Welcome to another edition of the Weekend Sermon. It is good to be back to post another sermon this week. I hope that everyone is doing well.
Please continue to pray for me as I am having a difficult time. This last month was the hardest month I have experienced in my life except for when my parents and Toby passed away. I've interviewed for many jobs, and I have found nothing. It's come to the point that I may have to start living in my car. Please pray that God will provide a miracle. I will keep posting book reviews and sermons as long as I am able.
On October 1, a devotional piece that I wrote will appear in the Upper Room. I believe that it will be online as well for anyone who wants to check it out.
Last week we studied Jesus' message to the church at Sardis. Jesus described Sardis as a dead church. They were not doing anything for the Lord. Jesus told them to repent. Even in Sardis, there were a few people who were still faithfully following the teachings and the commandments of Jesus.
We focused a little bit last week as well on the doctrine of eternal security as it related to Jesus' statement about someone being blotted out of the Book of Life. In my opinion, based on my study of Scripture, I believe that it is possible for someone to make a conscious decision to leave the Christian faith and go back to their former way of life.
Today, our focus turns to Jesus' message to the church at Philadelphia. This church receives the most positive message from the Lord of all of the seven churches of Asia addressed in the book of Revelation.
In chapter 3 verse 7 Jesus states, "These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens." This is a powerful verse. Jesus is holy. He is perfect in every way. Jesus was tempted in all manners as we are, yet He did not sin. He is the Lamb of God without spot or blemish. Jesus is true. Jesus said that He was the way, the truth and the life. Jesus has the key of David. I think that this is a reference to the fact that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's covenant with David that a descendent of David would reign forever on the throne of Israel. Jesus is the son of David. When He returns to the earth to establish His kingdom that will have no end, Jesus will rule and reign in righteousness over all of the people on the earth from the New Jerusalem. Jesus is the only path to eternal life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. All judgment has been given to the Son by the Father. Jesus, who knows what is in the heart of every person, will make the final judgment of who will and who will not enter into His eternal kingdom.
In verse 8, Jesus says that He knows the work of the people in the church at Philadelphia. They have a little strength. They have kept His word, and they have not denied Jesus' name.
I find the phrase about having a little strength interesting. Maybe the people had suffered a great deal of persecution and hard times, but they still had some strength left to go on and do all that they could for the Lord.
Right now, I feel like I have a little strength. Without the little strength that I have from Jesus, I would be out of strength right now. I've said this before, but I really mean it. I don't know how people survive day to day without a relationship with Jesus. With all that has happened in the last few years, I know that I would have been dead if not for Jesus. Even in the hard times that I am facing now, I know that Jesus is with me. I have to admit that I do not understand why all of these bad things are happening to me. In some ways, I feel just like Job. He couldn't figure out what was going on either. In spite of all the bad, I can feel the love of Jesus. I believe that He will show me what to do. Whatever happens, I know that I will be with Jesus for all of eternity some day. Then, all of the strife of this life will seem like nothing when compared with the glories of being with Jesus for all of eternity.
The people in the church also kept the word. They were obedient to those things revealed to them in Scripture. In spite of persecution, they did not deny that they were followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 9 is an interesting verse. Apparently, those in the Philadelphia church were being persecuted by those in the local Jewish synagogue. Jesus said that those persecuting His church would come to know that He loved the church. I believe that this will happen when Jesus returns. When Jesus returns, He will judge everyone who has ever lived. He will bring justice to every injustice. All will be made right and good. At that time, those who were persecuted will be vindicated by the Lord. Those who did good but were looked down upon by others will be exalted. As Jesus said, "the first will be last, and the last will be first."
Verse 10 is interpreted in several different ways. Jesus says that He will keep them from the hour of trial coming upon the whole world. Those who believe in a rapture and a Second Coming believe that Jesus is referring here to the rapture of the church. Jesus will return and take His church out of the world before the beginning of the Great Tribulation that is to last seven years.
I think that what Jesus is referring to here is the great time of persecution coming to those who believe in Jesus. The book of Revelation was written to actual churches. The message wouldn't have much relevance to the church at that time if the event wasn't close at end. The Roman Empire tried to crush the church. Many died for the faith. I believe that Jesus is saying that members of the Philadelphia church would not face this great persecution.
Jesus goes on to encourage the people to hold fast knowing that He is coming quickly. As believers, we are to be watchful. We are to be ready to meet the Lord should He come back this very day.
Those remaining as Jesus' faithful followers will be pillars in the temple of God in the New Jerusalem. This signifies that those who follow the Lord will be with Him and have fellowship with Him. I believe that the level of our faithfulness to the Lord upon earth will correspond to the level of intimacy we have with the Lord in the world to come. There are levels of reward in the world to come. Those who follow the Lord with all that they have will be rewarded abundantly for their faithful service.
To be a part of the kingdom of God, you must place your faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. You must believe that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sin. Believe that Jesus rose from the dead. Ask Jesus to be the Lord and Master of your life today.
Next week, Lord willing, we will look at Jesus' message to the church at Laodicea. On Wednesday, I will post another review. Last week, I got my days mixed up and posted the review on Tuesday. I will try to be more accurate this week. May God bless you. Amen.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Book Review
Today, I would like to review a book entitled "The Possibility Dogs" written by Susannah Charleson. She has also written the best selling book "Scent of the Missing" about her work in search and rescue with her golden retriever, Puzzle. "The Possibility Dogs" focuses on the author's work with a dog named Jack Piper who she trains to be an assistance dog. The book also tells the story of people who use psychiatric assistance dogs to help them make it through life. I highly recommend this book. All of the stories are interesting, and it is a joy to see Jake Piper's progress as he goes from abandoned pup to top ranked service dog.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Weekend Sermon--Revelation Continued
It is very good to be back posting the Weekend Sermon. I miss it when I am away. I am very thankful to the Lord that my car is back up and running. I hope that it keeps going for awhile. Although, I may have to sell it in order to pay bills. I would ask that you continue to keep me in your prayers as I attempt to get through the hard times.
When we last studied in the book of Revelation together, we looked at the message that Jesus gave to the church at Thyatira. Jesus commended the members of this church for their good works and for the fact they were continuing to do more for the Kingdom of Heaven as they progressed in the faith. However, Jesus had some harsh words of condemnation for this church as well.
This church was filled with those who held to false teachings. A woman in the church was calling herself a prophetess and leading the people to practice sexual immorality and eating meat that was sacrificed to idols. Jesus said that He would bring judgment upon this woman and her followers unless they repented.
We also talked about what it means to overcome. The true believer in Jesus Christ is the one who overcomes. Being a Christian doesn't mean saying a prayer so I can get to Heaven. Being a Christian means following Jesus every day and following His commandments. We are to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. We are not saved by works, but faith is evidenced by our deeds and obedience to Jesus.
Today, we will begin Revelation chapter 3 and focus on Jesus' message to the church at Sardis. In verse one Jesus says, "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead." In other words, this church was spiritually dead. They were not in obedience to the Lord, they were not producing spiritual fruit and they were not advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This is the case with many churches in the world today. They are calling themselves a church, but they are spiritually dead. I'm not talking about music or liturgy. They are dead because they are not doing anything to spread the gospel. Sadly, many churches go year after year without seeing one person come to faith in Christ. People are not advancing in their walk with the Lord and in their spirtitual disciplines. I know of many churches that are little more than social organizations. They have a lot of dinners, parties and events, but the gospel is not preached, and lives are not changed.
A growing and a vibrant church is a soul winning church. The love of Jesus is preached in the pulpit, and the members are actively engaged in following the Great Commission.
In verse two, Jesus asks the people in the church at Sardis to "strengthen the things which remain." I think that there are two possible meanings for this verse. First of all, Jesus is saying that those things that the church was doing that honored Him, the church at Sardis should keep doing them and do more. I also believe that Jesus is telling those in the church who were faithful to Him to remain strong and continue in the good work of service to the Kingdom.
In verse three, Jesus urges the people to repent or that He would come upon them as a thief, and they would not know when He was coming. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are always to be watchful in anticipation of Jesus' Second Coming. Jesus urged His followers in the four gospels to be ready and watchful.
As followers of Jesus, we are to be living in such a way that we would not be ashamed if Jesus was to return. Jesus could return at any moment. No man knows the day or the hour. We must follow the commandments and teachings of Jesus so that we will be ready should Jesus return at any moment. We do not want to be engaged in sinful behavior and be ashamed when our Lord returns. And He will return. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
Even as dead as the church in Sardis was, there were still faithful followers of the Lord in its midst. They were not following the path of immorality, but they were living righteous and holy lives that were pleasing to the Lord. Jesus says, "They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy."
Jesus says in verse five that the one who overcomes will be clothed in white garments. This signifies the righteousness that only Jesus Christ can provide. Those who put their faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus receive the imputed righteousness of Christ.
Jesus says that their names would not be blotted out of the Book of Life, and Jesus would confess them before the Father in Heaven. This leads us to the whole discussion of the doctrine of eternal security.
I do not believe in the doctrine of eternal security as it is taught by Calvinists. I do not believe in falling from grace as taught by many Arminians. First of all, the person who is engaged in perpetual sinfulness is demonstrating by their actions that they are not really a follower of Jesus. I know some Calvinists who believe that if you have prayed the sinner's prayer and had faith at that moment that know matter if you become a carnal Christian, you are saved and on your way to Heaven. Scripture does not teach this. A true Christian follows the will of Jesus.
Some believe that every time you commit a sin you lose your salvation. Scripture does not teach this. The Bible says that if we confess our sins, Jesus will forgive us.
I do believe that the Bible teaches that a person who believed in Jesus and followed Him can make the decision to stop following the Lord. Jesus speaks about this in the parable of the Sower and Seed. Those who believed and then turned their back on the Lord are blotted out of the Book of Life.
In Sardis, some believed, but were now going back to their pagan ways. Those who remained faithful to the Lord would not be blotted out of the Book of Life like those who turned from Christ to their former paganism.
Next week, I will post a book review on Wednesday. In the Weekend Sermon, we will study the words of Jesus to the church at Philadelphia. May God bless you . Amen.
When we last studied in the book of Revelation together, we looked at the message that Jesus gave to the church at Thyatira. Jesus commended the members of this church for their good works and for the fact they were continuing to do more for the Kingdom of Heaven as they progressed in the faith. However, Jesus had some harsh words of condemnation for this church as well.
This church was filled with those who held to false teachings. A woman in the church was calling herself a prophetess and leading the people to practice sexual immorality and eating meat that was sacrificed to idols. Jesus said that He would bring judgment upon this woman and her followers unless they repented.
We also talked about what it means to overcome. The true believer in Jesus Christ is the one who overcomes. Being a Christian doesn't mean saying a prayer so I can get to Heaven. Being a Christian means following Jesus every day and following His commandments. We are to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. We are not saved by works, but faith is evidenced by our deeds and obedience to Jesus.
Today, we will begin Revelation chapter 3 and focus on Jesus' message to the church at Sardis. In verse one Jesus says, "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead." In other words, this church was spiritually dead. They were not in obedience to the Lord, they were not producing spiritual fruit and they were not advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This is the case with many churches in the world today. They are calling themselves a church, but they are spiritually dead. I'm not talking about music or liturgy. They are dead because they are not doing anything to spread the gospel. Sadly, many churches go year after year without seeing one person come to faith in Christ. People are not advancing in their walk with the Lord and in their spirtitual disciplines. I know of many churches that are little more than social organizations. They have a lot of dinners, parties and events, but the gospel is not preached, and lives are not changed.
A growing and a vibrant church is a soul winning church. The love of Jesus is preached in the pulpit, and the members are actively engaged in following the Great Commission.
In verse two, Jesus asks the people in the church at Sardis to "strengthen the things which remain." I think that there are two possible meanings for this verse. First of all, Jesus is saying that those things that the church was doing that honored Him, the church at Sardis should keep doing them and do more. I also believe that Jesus is telling those in the church who were faithful to Him to remain strong and continue in the good work of service to the Kingdom.
In verse three, Jesus urges the people to repent or that He would come upon them as a thief, and they would not know when He was coming. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are always to be watchful in anticipation of Jesus' Second Coming. Jesus urged His followers in the four gospels to be ready and watchful.
As followers of Jesus, we are to be living in such a way that we would not be ashamed if Jesus was to return. Jesus could return at any moment. No man knows the day or the hour. We must follow the commandments and teachings of Jesus so that we will be ready should Jesus return at any moment. We do not want to be engaged in sinful behavior and be ashamed when our Lord returns. And He will return. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
Even as dead as the church in Sardis was, there were still faithful followers of the Lord in its midst. They were not following the path of immorality, but they were living righteous and holy lives that were pleasing to the Lord. Jesus says, "They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy."
Jesus says in verse five that the one who overcomes will be clothed in white garments. This signifies the righteousness that only Jesus Christ can provide. Those who put their faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus receive the imputed righteousness of Christ.
Jesus says that their names would not be blotted out of the Book of Life, and Jesus would confess them before the Father in Heaven. This leads us to the whole discussion of the doctrine of eternal security.
I do not believe in the doctrine of eternal security as it is taught by Calvinists. I do not believe in falling from grace as taught by many Arminians. First of all, the person who is engaged in perpetual sinfulness is demonstrating by their actions that they are not really a follower of Jesus. I know some Calvinists who believe that if you have prayed the sinner's prayer and had faith at that moment that know matter if you become a carnal Christian, you are saved and on your way to Heaven. Scripture does not teach this. A true Christian follows the will of Jesus.
Some believe that every time you commit a sin you lose your salvation. Scripture does not teach this. The Bible says that if we confess our sins, Jesus will forgive us.
I do believe that the Bible teaches that a person who believed in Jesus and followed Him can make the decision to stop following the Lord. Jesus speaks about this in the parable of the Sower and Seed. Those who believed and then turned their back on the Lord are blotted out of the Book of Life.
In Sardis, some believed, but were now going back to their pagan ways. Those who remained faithful to the Lord would not be blotted out of the Book of Life like those who turned from Christ to their former paganism.
Next week, I will post a book review on Wednesday. In the Weekend Sermon, we will study the words of Jesus to the church at Philadelphia. May God bless you . Amen.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Book Review and Update
It has been awhile since the last book reviews, so I am going to talk about two books today. The first book is called "Thomas Gray Philosopher Cat". This is an older book, but I just read it recently. It is about a cat who comes to a college in England and becomes the pet of a clergyman who is also a professor at the college. Together, they make a mathematical discover. You will have to read the book to understand this. It is also interesting how Thomas Gray got her name. This is an unusual book. It is philosophical, but not in a technical way. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
The second book I want to recommend is by poet Mary Oliver. The book is entitled "The Truro Bear". I enjoy all of Mary Oliver's poetry, and this volume contains some of her best poems. She is a great poet of nature. Her poetry is accessible for all readers. I especially enjoy her prose poems.
Finally, please pray that the Lord will supply what I need this month to pay the bills. I've been without enough work for so long that with all of the car repairs this month I have little money left. If something positive doesn't happen by Monday, I may be forced to sell my car just to be able to stay in my house. I know that the Lord has helped me in the past. I'm just worried, because this is the worst it has ever been. Tomorrow is the day my Mom passed away, and with all of these continuing financial burdens, I am very depressed. Once again, please pray that the Lord will help me. Also, I will post a sermon this weekend. I don't know if it will be Friday, Saturday or Sunday, but I will post one. Thank you for your prayers. May you know the Lord's love today.
The second book I want to recommend is by poet Mary Oliver. The book is entitled "The Truro Bear". I enjoy all of Mary Oliver's poetry, and this volume contains some of her best poems. She is a great poet of nature. Her poetry is accessible for all readers. I especially enjoy her prose poems.
Finally, please pray that the Lord will supply what I need this month to pay the bills. I've been without enough work for so long that with all of the car repairs this month I have little money left. If something positive doesn't happen by Monday, I may be forced to sell my car just to be able to stay in my house. I know that the Lord has helped me in the past. I'm just worried, because this is the worst it has ever been. Tomorrow is the day my Mom passed away, and with all of these continuing financial burdens, I am very depressed. Once again, please pray that the Lord will help me. Also, I will post a sermon this weekend. I don't know if it will be Friday, Saturday or Sunday, but I will post one. Thank you for your prayers. May you know the Lord's love today.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Update
My car is back up and running again. Thanks be to God. I will start posting book reviews again next Wednesday, and I will post the next sermon in our series in Revelation next Friday.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Update
I have had major trouble with my car. I'm not sure that I will be able to fix it any time soon. I am going to take an extended leave from working on the blog. I really don't want to do this as this is the most fun I have all week. However, things in my life are not going well, and without a reliable vehicle, I don't know when I will be able to get to the library and post items. Hopefully, I can get back to posting in a couple of weeks, but it may be longer. Until then, thank you to everyone who has read this blog over the last two and a half years. It has been fun. I especially enjoyed posting the sermons. I felt like I was really following God's call on my life. Once again thank you, and I will return when I can. May God bless you.
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