God has visited His people but many missed it.
Notes
Transcript
Service Notes:
Baby Dedication
The scriptural root of a child dedication is found in 1 Samuel 1:27–28 . A godly woman named Hannah prayed year after year for God to give her a child. He answered her prayer and she gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel. When Samuel was born, Hannah prayed these words:
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.
1 Samuel 1:27–28 (KJV 1900)
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.
27 For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
28 Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.
Does Vision baptize infants?
Does Vision baptize infants?
No, scripture provides evidence that baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, and 10:47–48). And the New Testament records the baptisms of believers only.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
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Sermon Introduction
Dylan leaves for Chile tonight! Dylan we want you to tell them somethings about Jesus.
Dylan prays after Bible reading.
Luke is telling us two stories that are designed to help us and his original readers appreciate more fully who Jesus is.
In this first story Jesus heads back to his home town. Matthew 4:13 “And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:”
And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
Jesus speaks about his authority in 6:20–49 and then demonstrates it in 7:1–17.
Luke 7:1–17 (AV)
Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
In any crowd you can have varying views and understandings of Jesus
In any crowd you can have varying views and understandings of Jesus
Story: Times you think you are meeting one person but ends up being someone else. [Tommy Bowden]
Difference will be seen in faith.
This ancient crowd does not struggle with the issue of Jesus’ miracle; they are there and see it. What they struggle to understand is his great authority.
Luke 7:16–17 (KJV 1900)
And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
Jesus was misunderstood.
Jesus was misunderstood.
Jesus love was dependent on the good the man had done for others.
Jesus would not want to go into the home of the gentile man.
Jesus needed to go into the home for the man’s servant to be healed.
Jesus was more than a prophet. v. 16
Jesus is more compassionate than you know.
Jesus is more compassionate than you know.
Biblical understanding of compassion
Biblical understanding of compassion
If you have seen the Son you have seen the Father. We should not be surprised to see compassion in the life of Christ.
Psalm 86:15 (KJV 1900)
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious,
Longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
God is full of compassion and has been and will be for all eternity.
Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV 1900)
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
First instance where we could see a response to man and his sin seen in the Garden.
Genesis 3:15 (KJV 1900)
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
God told how He would suffer for sin before He told Adam and the Eve of their consequences for sin.
Compassion is different than empathy!
Empathy says “I can relate with you” but compassion says “i will get involved” / suffer with
In Jesus we see compassion defined.
In Jesus we see compassion defined.
When Jesus saw His friends weeping at the grave of Lazarus, He felt compassion for them and wept alongside them John 11:33-35
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.
Moved with compassion for the suffering of others, Jesus healed the large crowds who came to Him Matthew 14:14
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
Jesus sought individuals who sought His healing Mark 1:40-41
And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
When He saw the large crowds as sheep without a shepherd, His compassion led Him to teach them the things the false shepherds of Israel had abandoned.
The priests and scribes were proud and corrupt; they despised the common people and neglected them, but Jesus had compassion on them, and He taught and loved them.
Compassion seen with the Centurion
Compassion seen with the Centurion
Luke 7:2–3 (KJV 1900)
And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
Beautiful expression “when he heard of Jesus”
Beautiful expression “when he heard of Jesus”
Jesus did not care if he was a gentile
We have seen Jesus cleanse the physically unclean but now the ethnically outcast.
Jesus was willing to go into His house
Jesus did not need to see the man’s resume to care for him / as seen in the following miracle
Compassion shown upon the widow
Compassion shown upon the widow
Luke 7:13 (KJV 1900)
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Jesus saw a woman without hope, a woman who lost her only son, Jesus was moved with compassion.
With no respect of person. Not because she could do anything to repay Him.
Touches the cart carrying the casket. This should have made him “unclean”
Compassion should be a distinctive mark of our lives.
Compassion should be a distinctive mark of our lives.
How can we say the love of the father is in it if does not show unto our brother?
How can we say the love of the father is in it if does not show unto our brother?
1 John 3:17 (KJV 1900)
But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Originally made in His image, man is to exemplify God’s traits, including compassion. But due to the fall this does not often happen.
1 John 4:20 (KJV 1900)
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
The Bible is clear that compassion is an attribute of God and of God’s people as well.
“These gurus promise to teach you how to build self-esteem in your children. Have you noticed that no books promise to help produce children who esteem others?” - Shepherding a child’s heart
Compassion requires action
Compassion requires action
Here is how they remember and speak of the life of Jesus in Acts
Acts 10:38 (KJV 1900)
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Proverbs 31:8–9 (KJV 1900)
Open thy mouth for the dumb
In the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
Open thy mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb In the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.
1 John 3:18 (KJV 1900)
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
You cannot speak of the compassion of Jesus without speaking of His action of willfully going to the cross. He suffered in our place.
Romans 3:25 (KJV 1900)
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Jesus is the most compassionate but He has made us to be compassionate people. However, there are attributes of Him that are not true of us. He is a miracle worker.
Jesus is a miracle worker.
Jesus is a miracle worker.
Luke 7:10 (KJV 1900)
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Jesus miracles highlight His words
Jesus miracles highlight His words
Most things of magic we see start of with gibberish.
Abracadabra
Bibbidy Boppidy Boo
Kazam
Tada
Whoop there it is? (who says that? I would - Greg)
Examples:
Jesus feeding a crowd by multiplying bread and fish to prepare them for the sermon entitled “I am the bread of life.”
Jesus tells the lame man to rise and walk to prove the other claim, “Here stands one who can forgive sins.”
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead as the exclamation point to the sentences, John 11:25 “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Jesus turns the water into wine, stills the storm, cast demons into swine — all to provoke the question, Mark 4:41 “41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Miracles always have a purpose
Miracles always have a purpose
John 3:2 (KJV 1900)
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.
2 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.
Result of these miracles will be John the Baptist asking questions
Result of these miracles will be John the Baptist asking questions
Luke 7:18–19 (KJV 1900)
And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
At the beginning of his ministry, he confounds his disciples by leaving the town in which many were seeking him for more miracles,
At the beginning of his ministry, he confounds his disciples by leaving the town in which many were seeking him for more miracles,
38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.
My theologian niece, told me daughter one Easter “Jesus did not come to earth just to do miracles. He came here to go to the cross but healing people is what Jesus would do on His way there.”
Many people recognized the compassion of Jesus and His ability to do miracles but unlike the centurion they did not recognize His authority.
We need to see Jesus with the faith of the centurion
We need to see Jesus with the faith of the centurion
Faith in Jesus recognizes his authority.
Luke 7:9 (AV)
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Jesus Marveled!
Jesus Marveled!
We see this one other time due to unbelief.
Mark 6:6 (KJV 1900)
And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Faith creates a humility as we recognize the authority of Jesus
Faith creates a humility as we recognize the authority of Jesus
Matthew 8:7–8 (KJV 1900)
And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
Faith will always demonstrate itself in humility: the recognition of the uniqueness of God’s power and our unworthiness before it, while trusting in God’s care.
Others had yet to recognize this authority in the life of Christ
Others had yet to recognize this authority in the life of Christ
Luke 7:9 (KJV 1900)
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
They walked with Jesus but did not recognize His authority over all. They could only see a good man.
The centurion saw through eyes of faith what others did not see.
1 Peter 3:22 (KJV 1900)
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive Introduction
I heard years ago about General Wainwright. General Wainwright was one of our great American generals who was taken captive by the Japanese in World War II and held in a Japanese prison camp, and the Japanese soldiers loved to abuse him, and to ridicule him, and to taunt him, and to humiliate him, because they knew that he was a great American general, and now they had the authority over him, he had been taken captive. But one day there came a little airplane and landed on that island where General Wainwright was held prisoner, and there went an envoy in and delivered a message, and it said that the war was over, and the allies had won, and that Japan had been defeated, and that Japan had surrendered, and that the base was now under the control of the United States of America, and all of the prisoners of war were now free men.
The Bible describes those of us who believe as those who are able to see by faith Jesus authority on our lives.
The Bible describes those of us who believe as those who are able to see by faith Jesus authority on our lives.
Ephesians 1:19–22 (KJV 1900)
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Faith is the determining factor in a person’s eternal destiny.
Faith is the determining factor in a person’s eternal destiny.
We have seen this over and over in Luke 6 as Jesus speaks about the Kingdom
And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said,
Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled.
Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger.
Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Luke 6:20 (KJV 1900)
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said,
Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
Do you know I have a dinner reservation made with this centurion and Jesus?
Revelation 19:9 (KJV 1900)
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Look at who will be at this table.
Not those who only recognize Jesus as a compassionate prophet and one who does miracles because even the demons recognize this.
Not those of a certain ethical or social class.
But those that recognize His authroity.
Those who truly know “That God hath visited his people. “
We live in a day of lawlessness of diminishing love for one another.
We live in a day of lawlessness of diminishing love for one another.
Matthew 24:12 (KJV 1900)
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
The world lies to us.
Tells us freedom from all authority will create a world of love.
The world would have us fall in love with the thoughts of autonomy and no authorities in our lives.
This is not just a lie for our teenagers.
A life of faith recognizes spiritual authority.
A life of faith recognizes spiritual authority.
Psalm 119:54 (KJV 1900)
Thy statutes have been my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.
Do you recognize and love the authority of Jesus Christ? Jesus marvelled in that day because it was so rare for the Centurion to recognize this. Is Jesus marveling today at your belief or unbelief of His authority in this world?
Conclusion
Conclusion
Today we started the service with a group of parents that recognized the claim and authority that God has upon their kids lives.
Not just as a compassionate, miracle working prophet but as the Lord of the Universe.
Maybe as a child you participated in a similar service maybe not but I ask you do you have the faith of the centurion today?