Sermons

Being called our this world is a kind of awakening from God. It is being brought from deception into a knowledge of the freedom of truth. However, Satan still seeks to deceive and to enslave any who would believe his lies. Christians need to continually be on guard understanding that these lies are masquerading as truth. Believing and acting on this kind of deception can lead to death. On the other hand, following Jesus Christ, resisting Satan, overcoming the world, avoiding false doctrine and false teachers and not deceiving ourselves are some of the ways in which we can avoid being deceived.

When we hear that someone is in prison, or that he or she had been in prison, we immediately think or assume that the person must have done something terribly wrong. At times, we may hear that somebody was sent to jail who was innocent, and that after years of having served the prison term, his or her innocence was proven. When that happens, we still pride ourselves with the illusion that the system works — and that the innocent person was just a necessary casualty of the system. We need to be careful not to loose sympathy and empathy for prisoners. The Bible has quite a bit to say about innocent righteous prisoners that ended up in the jails of this world. They were jailed because they stood up for God and His way of life. At other times, they were imprisoned because others envied them, wanting to take advantage of them, coveting what they had. God allowed that His servants be jailed. He allowed it for a reason. This is important to understand as the Bible prophesies that many of God’s servants will be imprisoned in the future — before Christ’s return.

God places tremendous value on human life. He has a great purpose in mind for mankind to the point He was willing to allow Jesus Christ to empty Himself of the very God Essence and to come to this earth in the form of a flesh and blood human being in order that God’s purpose should be fulfilled. As a part of His purpose, God has charged us, as parents, to see that our children be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

The European Union’s effort to seal its first-ever constitution collapsed Saturday, December 13, 2003, after leaders could not agree on the best way to divvy power once the 15-member bloc adds 10 new members next year. The key stumbling block was a proposal from Germany and France to scrap a complicated point system that was accepted in 2000 and gave Spain and Poland almost as many votes as Germany, which has twice as many people as either. French President Jacques Chirac called for smaller pioneer groups of countries to forge ahead with closer integration in defense, economic policy and justice. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder predicted that there will emerge a Europe of two speeds. The Bible prophecies that in the end, ten nations or groups of nations will lead Europe. They will receive power for a very short time, and transfer it to the “Beast,” a political and military European leader. He is referred to as the king of the north, the beast, and King Jareb of Assyria.

We are soldiers of God and we need the armor of God in order to overcome the adversary Satan. It is very crucial that we have the whole armor not just a part if it.

It is vitally important for Christians to have the big picture perspective of how their lives relate to the master plan of God. The Bible speaks of events that are past, present and future. In order to not repeat the mistakes of history, God has given an extensive record in the Bible of individuals and events from past generations. Furthermore, the Bible also reveals the concept of eternity. It shows that God has been working out His purpose for mankind beginning even before the creation of the universe. Understanding and acting on the lessons of the past will help us assure our future in the Kingdom of God.

God has called us to bring us into His kingdom. He has called us to succeed. If God had any doubt whether or not we will succeed, He would not have called us in this day and age. God is sure and certain that we will make it into His kingdom. How certain are we about it? Only one person can prevent you from making it — and that person is you yourself. That is why we need to conquer our fears and doubts. That is why we need to overcome. But, in God’s eyes, this battle will be won.

Are we fulfilling what our Heavenly Father is requiring of us in order for us to achieve the results we desire in the calling we have received? Is the knowledge we have received helping us in the transformation of the way we think and act? As this transformation is taking place, do we see positive results in our lives as to growth and change, as we learn the Way of God? Are these results we are achieving pleasing in God’s sight? How are we doing?

Where are we and what should we be doing as it relates to God’s plan for this world? In a time when the Church of God has become broken up into remnant groups, many have withdrawn inwardly. However, the commission to the Church remains in force! On the one hand, the Church is warned to come out of and be separate from this world, while on the other hand it is sent to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world. The Church must be doing both these things and doing them in light of the plan of God

As we get back into our daily activities, having returned from eight wonderful days observing the Feast of Tabernacles, we must be ever mindful that our calling from God is a calling to live a certain way – a way which is contrary to the ways of this world. We must not allow the cares of this life to distract us to the point that we fail in this tremendous calling.

California’s wildfires have been in the national and international news. To see the images on TV or read newspaper articles with photographs is one thing — to be right in the middle of those fires is quite another. My family and I found ourselves right in the middle of the Ramona fires. I’d like to share with you my thoughts and impressions, as I wrote them down, in the form of a diary, throughout the ordeal. It might help, perhaps, to communicate to others what is going on in the lives of those who find themselves surrounded by blazing flames of wildfires. We will also read Biblical passages to review the terrible time shortly ahead of us, prophesying the devastation, through fire, of the countries of modern Israel and Judah, and the rest of the entire world. We will review Scriptures explaining to us the reasons for such fiery devastation, and promising to us God’s protection during such terrible times.

If asked the question, “who are you,” many relationships or associations might correctly be used in answer. However, for Christians, it is important that we answer that question from the perspective of God’s Word. Three possible answers are explored with this in mind: (1.) you don’t know; (2.) you think you know; and, (3.) you know. Furthermore, the point is made that it is “Christ in us” that establishes how we are in relationship to God.

The Bible teaches that somebody must accept Christ in his life, in order to be saved and become a partaker of the resurrection and change to immortal life. This fact rules out all those ideas that non-Christians could inherit eternity, as long as they live in accordance with their conscience. We also read that God wants all people to be saved. However, most people have never heard of Christ. What will happen to them? Others have finally and irrevocably rejected Christ. What is their fate?

The Bible teaches more than just one resurrection. Although some commentaries understand the fact that there will be more than one resurrections, they have no correct explanation as to what will happen to the people, who will not be be in the first resurrection.

Are we seeking eternal life or are we facing eternal death? Those are the critical questions facing God’s people at this time. These questions are not to be taken lightly. Are our major objectives directed to this world or to the world to come? We each are making our choice as we live our lives today!

Jesus Christ revealed the Father. The Jews of His day who thought that they worshipped God were deceived and had created a religion based on their own traditions. However, coming to know the Father is an opportunity that is now given to Christians.
How well we are doing in that relationships is vital. One way to grow in that acquaintance is to know His Son, Jesus Christ, and to have the mind of Christ in us through the Holy Spirit. Learning to love will also help us learn about the Father. The Father is God, and we must consider His majesty to know who He is. Finally, Christians have the promise that in our future we will be with God and see Him.

The Church of God has taught for many years that in the plan of God – He will provide for a place of refuge – or as some have said – a place of final training for God’s people during the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. What does the Bible tell us about such an idea?

Is it immaterial to God that we follow our conscience? Where do we draw the line? Is it alright to violate our conscience because a person tells us to do so? On the other hand, how can we be sure that our conscience does not violate God’s will? And if it does, do we still obey our conscience?

Conscience literally means, “knowing together,” “seeing together” or “agreeing with.” We must know, see, and agree with God. Our conscience is, all by itself, not infallible. It can be wrong, perverted, seared or defiled. Our conscience can never be an excuse to disobey God.

There is much written about our future in God’s Word. There are promises from God; there are specific jobs to accomplish and there are many instructions concerning how we should live our lives. Understanding what God has caused to be written both for and about us is vital. Five keys are given: (1.) Believe God’s Word; (2.) God reveals His Word and the understanding of His Word; (3.) We are to study God’s Word; (4.) We are being judged by the Word of God; and, (5.) God’s Word reveals our future.

Why would Christ have asked the question in Luke 18:8 of His people; “…when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Christ noted, specifically, four great enenies of faith in the process of training His disciples for the job He had for them to do. He knew we would all have to overcome these four enemies for faith to remain a viable force in our lives.

What do you think about yourself? Are you pretty comfortable with yourself? Do you like what you see? Would you want others to be like you? Or, do you hate yourself? Do you feel that you are a miserable failure, that you will never be able to overcome and change?

Do you have an accurate perception of yourself? Or do you suffer from self-deception?

Do we see ourselves as what we really are — or do we see us as invented images, either good or bad? Are we living a life of reality — or of make-belief?

Let us look at a few Biblical personalities who suffered — at least at times — from self-deception – -and let us analyze the biblical warnings against living in a make-belief world.