether or not the pews look right. We need to not get sidetracked by opinions about the way we do things. When we focus on the mission, we’ll stay with our core values. Actions and interventions change over time as the world and its problems change. We have to address things that are happening in society, like what’s being taught in schools. Core Values  may be learned from childhood or from school or from some other institution. Core values that are learned may also be the product of many generations of learning or beliefs. Core values will help us stay focused on the mission.

Our Core Values:

• Freedom from sin [John 8:11, 5:14; Romans 6:1-2]

Jesus told the woman taken in adultery to go and sin no more. There are many places in the gospel where Jesus teaches this. A core value of the Church of God is: we live a life that is not subject to the penalty of sin and we do not commit sin (I John 3).

John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

• Conversion from sin to holiness [Psalm 51:13; Matthew 18:3; Mark 4:12; Luke 22:32; Acts 3:19]

When we’re converted, there’s a separation that happens so we’re not like we used to be. We don’t do evil anymore.

Psalm 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

• Separation from what isn’t like God [Psalm 101:3; Leviticus 26:1; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 John 2:15; Matthew 6:24]

Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

• Striving to be more like Christ every passing day [2 Peter 3:18; 1 Thess. 4:1; 6:2; Philippians 2:1; 1 Peter 1:15]

Striving is more than a formula or going to the altar. It means we grow in grace and have a personal experience with Christ.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

• Unity of faith of all believers [Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3; Ephesians 4:13; Ephesians 5:30; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Mark 3:25; Luke 11:17; Luke 9:50]

We have a principle in the unity of the faith of all believers. We seek the unity of God’s people wherever they are. Don’t discount what God has done for someone in a place you know nothing about. God creates the unity and what we seek is fellowship with that unity. If we or anyone else is teaching false doctrine, it’s hard to have fellowship. If we don’t agree that we have freedom from sin, it will be hard to have fellowship. When we have fellowship, we don’t want to do anything to damage that unity.

Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

• Consecration (Sanctification) [Romans 12:2; Acts 9:17-18; Acts 2:17; Galatians 5:18; Romans 8:9]

We see in Acts 2 that God’s Spirit empowers us to witness and be what God wants.

• Congregational administration [Titus 1:5; Acts 5:42, Acts 21:8 ; 1 Corinthians 16:19]

A congregational organization is accountable to the leadership of the congregation, not to some other hierarchy like the Roman Catholic or the Lutheran church have. We don’t subject the leadership of the Holy Spirit to a group.

• Evangelism [Mark 6:7; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8, Acts 8:26; Acts 16:9-10]
• Truth will never contradict truth [John 14:6, John 18:37; Hebrews 6:18]

We measure our actions by truth to see if they line up with the word and the Spirit of God.

• The fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9] – we have fruits of God’s Spirit in our lives.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Our walk is important to how we present ourselves as living epistles. Do others see us more as a fleshly man than an example of Christ?

II Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

What is an epistle? An epistle is a written communication commonly used to tell about the New Testament of which 21 out of 27 books were epistles. Most epistles of the Bible were written by the apostle Paul but some were by others about Christian examples and behavior. As the community grew, the apostles began writing letters or epistles. Everyone came together to hear it when they received these letters. They took heed to absorb and grow by what they heard. This is like what we do when we have a revival. We need to listen and take it to heart. The doctrines were not put together in a formal format but in a collection of letters from the hearts of the apostles.

The book of 2 Corinthians was deeply personal, revealing deep burdens and concerns from the heart of Paul. His letter was written to all men during a difficult life and ministry. He wanted to remind us to walk the walk of a Christian because others are watching. God gives us the ability to be a living epistles. That means you’re an open letter as a living, breathing, walking example of God’s goodness, glory, and grace. He gives us the ability to live without sin. We have a serious charge to be a living epistle that shows God’s way by our actions, how we talk, and where we go.

II Corinthians 3:2 (Amplified Bible) You are our letter (of recommendation), written in our hearts, recognized, and read by everyone.

Our life with it’s many chapters are letters that are written to the world to show how God wants them to live.

I Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

I Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

We’re all going to stand before God and be judged by his word. If we ask God to show us anything about our conduct or personality that needs changed, He is faithful to show us so we make the Lord more beautiful in our lives. People will not believe us if we fly off the handle and lose our temper when things go wrong and then say we’re a Christian.

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

We need to walk circumspectly. That means we’re careful and diligent to watch how our actions affect others. How do we affect others if we complain all the time or criticize others or talk about everything that’s going wrong? Are we telling the world that is ok or showing them a better way? We need to bring our minds under if thoughts come to our mind that are contrary to God. If you dwell on something, that’s what will come out of you because you’re not on your guard against it. We need to guard ourselves when we want to be living epistles to our spouse, our children, grandchildren, and others. When they see us studying the Bible or listening to the preaching, it has an affect on them. We can encourage them to serve God that way. We need to be careful to not be deceived by vain words of those who claim to be Christians but don’t walk the walk.

Ephesians 5:1-7 Be ye followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Walking circumspectly means we look around to be cautious, careful, discreet, attentive, heedful, alert, diligent, observant, prudent, and on guard. There’s a profit in walking circumspectly so we can show love and concern. People see if it’s genuine. If we love a person through our eyes, they will respond positively. At the COVE community center, some will tell Sister Diana their problems. She looks at them with love and care for their problem. We prove whether people can trust God by the way we walk with him. God help us show people this way is good and make the way attractive. Show a sincere interest in others. When God quickens us to give us a beautiful soul so people who have been badly damaged can see it and have hope by being saved. What are we hearing in this revival? Is it a living epistle that is helping us? If we’re not living the life of a Christian, we won’t be living epistles.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Ruth didn’t want to leave Naomi because of the life Naomi was living before her. Naomi was walking circumspectly. When the world looks on us, do they see Jesus? Brother Rick Coleman remembers his mother having a major influence on him, especially in his low spot when he was 20. She had such a burden for him to be saved, and he would hear her praying for him when she was in her room. Brother Dave Licon added that a letter is a written record. When people look at our life, it leaves an indelible impression that stays with them. We are living epistles to those around us.

Ruth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Nicodemus was a Pharisee leader of the Jews. The Pharisees were meticulous about keeping the letter of the law but weren’t concerned about the spirit of the law. Regarding their phylacteries and enlarging their borders, the phylactery was a box strapped to the arm or the forehead. Inside each phylactery were four passages from the Old Testament. (Exodus 13:1–10, 11–16; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; 11:13–21). The purpose was to remind them to keep the commandments.

Matthew 23:1-5 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and…disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All…they bid you…observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but…will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

The Israelites were supposed to lay up God’s words in their hearts. The Pharisees made it an outward thing by enlarging their boxes (phylacteries) so everyone would notice how religious and holy they were.

Deuteronomy 11:18-20 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

Numbers 15:38-40 Speak unto…Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them…seek not after your own heart and…eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy…

Jesus brought correction to the Pharisees about wearing the phylacteries to be noticed but it wasn’t to condemn them. They lost sight of the correct intent to remind them of God and honor him. All they could see was their legal system.

Matthew 23:5-7 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

Nicodemus may have been in the crowd that heard Jesus preach. Nicodemus went to see Jesus at night to ask questions. He may have been ashamed to be seen with Jesus. That night at Capernaum Nicodemus heard a new message about spiritual birth and eternal life. Maybe they were both busy during the day but scripture doesn’t say why he came at night. Nicodemus was responsible as a member of the Jewish ruling council to find out about any who might lead the people astray.

John 3:1-17 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered…Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin according to John 7:50-51. The term Sanhedrin is from a Greek word that means “assembly” or “council.” God commanded Moses to have this council.

Numbers 11:16-17 And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

The land was divided up among the tribes into towns and villages, and there was a Sanhedrin court in most towns. A Sanhedrin functioned as lower courts. Under Roman authority in Christ’s time, the Sanhedrin in each city of the Jewish nation was allowed to make legal decisions. Jerusalem was where final decisions of Jewish law and religion were made. This Sanhedrin ultimately condemned Jesus to die. They had to get Pilate’s approval for the death penalty since that was beyond their jurisdiction under Roman law. Nicodemus seems to have been part of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.

Deuteronomy 16:18-20 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

John told about much dissention and unrest among the common people, the chief priests, and the Pharisees regarding Jesus. The chief priests and Pharisees even sent officers to take Jesus but they didn’t do it.

John 7:12  And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

John 7:25-26 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

John 7:31-32 And many…believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? The Pharisees heard…people murmured such things…the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.

Nicodemus opposed the whole council by proposing that they question Jesus in an impartial and unprejudiced hearing before they condemn him. They wouldn’t listen even though they knew what he suggested was what the law taught.

John 7:40-51 Many…when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David…of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division…because of him. And some…would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees…unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

Nicodemus assisted Joseph of Arimathea in Jesus’ burial. Joseph asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Nicodemus brought a large amount of spices to prepare the body. He assisted Joseph to wrap and put it in the tomb. It showed great respect for Jesus. There are many things the Bible doesn’t say about Nicodemus. Was he a true believer? What did he do after the resurrection? Nicodemus may not have openly declared he was a disciple of Jesus but his final action was one of faith. Christ accepted Nicodemus when he came and met him where he was. He didn’t condemn or reject Nicodemus. Christ still asks us to come to him wherever we are – with doubts, fears, questions, hang ups, problems, stress, anxiety, or sorrow. Don’t try to figure it out in your own strength or you’ll be discouraged and open a door for the enemy to condemn and confuse.

Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor…went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Luke 23:50-52 And…a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;)…of Arimathaea…went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

John 19:38-40…Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which…first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices…

Romans 14:7-13 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.

The last thing we want to be is a bad influencer. We want to be a positive influence and not put a stumblingblock before our brother. God took us out of darkness and gave us a tender heart of flesh to put love for our brother in it.

I John 2:8-11 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Jesus said to watch and pray because the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We need to watch out because the flesh is weak and could cause us to enter into temptation. We have to be careful about the details of what we do. What is our attitude about people – are we looking for the negative or weaknesses in them?

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

We need to be careful to not be the one by whom an offense comes to our brother.

Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

The little ones that could be offended can be the adult children of God. We don’t want to offend them.

Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

It’s important for us to be concerned about our brother or sister or anyone to not hurt them in any way. Paul was giving instruction to the Corinthians to not worship idols. Do we cast some aside because they do something we wouldn’t do. Many don’t understand about things they’re doing that we wouldn’t do. Not everyone has the same experience that you have. We need to have love and concern for the new convert and those who don’t have the same understanding.

Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

The saints won’t be pointing out faults but will be encouraging others. The devil will work hard against those who are deciding to be saved or new in the faith. It’s hard for some people to believe but we want to be positive influencers to them. Some have a hard time believing Jonah could be swallowed by a whale or that God made a dry path for the Israelites to walk through the Red Sea. It’s true though.

I Corinthians 8:1-13 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Are we salty enough as influencers so people will be saved?

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

With the salt come peace with our brother. We want to be pleasantly salty so we’re like good seasoning.

Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

Paul boasted about the Macedonians because their experiences were up to date, they were showing their zeal, they were prospering spiritually and monetarily so they shared their wealth. They weren’t giving grudgingly or just because it was needed but they willingly gave to the poor. God loves a cheerful giver!

II Corinthians 9:1-9 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

Paul was encouraging Timothy to be an example of believers. We want to be a good influencer for God!

I Timothy 4:12-15 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.