The Result of His Love - Part 2
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· 10 viewsThe children of God are not perfect, but we are being perfected!
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Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Babies bring such joy into a family! I remember the excitement that I experienced each time McKenzie told me that she was expecting and then again several months later when she would say, “It’s time!”
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who did not see things your way, and it made you wonder, “How in the world can they not see this? How is it possible for them not to understand that I am right?!?”
The issue there is that you have two different perspectives - two approaches to the subject that leads you to different conclusions.
In much the same way, the world looks at us and wonders, “How in the world can they believe in some old genie in the sky that they call ‘God’ who grants wishes like Santa Claus?!?”
People like Richard Dawkins, renowned author and self proclaimed militant atheist who compared belief in God to believing in a flying spaghetti monster. They do this because they don’t know God. They don’t know Jesus Christ.
Our belief in Jesus causes them to not really understand us either. They view us as weird, but the reality is that there is enough evidence to show that what we believe is real. This is not mythology or science fiction that makes us feel warm and fuzzy.
It is belief in the One Who created everything with the word from His mouth. He spoke all things into existence and gave them order, structure, reason, and balance; and He keeps it all going by His word!
Even the most studied scholars who reject belief in God have to admit that they do not know how it all started. They have their best guesses and hypotheses, but there are some things that still go unexplained. Bottomline, God is bigger than our human comprehension.
So many reject the possibility of God! If they considered God in their hypotheses, they would see that He makes it completely understandable. He is the missing element in their equation. He could be the missing element to your equation.
If someone has made up their mind that they will not believe, it is almost impossible to convince them otherwise. Notice, I said, “almost” not entirely impossible.
However, he had an encounter that put him face to face with the reality of Jesus Christ, and he believed. He believed to the point that he became a preacher of the Gospel and was used by God to plant many churches and write a large portion of the New Testament. We know him more commonly as Paul the apostle.
So, child of God, don’t be discouraged when you face skeptics! Be encouraged that if you will stay humble and let the Holy Spirit guide you as you witness, you may be the one whom God uses to win the next Paul!
Confusion is everywhere - I believe that is especially true in religion. That is why it is so important to know what the Bible teaches. Some say that you cannot know that you are saved. Some say that you cannot know that you have eternal life. Some will tell you that you have to wait until you die to find out where you go. What a miserable way to live!
This is not what the Bible says. In fact, John is writing (through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) and he tells us about
He tells us about
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1 John
The Relationship We Now Enjoy
The Relationship We Now Enjoy
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
John tells this group of believers that they are now the sons of God - present tense. They do not have to worry about what they might do or what may happen because they have a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ. This relationship means they are part of the family - God is their Father. He always takes care of His own, and He never, EVER disowns His children!
How does one become a child of God? It is through faith.
I can almost hear some say, “All paths lead to Heaven!”
That is like saying, “No matter which I take, I will reach New York City!”
My friend, if you are of the belief that all roads and all religions will take you to heaven, you are completely entitled to your belief, and I respect your right to believe what you choose - so does God. However, that does not mean that you are correct.
Please listen to me for a moment. There is nothing more important to me then where you will spend eternity. I have studied many beliefs and found that there is no hope in the religions of the world.
At their core, they all tell you to try your best and hope for the best. Some even give you no hope for anything better. For instance, the Koran does not speak of forgiveness. While there are definitely some differences, Buddhism and Hinduism both speak of living life over and over through reincarnation until you get it right by being good enough, depriving yourself of desires eventually ending up in what they call the blissful state of non-existence. That is hopeless and not reality!
Most religions tell you that Jesus was a good teacher and prophet, but not the Son of God. However, He taught that He is the Son of God. If He were not, then He was teaching falsehood and must not be considered a good teacher, and the lie would disqualify Him from being a good prophet. In reality, Jesus is the Son of God. He is the Messiah that the Jewish people have looked for for thousands of years. He is the promised deliverer. He is the One of Whom God spoke when He told Eve that her Seed would bruise Satan’s head while His heel would be bruised. He is the Creator.
The reason Jesus Christ came and paid the price to close the gap between us and God and to give us eternal life and a relationship with Himself for all eternity!
and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
But we are all as an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
And we all do fade as a leaf;
And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
It does not matter what your ethnic heritage may be or even your religious or nonreligious background. What matters is do you now believe that Jesus Christ is the sinless, eternal Son of God? Do you believe that He gave His life on the cross and shed His blood to pay for your sins? Do you recognize your inability to make it to Heaven through your efforts?
Will you call on Him in faith and ask Him to save you?
He promises to save all who will come to Him in faith.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
He will save you and make you a child of God. If you have received His gift of grace, you are a child of God! Praise the Lord for this!
Let’s pause for a moment and consider what we have heard so far.
Maybe you have questions. Maybe you came today to see what all the excitement is about. We welcome your questions. We want you to ask. We want to help you learn the truth and be able to say with confidence that you know you are a child of God.
Jesus Christ desires a relationship with you. He made it possible for you to have a relationship with Him. He invites you into a relationship. He takes the guilt. He forgives the sin. Jesus gives purpose and hope!
He takes the guilt. He forgives the sin. He gives purpose and hope!
Would you trust Him today?
If you are ready to do this now, it is as simple as talking to God in the quietness of your heart. Just say to Him that you know you are a sinner and that you understand that as a sinner, you are separated from God. You cannot go to Heaven on your own merit. Tell Him that you believe Jesus died on the cross for you. Tell Him that you, right now, receive His gift of eternal life.
Let’s take a minute to pray before we continue.
If you just prayed and received Jesus as your Saviour, I want to rejoice with you. Please
That is the Relationship We Now Enjoy. Next we see,
That is the Relationship We Now Enjoy. Next we see,
The Reality We Must Accept
The Reality We Must Accept
Becoming a child of God, Jesus said, is by being born again into God’s family.
He will ultimately finish the job of perfecting us
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.
Babies bring such joy into a family! I remember the excitement that I experienced each time McKenzie told me that she was expecting and then again several months later when she would say, “It’s time!”
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
John
John 3:
Babies bring such joy into a family, but they require so much work! I remember the excitement that I experienced each time McKenzie told me that she was expecting and then again several months later when she would say, “It’s time!”
Those tiny little humans came into this world without the ability to talk, walk, feed themselves, read, write, clean up after themselves, or really anything other than sleep, eat, poop, cry, repeat. They needed a LOT of help.
McKenzie and I were given the responsibility by God to see to it that they were loved and nurtured. We were privileged to teach and train in the ways of the Lord. It was overwhelming at times when they began to walk and get into stuff. It really got interesting when they began to use their imagination.
There were times when I felt a little like God must have felt when He said, The imaginations of man were evil continually. It seemed that if the boys weren’t getting into something it was because they were asleep. Like when I came home from work and found McKenzie with one of those “These monsters are yours!” looks.
What is going on?
“Look in the bathtub.”
There in our tub were some of the boys toys. One was a large toy ship..
I thought, “Ok! So they wanted to play with their pirate ship in the tub and a bunch of toys.” I didn’t see what the problem was.
“Just go look in their room.”
I stepped into their bedroom and found them standing over a little table wiping it with paper towels and smiling sheepishly at me. Their window was coated in something white and so were the bottom of the curtains and comforter.
I looked wide eyed in disbelief at McKenzie as she came into the room. She told me that she had been cleaning and realized that Levi and Noah had become really quiet. That is NEVER a good sign. Still today. Jk.
When she went to check on them, she found that they had put DESITIN all over their window, their table, their pirate ship, the pirates, and anything else they could! That stuff does not come off easily!! I don’t think we ever got it all out.
They actually grew out of that stage. Still, through the years, they would go through other phases. Today, they still have areas of growth they are working on, just like we all do.
It helped me realize that we are all the same way. McKenzie has to hide the DESITIN so I don’t put it all over my toys.
We all go through stages of life where we are difficult to live with. I am so thankful for the patience of others and grace of God as He has helped me to grow.
Jesus says that when we come to Him in faith, we are born into the family of God. We become babies in the family of God, and our Heavenly Father helps us to grow and mature.
Jesus is all about changing lives. He specializes in taking dirty, rotten scoundrels and transforming us into loving, gracious saints.
There are two aspects of this transformation:
Spiritual - that is what God sees - it is inward
Physical - that is what everyone sees - it is outward
Scripture puts it this way:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold, all things are become new.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Old things have passed away - spiritually, and old things (habits, attitudes, actions, reactions) are passing away - they are becoming a thing of the past. All things are become new - physically, and all things are becoming new physically as the Holy Spirit changes is from the inside.
It gets frustrating sometimes when my own humanity and sinfulness reveals itself. I often wish that God would have made us perfect at the moment of our salvation. In His infinite wisdom, He saw fit to allow us this period of time for spiritual growth. It helps us realize our dependence upon Him and relate to all those coming behind us as well as those growing with us. The fact that we are not perfect is no excuse to do whatever we want, although it does explain why we still battle with sin.
God gives victory. Here are five habits we can start today to experience this victory:
This salvation is the holiness and righteousness of Christ given to us. The Holy Spirit has placed this in our lives. It is incumbent upon us to yield to Him and strive to reflect the holiness of Christ that we have received. This is how others will see Christ in us. This is how our friends and family will see that Jesus is real, that He is powerful, that He really does change lives!
If you are like me, you grieve over the fact that we still do wrong. It is our desire to be changed. The Holy Spirit is given to us to facilitate change in us. This does not come easy though.
God‘s Word teaches that we have three enemies - the world (the system of society around us that opposes God), of course the devil is our enemy, and the third enemy is our flesh. We have desires, attitudes, responses, habits that must be yielded to God. We must bring every aspect of our lives into obedience to Christ.
Although our enemies are fierce and strong, they are no match for the power of God! Scripture says,
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
In the next letter to the church at Corinth, Paul goes a little further. He tells them that ultimate victory is possible!
(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 gives victory
and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Here are some ways we can revenge our disobedience and grow in obedience to reflect Jesus Christ:
Here are some ways we can revenge our disobedience and grow in obedience to reflect Jesus Christ:
1. Make the Bible the most important part of your day.
1. Make the Bible the most important part of your day.
Spend time reading the Bible daily. Set aside time periodically for deeper Bible study. Proverbs says,
My son, if thou wilt receive my words,
And hide my commandments with thee;
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom,
And apply thine heart to understanding;
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge,
And liftest up thy voice for understanding;
If thou seekest her as silver,
And searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
There is nothing and better to teach you how to be a success in God’s eyes than spending time in the Word of God.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2. Determine to obey whatever is plainly revealed in Scripture
2. Determine to obey whatever is plainly revealed in Scripture
The Christian life is not about do’s and don’ts, but rather it is about falling in love with Jesus and letting the righteousness of Christ be seen in our lives.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
It seems that too often, believers have this idea that if they show up to church they will be spiritual. It is almost as if Christianity takes place via osmosis. The Bible tells us that Christ likeness, which is true Christianity, is the result of letting God Word transform us.
3. Spend time talking to God in prayer
3. Spend time talking to God in prayer
Prayer is a tremendous resource that we have been given. Through prayer , we can speak directly to God and tell him anything that is on our hearts and minds. While he already knows it all, he wants to hear from us.
In giving us the list of the spiritual armor we should put on daily, God wrapped it up with prayer.
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:
call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
4. Be involved in your church
4. Be involved in your church
God tells us in His Word that the church is a body that exists to honor God, encourage believers, and actively share the Gospel. Each ministry of the church is an opportunity for you to be involved in the work that Jesus Christ gave us to do. The more involvement by the membership, the greater the capacity for effectiveness. Not only does the body grow, but we grow individually as well. Just his week lives were impacted by ministry through at skid, row, door of hope and eliot middle school.
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
5. Ask God daily how you can be a better reflection of Him.
5. Ask God daily how you can be a better reflection of Him.
You know, there are periods of growth in our walk with Christ when it seems that everything we do is wrong. This is especially true for a new believer. God lovingly shows us each thing in our lives that is not pleasing to Him. He shows us those things that do not reveal His power to the world.
We need to humble ourselves and yield them to Him right away!
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Remember, He doesn’t show us our sin to make fun of us and to beat us down. He shows us our sin in order to give us victory over it. In order to get the help we need, we must realize and admit the problem.
Rejecting the reality of the issue never resolves it. Only honesty and repentance will help you. Jesus is the answer! He will help you to grow more and more into His likeness as you walk closely with Him.
Only honesty and repentance will help you.
Let’s take a moment and consider what we have heard today.
God wants a relationship with you, and He wants fellowship with you. How is your fellowship with God? Do you spend time in the Bible daily? How is your prayer life? Church faithfulness and involvement? How well are you reflecting Christ to those around you? I don’t mean, “Are you perfect?” I mean, can others see the changes Jesus is making in your life?
The Reason We Have Hope
The Reason We Have Hope
Jesus is coming back! It could be today! Are you ready?
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept
Why not take a moment right now and talk to Jesus about that?
Maybe you do not consider yourself a believer. Maybe you came today just to show support for a friend or family member who is being baptized. Maybe you have questions. Maybe you came today to see what all the excitement is about. We welcome your questions. We want you to ask.
Maybe you have questions. Maybe you came today to see what all the excitement is about. We welcome your questions. We want you to ask. We want to help you learn the truth and be able to say with confidence that you know you are a child of God.
We are not here to force anything upon you or to pressure you into any prayer. We want to help you learn the truth and be able to say with confidence that you know you are a child of God.
Jesus Christ desires a relationship with you. He made it possible for you to have a relationship with Him. He invites you into a relationship. He takes the guilt. He forgives the sin. Jesus gives purpose and hope!
Would you trust Him today?
If you are ready and would like to do this now, it is as simple as talking to God in the quietness of your heart. Just say to Him that you know you are a sinner and that you understand that as a sinner, you are separated from God. You cannot go to Heaven on your own merit. Tell Him that you believe Jesus died on the cross for you. Tell Him that you, right now, receive His gift of eternal life. The exact words you say are not what is important. What is important is your repentance and faith.
Repentance is a change of mind and heart. Faith is belief in Jesus Christ as the only way to heaven.
You can pray something like this:
In just a moment, I am going to invite you to go to the back to speak with a new friend. There are several people who will be wearing lanyards that say, “How may I help you?” These people would love to hear that you trusted in Jesus as your Savior. Just go to them and say, “I prayed with Phillip.” They have a gift to place in your hands. It is a gift bag that contains a Bible and a booklet entitled “First Steps for New Believers.”
Earlier in the service, we took a minute to pray in case there were some who wanted to receive God’s gift of eternal life right then. In just a moment, I am going to invite you to go to the back to speak with a new friend. There are several people who will be wearing lanyards that say, “How may I help you?” These people would love to hear that you trusted in Jesus as your Savior. Just go to them and say, “I prayed with Phillip.” They have a gift to place in your hands. It is a gift bag that contains a Bible and a booklet entitled “First Steps for New Believers.”
How is your fellowship with God