J L Newborn Ltd Digital Library

The Encyclopedia Of

Sermon Outlines

Volume One

Decisions

J. L. Newborn, Ltd. Kinston, NC 28501

Copyright © 2001 Jasper Newborn. All rights reserved

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OUTLINES ON DECISIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sermon Outlines Pages

“What Must I Do To Be Saved?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5What Shall I Do With Jesus? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6“This One Thing I Do” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Christ or Chaos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Go Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9The Hour of Decision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Man's Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Four Big Cheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Reasoning With God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14The Choice of a Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15“Remember Lot's Wife” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16There Can Be No Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17“Where Art Thou?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18“Thou Art the Man” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19The Tenth Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Touching the Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21The Touch of the Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Who Shall Go? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23God's Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24How Shall We Escape? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Marred Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Looking To Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27“Eternity” - The Momentous Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Idols in the Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Lies and Falsehood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30The Peace Christ Gives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31A Brand Plucked Out of the Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32“Thou Hast Sold Thyself To Do Evil” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Untenable Excuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34“How Much Owest Thou To My Lord?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Immortal Decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Building for Eternity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38A Cure for Our Worries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Overcoming Bad Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40“Awake Thou That Sleepest” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Stopping Short of the Promised Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42“What Wait I For?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43That Fatal Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44The Handwriting On God's Hands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45What Is Truth? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46The Way of Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47“Buy the Truth and Sell It Not” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48The Solemn Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Gilead's Balm and Physician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50The Bow in the Clouds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51God's Life Insurance Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52The Valley of Achor, The Door of Hope (Part I) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53The Valley of Achor, The Door of Hope (Part II) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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Sermon Outlines Pages

Why Every Infidel Should Be a Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55The Spirits in Prison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Bidding Good-bye to God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Sowing and Reaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58“We Will Serve the Lord” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59God's Mountains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60The Revealing of the Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61A Promise to the Overcomer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62The Loving Kindness of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63The Marvelous Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64What Lack I Yet? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65The Profanity of Esau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Take Heed What You Hear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67“Is There Not a Cause?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68“Be Troubled, Ye Careless Ones” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Repentance, Forgiveness, Retribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70The Supremacy of the Spiritual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Christ Receiving Sinners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72Bruises and Wounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73The Value of Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74The Power of Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Man, A Tomb or A Temple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76The Searching Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Prepare to Meet Thy God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78Divine Pardon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80Objects of the Divine Delight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81The Hope of the Backslider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82“And The Lord Shut Him In” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83The Bruised Reed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84The Poor Man's Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85The Unanswered Question . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86Pilate Washed His Hands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Life Belts for Sea Voyagers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88The Folly of Self-Confidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Playing With the Fires of Hell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90The Visible and the Invisible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91Buried Idols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92The Measure of God's Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93Christ's Yoke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94Kept by the Power of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95A Castaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96When the Guests Failed to Come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Coming Soul Famine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98The Deadly Danger of Drifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Seeking a Right Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100Two Ways to Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

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Unconscious Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102“Give Me My Price” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103The Choice of a Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105My God Is Able . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Past - Present - Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

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"WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?"ACTS 16:25-31

A. THE QUESTION, BY THE STARTLED JAILOR, REVEALS TWO GREAT GOSPEL TRUTHS WHICH EVERY SINNERMUST REALIZE1. The true condition of the sinner:

a. He is lost — body, soul, and spirit - Rom. 3:9-18b. He must realize that he is lost - Luke 18:13c. Finally, he must confess his lost condition - Rom. 7:24

2. For the encouragement of the penitent sinner:a. He knows that he can be saved from his sinful condition - 1 Tim. 1:15b. But, he must want to be saved -

(1) "Lord save me" - Matt. 14:30(2) "Lord save us: we perish" - Matt. 8:25

c. Most of all, he must do something about it to be saved -(1) The prodigal son acted - Luke 15:20(2) Blind Bartimaeus acted with persistence -Mark 10:46-52(3) Zacchaeus acted - Luke 19:5-9

B. HEAVEN'S ALL-SUFFICIENT ANSWER1. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ"

a. He is able to save to the uttermost - Heb. 7:25(1) The thief on the cross experienced it - Luke 23:44(2) So did the woman of Samaria - John 4:1-28

b. He is the sinners' only hope - Acts 4:12; John 3:16c. "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you" - John 6:53

2. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house":a. Saved from what? Matt. 1:21; Gal. 2:17; 1 John 3:8b. Saved for what? For the kingdom of God and His services.

C. RESULTS OF SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST1. Salvation affects us personally:

a. It affects our attitude,b. Our actions,c. Our relationship - Luke 19:8; John 4:26-29d. It makes us ready and willing - Acts 9:6e. It makes us happy in the service of the Lord -

EXAMPLES -(1) The jailor - Acts 16:32, 33(2) The Samaritan woman - John 4:28, 29(3) Peter's mother-in-law - Matt. 8:14; Mark 1:30; Luke 8:29, 30

2. Best of all, salvation includes, not only character, important as that is, but it includes the hope of eternal life:a. "godliness is profitable unto all things having the promise of the life that now is, and that of the world to

come" - 1 Tim. 4:8b. This salvation includes the fruit of the kingdom of God - John 15:1-11; Matt. 21:38-43

3. "What must 1 do to be saved?"a. That word "must" is a very strong word and deserves careful consideration.b. Let us note, briefly, how it is used in the Bible

(1) "Ye must be born again" - John 3:7 That means that there is no other way to get into thekingdom of God.

(2) "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth" - John 4:24(3) "He must increase, but I must decrease" - John 3:30(4) "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" - Acts 14:22(5) "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" - 2 Cor. 5:10

c. God's musts leave no alternative; the sooner we realize that, the better it will be for us.

6

WHAT SHALL I DO WITH JESUS?MATTHEW 27:22-24

A. THE BACKGROUND TO PILATE'S QUESTION1. Christ, the Son of man, is on trial for His life in Pilate's judgment hall:

a. The Jews had in mind to kill the Son of God; but to do this legally, they had to do it through the Romancourts.

b. But to sentence the accused to die required the establishment of criminal evidence against the state.2. There was, at the time of Christ's trial, a notable prisoner, a criminal by the name of Barabbas, also on trial for

crimes committed against the state:a. The contrast between the two prisoners was so obvious that Pilate felt sure that the Jews would ask

for Christ to be freed.b. By custom, he gave them one prisoner to be set free -- to pacify them.c. The Jews asked for Barabbas to be released and Christ to be crucified.

B. WHAT PROMPTED THEIR ACTION?1. Their hatred for Christ blinded them to reason and justice:

a. They violated their own civil coat of law which provided that no one should be condemned to deathwithout due process of law.

b. They, hypocritically, appealed to Roman justice which they despised.2. But the deeper reason for their murder must be laid to their moral condition:

a. They loved darkness more than light - John 3:19, 20b. They did not want the Son of God to rule over them - Luke 19:14c. Actually, the Jewish leaders saw that Christ was so infinitely superior mentally, morally, and factually,

that they feared that they would be rejected by the people.d. Bitter envy and unrestrained hatred for the Son of God was at the bottom of the crime of the Jews -

Matt. 27:183. Implication of the action of the Jews:

a. Blindly they committed the crime of the ages by crucifying the Son of God - Acts 3:15b. They thus rejected the choice gift of heaven - John 1:11; 3:16c. They destroyed their only hope as a nation - Matt. 23:38d. They did the most unreasonable thing by preferring a criminal to that of the Prince of Peace.

C. BUT THE QUESTION OF OUR TEXT IS AS APPLICABLE TO US NOW AS IT WAS WHEN PILATE PLACED ITBEFORE THE JEWS1. Christ has placed Himself in every life of every person born into this world:

a. He died for all - 2 Cor. 5:14b. That makes every one of us morally obligatory to take a positive attitude toward Him.

2. There are two basic factors that will enter our personal decision:a. Our appreciation of what He did for us - Gal. 2:20, 21b. Our attachment to sin - John 3:19

3. Let us consider Pilate's question from another standpoint:a. The question, what to do with Jesus will help us to resist temptation; because if I yield to temptation, I

crucify Him afresh - Heb. 6:6b. There can be no compromise between Christ and sin; accepting Christ means parting with sin - Matt.

6:24c. Rejection of the Word of God is the same as rejecting Christ - John 5:39

4. But before you make your final decision, consider prayerfully:a. The sin problem - what will you do with your sins without Christ? John 9:41b. Think of what you lose by rejecting Christ - John 5:40c. Finally, let me warn you that not to choose is choosing just the same; postponing your decision will

only endanger your hope.

7

"THIS ONE THING I DO"PHILIPPIANS 3:13, 14

A. WHEN WE STUDY THE LIFE OF PAUL, WE LEARN THAT HE WAS A MAN OF DECISION1. He felt that Christ was an impostor and that it was his God given duty to oppose Christianity with all he had in

his power:a. "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto

the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus . . . that if he found any of this way, whetherthey were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem." - Acts 9:1, 2

b. In his letter to the Philippians he says, "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church" - Phil. 3:62. But after he had given his heart and life to the cause of Christ, he was equally determined to go all the way:

a. His trip to Jerusalem - Acts 21:13b. His burning desire to help his own nation - Rom. 9:1-3

B. "THIS ONE THING I DO"1. Paul was not the only Bible character that was determined to do what he knew to be his duty:

a. Ruth, the Moabitess, stands out as a vivid example of determination, "Entreat me not to leave thee" -Ruth 1:16

b. Joshua, too, was a man of great decision, "choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for meand my house, we will serve the Lord" - Josh. 24:15

c. David is still another example of great decision - Ps. 119:30-332. "This one thing I do":

a. Paul was a realist; he knew his limitations; that he could do only one thing at a time.b. Too many people attempt to do many things at the same time and they fail.c. True men begin with wholehearted concentration -Read Matt. 6:24; Neh. 6:2, 3. That is why they

succeed in what they do.d. Said Jesus, "the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force" - Matt. 11:12

C. "FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND"1. What forgetting includes:

a. Forgetting necessitates detachment. So long as a person is attached to someone or something, it isalmost impossible to forget.

b. Forgetting includes, also, to face in a different direction -- face forward, and you will forget the thingsbehind you -EXAMPLES -(1) Lot's wife failed to detach herself from Sodom and that caused her to stand still and to look

back.(2) Elisha, on the other hand, burned all bridges behind him and he succeeded - 1 Ki. 19:21

2. Set the heart upon things that are before:a. Life is, in most instances, determined by what our hearts dictate, "As he thinketh in his heart so is he"

- Prov. 23:7b. Said Jesus, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matt. 6:21c. If our heart is set upon what God has promised in the future, we will be resolved to focus our efforts

toward that mark -EXAMPLES - (1) Paul gives us a panoramic view of all who look for a new heaven and a new earth - Heb. 11:11-

40(2) Moses is an outstanding example of this group of believers - Heb. 11:23-28

3. The mark of God's children is threefold:a. Christlikeness -- that is first - Rom. 8:29; 1 John 3:1-7; Phil. 3:7-15b. To have part in the first resurrection is the second mark for which all of God's children aim -Phil. 3:10;

1 Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:6; Luke 14:14c. To be on the new earth is the ultimate in the mark that God's children have set for themselves - 2 Pet.

3:13; Heb. 11:14-16; Isa. 65:17-19d. If we are as determined as Paul was to make the kingdom of God the sole object of our life's efforts,

we shall not be disappointed.

8

CHRIST OR CHAOSISAIAH 45:22, JOHN 3:14-19

A. MY FRIENDS, ONE NEED NOT BE A PESSIMIST TO SAY THAT OUR WORLD TODAY IS IN VERY SERIOUSTROUBLE IN MORE THAN ONE WAY1. The nations are in serious difficulty; that was foretold by our Lord:

a. Distress among the nations.b. Heart trouble among men - Luke 21:25, 26; Matt. 24:6, 7

2. Our modern society is in trouble:a. Morality is, in many instances, cast to the wind - 2 Tim. 3:1-8b. Excess in amusements and pleasures are sapping the strength of the nation - Luke 17:26, 27 (as in

the days of Noah, etc.)c. The America home is in difficulty -

(1) Juvenile delinquency keeps the courts more than busy.(2) Parents seem unable to keep their children within bounds.(3) Divorces are on the increase to an alarming extent, and the end is not in sight.

3. The church is in a state of impotence, unable to cope with the influence of the world upon its members:a. Ponder the testimony of the true witness to the church of Laodicea - Rev. 3:14-22b. Think of the prediction of our Lord of the last days - Matt. 24:12 (Because iniquity shall abound the love

of many shall wax cold.)c. And above all, read Paul's prophecy of the conditions in the last days - 2 Tim. 3:1-9

B. WHERE SHALL WE TURN UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES FOR HELP?1. The nations have turned to science and the scientist:

a. Accomplishment of current science is amazing and at times baffling. Dan. 12:4b. We are living in an era of great forward movement in many fields of knowledge.

2. But there is one field where science is helpless -- to build up moral strength. It has not even touched thecharacter of human beings:

C. CHRIST OR CHAOS1. Our text offers God's remedy for ills of the world, society and the family:

a. "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth" - Isa. 45:22b. There is no remedy for sin outside of Christ -Acts 4:12c. Only the blood of Christ is able to cover our sins - 1 Pet. 1:18, 19, Rev. 1:5; John 6:51-56

2. When the Jews, as a nation, rejected Christa. They cut themselves off from all hope.b. They cut the last link between them as a nation and a people.

3. Christ has the remedy for what ails the world:a. The world needs real peace.b. Christ offers that peace to all who desire it - John 14:27c. The world needs rest.d. Christ offers rest to all who come unto him - Matt. 11:28-30

4. Here are a number of very timely questions:a. What will the world do with its sins?b. The Bible has the answer - John 1:29c. What can the world do with all its problems?d. The Bible has the answer - 1 Pet. 5:5-7e. How shall we face the judgment day without Christ?f. The Bible has the answer - 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:10-12g. Take Christ out of the world, and peace is impossible; take him out of society, and society is doomed;

take Christ out of the church, and the church is meaningless; take Christ out of the home, and youhave a home filled with darkness and despair.

h. That brings us back to our subject title -- Christ or chaos?

9

GO FORWARD

A. "AND THE LORD SAID UNTO MOSES, WHEREFORE CRIEST THOU UNTO ME? SPEAK UNTO THE CHILDREN OFISRAEL, THAT THEY GO FORWARD." Ex. 14:151. Israel was in a tight place:

a. The overflowing Red Sea before them.b. The towering mountains about them.c. The Egyptians followed them.

2. Israel was inexperienced:a. In the ways of the Lord.b. Unprepared to cross the Red Sea, and not organized to fight off the enemy - Ex. 14:14-18

B. "GO FORWARD"1. Was the Lord's answer to Moses' cry:

a. The captain of the host of Israel had taken command of the army of the Lord - Josh. 5:14, 15; Heb.2:10

b. "The Lord shall fight for you" - Ex. 14:142. Forward!

a. Has ever been God's command - (1) Was the order in creation: light came first.(2) All other creative acts by God followed - Gen. 1; 2

b. That is God's order in the new creation -(1) Christ, the light of the world broke up the darkness- Isa. 60:1, 2; John 1:1-6; 14:6(2) Believers in the world are the lesser lights, breaking through the darkness in the world - Matt.

5:14, 153. The great gospel truth of a risen Saviour is on the forward move today:

a. Said the captain of the army of the Lord, "Go" - Matt. 28:19b. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations"c. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world" - Matt. 24:14

4. That means that the army of the Lord:a. Must not look backward - Luke 9:62b. Must not become entangled with the cares of this world, as Israel did in the wilderness - Acts 7:39

5. Go forward:a. In faith - 1 John 5:4b. With full confidence - 2 Tim. 1:12

EXAMPLES -(1) Joshua and Caleb - Num. 13:30(2) David fighting Goliath - 1 Sam. 17:45-51(3) Paul and the gospel - Acts 27:21-25

C. A CLOSER LOOK AT OUR OPENING TEXT1. When God tells His people to go forward:

a. He assumes full responsibility for the success of the move!EXAMPLES -(1) He told Israel to go forward and He divided the waters of the Red Sea so that Israel crossed it,

walking on dry ground - Ex. 14:21-31(2) He told the disciples to make about 5000 people to sit down; and He saw to it that all had

enough to eat, and more. John 6:5-13(3) The Lord told Peter to go and catch a fish; and He saw to it that Peter caught the right fish -

Matt. 17:24-272. Jesus Christ has never changed:

a. He is the same today that He was when He created the world - Heb. 13:8b. It was He who directed ancient Israel to go forward - Isa. 63:9c. It is the Lord of glory that is directing His people to go forward today.

3. It is wonderful to note that:a. To go forward indicates progress, from glory to glory - 2 Cor. 3:18b. It means that God's people have nothing to fear but fear itself.c. Said Moses to Israel, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord" - Ex. 14:13

4. Blessing of going forward:

10

a. We will see the manifestation of the great power of God in the hearts of souls for whom Christ died.b. We shall praise God, as ancient Israel did in days of old.c. Let us, therefore, obey our marching orders and go forward in faith.

11

THE HOUR OF DECISIONJOEL 3:14

A. "MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION: FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR IN THEVALLEY OF DECISION."1. To make a decision is one of the most important acts mortal men can make:

a. Harry S. Truman had to make a great decision when he gave the green light for the dropping of theAtomic Bomb.

b. The decision to accept or to reject Jesus Christ is of eternal importance.2. A moral decision is based upon the recognition of our obligations to God and men:

B. MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES ARE IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION1. This prophetic announcement indicates two important facts:

a. That divine providence has not, as yet, cut man off from deciding for or against God.b. The text shows further that the time to make our decision is now at hand, and that there can be no

exception.2. The text shows further that there is no middle way:

a. It is either God or the idols of the heart - 2 Ki. 17:33-41; 18:21b. We either want Christ or Barabbas - Matt. 27:21

3. Things to decide on:a. Doctrine and faith - Matt. 15:11; 2 Tim. 4:3b. Walking with God or with the world - Jas. 3:13; Gal. 5:16c. Speaking the truth at all costs - Judg. 12:5, 6; Matt. 26:27; Jas. 3:5; Prov. 18:21; Matt. 12:36d. Our thinking pure and true, or sinful and impure - Ps. 94:11; Luke 9:47; Isa. 14:13

4. The choice is ours to make:a. Read Hosea 14:1b. Pray over Rev. 22:17c. And remember for us not to choose is already chosen. There is no middle ground.

C. DECISIONS OUGHT TO BE MADE WITH CARE AND MUCH PRAYER1. Its consequences are far-reaching in most instances:

a. That was true for young Moses - Heb. 11:24-28b. That was true, also, for Ruth, the Moabitess - Ruth 1:16, 17

2. Many decisions in the past have been fatal:a. That was true in the decision of the rich young ruler - Matt. 19:16-22b. That was true of the man of God that decided to return with the false prophet to eat bread - 1 Ki. 13:19-

26c. It was fatal for Esau when he sold his birthright for a mess of pottage - Gen. 25:29d. Such decisions are, in most cases, irreversible - Heb. 12:16

3. My friends, even now I am thinking of some fateful decisions:a. Which are based upon the knowledge of the truth - Matt. 19:16-19b. That is why this gospel of the kingdom is preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations - Matt.

24:14; Rev. 14:7-124. Even at this moment, according to our opening text, large numbers of responsible people in all lands stand in

the valley of decision:a. It is up to the church of the living God to come to their aid to make the right decision.b. That is done by bringing to them God's truth - John 8:32c. As for this intelligent audience in this house of worship, I feel deeply that every one of you that has not

made his decision will do it before you leave this building.d. You have enough information of your duty to Christ that you have no excuse not to decide for Him.e. Why do some people decide against Christ? (1) Because they love darkness - John 3:19-21 (2) They

are unwilling to forsake sin - Matt. 7:13, 14

12

MAN'S COOPERATION

A. "TAKE AWAY THE STONE" - John 11:391. "The scene"

a. The tomb of Lazarus.b. The sorrowing sisters -- Mary and Martha.c. Some spectators.d. A weeping Saviour.

2. Our Lord's direction and action:a. "Take away the stone"b. "Lazarus come forth"c. "Loose him, and let him go" - John 11:33-44; Luke 12:17

B. "TAKE AWAY THE STONE"1. Our opening text shows Chat cooperation by man is a must to be blessed:

a. Man must do his part -(1) To express his faith in God's saving power.(2) Our deeds are, in fact, the measure of our faith - Jas. 2:24-26; Matt. 13:58; Mark 6:6

b. When our deeds are a denial of our faith, we show that we have suffered shipwreck in our faith - 1 Tim.1:19

2. Cooperation with God will increase our faith:a. Naaman learned from experience that to be blessed by God necessitates obedience on our part - 2 Ki.

5:10-15b. Abraham offered Isaac, believing that the Lord can raise him from the dead; and he actually received

him in that manner - Heb. 11:17; Gen. 22:1-123. God will not do for us what we can do for ourselves:

a. Moses held out his rod over the Red Sea, and the Lord did the rest - Ex. 14:21, 22b. Israel was told to walk around Jericho seven days, and the Lord did the rest - Josh. 6:1-12c. The ten lepers were told to report to the priest, and the Lord did the rest - Luke 17:12-14d. God directed the poor widow to empty the oil from her vessel into other vessels, and the Lord did the

rest - 2 Ki. 4:2-6

C. THERE IS A SPIRITUAL APPLICATION OF OUR OPENING TEXT1. "Roll away the stone":

a. Stones of stumbling - Isa. 62:10b. Misrepresentation of the truth.c. A spirit of worldliness - Rom. 12:1-4d. Carelessness in our conduct in business and in our association with the world - 1 Pet. 4:1-4e. Disregard for the high standards of the message - Rev. 3:14-17

2. Neglect of our personal relationship:a. Communion with God in secret prayer, or in family worship - Jas. 4:1-3; Matt. 6:6b. Neglect of witnessing for the Lord; doing active missionary work.c. Neglecting the study of the Word of God - Acts 17:11d. Indifference to the program and the activities of the church - Heb. 10:24-26

3. The high point in our message may be summed up as follows:a. The Lord wants cooperation by us — "God helps those who help themselves." That is true to a certain

extent. God will do His part when we do what we can do for ourselves.b. There are stones to be removed that keep people from coming into the message; even our loved ones

may be kept back by some stumbling block in our life.c. There may be things between us and our fellow men which must be made right before God can

undertake for us.d. There are times when our prayers remain unanswered because there are things in our life that prevent

our prayer.e. It is of the utmost importance that we cooperate with the Lord, be it in our personal life or in our

relationship with others.f. May the lesson for this hour be useful to help us to work together with the Lord, who is ever willing and

ready to do the impossible for all who cooperate with Him.

13

FOUR BIG CHEATSMARK 8:36- 38, 39

A. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CHEATED?1. Paul warns against the great deception in the last days: 2 Tim. 3:1-9; 2 Thess. 2:9-112. Bitter remorse came to some of the Old Testament characters:

a. Adam and Eve became fully disillusioned of their deal with the serpent - Gen. 3:7b. Judas, the traitor, also became disillusioned with his deal with the leaders of the Jews when he sold

his Master for thirty pieces of silver - Matt. 26:16, 17; 27:1-5

B. THIS EVENING I PURPOSE, WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO FOUR BIGCHEATS THAT WILL KEEP MANY OUT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD1. "No Danger" is a deadly cheat; beware of it:

a. Lot's sons-in-law fell for this death trap - Gen. 19:14b. The people, living in the days of the second coming of Christ will be faced with the same deadly cheat

- Luke 21:34, 35c. Your humble servant could write a large book showing how many he knew personally that lost their

lives by not heeding the "No Danger" sign.2. "Plenty of Time" is another deadly cheat; beware of it:

a. The rich farmer of the parable of our Lord is a vivid example of this cheat - Luke 12:16-18b. Let none of us be hasty and point the finger at the foolish farmer of yesterday. How many of us think of

tomorrow as being sure because we feel well bodily:c. Thousands lose their lives every year attempting to cross the railroad tracks; why? because they are

cheated by "Plenty Time"'d. Lot's wife was cheated out of her life by thinking that she had "Plenty Time" to stand still and look

back to see what was happening to her home town -Gen. 19:26e. No, dear soul, you do not have "Plenty Time" to get right with the Lord; it never pays to put off the

most important duty of our life.3. "Not Now" is the third deadly cheat to beware of: Felix, governor of the province of Judah, was troubled at the

thought of meeting his sins in the day of judgment, but he said to God and Paul:a. "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee" - Acts 24:25b. Pharaoh's answer to Moses' plea to let Israel leave Egypt was - "Tomorrow" - Ex. 8:10c. But God says, "Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation" - 2 Cor. 6:1-3d. "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith) Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" - Heb.

3:7, 84. "Almost" is, if that is possible, the most deadly cheat of the four:

a. It endangers the future of God's own people. How many "almost" Christians are members of the churchof God?

b. Said King Agrippa, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" - Acts 26:28c. Who is an "Almost" Christian?

(1) One who lives his faith maybe seventy-five percent, or even ninety-five percent, but not onehundred percent.

(2) To many, many in the church of God, Christ would say, "One Thing Thou Lackest" - Mark10:31; Luke 18:22

d. He who keeps nine commandments and breaks one - Jas. 2:8-11

C. WHAT A LESSON FOR SINNERS AND SAINTS1. It is possible for a person to believe the theory of the truth, and yet perish in sin; why? because one of the four

cheats will keep him out of the kingdom:2. It is even possible to be a member of the church, take part in some of the activities of the church, and yet be

lost: why? because one of the four cheats kept that person out of the kingdom of God:3. Dear reader, are you in danger of being cheated out of the kingdom of God because you listened to one of the

four cheats?

14

REASONING WITH GODISAIAH 1:18

A. A WONDERFUL CONDESCENSION1. The invitation is given:

a. Not by a glorious being, such as the angels, but the Sovereign of the universe.b. The condescension by God is another token of His divine love for fallen humanity.

2. It is given:a. Not to a loyal subject of God.b. But to a rebel, a traitor against heaven.

3. Notice the description:a. It includes those whose sins are glaring and very manifest.b. It is an invitation to them whose iniquities are especially productive of great evil and misery.c. It has reference to them that have sinned against great privileges - Matt. 11:20-24

B. THE SUBJECT FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION1. The problem of sin: "Thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities" - Isa. 43:24; Mal. 2:172. The need for cooperation by the sinner with his redeemer:

a. Do not play the hypocrite and hide behind the form of religion.b. That was the great and unforgivable sin of the Pharisees and the scribes - Matt. 23:25-29c. Put away the evil of your doing; cease to do evil - Isa. 55:7d. Learn to do well - Matt. 11:28-30

3. The assured results:a. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."b. "Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."c. Read these Bible references prayerfully - Isa. 44:22; Ps. 51:7; Rev. 7:14; Zech. 13:1; Rev. 1:5; 1 John

1:7-9

C. LET US DEVOTE A LITTLE TIME TO THE CONSIDERATION OF GOD'S WONDERFUL APPROACH TO THEPROBLEM OF SIN1. He appeals to the powers of reason:

a. That is one reason God has equipped man with the faculty of reason.b. It is the gift that differentiates between man and beast.

2. Let it be noted in this connection that Satan is fully aware of the powers of reason and he will do all at hiscommand to destroy or to weaken this God-given power:a. When he gets control of men, he makes sure that their minds are blinded first - 2 Cor. 4:4b. That was what happened to the prodigal son - Luke 15:11-32c. That is the work of demons, to destroy the powers of reason - Mark 5:1-17d. He knows that God appeals not to human emotions, important as they may be, but He appeals to

reason.e. Read prayerfully Eph. 1:18; Acts 26:18; 2 Cor. 4:4; John 12:40

3. God wants us to see the terribleness of sin:a. Belshazzar saw his sin - Dan. 5:1-7b. Felix saw his - Acts 24:25c. Peter saw his sinfulness - Luke 5:8

4. It is when we see the terribleness of sin that true repentance will come to our hearts: Mark 14:7-725. The appeal in our opening text shows very clearly the attitude of God toward sinners:

a. He does not want to see them die in sin - Ezek. 18:23, 32b. He gave all and the best He had to deliver us from the power of sin - John 3:16c. What more can a reasonable God do to save us from ourselves and sin?

15

THE CHOICE OF A MASTERJOSHUA 24:15

A. BACKGROUND TO OUR TEXT1. A farewell message by Joshua:

a. Reviews travel experiences of Israel.b. Points to guidance by God, in spite of their continuous rebellion against God's leadership- Josh. 24:2-

152. Israel, in themselves, their main difficulty:

a. That was true when they entered into a covenant relation with God at Mount Sinai - Ex. 19:8; 24:3, 7b. And it was their situation in the closing days of the great leader Joshua - Josh. 24:16

B. THE CHOICE OF A MASTER1. All life is service:

a. "No man liveth to himself" - Rom. 14:7b. Our influence, good or bad, leaves its mark upon others, regardless of what we may think or do - 2

Cor. 2:15, 162. There are, according to the Bible, two Masters to choose from:

a. Christ, orb. Satan.

3. Man has it in his own power to choose one Master:a. Adam and Eve had that power - Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-6b. Cain and Abel made their choice - Gen. 4:1-6, 9c. Ruth and Orpah made their choice - Ruth 1:15, 16d. The Jews made an open choice - Matt. 27:21

4. We can serve but one Master:a. Some attempt to serve Christ and the devil; they seek to serve God and also the world.b. Our Lord says, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or

else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" - Matt. 6:24c. Ancient Israel sought to serve Baal, and at the same time they attempted to serve Jehovah also - 1 Ki.

18:21

C. THE CHOICE OF A MASTER IS URGENT1. "Choose you this day whom ye will serve":

a. Today is the only God accepted time to make our choice between Him or sin and Satan - 2 Cor. 6:1-3; Heb. 3:7, 8

b. Tomorrow may never come to us - Prov. 27:1; Jas. 4:13, 142. Our choice of a Master affects:

a. Our present life.b. Eternity itself.

EXAMPLES -(1) Pharaoh chose to reject the plea of Jehovah; but Moses accepted it -- think of the difference

now!(2) Ruth accepted God's invitation to join Israel; Orpah rejected it -- note the difference now!

3. What a decision for every one of us to make:a. It should not be difficult for us because to choose to serve the devil means servitude and eternal

damnation.b. To choose Christ means the forgiveness of our sins; the deliverance from the power of sin; and in the

world to come, eternal life -EXAMPLES -Look at the choice of the two thieves on the cross: they had the same opportunity to choose a Master,even when hanging on the cross; they made their choice, and think of it now - Luke 23:39-44

4. Not to choose is a choice just the same:a. Christ came to save you and me from sin and death; to reject Him means eternal death.b. There is no neutral ground; we either make Christ our Master, or Satan will master over our lives.c. "Heard are the voices, heard are the sages, choose well: The world's and ages: Your choice is brief but

endless" - Goethe.d. As for me and my loved ones, we will serve the Lord - Josh. 24:15

16

"REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE"LUKE 17:32

A. THE STORY OF LOT'S WIFE1. Is very brief:

a. It covers twenty-six verses in Gen. 19:1-26b. It should be noted that the very brief record of Lot and his family is found in what is called the Old

Testament. If we reject the Old Testament, we have no information about Lot's wife.2. When we think of Lot's wife, we see a terrible tragedy that came to that family:

a. Our Saviour calls our attention to this sad experience in that family.b. He does so because many of God's children are in similar danger in the last days. "as it was in the

days of Lot . . . even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed" - Luke 17:28- 30

B. "REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE"1. She and her family lived in Sodom:

a. A very wicked city.b. This is evident from the way they attempted to treat Lot's guests and him too! Gen. 19:5-10c. The people in Sodom practiced Sodomy - Rom. 1:26

2. Sodom and its inhabitants were under God's judgment:a. That is why the two angels came to make a final investigation - Gen. 18:17-31b. But those heavenly messengers had still another mission -

(1) They came to rescue Lot and his family.(2) Lot and his family were among those that Abraham prayed for - Gen. 18:17- 29; 19:12-17

3. Lot's wife:a. Was one of those the angels came to rescue.b. But she made the mortal mistake when she disobeyed the rule of the Lord, stood still and looked back

- Gen. 19:17, 26c. She became a pillar of salt - verse 26.

C. LET US TAKE A BRIEF LOOK AT SOME OF THE REASONS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF LOT'S WIFE1. Lot was partially to be blamed for the calamity that came to his wife:

a. He, as the head of the family, hesitated, lingered, when he should have moved forward - Gen. 19:16b. He would not have gone forward, had not the angel urged him on - verse 16.

2. Divided interest seems to have been responsible for her disobedience:a. It is possible that they had accumulated treasures in Sodom; and that she was unwilling to part with

these treasures - Matt. 6:21; 19:16- 20b. They had married children in Sodom, who refused to leave that city - Gen. 19:14c. She evidently was unwilling to leave part of her family behind; if that is not so, why did she look back?

3. The sad part of it all:a. She perished on the way of rescue.b. She was lost in spite of God's efforts to save her.c. What makes it still sadder, if that is possible, is that her loved ones were not permitted to bury her; no,

not even to look back to see what had happened to her.4. The important lesson for God's people in the last days: a. The judgment hour message is proclaimed in all the

world - Rev. 14:7, 8b. We believe that we understand the implication of this message - 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Pet. 4:17, 18c. We know that the world today is no better than Sodom was before it was destroyed - John 7:7; Luke

17:26-32; 1 John 5:19d. Paul confirms this fact - 2 Tim. 3:1-9e. We, too, have heard God's call of mercy - Rev. 18:1-4; Matt. 24:14f. We have made a good beginning; left the world, our relatives and friends - Mark 10:28-34; Rev. 18:4; 2

Cor. 6:17g. Are we going to be in the same danger that overtook Lot's wife? Are our affections divided between

God and the world? WHATEVER OUR ANSWER MAY BE, LET US REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE.

17

THERE CAN BE NO RETREAT DEUTERONOMY 17:16

A. "YE SHALL HENCEFORTH RETURN NO MORE THAT WAY"1. With these words Moses reminded Israel that Egypt once quitted was quitted for good:2. God has a special reason for this law:

a. For Israel thought of the flesh pots in Egypt; they forgot their cruel bondage - Ex. 16:3b. They returned in their hearts to Egypt - Acts 7:39, 40

B. BUT THERE IS, IN OUR OPENING TEXT, A MUCH DEEPER TRUTH FOR OUR PRAYERFUL CONSIDERATION1. The "no retreat" is true in the sphere of our own being:

a. No one can retrace the steps we have already trodden; nor recall the words we have carelesslyspoken; nor reproduce the circumstances of bygone days.

b. We cannot recall, or change, or obliterate the past, even if we wanted to.c. The actions of the past are eternal; they are history, good or bad.

2. But there is a brighter side to our text:a. Thank God that we may forget our sinful past - Phil. 3:13b. God has promised to blot out all our sins - Mi. 7:18, 19; Isa. 44:22c. "Therefore if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold all

things are become new" - 2 Cor. 5:17d. For who wants to return to the old life of sin? Not I.

3. Let us take a still closer look at our opening text:a. Retreat is indicative of weakness of the one in question. That is true when an army flees in battle.b. In the case of a professed Christian, retreat into the old life of sin is indicative that he or she has never

been free from the bondage of sin.c. It means that at heart the guilty one is still in Egypt - Acts 7:39

C. GOD'S MEANS TO KEEP US FROM GOING BACK TO A LIFE OF SIN1. The rule He laid down for Lot and his family:

a. "Look not behind thee" - Gen. 19:17, Matt. 24:16- 18b. "Neither stay thou in all the plain" - Gen. 13:10. Any place under the judgment of God is forbidden to

God's children.2. Set our face like a flint toward the kingdom of God:

a. First, to become like our blessed Lord Jesus in character - Phil. 3:10, 13; Rom. 8:29b. We have set our affections on things above and that will keep us from turning back to spiritual Egypt -

Col. 3:2c. We have set our hearts upon a new heaven and a new earth; that will keep us from looking back to

Egypt - 2 Pet. 3:13; Heb. 11:13-173. Detach ourselves from the things of the past:

a. Do as Elisha did, burn the bridges behind us - 1 Ki. 19:19-21b. Follow Matthew's example, who left his former occupation and followed the Lord Jesus - Matt. 9:9-11c. Do what Peter told the Lord they did, "We have left all and followed thee" - Mark 10:28-31

4. My prayerful appeal:a. How many of us are humbly grateful that we can forget our sinful past and rejoice in a new relationship

to God and His people?b. How many of us have enough of the life of sin and waste, and are determined to turn our back to the

past?c. If you are in doubt, please recall how God, in mercy, followed you until you were willing to listen to His

voice and yield yourself to His will.d. I am so glad to see all of you standing up to let all the world know that there can be no retreat for you

to the old ways, to the old life of sin.

18

"WHERE ART THOU?"

A. "AND THE LORD GOD CALLED UNTO ADAM, AND SAID UNTO HIM, WHERE ART THOU?"1. Disobedience brings disillusionment:

a. The serpent's promise, "your eyes shall be opened . . . ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."b. Opened their eyes to discover their nakedness.c. They did learn the difference between good and evil, but only to their sorrow.

2. Effect of disobedience:a. It distorted their concept of God.b. God's voice was no longer an invitation to sweet fellowship as before.c. They no longer sought refuge with God, but sought to hide from Him.d. Sin has made them afraid of God. What a tragedy!

B. "WHERE ART THOU?"1. Here we have heaven's first appeal of mercy to a lost sinner:

a. It is God's first call of mercy, expressing loneliness for our first parents.b. This truth is illustrated in our Lord's parables of -

(1) The lost sheep - Luke 15:4-6(2) The lost coin - Luke 15:8, 9(3) The prodigal son - Luke 15:11-29

2. God did not wait for Adam and Even to return to Him but He came first, seeking to save them! "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10

3. The guilty pair's attitude:a. They went into hiding from the Lord - Gen. 3:8b. That is always a sign of guilt - Gen. 4:16. This is still the attitude of the sinner, indicative of a guilty

conscience.c. How different is the attitude of the saved? Moses, and the Psalmist - Ex. 3:15; Ps. 31:20. For them it

is a pleasure to fellowship with the Lord; it is sweet communion with God.

C. EFFECTS OF A BROKEN RELATION AND GOD'S EFFORT TO HEAL THE RELATIONSHIP1. The sinners efforts:

a. "And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked."b. "And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons" - Gen. 3:7

2. Here we have the attempts of sinners to cover their own nakedness:a. But that brought no security against sin and shame.b. Pilate washed his hands, but not his heart - Rev. 3:14-17; Matt. 23:25; 27:24

3. A God of mercy calls: "Where art thou?"a. He knew where they were - Ps. 139:1-9b. But they did not realize their condition. Satan had blinded them against the effects of sin - 2 Cor. 4:4c. They were brought to God's judgment seat because there can be no justice without an accounting for

sin.d. God must enter into judgment with sin, even in the person of His Son - 2 Cor. 5:21

4. Blaming others for our wrong will not remove the guilt from us:a. In blaming Eve, Adam actually blamed God, who had given him Eve.b. Eve's blaming the serpent did not excuse her own guilt.c. Adam's love for his wife and eating of the forbidden fruit did not lessen his own guilt; he knew better -

Acts 5:1-115. Mercy mixed with Judgment:

a. After pronouncing judgment upon the sin of our first parents, God went to work to save the lost.b. He took the life of animals to make aprons for the guilty pair.c. He mixed the sentence of guilt with a promise of redemption - Gen. 3:15d. This experience of our first parents was the first lesson of God's love for lost sinners.

19

"THOU ART THE MAN"2 SAMUEL 12:7

A. "AND NATHAN SAID TO DAVID, THOU ART THE MAN"1. The great sin of King David:

a. Committed adultery in the open daylight by taking his soldier's wife to him.b. He planned and supervised the murder of an innocent husband by the hand of the enemy.

2. He passed the verdict of criminal guilt upon himself: 2 Sam. 12:1-6a. This is the irony of sin, when one seeks to hide it from others.b. We often pass severe judgment upon sin, not realizing that the verdict falls on us.

B. LET US CONSIDER, PRAYERFULLY, THE SIN OF SELF- INDULGENCE1. A fall, like that of David, does not happen at the unguarded moment:

a. It was carefully planned by the guilty.b. It was an act of carelessness which led to such immoral acts.c. A life of ease and self-confidence by the king opened the door to the temptation which led to the crime.

2. I can think of three specific reasons why men of God fall prey to such hideous crimes:a. Neglect of private prayer. Had King David spent that time praying for his men on the battlefield, the

crime by him would never have taken place.b. Lingering where danger lurks is another contributing cause to sin. For example - Peter at the fire of the

enemy - Mark 16:67; Cain at an altar that was useless - Gen. 4:7; Judas and the chief priests - Matt.26:14-16

c. Idleness is still another factor which exposes one to temptation. Had Eve kept herself occupied in thegarden, she would not have yielded to temptation. That was the downfall of King David. That, too, wasone of the contributing factors to Samson's demise - Judg. 16:1-22. That was the downfall ofBelshazzar - Dan. 5:1-25.

C. SELF-DECEPTION1. It strikes us most forcefully when we read the conversation between David and Nathan, the prophet:2. David unwittingly passed sentence upon himself:3. He had planned the crime so cleverly that he was confident that no one would ever know about it:4. That is why he was so ready to pass sentence upon the man in the parable:5. Note four specific facts about self-deception:

a. We blind ourselves to the evil we know is in our own life.b. We make excuses for the sin we know we ought to confess.c. We become so familiar with the sin in our life that it diminishes in our own estimation.d. We never are honest enough to go into judgment with ourselves.Face savings is the ever present temptation to all of us.

D. SELF-DISCOVERY1. The story of Nathan's interview with David moves us with pain and pity:

a. God takes a hand in it by revealing the sin of David to Nathan.b. He lets David see the hideousness of the crime he had committed against his own soldier, whom he

was pledged to protect.c. Finally, he allows David to pass the verdict.

2. Thou art the man:a. David made a new discovery, which he faithfully recorded in Ps. 139:1-17b. He discovered that all things are open to the eyes of God - Heb. 4:13; Ps. 139:1-8c. He began to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and it pressed heavily upon him - 2 Sam. 12:13d. He was a very fortunate sinner because there was pardon with God for him - 2 Sam. 12:13But friends, what if that verdict should come to us after probation closes?

20

THE TENTH MANLUKE 17:11-19

A. "AND JESUS ANSWERING SAID, WERE THERE NOT TEN CLEANSED? BUT WHERE ARE THE NINE?"1. Many useful sermons have been preached on The Tenth Man:2. The story of the 10 lepers is full signification:

a. Leprosy is a chronic endemic infectious disease marked by the formation of nodules, ulcerations anddeformative eruptions in the affected body.

b. It is a disease of the blood and it is very repulsive to look at.c. Lepers were isolated from the people and they had to make known their condition by a warning voice.d. In Bible times, leprosy was considered a plague - Lev. 13:45

B. THE TENTH MAN1. Our opening text indicates:

a. That affliction brings to a common level -(1) All ten men were unclean, regardless of what their station may have been in life before their

sickness.b. They all were isolated, that made them dangerous to society.c. What was worse in those days, their condition was hopeless, unless God interposed -

(1) That is typical of sin and the influence of sin upon society.d. And so it is with sin in the heart; it puts all men on the same level, all are sinners by nature - Rom.

3:23; Gal. 3:22-23(1) Sin defiles body, soul, and spirit - Matt. 15:19, 20(2) It separates from God - Isa. 59:1, 2(3) A sinner outside of Christ is hopeless - Rom. 6:23

2. Our text shows further:a. Sensing a deep need creates faith. That was the case of the lepers - Luke 17:13b. People that have no faith in Christ never sense their need of salvation - Luke 14:16-27

3. Cure in cooperation with Christ:a. An easy condition: "Go shew yourselves unto the priests"b. That was a law in Israel - Deut. 24:8c. But it was also a very difficult requirement -

(1) They were told to express gratitude when, as yet, they had not been healed. They could notgo by sight; they had to trust the Healer.

(2) But when they obeyed the physician, God honored their faith.

C. THE TENTH MAN1. They all obeyed and were made whole:

a. God is no respecter of persons - Acts 10:34b. God will always honor the faith of all who come unto Him by Jesus Christ, regardless of race, color, or

creed.2. But only the Samaritan returned and gave thanks to God:

a. This is the sad part of the story of the ten men; nine failed to express gratitude to the healer.b. Ingratitude is a mark of cold-blooded indifference to the blessings from God.c. How it must pain the Lord to see untold thousands never turn to God and thank Him for the undeserved

mercies they enjoy.d. Ingratitude is the curse of our age - 2 Tim. 3:1- 11e. How many meals are consumed without saying grace:

3. Thank God for the tenth man who felt in his heart to return and give thanks unto the Healer:a. As a Samaritan, he was looked down upon by the Jews - Acts 10:28; John 4:9b. But not so with the Lord; that man was blessed, regardless of his racial connections.

(1) Does our life represent one of the nine sinners that were healed without returning to thank Godfor his mercies?

(2) Or do we represent the tenth man, who did come back and express gratitude to Christ!

21

TOUCHING THE MASTERLUKE 8:43-44

A. "AND JESUS SAID, WHO TOUCHED ME?"1. A woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, found her way to the Master, touched the border of his

garment:a. Saying, "If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole" - Matt. 9:21b. She had before this spent all her means with the physicians without receiving any help - Luke 8:43

2. She was healed instantly, but was too timid to openly express her gratitude to the Lord:

B. "WHO TOUCHED ME?"1. Purpose of our Lord's question:

a. He knew well who had touched him; for he knoweth all things - John 21:17b. It was not the common touch, as the disciples said.c. It was the touch of faith by a sick woman, who believed that He would heal her.

2. Secret of the effects of her touch:a. She touched the fountain of life - John 1:4, 5:26b. Virtue left him and entered into her being - Mark 5:30; Luke 6:19

3. The searching question by our Lord:a. Reveals a public obligation on our part to God - EXAMPLES -

(1) The healing of the ten lepers - Luke 17:17(2) The man carried by four - Luke 5:25(3) The centurion - Luke 23:47

b. To men -EXAMPLES -(1) The woman of Samaria - John 4:28-30(2) Mary, who saw her risen Lord - John 20:17(3) The blind man that received his sight - John 9:15-30.

c. It is one of God's means to make converts for the truth.d. That was true on the day of Pentecost - Acts 2:1- 41; also of the healing of the impotent man - Acts

3:1-26

C. TOUCHING THE MASTER1. The various touches:

a. There is, as revealed in our opening text, the touch of faith; this touch brings blessings to us.EXAMPLES -(1) The thief on the cross - Luke 23:42-44(2) The touch of a pleading mother in behalf of her daughter - Matt. 15:28(3) The touch of the centurion - Matt. 8:10

b. This touch honored the Saviour; it gave glory to God - John 4:292. There is the touch of unbelief:

a. We think of the people in His own country - Matt. 13:58b. Think of the attitude of the disciples after His resurrection - Mark 16:14

3. Our text offers a threefold lesson:a. Let us be very careful of how we touch the Master!b. It will affect Him and us.c. It may be the difference between life and death; between salvation and damnation.d. There are a number of ways to touch the Lord of glory -

(1) We touch Him with our thoughts because He knows them like an open book - Ps. 139:1-9(2) We touch Him with our words because He says, "That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified,and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" - Matt. 12:36, 37

(3) We touch Him with our actions; deeds by us can bring joy to His heart or they will bring deepsorrow to Him and to us - EXAMPLES- (a) Think of Peter when he cursed, denying the Lord; its effects - Mark 14:71, 72(b) Judas, when he sold the Lord of glory for thirty pieces of silver - Matt. 26:15; 27:1-3

22

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTERLUKE 13:12, 13

A. THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER1. Is expressive of His love and care:

a. No illness or sorrow can come to us but affects the Master.b. "In all their affliction he was afflicted" - Isa. 53:4; 63:9c. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him" - Ps. 103:13

2. It is one of God's ways:a. To help suffering humanity - Matt. 8:3; Mark 1:41; Luke 5:13; Matt. 9:23b. To draw us closer to Himself - Jer. 31:3

B. THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS AND SOLVES ALL OUR PROBLEMS1. It brought life to the dead:

a. The daughter of the ruler of the synagogue - Mark 5:13b. The dead son of a widow - Luke 7:14

2. It brought cleansing to the leper:a. Matt. 8:3b. 1 Cor. 6:11; Heb. 4:3

3. His touch brings light:a. The blind man of Bethsaida - Mark 8:22, 23b. Blind Bartimaeus - Matt. 9:29; Mark 10:46-52c. It is because He is the light of the world - John 8:12

4. His touch enables the dumb to speak:a. The man that had an impediment of speech - Mark 7:32-35b. That is His promise to us - Isa. 35:6; Acts 2:4; 19:6

5. His touch brings relief to the suffering:a. Luke 7:13, 14b. Ps. 108:12; John 14:27

6. "But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19a. Friends of mine, what do you know about the touch of the Master? b. Can you say from experience,

He touched me?

C. THE MASTER'S MEANS OF TOUCHING US ARE NOT ALWAYS THE SAME1. He touches us through His word:

a. "Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us thescriptures?" - Luke 24:32

b. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart" - Acts 2:372. He touches us through the Holy Spirit:

a. Note that touch on the day of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-16b. In the house of Cornelius - Acts 10:44-48c. At Ephesus - Acts 19:1-6

3. He uses the lives of His children to touch us:a. The touch of Peter and John and what it did to the lame man - Acts 3:1-8b. The touch of the dead body of Dorcas by Peter - Acts 9:36-43

4. At times He touches us:a. With the hand of sickness - Isa. 38:39b. With the hand of sorrow. Most all of us have felt that hand at times when we seemed overcome with

deep sorrow.c. There are times when trials come to us and we wonder why; but God, who loves us, allows trials to

come to us for a good reasons.d. Meditate upon these wonderful Bible passages - Rom. 5:3; 8:35; 12:12; 1 Thess. 3:4

5. Do we recognize that the touch of the Master is ever:a. An expression of divine love - Heb. 12:6-11b. To make us aware of His presence and heaven's interest in us - Acts 12:7c. To give us assurance, divine protection in the hour of danger - Ps. 34:7d. If we could but realize that the touch of the Master is our only hope in this present life, full of danger to

body and soul.

23

WHO SHALL GO?EXODUS 10:8

A. PHARAOH'S QUESTION WAS A CHALLENGE TO MOSES AND AARON AND ANCIENT ISRAEL1. He challenged them to dare to leave Egypt' Ex. 8:252. He sought to beguile Moses through compromise:

a. "Go ye sacrifice to your God in the land" - Ex. 8:25b. "I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go far

away" - Ex. 8:28c. "Your little ones: look to it; for evil is before you" - Ex. 10:10d. "Let your flock and your herds be stayed" - Ex. 10:24

B. WHO SHALL GO?1. This question is very thought provoking:

a. It involved God's plan for His people; all Israelites were included in God's plan.b. Pharaoh sought to bring confusion among the leaders of Israel about the inclusiveness of the liberation

movement.2. On the other hand, this question reveals the obligation of the leaders of the movement to make positive plans

that included every soul in Israel:a. That would mean that the parents were placed on the alert that not one of their loved ones would be left

behind.b. Here is where Lot failed; some of his family stayed in Sodom and were destroyed - Gen. 19:1-26

3. Moses' answer indicates clearly:a. That he fully understood God's plan for his people.b. Every member in every family was included in the movement. "We will go with our young and with our

old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go" - Ex. 10:9c. That gave Pharaoh a good understanding of the plan of God for the Israelites, that had been slaves in

Egypt for about four hundred years.

C. IMPLICATIONS OF MOSES' ANSWER AND THE LESSON FOR GOD'S PEOPLE TODAY1. The implication:

a. The answer of Moses made it clear that God's program is complete, that He never does anythinghalfway.

b. Moses wanted Pharaoh to understand that it was impossible to serve God under the yoke of bondagein Egypt - Ex. 8:26; Lev. 26:13; Ezek. 34:27

c. It was paramount for Israel to be removed from Egypt as was possible; to do otherwise would havebeen fatal to God's plan.

d. Our substance is a part of our service of the Lord; without it, it would be impossible for us to worshipthe Lord.

2. A timely lesson for God's remnant people:a. The Bible speaks of two major movements -

(1) The coming out of Egypt of ancient Israel to take possession of the promised land.(2) The great second Advent movement which will take God's people into the promised Canaan,

the earth made new.b. If God had a positive program for his ancient covenant people, He certainly has an all - inclusive

program for the last movement of which we are a part.c. That program provides that -

(1) All believers, including the whole family, shall participate in the movement.(2) That all God-given means shall be a part of the movement that will take us into the kingdom of

God.d. It is certain that we cannot serve God halfway - Matt. 6:24e. We must make a complete break with the world and with Babylon - Rev. 18:4; 2 Cor. 6:14-16, 17.f. There can be no halfhearted participation in the closing work of the Lord. We either are altogether for

the movement or we are against it - 1 Ki. 18:21

24

GOD'S TODAY

A. "WHEREFORE AS THE HOLY GHOST SAITH, TODAY, IF YE HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART."Heb. 3:7, 81. Today may mean eternity:

a. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, his brother; and Jacob made this offer to Esau, "Sell me this day thybirthright" - Gen. 25:29-34

b. That the word "today" meant eternity - compare Gen. 25:34 with Rom. 9:13 and Heb. 12:16c. The decisions of Ruth and Orpah were eternal - Ruth 1:14-19. Orpah returned to her people and her

idols; that was the end of her, as far as the record goes.2. The word today meant the conversion of a nation, as in the case of apostate Israel: 1 Ki. 18:36, 37-39.3. It meant redemption to the penitent thief on the cross: Luke 23:43

B. "IF YE HEAR HIS VOICE"1. The voice of assurance:

a. "Fear not" - Isa. 41:10, 13, 14; 44:8b. "Come unto me" - Matt. 11:28-30; Isa. 65:1-3c. "It is I" - Matt. 14:27

2. The voice of power: Heb. 12:26; Ex. 19:18; Luke 8:24, 253. The voice of love: Jer. 31:3; John 13:1-3; 1 John 4:8 4. The voice of hope: Jer. 29:11; 31:175. The voice of a friend: John 10:4, 5. "What a friend we have in Jesus."6. The voice of truth: John 14:6; 16:12, 137. The voice of our God and our Redeemer: Isa. 41:14; 49:26; 54:5; Jer. 50:34

C. "HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS"1. Not to respond to the call of mercy is to harden the heart:

a. Lot's sons-in-law did just that - Gen. 19:14b. Pharaoh of Egypt hardened his heart at every appeal by God to let God's people leave Egypt - Ex.

7:14; 8:15c. Stephen's message was rejected by the Jews, and hardened their hearts - Acts 7:1-53d. The invited guests rejected the wedding feast of the gospel and so hardened their hearts against God -

Luke 14:16-242. Every time we hear God's word and refuse to accept it:

a. We harden our hearts.b. The people before the flood heard Noah preach for about one hundred and twenty years; they rejected

his message, and so hardened their heart - Gen. 6:1-9; Luke 17:26-293. Not to respond to God's invitation of mercy is to reject mercy:

a. Saddest words our Lord ever spoke -- "And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." - John5:40

b. Paul uses very strong words to express this truth, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so greatsalvation?" - Heb. 2:3

4. God's today:a. Excludes man's tomorrow.b. Jesus emphasizes this fact in the parable of the rich farmer who planned for tomorrow - Luke 12:16-20c. James, too, calls attention to this same truth, "Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go

into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain. Where as ye know notwhat shall be on the morrow" - Jas. 4:13-16

d. God's today means now! 2 Cor. 6:1-3; Heb. 3:13; Isa. 49:8

25

HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE? HEBREWS 2:1-6

A. "HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?"1. A question, normally, demands an answer; but here is a question to which there can be no answer:2. The inspired question can have but one purpose to provoke us to serious thinking:

a. When we consider our need of being saved, we will be moved to action.b. That was true in the experience of the prodigal son - Luke 15:17-20

B. LET US CONSIDER THREE RELATED TRUTHS ABOUT OUR SALVATION IN THE LIGHT OF OUR OPENING TEXT1. If we neglect so great salvation:

a. To neglect is to disregard heaven's effort to save us.b. The antediluvians disregarded God's message through Noah - Matt. 24:36-39; Luke 17:26-29c. That was true of Lot's sons-in-law when Lot appealed to them to leave Sodom - Gen. 19:14d. To slight, to be indifferent to, or to look upon God's invitation as unimportant -

EXAMPLES -(1) The man without a wedding garment - Matt. 22:1-12(2) The men that had been invited to a big feast - Luke 14:16-24

2. So great salvation:a. The greatness of salvation is found in what it offers--it offers to save us from sin and its penalty; it offers

eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord; and finally, it offers a home in the earth made new.b. The cost to heaven to redeem us from sin and its consequences, as well as make us fellow heirs with

Christ of God's promises, is infinite.c. We may be able to form some idea of the cost of salvation when we compare John 3:16 with 2 Cor.

5:18-21; Rom. 8:31-33d. The scars in the hands and feet of the Son of man will be a constant reminder to the redeemed of the

price heaven paid for salvation.e. In the way it is offered to sinners -

(1) By faith in Jesus Christ: Could God make salvation easier?EXAMPLES -(a) The answer of Peter to the jailer's question - Acts 16:30, 31;(b) the answer of the eunuch to Philip is still another illustration of God's requirements to

save sinners - Acts 8:37(2) This offer is made by One who cannot lie - Heb. 6:17, 18; Num. 23:19

C. HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?1. Privileges bring responsibilities:

a. This is made clear in Matt. 11:20-24; Jas. 4:17b. The damning sin, which will send people to hell will be the sin of indifference to God's infinite effort, at

unspeakable cost, to save man. This fact is illustrated in several of our Lord's parables -(1) The invitation to a great feast and the attitude of the invited guests - Luke 14:16- 24(2) The story of the five foolish virgins - Matt. 25:1-12

2. Why this subject?a. No one, that we know, wants to be lost.b. Many have given their consent to a better life.c. Our greatest danger may not be outright rejection of salvation, but preoccupation and doing nothing

about saving our soul.3. We may be sure that hell will not be full of infidels; there will be plenty of people there, who believed in God and

accepted the Bible as God's Word, but who simply neglected to be saved.a. This is proven in the teaching of Christ -

(1) His warning, as found in Matt. 7:21-26. He does not state that they were infidels, not at all.(2) A similar illustration is found in Luke 13:25-28. All these people made a profession, yet they

neglected the most important thing — to do the will of God.b. Let us heed the warning of our text and we shall not be guilty of neglecting so great salvation.

26

MARRED VESSELS JEREMIAH 18:4

A. "AND THE VESSEL THAT HE MADE OF CLAY WAS MARRED IN THE HAND OF THE POTTER"1. Our text is another illustration of how God used the life of the common people to teach great truths:

a. We think of the great Master teacher, Jesus Christ, and His method of teaching the people the gospelof the kingdom -(1) The sower, the seed, and the soil - Matt. 13:18-40(2) The woman, the leaven, and the meal - Luke 13:21(3) The vineyardist, the vineyard, and the fruit - Matt. 21:33-45

b. In our text God compares Himself to the potter, and His people to the clay.2. The vessel was marred in the hand of the potter; some people are marred by sin while God is working with

them:

B. LET US CONSIDER GOD, THE POTTER, THE PEOPLE, THE CLAY, AND HOW THE VESSEL GOT MARRED1. God the Potter:

a. Here we have a great gospel truth brought to view under the simile of a potter - Lam. 4:2b. This shows that my life is not an accident, but a design in the hand of God - Gal. 1:15c. We are the workmanship of the great Potter of our life- Eph. 2:10; 4:24

2. The people, the clay:a. This fact receives repeated emphasis in the Word of God - Job 10:4; 33:6; Ps. 40:2; Isa. 29:16; 64:8b. Clay, left to itself, is helpless; it is utterly unable to make anything out of itself; so is man helpless,

unless God makes something out of him.3. The Pattern:

a. The potter is an artist in his own right. He uses a pattern when he fashions a vessel.b. Jesus Christ is God's Pattern after whose likeness he seeks to fashion our lives - Rom. 8:29c. Paul understood this great truth as well as John - Phil. 3:8-12; 1 John 3:1-3

C. THE VESSEL WAS MARRED IN THE HAND OF THE POTTER1. Here, again, God admits:

a. That in spite of His divine skill and effort, He fails to achieve His original design in the life of His people.b. This shows that we are free moral agents, that we must cooperate with God if He is to succeed in our

life.c. That no amount of effort by God can do anything with us without our will and cooperation.

2. The meaning of the word "Marred":a. To mar is to damage, to impair, to impede, to disfigure.b. All these and more are very much in evidence in the human race -

EXAMPLES -(1) The image of Cain - Gen. 4:15(2) The image of Solomon - Neh. 13:26(3) The image of Judas - Matt. 27:1-5

3. The Potter and the marred vessel:a. What did the Potter do with the vessel that was marred? Did He cast it away as a total failure,

unworthy of further effort?b. Not at all, He made it another vessel. He did the next best thing with it.c. What does God do with our marred life? Does He cast us away, as hopeless? Not at all, He works us

over, makes the next best vessel out of us.EXAMPLES -(1) The thief on the cross, a brand plucked out of the fire - Luke 23:42-44; Zech. 3:2(2) Jacob, a broken vessel - Gen. 32:29(3) Peter, a broken vessel - Mark 14:70-72(4) Paul, a broken vessel - Acts 9:15

4. What a picture of God's effort to save us for the kingdom of God!a. The infinite one occupies Himself with working over marred lives - Isa. 43:24b. Admits failure with many of us; this, in spite of His skill and power.c. But He never gives up, He does the next best for us.

27

LOOKING TO JESUSISAIAH 45:22

A. "LOOK UNTO ME, AND BE YE SAVED, ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: FOR 1 AM GOD, AND THERE IS NONEELSE."1. This gracious invitation is indicative:

a. That the eyes of humanity are fixed upon all else but God.b. The lust of the eye, the pride of life, and the lust of the flesh have turned the hearts of men away from

God - 1 John 2:15, 162. The eye is the light of the body and reveals the condition of the heart: Matt. 15:19-23

B. LET US CONSIDER, BRIEFLY, THE OBJECT OF HEAVEN'S INVITATION TO LOOK TO JESUS1. By looking at Him we see ourselves as we are seen:

a. Sinful and lost - "0 wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Rom.7:24

b. All our righteousness is as filthy rags - Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:23; Isa. 1:42. To us as we should be:

a. Saved - redeemed - Matt. 1:21; Isa. 6:1-6; 43:1- 9b. Perfect and sinless - Tit. 2:14; Eph. 5:27; Rev. 14:1-5

3. To see God in His fullness:a. "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" - John 14:9b. "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature" - Col. 1:15c. "For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" - Col. 2:9d. "The express image of his person" - Heb. 1:3

C. BLESSING OF LOOKING AT JESUS1. Moses was directed by God to make a serpent of brass for the people, that had been bitten by the poisonous

reptiles, to look at the brazen serpent to be healed: Num. 21:92. Even so, God invites sinners to look to the Son of God hanging on the tree to be saved from their sins' John

3:14, 15 3. Vivid exhibits of salvation:a. The thief on the cross - Luke 23:42-44b. Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast out seven devils - Luke 8:2-6c. Saul of Tarsus - Acts 9:1-11; 1 Tim. 1:15

4. Transformation follows a look at the Lamb of God:a. "By beholding, has become changed" - 2 Cor. 3:18; John 1:29b. We will be transformed into the same image - 1 John 3:1-3

5. Universal salvation:a. All human barriers are removed between God and men - Eph. 2:14-16b. Nationalities, color, wealth or fame, are removed also - Acts 10:34c. The hope of a troubled world is not in the vanities of men, but in a look to the Redeemer.d. How wonderful it is to direct a bewildered and confused humanity to the only hope left to man - Isa.

45:22

28

"ETERNITY" - THE MOMENTOUS WORDISAIAH 57:15

A. "FOR THUS SAITH THE HIGH AND LOFTY ONE, THAT INHABITETH ETERNITY, WHOSE NAME IS HOLY; IDWELL IN THE HIGH AND HOLY PLACE, WITH HIM ALSO THAT IS OF A CONTRITE AND HUMBLE SPIRIT, TOREVIVE THE SPIRIT OF THE HUMBLE, AND TO REVIVE THE SPIRIT OF THE CONTRITE."1. The word ETERNITY is found but once in the Bible:

a. Our text shows that it applies to the great JEHOVAH ALONE.b. He is the eternal and self-existent One - 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15, 16; Rom. 1:20; Deut. 33:17

2. He is the SOURCE or FOUNTAIN of all life-giving energy: Acts 17:25-28; Ps. 36:9

B. LET US ATTEMPT TO ANALYZE THE WORD "ETERNITY" IN THE LIGHT OF OUR TEXT1. Eternity:

a. Is a duration without limits -- past, present, and future - Jas. 1:17; Mal. 3:6It is the very essence of INFINITY.

b. Man is finite; he has a beginning; he is a created being - Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:7c. That is true of the angels. They, too, are created beings, and we do, at this point, think of them, as

well as of man, as finite beings - Col. 1:15- 17; Ps. 8:4-9d. To both, the angels and man, Christ is the SOURCE of life - Gen. 1:1-5; Acts 17:25-28

2. ETERNITY and the PLAN OF REDEMPTION:a. Sin made man a finite, very finite being; he is subject to death because of sin - Rom. 5:12; Heb. 9:27b. But God has provided a way, a plan, whereby ETERNITY can become the possession of man: This is

what the Bible means by "eternal life" - Matt. 25:46; Mark 10:30; John 3:16c. Man's ETERNITY is tied to the plan of redemption, to his relationship with the Son of God - 1 John

5:10-12d. It has its Source in Christ, past, present, and future. "He that hath the Son hath life." - 1 John 5:11, 12;

Rom. 6:233. That shows that ETERNITY is, as yet, conditional:

a. Faith in Jesus Christ- John 3:16b. Tied to the first resurrection - Rev. 20:6; John 5:28, 29; Luke 14:14c. Our acceptance of the sacrifice made by Christ on the cross of Calvary -John 6:53, 54

C. "ETERNITY", HOW THOUGHT PROVOKING1. Think of what God offers to sinners:

a. Complete deliverance from sin and its eternal penalty - John 8:36; Matt. 1:21; Heb. 7:25b. The gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ - John 3:16c. What that includes -

(1) Eternal salvation - Heb. 5:9(2) Eternal weight of glory - 2 Cor. 4:17(3) Eternal inheritance - Heb. 9:15(4) Eternal life - John 6:54; 10:28

2. How we may possess ETERNITY:a. Free, absolutely free, without money, and without price - Isa. 55:1, 2; Rev. 22:17b. Can be had for simple faith in Jesus - 1 John 5:10-12; Acts 16:30, 31

3. Think of what it includes:a. Eternal fellowship with the Godhead - 1 John 1:3; 2 Cor. 13:14b. Eternal fellowship with the redeemed - Eph. 3:14- 20; Heb. 12:22-24c. Life without end -- in joy, free from pain, suffering; no more sorrow, no more weeping -- what an

ETERNITY!d. The prophet Isaiah attempts to picture that ETERNITY - Isa. 35:1-10; 65:17-25; 66:22, 23e. Said the Psalmist, when speaking of the redeemed, "Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our

tongue with singing" - Ps. 126:1, 2f. ETERNITY - what does it mean to you, dear reader? Is it worth the price you and 1 are asked to pay?g. Can any one of us afford not to make the needed preparation to spend ETERNITY in God's kingdom?

THINK! THINK AND THINK about ETERNITY!

29

IDOLS IN THE HEARTEZEKIEL 14:4-8

A. "THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD: EVERY MAN OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL THAT SETTETH UP HIS IDOLS IN HISHEART, AND PUTTETH THE STUMBLING BLOCK OF HIS INIQUITY BEFORE HIS FACE . . . I THE LORD WILLANSWER HIM ACCORDING TO THE MULTITUDE OF HIS IDOLS."1. It seems strange that God would have to direct the message of our text to His ancient covenant people;

a. Who had been blessed with the heavenly gift of the lively oracles - Acts 7:38; Rom. 3:2b. Who worshiped in the sanctuary where the law of God was, that prohibited idolatry - Ex. 20:1-3

2. This is positive proof that idolatry is a sin peculiar to the individual practicing it:

B. LET US CONSIDER, BRIEFLY, "IDOLATRY", ITS NATURE AND ITS SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS1. Idolatry is very ancient:

a. Lucifer is the founder of Idolatry.b. He initiated it when he centered his affections upon his own person - Isa. 14:13, 14c. Introduced Idolatry to the human race when he told Eve, "ye shall be as gods" - Gen. 3:5

2. It is to be noted that the first two of the Ten Commandments are directed against idolatry: Ex. 20:1-53. What is an idol?

a. An idol is that which is placed by man into the place which belongs to God alone.b. It receives the devotions and affections of man which belong to God alone.c. It is, in its very root, self-worship, self- glorification, the worship of the human ego!d. It is a misrepresentation of God, therefore, a reproach to God and His holy name, and is, therefore, an

affront to the Creator.4. Why Idolatry or the worship of idols appeals to the human heart:5. A study of the history of Idolatry shows:

a. That it appears to the carnal nature.b. Immorality flourishes where Idolatry prevails - 1 Ki. 21:26; 2 Ki. 21:11c. Study the history of the temple worship in India and other countries to discover the true nature of

Idolatry.6. Idolatry leads to the grossest and most fiendish practices possible:

a. Human sacrifices are brought to appease the idol - Ps. 106:38; 1 Ki. 13:1-9b. Sons and daughters were sacrificed to Molech -- burning them - 2 Chron. 28:3

C. SETTING UP IDOLS IN THE HEART1. How can that be among Christians?

a. When they set up in their hearts anything which takes the place that belongs to God alone.b. When they give their affections, their time and means to anything in place of God.c. It can be self, gold, silver, pleasure, ideas, motives, and kindred inclinations of the human heart - Jer.

17:92. Our security against "idol" worship:

a. Christ and Christ alone -EXAMPLES -(1) The Thessalonians - 1 Thess. 1:9(2) The Galatians - Gal. 4:8

b. Christ in control of our hearts will leave no room for an idol! Eph. 3:17; Col. 3:163. Any sin cherished in the heart above God must be cast out or it will bring swift retribution by the Lord:4. It must be noted that God's people may never be tempted by the gods of wood and stone, but there are other

temptations which seek to take the place of God:5. We will do well to heed the admonition of John 5:21 - "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

30

LIES AND FALSEHOODISAIAH 28:15

A. "BECAUSE YE HAVE SAID, WE HAVE MADE A COVENANT WITH DEATH, AND WITH HELL ARE WE ATAGREEMENT; WHEN THE OVERFLOWING SCOURGE SHALL PASS THROUGH, IT SHALL NOT COME UNTO US:FOR WE HAVE MADE LIES OUR REFUGE, AND UNDER FALSEHOOD HAVE WE HID OURSELVES."1. The strong words of our text indicate that God, and not Isaiah, is the speaker:

a. The One who knows the intents of our heart - 1 Chron. 28:9b. The Spirit of God, who searcheth the deep things of God, records these words - 1 Cor. 2:10; Isa. 34:16

2. The words of our text are an eye opener to the true condition of our sinful heart:a. It is deceitful and desperately wicked - Jer. 17:9b. Human imagination is evil all the way - Gen. 6:5c. Man makes plans that never can come true for his own good - Jas. 4:13-14; Luke 12:16-20d. The indictment by the all-seeing God should lead to a re-examination of our lives in the light of our

opening text.

B. OUR OPENING TEXT BRINGS TO LIGHT THREE RELATED GOSPEL TRUTHS1. Man's infatuation with sin:

a. The word infatuation suggests an inspiration to make a foolish and unrealistic move.b. This word is closely related to misjudgment, credulity, folly, insanity, obstinacy, and passion.c. The amazing thing of it all is that infatuation is contrary to sound reason, thus leading to folly inmost

instances.2. The illusion of sin:

a. All illusion is an unreal and misleading image presented to the vision.b. It is a deceptive appearance, a perception that fails to give a true perspective of things.c. How many souls are on their way to eternal ruin led by the illusion of sin!

3. Let us consider:a. The demoralizing effects of sin -

(1) It blinds its victim - John 12:40; 2 Cor. 4:4(2) It binds them - Isa. 49:24, 25(3) It torments them - 1 John 4:18

b. The three main agents of Satan -(1) The lust of the eye - Gen. 3:6; 2 Sam. 11:2(2) The lust of the flesh - 1 John 2:15, 16; John 3:6(3) The pride of life - Dan. 4:30; Acts 12:21- 23

C. EXPOSURE AND PUNISHMENT1. "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the

refuge of lies":a. Nothing can be hid from the Lord - Ps. 139:1-9; Heb. 4:13b. To attempt to hide things from the Lord is but to lay them wide open to God -

EXAMPLES -(1) Adam and Eve - Gen. 3:1-22(2) Cain - Gen. 4:1-14(3) Moses - Ex. 2:11-14(4) Ahab - 1 Ki. 21:20

2. Let us note four overlooked lies:a. "My conscience does not bother me." Actually, that is no refuge for sin because our conscience may

have been seared and thus made ineffective - 1 Tim. 4:2. It may be so weak that it cannot functionproperly - 1 Cor. 8:10

b. "Hiding behind the shortcomings of others is no hiding place for sinners." Adam sought to hide behindEve, but that did not remove his guilt -Gen. 3:12. Saul attempted to hide behind his people, but that didnot remove his sin - 1 Sam. 15:9

c. "The cloak of religion is no hiding place for sinners." The Pharisees - John 8:1-9; Matt. 23:23-33. Thepriest and the Levite - Luke 10:31, 32

d. God will bring into judgment sin; it matters not under what illusion it was committed - Eccl. 12:13, 14;2 Cor. 5:10

31

THE PEACE CHRIST GIVESJOHN 14:27

A. "PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU, MY PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU: NOT AS THE WORLD GIVETH, GIVE 1 UNTO YOU."1. Our Lord was about to be crucified, and soon after that He would leave this world:

a. This filled the hearts of the disciples with deep sorrow - John 14:1-3; Luke 22:45b. To comfort them, He promised that His own peace would abide with them.

2. In this gracious promise our Redeemer shows His love and compassion:a. For all who are troubled with the sorrow that is so common to so many of us.b. "That ye sorrow not, even as such which have no hope" - 1 Thess. 4:13c. The Lord knew that the world would be hostile to the disciples after He left them.

B. THE PEACE THAT CHRIST GIVES1. Peace defined:

a. Peace is both an attitude and a quality of the mind. When the mind is free from fear, agitating passion,moral conflict, it is in possession of the very substance of peace.

b. To me, personally, peace is the effect of harmony with moral law, and consequently the fruit of lovingobedience to the perfect will of God, revealed in His law - Ps. 119:165; Isa. 48:18

2. The peace the world offers:a. It is superficial.b. It is the peace of selfishness.c. It has no true foundation - Isa. 57:21; 1 Thess. 5:3d. So long as sin controls the human heart there can be no true peace; the conscience will be defiled and

the moral fiber broken.e. That is why God testifies in these words, "They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people

slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace." - Jer. 6:143. The nature of the peace Christ gives:

a. It is always the same, even as He remains the same - Heb. 13:8; John 13:1-3b. It is the peace of a good and free conscience -John 19:5; Matt. 27:1-3c. Peace of character - Heb. 7:26d. Peace of complete confidence - John 11:42e. Peace born of a sinless life - 1 Pet. 2:22-23

C. PRICE AND BLESSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST1. The price of peace:

a. The peace Christ offers to us is, like all blessings from God, the gift of God -- "My peace give I untoyou."

b. And yet, it cost Heaven an infinite price - Rom. 5:1-3; Eph. 2:11-16c. We have to make peace - Jas. 3:18d. To have this peace, we must enter into the covenant of peace with God - Rom. 6:19e. We must seek and follow it at all times and at any cost - Ps. 34:13-14; Rom. 12:18; 14:19f. But the most important thing for us to retain is the peace of Christi we must let it reign in our hearts -

Heb. 13:20-212. Blessings of the peace Christ gives:

a. It brings calmness and assurance to our troubled hearts - EXAMPLES -(1) David meeting Goliath - 1 Sam. 17:45- 53(2) Stephen facing death at the hands of the enemy - Acts 7:56(3) Paul and Silas in prison - Acts 16:25

b. The peace of Christ acts as a medicine to body, soul, and spirit - Ps. 23:1-6c. It is our assurance of a happy relationship with God and His people.d. This peace was lacking in the heart of Judas, but was present in the life of Daniel - Matt. 27:1- 3; Dan.

5:1-8e. They, who are controlled by this peace, are the children of God - Matt. 5:9

32

A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE FIREZECHARIAH 3:1-3

A. "IS NOT THIS A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE FIRE?"1. In reading the first three verses of the third chapter of Zechariah, one cannot help but recognize the great

controversy between Christ and Satan:a. Satan, the accuser of the brethren, is ever ready to expose the weakness of God's children - Rev.

12:10b. The Son of God, on the other hand, seeks to cover His children with the robe of His righteousness -

Isa. 63:10; 1 Cor. 1:302. The outcome of this controversy is the important point in this lesson:

B. A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE FIRE1. The accused:

a. "He shewed me Joshua the priest" -(1) The spiritual leader of Israel - Ex. 28:29(2) He wore the breastplate with the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.(3) Also, the Urim and Thummim, symbols of light and justice - Ex. 28:30

b. Condition of the accused -(1) He appeared in filthy garments - Zech. 3:3; Isa. 64:6(2) That meant that the high priest was sinful and defiled: this, the adversary of God's people

knew and used against Him - Matt. 15:19; Isa. 6:52. This experience shows that the devil watches the lives of God' s people:

a. He knows when God's professed people are beset with open or secret sins.b. He is ever ready to expose them to discredit God's plan to save man from sin.c. He says to the world, "behold the sins and shortcomings of God's children:"d. That is what he did with the sins of King David and his son Solomon.e. That is what he did with the sin of Hezekiah when the messengers from Babylon came to hear about

the miracle of healing.f. "Satan stood at his right hand" -

(1) The role of Satan, in this instance, is very similar to his attitude in the experience of Job.(2) Going about and seeking whom he may devour - 1 Pet. 5:8; Job 1:7(3) "Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" - 1

Pet. 5: 8

C. A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE FIRE1. "The Lord rebuke thee, Satan":

a. Satan may attempt to hide the fact that he himself is under sentence for murder - John 8:44; Ezek.28:12-18

b. The saints, that he seeks to accuse day and night, will pass judgment upon him- 1 Cor. 6:1-3; Rev.20:1-6

c. He also ignores the fact that God has found a ransom for sinners - Job 33:242. "Take away the filthy garments from him":

a. We have seen already that all our righteousness is as filthy rags - Isa. 64:6b. All are under sin - Gal. 3:23; Rom. 3:23

3. "Behold I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee":a. God has a way to free us from the guilt of sin - Isa. 6:5, 6b. There is an open fountain against all uncleanness -Zech. 13:1c. The precious blood of Jesus Christ is that fountain - 1 John 1:7-9; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19; Rev. 1:5

4. "Set a fair mitre upon his head":a. This was always the crowning act in the consecration of the high priest for his office.b. This means that God had accepted the consecration of the man for the office of the priesthood.c. When the battle is over, God will have all those washed in the blood of Christ receive a crown of glory -

2 Tim. 4:7, 8

33

"THOU HAST SOLD THYSELF TO DO EVIL"1 KINGS 21:20

A. "AND AHAB SAID TO ELIJAH, HAST THOU FOUND ME, O MINE ENEMY? AND HE ANSWER, I HAVE FOUNDTHEE, BECAUSE THOU HAST SOLD THYSELF TO WORE EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD."1. This was the last meeting that Elijah had with Ahab:

a. What a meeting that was:b. The vineyard of the murdered Naboth was the meeting place.

2. The conversation included the Lord's final sentence upon the wicked king:a. Who had sold himself to work evil.b. By becoming an accomplice to a brutal murder of an innocent citizen, Ahab should have protected.

B. THOU HAST SOLD THYSELF TO WORK EVIL1. Sold thyself:

a. The phrase "sold thyself" indicates that Ahab was a party to the crime committed deliberately tosatisfy Ahab's selfishness.

b. There are instances when people do wrong ignorantly; but that was not the case of Ahab; he knewbetter.

2. The exceeding sinfulness of Ahab is indicated:a. By the fact that Ahab was the chief officer of the law in Israel; it was his highest duty to protect the

citizens of his country.b. As a king, he represented all the people and when he became a party to the murder of Naboth, he

implicated the whole nation.c. He violated the oath of office - 1 Ki. 14:16; 16:2, 3

3. Sold out:a. Adam and Eve sold out when they yielded to temptation - Luke 4:5, 6, Gen. 3:1-22b. Cain sold out when he murdered his brother - Gen. 4:1-9c. The ten sons of Jacob sold out when they sold their brother into slavery- Gen. 37:28d. Judas sold His Lord for thirty pieces of silver - Matt. 26:14-16e. Esau sold out when he bargained away his birthright for a mess of pottage - Gen. 25:30-34

4. The price of the sellout:a. The price is incomprehensible.b. When we sell out to sin, we break connections with God - Rom. 8:6, 7; Isa. 55:1-3c. We become the tools of Satan - Rom. 6:16d. We become the enemies of God - Rom. 8:6, 7

C. THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION1. There is hope for those who have sold themselves for nought unwittingly:

a. "For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed withoutmoney" - Isa. 55:3

b. All this because we have nought to pay for our redemption.2. The price paid for our redemption is beyond estimate; it is priceless:3. It includes:

a. Complete pardon from sin - Isa. 55:7; Luke 15:11-32b. Deliverance from the power of sin - John 8:36; Acts 26:18c. Heaven will treat the redeemed as if they had never sinned - 2 Cor. 5:17d. Immortality, eternal life, awaits them in the world to come - John 3:16; Rom. 6:23

4. Sold out:a. What a tragedy for the sinner:b. What a travesty upon justice:c. How amazing is God's love to find a ransom for our redemption - Isa. 35:10

5. Beloved, what is your reaction to the message of this hour, based upon the words of Elijah to Ahab?a. Are we guilty of selling out to the devil?b. And when we see that we have made a serious mistake by selling out to the devil, do we know the

remedy God is ready to apply to redeem us?

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UNTENABLE EXCUSES

A. "THEY ALL WITH ONE CONSENT BEGAN TO MAKE EXCUSE" - Luke 14:16- 241. To better comprehend the subject before us, it is important to note that:

a. The feast or supper was of a spiritual nature.b. Had it been of a physical or material nature, there would not have been such unanimous excuses.

2. A banquet:a. That does not involve financial obligations, on the part of the invited guest, will not be turned down

readily.b. The human heart is not so self-denying as to refuse a free meal.

B. LET US CONSIDER THE IMPLICATION OF OUR SUBJECT TITLE — UNTENABLE EXCUSES1. The great supper or dinner:

a. Is the plan of redemption - Isa. 55:1, 2, John 7:37, 38b. The guests were, to begin with, the Jewish nation -Rom. 9:1-6; Matt. 10:6; 15:24; 21:33-41c. The Son of man, a son of Abraham, was sent by the father to save the lost sheep of the house of Israel

- Matt. 15:24(1) They had the form of the truth - Rom. 9:1-7; 2:20(2) Theirs were the fathers, and the covenants, and God's promises - Rom. 9:1-5

2. In view of these facts:a. The invitation to the supper, to begin with, had been given to Israel, as a nation -

EXAMPLE -(1) God sent messengers to Israel, while they were a nation, to bring God's banquet to them - 2

Chron. 36:15; Acts 3:26; 13:46b. It was when they rejected the gospel of Christ that the apostles went to the Gentiles, who gladly

received the truth.c. With these facts in our mind, we shall be better able to analyze the untenable excuses.

C. "AND THEY BEGAN TO MAKE EXCUSES"1. Webster offers the following definition for the word "excuse"

a. "To make apology for"b. "To endeavor to remove blame"c. "To seek to extenuate"d. "To seek or obtain exemption or release for one self"

2. The unappreciative guests used every concept of Webster's definition:a. They formally apologized for their not coming to the banquet.b. They endeavored to blame their environment for not coming.c. In this manner they brushed aside the invitation.

3. These excuses are untenable for the following reasons:a. The kingdom of God, the plan of salvation takes precedence over all else - Matt. 6:33; Luke 12:31b. Even if their excuses had been legitimate, preparations could have been made that there would have

been no conflict between the points in question.c. It is very wrong to make salvation secondary to earthly enterprises; it indicates indifference to God's

effort to save us from sin.d. Their excuses were, however, so flimsy and without a reasonable basis that, that in itself indicates

their total lack of interest in the gospel invitation.e. Their excuses were an underhanded rejection of the invitation.

4. This is the sad state of many souls, who are indifferent to the gospel invitation:a. They seek to hide behind anything that seems to cover their excuses.b. But we must keep in mind that rejection of the gospel invitation is fatal to the rejecter.c. By rejecting God's mercy, they shut themselves out of the divine banquet hall in God's kingdom.

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"HOW MUCH OWEST THOU TO MY LORD?"LUKE 16:1-17

A. OUR WORLD IS LOADED WITH DEBTS1. Financial obligations:2. Moral shortcomings: Matt. 6:12; Rom. 3:19; Isa. 24:1-19

B. "HOW MUCH OWEST THOU TO MY LORD?"1. Very few persons ever stop and think of their indebtedness to God:

a. They forget that they are not their own - 1 Cor. 6:19; Rom. 14:7b. They seem to be unaware of the fact that, at best, we all are unworthy stewards of God's goods - 1

Pet. 4:10c. And that some day we shall have to give an accounting of our stewardship - 2 Cor. 5:10

2. A prayerful study of the Bible shows that our obligations to God are sevenfold:a. We have sinned and come short of the glory of God. That means that we are deeply indebted to God -

Ps. 130:1-3; Luke 5:4-9; 18:13b. We are indebted to Christ for paying our debts with His own life - Isa. 53:1-12; Rom. 8:31-33; 2 Cor.

5:21; Gal. 2:20c. Our talents and our possessions are the Lord's - Matt. 25:14-30d. Our very lives are but the gift of the Lord - Rom. 14:7, 8; Dan. 5:23; Acts 17:25e. We have made, at different times, vows to God and that is a solemn obligation to Him - Ps. 50:14;

56:12f. Our knowledge of His holy will obligates us to Him - Rom 1:14-17; Jas. 4:17g. The God-given opportunities obligate us to God to use them wisely and to God's glory - Luke 14:16-25

EXAMPLES -(1) Hezekiah failed to glorify God at a time when he could have done it to God's glory - Isa. 39:1-8(2) Moses failed to glorify God at a time when he could have directed his people to the Lord -Num.

20:11-14(3) Daniel did glorify God in Babylon - Dan. 1:8; 6:10

C. WHY THIS QUESTION?1. What Christ did for us brings our obligations to Him into sharp focus:

a. He gave himself for me; that obligates me to Him - Gal. 2:20b. I am a poor sinner, a blood bought trophy of God's grace - Acts 20:28c. We all are, by creation and by redemption, the Lord's.d. He did everything to save us, and He still pleads our case before God - Heb 7:24-26

2. Solemn questions demand solemn answers:a. That was true when God questioned our first parents - Gen. 3:9b. It was true when He asked Cain about his brother Abel - Gen. 4:9c. And that will be true when the King asks the wedding guest as to why he entered without the proper

wedding garment - Matt. 22:123. Questions serve a threefold purpose:

a. They are to arrest our attention; to get us to stop and think: EXAMPLES - (1) "Whose shall those things be, which thou hast prepared?" - Luke 12:20(2) "Whence camest thou? and whither goest thou?" - Gen. 16:8

b. They demand an answer. That is why questions are asked.c. They are to bring about a change in our attitude to God and men.

EXAMPLES -(1) "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" - Acts 9:4.(2) "What doest thou here, Elijah?"- 1 Ki. 19:9

4. Friends of mine, have you ever attempted to find an answer to our opening text?a. How much owest thou my Lord?b. Have you ever attempted to straighten out your account with God?c. There is, to my knowledge only one solution to our indebtedness, and that is found in Christ alone -

Rom. 8:1-3d. Is that your answer?

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IMMORTAL DECISIONSPSALMS 119:30-32

A. HISTORY RECORDS MANY AWE-INSPIRING DECISIONS1. National decisions:

a. Abraham Lincoln and the slavery question.b. Franklin D. Roosevelt and World War II.c. Harry S. Truman and the Atomic Bomb.

2. Personal decisions:a. Moses and the throne of Egypt - Heb. 11:24b. The rich young ruler - Matt. 19:16-22

B. IMMORTAL DECISIONS1. "I have chosen the way of truth":

a. There are but two ways to choose from - Matt. 7:13, 14b. Both are open to our own free choice - Deut. 30:15; Josh. 24:15c. The false way appeals to the natural mind more than the narrow way -- less inconvenience and more

company - Matt. 7:13; but it is the way that will lead to destruction -(1) Cain and Abel - Gen. 4(2) Esau and Jacob - Gen. 25(3) Ruth and Orpah - Ruth 1:16-18(4) Matthew and the young ruler - Matt. 9; 19:16-22

2. To choose God's way necessitates:a. Forsaking our own way - Isa. 55:7b. Complete self-denial - Matt. 16:24

3. "Thy judgments have I laid before me":a. That means that we will keep our eyes upon God's road map, the Bible - Josh. 1:7, 8; Ex. 32:8; 2 Tim.

3:15-17b. That, in turn, means that we give up the traditions of men - Jer. 6:16; Ps. 1:1-6; Mark 7:7-13c. This constitutes one of the severest tests of discipleship to Christ because the inherited traditions of

our fathers seem to be a part of our very life-EXAMPLES -(1) Saul of Tarsus - Gal. 1:14(2) Martin Luther and the Reformation.(3) My own personal experience.

d. To break loose from all of it is a miracle itself. 4. "I have stuck unto thy testimonies":

a. That indicates the constant danger of being tempted to forsake the testimonies of the Lord.b. We are warned to beware of last day deceptions -Matt. 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9-11c. Many, many stick to spiritual spider webs - Isa. 59:5, 6; Job 8:13, 14

5. "I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart":a. This shows that when people refuse to accept light and truth, it is because their prejudice has closed

their minds to the truth.b. Enlargement of the heart will mean that our concept of truth has been widened; we have an open mind

for more light - John 16:12, 13c. This involves a change of heart; it is a new experience -- one might call it the new birth - Ezek. 36:26-

28. Examples of persons that received enlargement of heart -(1) Saul of Tarsus - Acts 9:6(2) The Jailer - Acts 16:31-33(3) The Samaritan woman - John 4:22-29

C. A FEW FACTS TO KEEP IN MIND1. Salvation is based upon our own personal decision:

a. Moses had to decide for himself what he must do - Heb. 11:24-28b. The thief on the cross had to make his own decision. No living person ever suggested to him to set his

hope in the crucified Christ - Luke 23:42-44c. Ruth the Moabitess had to make a personal decision. No one encouraged her to go with her mother-

in-law.2. When we decide on the question of salvation:

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a. We make an immortal decision; it is effective in all eternity.b. In this no one can or ought to make the decision for us.c. How solemn, and yet how rewarding, is the decision to walk on the way of truth!d. It will decide our eternal destiny!e. Friends, have you made your eternal decision?

38

BUILDING FOR ETERNITYMATTHEW 7:24-27

A. WE ARE LIVING AT A TIME WHEN CONSTRUCTION WORK IN THE U.S.A. IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH1. It is a sign of the end:2. The nearness of Christ's second coming: Luke 17:28; Matt. 24:37-393. Many are building, but not for eternity: Matt. 7:26; Ps. 127:1, 2

B. BUILDING FOR ETERNITY1. Negatively:

a. Not that which is material only - 1 John 2:15, 16b. All material constructions are bound to be destroyed by fire - 2 Pet. 3:1-13; 1 Cor. 3:10-12

2. Build a Bible based faith:a. That will endure forever - Jude 20b. Such a building is spoken of by the Lord Jesus Christ - Matt. 7:24-27c. Substance of this faith - John 7:37-39; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Rom. 10:17d. This building has Jesus Christ for the chief cornerstone - 1 Cor. 3:9-14; Luke 6:46; Eph. 2:20- 22

3. The most important building project in the world today is:a. Character building

(1) Christlikeness - Rom. 8:29; 1 John 3:1-3(2) Christlikeness must be the goal of everyone that wants to build for eternity - Phil. 3:10- 15

4. Usefulness in the service of God and humanity is still another worthy project to work on:a. That was Paul's great ambition - 1 Cor. 9:19b. Said Jesus, "I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit" - John 15:16c. We are unto God a savour of life unto life to those who are blessed by our services - 2 Cor. 2:15, 16d. Endurance — Our Lord gives great emphasis to endurance - Matt. 10:22; 24:12, 13. These are

worthwhile projects to work for.5. Our pattern for our building:

a. The Lord Jesus first and last - 1 Pet. 2:9-11b. He is the choice of our heavenly Father - Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Heb. 1:1-9c. This pattern is found in the sixty-six books of the Bible - John 5:39, 46, 47; Rom. 10:14-17d. Earnest and prevailing prayer is the heaven directed channel to give us the supply for our spiritual

building - 1 Thess. 5:17; Col. 4:2

C. BUILDING FOR ETERNITY1. We know from experience that such a project is the work of a lifetime:

a. That which has been ruined or destroyed through sin cannot be reconstructed in a day.b. Those who say that sanctification is instantaneous are greatly in error.c. Character building is based upon experience, and experience is based upon our daily life.d. Consider what Paul writes -

(1) About himself - Phil. 3:13-15(2) The work of sanctification - 2 Cor. 7:1-3

e. Peter writes about additions - 2 Pet. 1:2-8f. James understood this truth - Jas. 3:1-17

2. To have our building endure through all eternity, we must make sure:a. That our thoughts, words, and actions are based upon eternal principles.b. These principles are stated plainly in the Ten Commandments - Ex. 20:3-17; Eccl. 12:13, 14c. They are a transcript of God · s eternal and unchangeable will - Ps. 111:7-9d. Those who oppose God's law will build on the sand - 1 John 2:4-7; Isa. 30:8, 9e. We must be doers of the word and not hearers only - Jas. 1:22, 23; Rom. 2:13

3. Thus, it is crystal clear that when we build according to God's plan, use the material provided for us in theBible, our building will endure: 2 Cor. 3:18, 19; Matt. 7:24-27

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A CURE FOR OUR WORRIESMATTHEW 11:28-30

A. IN SPITE OF ALL THE UNHEARD OF MODERN CONVENIENCES TO MOST AMERICANS, MOST PEOPLE AREAFFLICTED WITH WORRY1. Things are moving along at an unprecedented pace:

a. Affecting most of us.b. To attempt to keep up with the Jones' adds still more pressure to the load.

2. This state of increased worry was foretold in Bible prophecy: Luke 21:34, 35

B. LET US CONSIDER THE MANY UNDERLYING CAUSES FOR THE WORRIES PLAGUING OUR NATION1. For many, finances seem at the bottom of their worries:

a. The cares of this life sap the life out of our nervous system - Matt. 13:22; Luke 18:22, 23b. Said someone wisely, "The load of the world's financial obligations is heavy enough to sink any ship of

state."2. Family difficulties:

a. Divorces are on a steady increase and some predict that soon there will be as many divorces as thereare marriages.

b. Financial difficulties in the home have darkened many hearts and broken up many homes.c. Poor health is another contributory factor leading to increased worry! How to meet the medical bills,

which are staggering in our day, cannot be overlooked.

d. Fear of the future leaves its marks on the minds and bodies of many - Luke 21:26e. The Bible predicts uncontrollable fear in the last days - Isa. 13:6-8; 22:17f. A life of sin and the certainty of the judgment to come worries many people -

(1) It worried Felix - Acts 24:25(2) It worried Belshazzar - Dan. 5:6(3) It will worry the unsaved - Rev. 6:13-16

3. Worry is actually a sin:a. It is the result of mistrusting God; for if we had childlike confidence in a loving Providence, there would

be no worry on our part - Ps. 23:1-6b. It is a sin because we have no faith in God's promises - Matt. 6:25-34

4. Worry is enemy Number One:a. It digs early graves.b. It takes the joy out of life.c. It poisons the atmosphere we live in.d. It discourages not only ourselves but it makes the lives of those who have to live with us miserable.

C. A SURE CURE FOR OUR WORRIES1. Negatively:

a. Cannot be found in the things one may possess -Luke 12:15b. Cannot be found in seeking to numb our powers of reason -- that will only harm our health and shorten

our lives.2. Positively:

a. By coming to Christ with all our needs at His loving invitation - Matt. 11:28b. He and He alone can deliver us from the cause of worry - John 8:31-34c. He blesses us with His peace - John 14:27d. He promises to supply all our needs - Phil. 4:19e. He will help us to follow a different plan of living; from the one that brings worry and grief -"take my

yoke upon you and learn of me . . . and ye shall find rest for your souls" - Matt. 11:293. Three sure means to end worry and prolong life:

a. Have faith in God.b. Walk with God.c. Abide in Jesus Christ our Lord.

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OVERCOMING BAD HABITSROMANS 12:21

A. A SOBERING BUT AN UNDENIABLE TRUTH1. Man was endued with the moral powers to subdue and control things in nature:

a. He was made in the image of God - Gen. 1:26, 27b. And he was told, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it" - Gen. 1:28

2. But, in many ways, he has lost his power and the will to rule his own nature:a. That is the verdict of the Creator - Jer. 13:23b. Paul, having experienced this truth, confirms it - Rom. 7:14-24

B. WHAT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE IN THIS STUDY IS1. That evil habits are not only harmful to body and soul, but they will keep us out of the kingdom of God:

Consider very carefully these scriptures - Gal. 5: 19-21; Rev. 21:272. That these bad habits affect not only us but they affect those who associate with us: "Be not deceived: evil

communication corrupt good manners." - 1 Cor. 15:33 "Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the wholelump." - 1 Cor. 5:6

3. That bad or evil habits are not formed overnight, but they are the result of repetition:a. One drink will lead to the next drink; one cigarette will lead to the next one, until drinking and smoking

will become a habit.b. The more we repeat a certain action, the more will it become a part of our nature.

4. Effect of evil habits:a. They will enslave body, soul, and mind.b. Man will become a complete slave to his acquired habits - Rom. 7:14-24c. These are facts which the victim of bad habits too often overlooks until it is too late to safeguard

against them.d. My conclusions are based upon the testimony of many persons delivered from bad habits.

5. Still another fact to keep in mind is that we acquire bad habits by perverted reasoning:a. Some people become involved in the drinking habit because they feel that is a good way of getting

away from some problem connected with their life.b. But the facts are that this reasoning is wrong because bad habits weaken the moral powers and so

weaken the individual affected.

C. HOW TO OVERCOME BAD HABITS1. Negatively:

a. Man is no longer master over himself, he has become a slave - Rom. 6:16; 14:7; Jer. 13:23b. He must receive strength from outside himself - Rom. 7:24; John 15:5

2. Positive help for all who desire it:a. Jesus Christ, the mighty conqueror.b. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Phil. 4:13c. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phil. 2:13d. He can save to the uttermost all who come unto Him for deliverance - Heb. 7:25e. That is why He came into this world -- "to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the

prison to them that are bound" - Isa. 61:13. Man's cooperation is a must:

a. Man is, by his creation, a free moral agent, and God cannot do anything for him against his own will -Rev. 22:17

b. God has put before men two choices -- he can choose life, or he may choose death - Deut. 30:15;32:47

4. Three laws that enter into our subject:a. To become free from bad habits, we must set our mind against them - Prov. 23: 7; Eccl. 12:1b. Many evil habits continue in our life simply because we do not think, period! Expel bad habits and

replace them with good habits - Isa. 1:16; 55:7; Gal. 5:26c. Learn to think straight and you will live straight, and that includes habits - Matt. 11:28-30; Deut. 33:25

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"AWAKE THOU THAT SLEEPEST"EPHESIANS 5:14

A. "WHEREFORE HE SAITH, AWAKE THOU THAT SLEEPEST AND CHRIST WILL GIVE THEE LIGHT"1. This is, without any doubt, one of the strongest gospel appeals:

a. It is, in fact, a resurrection call.b. That fact alone ought to stir our hearts and awaken us out of our state of spiritual lethargy.

2. What amazes me is the fact that this resurrection call is directed to sleeping church members: 1 Cor. 11:30

B. "AWAKE THOU THAT SLEEPEST"1. "Wherefore he saith":

a. The call comes from Him who saith, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last." Rev. 1:11b. "The Amen, the faithful and true witness" - Rev. 3:14c. "Who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire" - Rev. 2:18d. "I know thy works" - Rev. 3:15

2. "Awake thou that sleepest":a. You are insensible; your eyes and ears are closed to truth; and you have no proper sense of your true

condition - Luke 15:11b. You are in a false state of security - Luke 12:16- 20c. You are in a state of total spiritual activity - Prov. 24:27-30

3. "Arise from the dead":a. Dead in trespasses and sin - Eph. 2:1-6b. Some are dead twice - Jude 12

4. "Thou hast a name that thou lived":a. How sad it is to think of having the name of an active Christian, yet be dead to the spiritual life in Christ

- Rev. 3:1b. The cemetery and not the church is the proper place for the dead.c. O that God, in mercy, would use His word to bring back to life the many among us who are spiritually

dead!d. Think of the condition of the Laodiceans - Rev. 3:14-17

C. "AND CHRIST WILL GIVE THEE LIFE"1. So long as you are asleep, light, however bright and clear, shines upon you in vain:

a. It shines upon the graves of the dead, yet it does not affect them.b. Until the warning in God's word has awakened you, all instruction in the word of life will not help you.c. Christ seeks to awaken you out of your fancied dreams of security and happiness, and have you

reflect upon your true lost condition -EXAMPLES -(1) The prodigal son - Luke 15:11-17(2) The rich farmer - Luke 12:16-20(3) The prophet Jonah - Jonah 4:5-8

2. The call of Christ for us to awake out of our spiritual sleep indicates:a. That He can do nothing for us unless we cooperate with Him.b. The most powerful sermon can do us no good unless we answer God's call.c. It seems to me that before the end comes to God's people, God will allow trials and hardship to come

upon some of us to wake us up out of our sleep.3. God will give you light:

a. Light is the peculiar property of God, the source of light - John 1:1-12b. The purpose of light is threefold -

(1) To reveal to us our true condition - Rev. 3:14-17; Job 42:5, 6(2) To light the way that leads to the kingdom of God - Ps. 43:3(3) To help you to avoid the pitfalls of sin - Ps. 119:9, 105

4. How wonderful it will be when God will send the Holy Spirit among His sleeping people:a. To raise them from the deep sleep of sin and unfaithfulness.b. To bring a new life into their experience.c. To cause us to put on the strength of God's eternal truth.d. Shall we not pray more earnestly for a resurrection experience?

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STOPPING SHORT OF THE PROMISED LANDGENESIS 11:32, 33

A. "TERAH DIED IN HARAN"1. This is a brief but thought provoking obituary of Terah, the father of Abram:

a. He was on his way to Canaan, but he never made it.b. He was very close, but not close enough.

2. Death overtook Terah before he could reach the promised land:

B. STOPPING SHORT OF THE PROMISED LAND1. Three heart searching questions press themselves upon our minds:

a. How far may a person go toward the land of Canaan, and yet, like Terah, die in Haran?b. We think of Lot's wife; she left Sodom, went a good distance, but never made it to the place of refuge -

Gen. 19:26c. God's ancient covenant people left Egypt nearly seven hundred thousand strong, but only two of them

actually made it to Canaan.d. God's people are in similar danger today as in the last days; if that is not so, then why does the Lord

give such specific warning - (1) "Remember Lot's wife" - Luke 17:32(2) "Now these things were our example, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they

did . . . Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for ouradmonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come" - 1 Cor. 10:6-11

2. What are some of the dangers that disrupt the progress of God's people toward the kingdom of God?a. Entanglement in the pleasures and sins of the world is one serious obstacle - 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 John

2:15, 16b. The cares of life are still another snare the devil uses to slow down the pace of God's people - Luke

21:34, 35c. Unwillingness to part with some hidden sins is another barrier to progress - Heb. 12:1-6; Acts 24:25d. An inward aversion to the way of God, a dislike of walking on the straight and narrow road impedes our

onward march toward the kingdom of heaven - Matt. 7:13, 143. The third point of special consideration in this subject is one of sorrow and regrets:

a. Consider those who stop short of the kingdom of God or Canaan.b. They have been members of God's family, have had part in the activities of the church, but, at the end

of their journey they lose out altogether; they fall short of the promised land.c. What will aggravate their sorrow is that it is all their own fault!

C. STOPPING SHORT OF THE PROMISED LAND1. Terah died in Haran:

a. That disrupted the family fellowship, and also Terah's journey toward the promised land -- all caused bydeath!

2. Experience shows:a. That when death comes it stops everything, all our plans, hopes, desires, and opportunities.b. But what is far worse than physical death is spiritual death.c. To be dead in trespasses and sin is a calamity of great magnitude.d. Think of the prodigal son; of Judas, and other examples - Luke 15:11-32; Matt. 27:1-5e. Some people allow one sin to keep them out of the kingdom of heaven. Judas loved money and that

led him to commit the crime of the ages.f. If the curtain were dropped upon your life today and you could see the epitaph which would say: "John

Doe died at the borders of the kingdom of heaven", how would you feel about this final verdict of yourlife?

g. Why not resolve right now to make sure of reaching the promised land!h. Take a tip from Paul, read prayerfully Phil. 3:13- 15

i. Go on your knees and plead with God to give you grace to make it to His kingdom.

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"WHAT WAIT I FOR?"PSALMS 39:7, 8

A. "AND NOW, LORD, WHAT WAIT 1 FOR? MY HOPE IS IN THEE"1. When we study the writings of David, we discover that he was a deeply religious person:

a. He seemed to live altogether in the very atmosphere of prayer.b. To him, a living connection with God was the very essence of life itself.

2. Much of his prayer is prefaced by meditation and communion with self:a. This is indicated in our text this morning.b. It is the key to his deep understanding of the nature of the spiritual life.

B. "WHAT WAIT I FOR?" IS THE BURDEN OF THIS MESSAGE 1. With this question the Psalmist turns to the Lord to help him to discover his own need:

a. That is a wise thing to do - Jas. 1:5b. Said Jesus, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28c. However, so many professed Christians do the very opposite!

2. David's course for guidance is the only reasonable plan to follow:a. God alone knows the end from the beginning, and therefore knows what is best for us.b. That is true, particularly, of our salvation - Acts 16:30c. One of His great names is "Wonderful, Counselor" - Isa. 9:6

3. What wait I for?a. This is the language of one who hesitates and cannot give a good reason for his hesitation - 1 Ki.

18:21b. He seems unable to decide what is best for him. In this case he should follow the decision of Saul of

Tarsus - Gal. 1:15c. Why do people hesitate to take a firm stand for Christ? Some have one excuse and others have other

excuses.d. But none of the excuses solve the problem of salvation.

C. HERE ARE SOME OF THE INEXCUSABLE EXCUSES1. "I want to be a Christian, for I know that is the proper thing for me to do; but I am waiting until I feel that I am

strong enough to be a good Christian": a. Experience shows that they who wait until they are good enough will perish in their sins.b. Because all our goodness is like the morning cloud -- Hoe. 6:4 -- It is like filthy rags - Isa. 64:6c. Said Jesus, "Without me, ye can do nothing" - John 15:5d. "All we like sheep have gone astray" - Isa. 53:6

2. "I am waiting to make sure that I want to be a Christian; also, that I want to be a member of the church":a. I have heard this excuse on different occasions, but that excuse is inexcusable.b. It is true that God does not want any forced service - Rev. 22:17c. But, dear soul, your own lost condition should be convincing to you that you need to come to Christ -

Rom. 7:14-263. "I am waiting for God to speak to me. When I am sure that he has spoken to me, I will give my heart to Christ":

a. This excuse seems very plausible. We do want to make sure that the Lord has spoken to us.b. God has many channels to speak to us -

(1) He speaks to us through the sixty-six books of the Bible - John 5:39; 2 Tim. 3:15-17(2) He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit - Heb. 3:7-9; Rev. 22:17(3) He speaks to us through the church of God -Rev. 22:17, Matt. 28:18-20(4) He speaks to us through nature; Ps. 19:1-6; Rom. 1:20(5) He speaks to us through experiences - Dan. 4:30-37(6) He speaks to us in prayer - Matt. 6:5-11. Yes, God does speak to us, but do we respond to

His voice?

44

THAT FATAL NIGHTDANIEL 5:30

A. "IN THAT NIGHT BELSHAZZAR, THE KING OF THE CHALDEANS, WAS SLAIN"1. Historic setting of our text:

a. Belshazzar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled between 500 and 600 years before Christ.b. Just prior to the fatal night for Belshazzar, the city of Babylon was one of the wonders of the world.

(1) It had hanging gardens.(2) Magnificent buildings.(3) Its walls were made of bitumen 87 feet thick and 350 feet high.(4) The city was surrounded by a deep channel, the Euphrates, and seemed impregnable by

every known military standard of the time.2. All this until the fatal night:

a. Fatal for the kingdom of Babylon.b. Fatal for the king - Belshazzar.

3. A memorial to the just retribution of divine justice:

B. THAT FATAL NIGHT1. A night of dissipation and sinful pleasures:

a. It was a royal banquet, with all the trimmings that go with such feasts.b. Only the top nobles of the Babylonian society were the participants - Dan. 5:1c. All moral perception was set aside and sinful pleasures had full sway, the description of which would

be a nightmare.2. We are choosing this text because a similar situation will prevail in the days of the Son of man:

a. James warns us against this pleasure-mad condition in the last days - Jas. 5:1-9b. Our Lord warns us against this sin of the last days - Luke 17:2-34; Matt. 24:36-39c. Paul warns against the same sin - 1 These. 5:1- 6; 2 Tim. 3:1-9

3. It was a night of impious profanity:a. Reveling leads to profanity.b. Reason gives away to stupidity and immoral excesses.c. Sacred things must serve the vileness of sin.d. Belshazzar surely knew that the Medes and the Persians were at the gates of the city.e. They knew also that the enemy was digging a new channel to divert the water of the Euphrates out of

its natural channel, and so exposing the very foundation of the city.f. What is still worse, they left the gates to the city wide open.g. Drink and revelry had caused the Babylonians to neglect their duties to the city and to the kingdom.

C. A CLOSER LOOK AT THE HISTORICAL SPECTACLE1. It was a night when heaven intervened:

a. The handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar and his kingdom.b. Its message was very brief -

(1) "God hath numbered thy kingdom."(2) "Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting."(3) "Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."

2. It was a night of fearful realization:a. While the lords of Babylon reveled, the enemy drained the canal, moved into the city, besieged the

palace and killed the king.b. Thus, the handwriting on the wall found a speedy fulfillment.c. The judgment of God fell on the sinners with a speed unexpected by the revelers.

3. What a lesson for our day:a. That fatal night!b. It was fatal because it ended a life of sin and degradation swiftly.c. It was fatal because it ended all hope for the guilty.d. It was fatal because it came unexpectedly.e. So will it be a fatal night for the sinners in the last days - Luke 21:34-36

45

THE HANDWRITING ON GOD'S HANDSISAIAH 49:16

A. "BEHOLD I HAVE GRAVEN THEE UPON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS"1. These words are a singularly bold metaphor, drawn from the strange and half-savage custom that still lingers

among sailors and others:a. They indelibly inscribe the names of loved ones on parts of their bodies.b. In ancient times, some worshipers inscribed the figure of their gods upon their arms and foreheads.c. Here God writes on His hands those whom He loves.

2. But the real purpose of the metaphor was to emphasize God's attachment:a. To His people.b. His constant reminder of that attachment engraven on the palms of his hands.

B. THE HANDWRITING ON GOD'S HANDS1. A mark of divine love:

a. An eternal memorial of His love.b. The scars on His hands and feet.c. Let us never, never forget that He was nailed to the cross, and the reason why - John 20:25; Zech.

13:62. A reminder of the ransom price paid for our redemption:

a. A remover of all doubt from our minds that God loves us - John 20:24-29b. The divine insignia -

(1) Of the forgiveness of our sins - Gal. 3:13(2) The divine badge of our acceptance into the heavenly family - Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:20-22(3) The tie by which we know His partaking of our nature - Phil. 2:6-11; Heb. 2:14-16

3. 0! What manner of love God has manifested toward us:a. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us - Rom. 5:8b. God made Him sin, who knew no sin, that we may become the righteousness of God - 2 Cor. 5:21

4. The divine remembrance works all things to realize a great ideal, as yet unreached:a. "Thy walls are continually before me" - Isa. 49:16b. This is an allusion to the state of God's people, as yet captives of the enemy.c. We think of the wall of human traditions which has become a cage to many souls - Rev. 18:1-4; 1 Pet.

1:18, 19d. It is a constant reminder that redemption has, as yet, not been consummated -

(1) We know that the wall of sin and evil habits is keeping thousands in bondage.(2) Serious work has yet to be done before God's Ideal has been realized.

C. BUT GOD'S HANDWRITING ON THE PALMS OF HIS HANDS GOES DEEPER1. That engraving on the palms of the Lord's hands and feet:

a. Is an eye opener to the true character of sin.b. Those scars on the body of the Son of God show Satan in his true light, as the very embodiment of

cruelty and murder - John 8:44c. It is a vivid picture of the aim of Satan, to kill and to destroy - John 10:10

2. But what is so wonderful about the handwriting on God's hands:a. Is our eternal assurance of the fulfillment of God's promises to us: Heb. 6:17-20b. Is the highest expression of God's love - John 3:16c. Is the Magna Carta to the saint's hope, present, and future.

3. What more can God do for us?a. He that spared not His only Son, but gave Him up for us all - Rom. 8:31-33b. If doubt still lingers in your mind, take a look at the scars on our Lord's hands and feet:c. Remember the words of our opening text: "Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands."

46

WHAT IS TRUTH?JOHN 18:38

A. IN A WORLD OF GREAT CONFUSION, PILATE'S QUESTION: "WHAT IS TRUTH?" IS A MOST IMPORTANTQUESTION1. Usually we consider that which we accept as truth, the truth:

a. A Mohammedan will tell you and me that the Koran is God's truth.b. Hindus will point to their "sacred writings" as the truth.c. The church of Rome asserts that the Tradition of the Catholic fathers is the truth.

2. What we, therefore, consider the truth will give direction to our words, thoughts, and actions: Prov. 23-7

B. "WHAT IS TRUTH?"1. "Truth is a queen who has her eternal throne in heaven and her seat of empire in the heart of God": (Bossut)2. The Bible speaks of:

a. The holy scriptures of truth - Dan. 10:21; John 14:6; 17:17b. The law of truth - Ps. 119:142, 172c. Christ says of Himself, "1 am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6d. The Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of truth" - John 16:13

3. Protestantism maintains:a. That the writings of the sixty-six books of the Bible are the only safe rule of faith.b. They reject the traditions of church fathers as being anything but the truth.c. Our Lord himself marked the traditions of the Jews as being void of the truth. Compare Matt. 15:1-9

with Mark 7:1-13d. Seventh-day Adventists maintain that the Bible and the Bible only is the God given rule of our faith and

practice.e. They maintain that all claims to truth must be tested by the Bible.f. "To the law and to the testament, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no

light in them." - Isa. 8-20

C. IMPORTANCE OF THE TRUTH1. The Spirit of Truth-

a. It will guide us into all truth.b. It will teach us things to come - John 16-13c. There is no conversion without the Spirit of Truth making the word of God effective in our heart -Heb.

3:7, 8; Gen. 6:5d. It witnesses to our spirit that we are the children of God - Rom. 8:12-15

2. The law of truth:a. Controls the moral relationship between God and man - Ex. 20:3-17b. It is a transcript of the character of God - Rom. 7:12, 14; Ps. 19:7

3. Jesus Christ, the Truth made flesh:a. Without Christ there can be no hope for salvation - Acts 4:12; John 6:52-56b. Without Christ there is no connection between God and man - John 14:6c. Without Christ there can be no hope of eternal life - John 11:25d. It is Christ that gives us power to become the sons of God - John 1:10-12e. Without Christ we would have no intercessor before the Father - 1 John 2:1-3; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25,

26f. He is the Head of the church; the Saviour of his body Eph. 1:22; 5:24-27g. He is the Bible Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the first and the last - Rev. 1:8; 21:6;

22:134. But the truth is not effective until and unless:

a. It has the control of our lives.b. It must have the control of the heart before it can change our nature.c. That is why the Bible emphasizes obedience of the truth by the believers.d. That is why we must partake of the word of truth daily to be nourished in the things of the Spirit.

47

THE WAY OF TRUTHPSALMS 119:30 - 33

A. "I HAVE CHOSEN THE WAY OF TRUTH"1. Our Lord states in plain words that there are two ways from which to choose:

a. There is the broad road, andb. There is the narrow road - Matt. 7:13, 14

2. Men are free moral agents and have the freedom of choosing one of the two roads to walk on:a. There were two trees in the Garden of Eden to choose between -

(1) The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was forbidden, yet, man could, at his own risk, takeof that tree and eat; they did eat of it.

(2) The tree of life was to be the source of their life and health, so long as they obeyed the law ofGod.

b. There are two ways for man to live; he can live a godly life or he may sin away his life.3. There is a difference between the two roads:

a. The broad road is natural, with the least temporary inconveniences, a lot of company - Matt. 7:13b. The narrow road is indeed narrow in many ways, has a lot of restrictions, and for that reason few

people will even bother to look for it - Matt. 7:14

B. CHOOSING EITHER ONE1. Choosing either road indicates our attitude toward the world, or toward the word of God:2. Choosing the way of truth:

a. Indicates our attitude toward the word of God -- we love it - Ps. 119:165b. We are willing to endure the inconveniences that are associated on the narrow road.c. We are willing to pay the price to be on this highway to the city of God.

(1) Moses chose that road and it paid off - Heb. 11:24-26; Matt. 17:1-7(2) Ruth chose that highway and it paid off - Ruth 1:16-22

C. GOD'S CHARTER FOR THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW ROAD TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD1. Travel on the King's highway has rules to go by:

a. We must consult the law that governs the road - 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Matt. 22:29; Ps. 43:3, 4b. Study the word daily- Acts 17:11; John 5:39c. Ignorance of God's word is inexcusable without exception - Matt. 22:29d. We are willing to give up and leave behind everything offensive to God.e. We realize that it is not easy to break old habits or the customs of the world.f. But Christ laid down the law- Matt. 10:32-36; Mark 10:28-31; Luke 14:26, 27

2. "I have stuck unto thy testimonies":a. Firm adherence to fixed principles laid down in the word of God is a must on the King's highway.

(1) Joseph in Egypt - Gen. 39:9(2) Daniel in Babylon - Dan. 1:8

b. Many are sticking to spider webs -(1) Human traditions - Mark 7:7-13; Matt. 15:1-9(2) Not so Ruth - Ruth 1:16

c. Isa. 59:5; 29:13d. Our opening text has the answer to the rule of the road.

3. Many, many past, present, and 1 suppose in the future, will enter the narrow road and fail:a. Judas entered but failed; why? because he was unwilling to abide by the rule of the road.b. Many of the early disciples entered that straight and narrow road, but they failed; why? because they

were unwilling to abide by the rule of the road -John 6:66c. That is why the Lord says, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to

enter in, and shall not be able." - Luke 13:24

48

"BUY THE TRUTH AND SELL IT NOT"PROVERBS 23:23, 24

A. OUR TEXT EXPRESSES THE BURDEN OF MY MESSAGE1. I do not doubt that you are here in this service because you believe the truths taught by the Commandment-

keeping Church:2. It takes courage to break away from former positions taught to us by our well meaning and sincere parents:

a. They were taught the things which they, in turn, taught us.b. They assumed that what they believed was biblical.

B. "BUY THE TRUTH"1. That admonition indicates that truth is no longer our natural possession; if it were not so, why buy it?2. Also, that while the truth is free, yet it has a price attached to it:

a. We know from experience that truth cannot be had for nothing, in the sense of exchange.b. The rich young ruler learned this truth the hard way - Matt. 19:16-19

3. The price may differ for each person buying the truth:a. To some, it may require to sell all to come into the possession of the truth, as indicated in our Lord's

parable - Matt. 13:46b. To others, it may necessitate giving up the affections of loved ones who are opposed to the truth - Luke

14:26c. Peter boasted to the Lord that they had left all and followed the Lord - Mark 10:28-30d. We know, also, that the history of the church of God is marked with the names of untold numbers who

bought the truth with their own lives - Heb. 11:36-40e. The value we place upon the truth will determine our willingness to pay the price God has attached to

the truth.f. The Book of Martyrs will reveal the reason why so many persons during the Dark Ages gave their

substance and their lives so freely and with joy.

C. INCENTIVES FOR BUYING THE TRUTH AND FOR NOT SELLING IT AGAIN1. Some incentives for buying the truth:

a. It makes us free - John 8:32. That means that by nature none of us are truly free; we need to be madefree.

b. It will eventually lead us to the kingdom of heaven - Ps. 23:1-6; 43:3c. It will purify our lives - 1 Pet. 1:22; Isa. 1:18, 19d. Truth, in our lives, has the promise of this present life and that of the world to come - EXAMPLES -

(1) Joseph - Gen. 39:9(2) Daniel- Dan. 1:8; 6:10

e. It will, some day, open for us the gates into the city of God - Isa. 26:22. This brings us to Pilate's question: "What is truth?"

a. Jesus Christ is God's Truth in the flesh - John 14:6b. The Bible - sixty-six books! The Bible is the truth- Dan. 10:21; 2 Tim. 3:15-17c. The Ten Commandments are God's truth - Ps. 119:142, 172d. The Holy Spirit is the truth - John 16:13

3. "Sell it Not"a. That ever present temptation to exchange the truth for worldly advantages is too well known unto most

of us -(1) Judas sold the embodiment of the truth for thirty pieces of silver - Matt. 26:15, 16(2) Esau sold the truth for a meal of vegetables - Gen. 25:30-34(3) Adam and Eve sold the truth for a lying promise - Gen. 3:1-19

b. To sell the truth is to become disloyal to what we know to be our duty to God and our fellow men -(1) Sabbath keeping.(2) A faithful tithe.(3) Upholding the standards of the truth.

49

THE SOLEMN CAUTIONHEBREWS 3:7

A. "TODAY, IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS"1. The history of the Jews is replete with helpful instructions:

a. We cannot review that history without learning how God loves His people.b. But deep depravity of the heart increased the difficulty for God to help them.c. We perceive, also, how patient and long suffering God is toward those He loves.

2. But God's dealing with His ancient people shows, also, that God will not always strive with men: Gen. 6:3

B. "TODAY, IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE"1. "His Voice":

a. The voice of mercy -- Note carefully what He says through Isaiah - Isa. 61:1-3; and what He said inperson to His people - Luke 4:18

b. It is the voice of authority - Matt. 28:18; Heb. 12:25-27c. It is the voice of Him who is directly connected with our salvation - Matt. 1:21; Acts 4:12

2. This voice speaks directly to us:a. Through the written word - John 5:39, 46, 47; 2 Tim. 3:15-17b. Through the Holy Spirit - Rev. 22:17c. This voice is heard, also, in the events revealing the divine providence - Matt. 24:6-8; Acts 9:1-11

3. Implication of God's seeking to arrest our attention:a. He wants us to know that He is personally interested in our salvation. This makes the voice doubly

important for us.b. It is a pleading voice - Isa. 63:8, 9; 65:1-3c. It is the voice of final appeal - "Today, if ye will hear His voice".

4. The specified period for hearing Christ's voice: "Today, if ye will hear His voice":a. Today is God's appointed time for us to be saved - 2 Cor. 6:1-3; John 9:4b. Today is the only time in which God gives any promise of salvation - Luke 13:25-33; Matt. 25:1- 12c. Today is a short time and very uncertain - Jas. 4:13-16; Luke 12:16-19

5. The solemn caution:a. There is deadly danger of hardening our hearts when we are inattentive to the voice of the Lord.b. Every time we refuse to heed this voice, we make it more difficult for Him to help us.

C. THINGS THAT TEND TO HARDEN THE HEART1. The refusal to obey the voice of God:

a. That was the final downfall of Pharaoh; every time he refused to obey the voice of God, his heart washardened more.

b. That was the reason for the destruction of the people in the days of Noah - Luke 17:26-29; Gen. 6:1-32. By yielding to the spirit of unbelief: Heb. 4:1-113. By a sordid attachment to the sins and pleasures of the world:

a. The lust of the eye.b. The lust of the flesh.c. The pride of life - 1 John 2:15, 16; Hos. 4:17

4. We sin against the voice of God when we misuse the light God has given to us: Heb. 6:4-8; 10:26-295. It is 'the' most serious matter for us to refuse to heed the voice of God because we know that the voice of

mercy is our only hope: Rev. 22:176. The voice of God is, as yet, not the voice of judgment, but the voice of compassion: Matt. 11:28-30; Isa. 65:1-37. Let us heed this voice of love and mercy for our own good!

50

GILEAD'S BALM AND PHYSICIANJEREMIAH 8:22

A. "IS THERE NO BALM IN GILEAD? IS THERE NO PHYSICIAN THERE? WHY THEN IS NOT THE HEALTH OF THEDAUGHTER OF MY PEOPLE RECOVERED?"1. Gilead is a name given to a ridge of mountains which extended from Lebanon southward on the east coast of

Palestine:2. This name is applied to that whole district:3. This same name has reference, also, to a compact made between Jacob and his uncle Laban: Gen. 31:484. The country was noted for its fertility and for some herbs with healing properties:

B. WE HAVE RECENTLY CONSIDERED THE PLAGUE OF THE HEART: LET US NOW INQUIRE WITH THE PROPHET:"IS THERE NO BALM IN GILEAD? IS THERE NO PHYSICIAN THERE? WHY THEN IS NOT THE HEALTH OF THEDAUGHTER OF MY PEOPLE RECOVERED?"1. There is balm in Gilead:

a. God's word is God's balm for the health of the daughter of Zion - Ps. 103:30b. It is called, "the word of salvation" - Eph. 1:13; Acts 13:26c. The precious blood of Jesus Christ is also the cleansing power, to make clean and white from the stain

of sin - 1 Pet. 1:18, 19; 1 John 1:7d. There is no life outside the blood of the Son of God - John 6:53; Heb. 9:22, 23

2. Yes, there is the great Physician in Gilead:a. Jesus Christ is that physician - Ex. 15:26; Matt. 9:12; Luke 4:23b. He encouraged John the Baptist with these memorable words, "The blind receive their sight, and the

lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised." Matt. 11:5c. His ministry of love is summed up in these words, "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; forGod was with him." Acts 10:38

3. He is well qualified as a physician:a. He knows our frame - Ps. 103:14b. He is well acquainted with our infirmities - Matt. 8:17; Luke 5:15c. He is distinguished for great tenderness - Isa. 42:3; Matt. 12:20d. He is accessible at all times and in all places, "1 am with you always, even unto the end of the world"

- Matt. 28:20e. His cures are permanent - John 8:36f. His terms are of the most gracious kind "without money and without price" - Isa. 55:1

C. WHY, THEN, ARE NOT THE MALADIES OF MANKIND REMOVED?1. The world is full of open and putrefying sores: Isa. 1:5-7

a. There are, so we are told, upwards of 55,000,000 ill and incapacitated at a given time.b. Diseases among men are on the increase; this, in spite of the constant research to stem the tide of

sickness.2. But what concerns us still more is why are the people of God in a sickly condition? Rev. 3:14-17

a. Why is there such a great lack of spiritual power among us? 1 Cor. 11:30b. Is there no balm in Gilead?c. Is the great Physician removed from his people?

3. I can think of three specific reasons for these conditions among God's people:a. Unbelief seems to be the chief obstacle to the difficulties among God's people - Matt. 13:58; 17:20;

Mark 6:6. This present age is noted for unbelief - Luke 18:8b. Spiritual blindness is still another reason for the condition the people of God find themselves in, "thou

art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind" - Rev. 3:17c. Unwillingness to come to the Physician to be healed - John 5:40. Too many of the people love

darkness more than the light and for that reason refuse to come to the light. But the hand of mercy isstill held out to all who desire to be healed - Matt. 11:28, 29

51

THE BOW IN THE CLOUDSGENESIS 9:13

A. "I DO SET MY BOW IN THE CLOUD, AND IT SHALL BE FOR A TOKEN OF A COVENANT BETWEEN ME AND THEEARTH."1. The flood and the rainbow:

a. Symbolize justice and mercy - Ps. 85:10b. The flood came because of sin.c. And mercy or grace came because of Christ's righteousness - Rom. 5:17-19

2. Thus we see a close relationship between the flood and the placing of the rainbow in the cloud:

B. THE BOW IN THE CLOUD1. The rainbow is a circular bow or an arc exhibiting the several colors of the spectrum, formed opposite the sun,

by the refraction and reflection of the sun's rays in the drops of rain or spray: (Webster)2. You must have a cloud, rain, and sunshine, to get the rainbow:

a. Every drop of rain is a little prism. The prism divides the pure ray of the light into several parts and thelight shining against the cloud makes the rainbow.

b. Thus we see again, the majesty and wisdom of the Creator, gloriously manifested in nature itself - Ps.19:1-6

3. There is one more Bible reference in which the rainbow is mentioned: "And he that sat was to look upon likejasper and sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne: in sight like unto an emerald." Rev.4:3a. This is, no doubt, a description of the throne of grace.b. Paul seems to have understood it that way because he admonishes the believers to come boldly to

the throne of grace - Heb. 4:16c. When light and truth penetrate the clouds of trouble and sorrows, both will make a sure background for

the reflection of God's mercy.

C. THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE RAINBOW1. It is a symbol, or sign, or token, of the covenant of peace:

a. God's promise of mercy and peace - Gen. 9:16, 17b. It is the emblem of God's pledge that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood.

2. If it be true that God has set His bow in the cloud to be a sign that He never again will destroy the world with aflood:a. That is assurance to our troubled lives that God, in mercy, will not destroy them.b. This is a wonderful consolation for all who go through many dark and threatening clouds.

3. Let us note, briefly, some of the Bible references which mention some of the clouds which beset men's lives:a. He covered Israel with a cloud to shield them against the heat of the sun - Ex. 13:21b. A cloud covered the tent of the tabernacle - Ex. 29:43; 40:34c. A cloud filled the temple when it was dedicated - 1 Ki. 8:10d. The Bible speaks of bright clouds - Zech. 10:1e. Our Saviour will come in a cloud - Luke 21:27f. The Lord rideth upon a swift cloud - Isa. 19:1

4. The bow in the cloud is a symbol:a. Of God's mercy centered on the cross of Calvary. When Christ was raised up on the cross, God set a

banner for salvation - John 12:32b. Calvary stands for judgment; a place where God mete out judgment to sin in the person of His own

Son -2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13c. Calvary stands for God's eternal pledge that He will not take us into judgment if we accept the

atonement through Jesus Christ's death - Rom. 8:1d. The rainbow in the cloud is God · s power to penetrate the deep darkness of sin and bring hope to the

penitent sinner.e. It is there where the invitation is most forceful, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of

the world" - John 1:29

52

GOD'S LIFE INSURANCE POLICY PHILIPPIANS 4:19, 20

A. "BUT MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS."1. This glorious promise by God should put to rest the fainthearted: it should set them at ease about their

security: Matt. 6:31-342. It is a gracious assurance by God that He knows our every need and will, in due time, supply it: 2 Thess. 3:3;

Heb. 10:23

B. GOD'S LIFE INSURANCE POLICY1. The promissory note-

a. "My God shall supply all your need."b. Note, please, God does not promise to supply all our wishes, but all our needs - Ps. 23:1; Luke 22:35

2. Our need is manifold-a. Temporal needs. "Give us this day our daily bread" - Matt. 6:11b. Clothing. "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field . . . shall he not much more clothe you."

Matt. 6:30c. Physical strength. ". . as thy days, so shall thy strength be" - Deut. 33:25

3. Our spiritual needs:a. We need grace to walk with God every day - Heb.4-15, 16b. Peter enumerates the blessings of grace - 2 Pet.1-2-8c. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the

power that worketh in us." Eph. 3:20d. There is, therefore, no need for any one of God's children to be in want of grace to live and walk in the

Spirit- Gal. 5:16e. If we do lack the grace of God in our lives, it is because we are out of the proper relationship with God;

we do not have the connections we must have to receive help in time of need.

C. THE SOURCE AND MEDIUM OF OUR NEED1. The Source: "My God"

a. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." Ps. 24:1b. "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts." Hag. 2:8

2. He gives for the asking: Matt. 7:7; Jas. 4:23. He gives without partiality- Jas. 1:5; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9. How wonderful it is to be connected with a God of

love and compassion.4. The medium of the supply: "By Christ Jesus"

a. Christ, our Lord, is the heaven chosen channel through whom all our needs are supplied.b. "Without me, ye can do nothing" - John 15:5c. Heb. 2:13; Acts 17:28d. By the word of His promise - Heb. 6:16-20

5. If we have Christ, we have all we need physically and spiritually, in this present world and in the world to come:6. The measure of supply: "all our needs"

a. All that pertains to life and godliness - 2 Pet. 1:3b. His gifts to ancient Israel are a typical example - Ex. 16:4-28c. "As thy days so shall thy strength be" - Deut. 33:25

7. In view of these glorious truths, there is no reason for any one of God's children to be concerned about hisneeds; the Creator and the Redeemer know our needs better than we do, and they will, according to God'spromise, supply our every need:

8. We are well advised to heed the admonition of Peter: "Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand ofGod . . . casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." - 1 Pet. 5:6, 7

53

THE VALLEY OF ACHOR, THE DOOR OF HOPEPART I

HOSEA 2:15, 16

A. "AND I WILL GIVE HER . . . THE VALLEY OF ACHOR FOR THE DOOR OF HOPE"1. Bible students know that the valley of Achor is noted as:

a. The tragedy that came to Achan and his family.b. This tragedy affected the whole congregation of Israel - Josh. 7:4, 13, 14

2. It has a lesson for God's people:a. Secret sins among some of the church members are known to God as truly as the sin of Achan was

known to him.b. "Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance." Ps. 90:8c. We will do well to pray, with David, "cleanse thou me from secret faults" - Ps. 19:12

B. EVERY LIFE SEEMS TO HAVE ITS VALLEYS1. Even the Son of God had His valley:

a. Watch Him in the garden of Gethsemane - Luke 22:39- 44b. His darkest valley was when he died of a broken heart on the shameful cross of Calvary - Matt. 27:46

2. John the Baptist surely had his valley before he finished his mission in this world:a. See him in a dark, cold, and forbidding prison - Matt. 11:1-5b. He ended his ministry by being beheaded because he reproved the sin of Herod - Matt. 14:6-12

3. The disciples had their valley:a. Let us not forget that memorable night when their Lord was taken away from them and they were

scattered.b. Or when they bemoaned their shattered hope - Luke 24:13-21

4. Every life has its valley:a. David speaks of it - Ps. 23:1- 6, 73:1-24b. How soon we shall pass through the valley is known to God alone.

C. THE VALLEY OF ACHOR, THE DOOR OF HOPE1. This is a great gospel promise from a God of love and compassion:

a. He will cause the light to shine out of darkness - 2 Cor. 4:6b. Think of the experiences of -

(1) Joseph - Gen. 37:1-36; 39; 40; 41(2) Daniel - Dan. 6:10-28

2. Our strength is made perfect in weakness:a. 2 Cor. 12:9, 10b. This may be difficult to understand, but it is true just the same.

(1) Jacob was declared victor over his difficulties with Esau, his brother; yet, to remind him of hisweakness, the angel of the Lord touched Jacob's thigh - Gen. 32:25-32

(2) Saul, whose name is now Paul, suffered from a special weakness in his eyes, and the Lordnever removed that weakness, to remind Paul that God saved him in spite of himself.

3. But the blessedness of this text is:a. The valley of Achor has been given as the door of hope.b. That means that our darkest and most forbidding experiences will be turned into a most wonderful

experience.c. It means that our weakest points in our lives can, by the grace of God, become our strongest points.

4. Let us ever keep in mind that our troubles can, under the direction of the Lord, be very helpful to us:a. They detach us from the world and its pleasures - Gal. 6:14b. They not only separate us from the sins of the world but they drive us to God on our knees - Rom. 5:3;

8:35; 2 Cor. 7:45. This experience will help us to see God's unchangeableness:

a. He loves us in the shadows as well as in the sunshine.b. He cares for us in the day of affliction as well as in the day of prosperity.c. He can turn darkness into light, sorrows into joy.d. He has given us the valley of Achor for the door of hope.

54

THE VALLEY OF ACHOR, THE DOOR OF HOPEPART II

HOSEA 2:15-17

A. HISTORIC SETTING OF OUR TEXT1. Defeat and despair of God's people:

a. Achan and the accursed thing.b. Israel before her enemies - Josh. 7:4, 13, 14

2. Utter defeat of God's people in the days of Hosea:a. "Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone" - Hos. 4:17b. "Israel, who looked to other gods, and loved flagons of wine" - Hos. 3:1

B. THE VALLEY OF ACHOR, THE DOOR OF HOPE1. A wonderful promise:

a. God will bring light out of darkness; hope out of despair; joy out of sorrow - 2 Cor. 4:6 EXAMPLES -(1) The would-be suicide becomes a joyful Christian - Acts 16:24-34(2) A criminal, while paying for his crime, becomes an heir of the kingdom of Christ - Luke 23:42-

44(3) Remember Bataan and MacArthur. b. Our strength is born out of weakness - 2 Cor. 12:9, 10EXAMPLES -(1) A little boy, crippled so badly that he despaired of life, learned to use the typewriter with his

toes.(2) Beethoven did his finest work after he had been stricken with blindness.(3) Paul wrote his fourteen Epistles after his eyes made it difficult for him to see.

2. The gospel of Jesus Christ points to the door of hope:a. Christ is that door of hope - John 10:1-16; Acts 4:12b. He takes away our sins - John 1:29; Matt. 1:21c. He transforms our lives - Col. 1:27; 2 Cor. 3:18d. Is He the door of hope to you?

C. WATER BAPTISM, THE DOOR OF HOPE FOR PENITENT SINNERS1. Satan hates the ordinance of water baptism:

a. It is a public renunciation of a sinner's allegiance to the devil and his work.b. It is a public testimony of our new allegiance to Christ and His cause.c. Satan hates this and he fights it with all the forces at his command; I know this from experience.

2. Water baptism is the door of hope because:a. It symbolizes the death, the burial, and the resurrection of our Lord - Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 1:12b. It is an outward ceremony of an inward experience -

(1) It is the answer of a good conscience toward God and our fellow man - 1 Pet. 3:21(2) It is the putting on the Lord Jesus Christ -Gal. 3:26, 27(3) It is the entrance into the spiritual body of Christ, the church - 1 Cor. 12:13(4) It is the symbol of things new in our lives and our relationship with Jesus Christ - 2 Cor. 5:14-

173. The valley of Achor, the door of hope:

a. What a symbolism of redemption - (1) The cross was the symbol of a curse.(2) But Christ has given it a new meaning; it now is the symbol of hope for sinners - Gal.

3:13;6:14, 16b. Death and the grave were and still are the end of the transgressor.c. But the death of our Lord and His resurrection have changed it all; death no longer holds terror to the

child of God; it is just resting until it is morning; it is a sleep in Jesus; and the grave has become thechamber of the saints to hide them for a short time until the wrath of God is passed over -Isa. 26:20

55

WHY EVERY INFIDEL SHOULD BE A CHRISTIANMATTHEW 16:26, 27

A. SOME PEOPLE WISH TO BE KNOWN AS INFIDELS1. They like to think that there is no God: Ps. 14:1-42. To them there is no life beyond the grave:3. They have no message of hope for those who sorrow:

B. WHY I WISH THAT EVERY PROFESSED INFIDEL WERE A CHRISTIAN1. If they love life:

a. Christ, the source of our life, came to give life, and to give it more abundantly. Said the Master, "I amcome that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

b. Paul enumerates the ingredients of the more abundant life - love, joy, peace, long suffering,temperance, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, brotherly kindness, charity. Compare Gal. 5:22,23 with 2 Pet. 1:2-8

2. Faith in Christ, the Essence of Christianity:a. Takes care of my sins - Matt. 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:24b. Gives me security against the judgment to come - John 5:24c. It promises me a future - 2 Pet. 3:13

3. What has infidelity to offer to man?a. For the present, professed unbelief in God, and in the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life.b. The future? Infidelity claims that there is no future, that death ends all.c. In the hour of sorrow? Infidelity has nothing to offer -- all is black and blank in the theory of the infidel.d. What about his sins? He is ever ready to explain and excuse them as unavoidable.e. What about the function of natural law? Infidelity simply states that natural law evolved when things in

nature needed guidance and control. It attempts to give credit to all the forces in nature, only to theexclusion of an all wise God.

C. FAITH IN CHRIST OFFERS THESE ADDITIONAL BLESSINGS THAT OUGHT TO PERSUADE INFIDELS TOBECOME CHRISTIANS1. It changes my concept or outlook upon life:

a. It makes the golden rule the moral compass of my life - Matt. 7:12b. It gives me something to strive for -- the highest concept of morality - Phil. 4:8c. It shows the difference between the life for 'self' and that for 'others'. It uproots human selfishness. -

Rom. 9:1-3, 14:7-14; Phil. 1:202. Faith in Christ gives life insurance that infidelity cannot give:

a. David testifies. - Ps. 23:1-6b. Paul's assurance. - Phil. 4:19

3. Faith in Christ brings to us honors which infidelity cannot give:a. We become associated with the noblest characters which ever lived in this world.b. We are associated with the most useful lives. — Daniel, Moses, Joseph, Ruth, Paul and many other

worthies too many to enumerate.c. It connects us with the most enduring friendship.d. It helps us take hold of the most beneficial and enduring memories.

4. But best of all:a. Christianity brings us back to God and His love.b. It appropriates the sacrifice of the Son of God to atone for our sins.c. It has the promise of this life and of that to come.

5. But what about the infidel?a. He has no hope.b. He has no future.c. He faces the judgment of the God he seeks to deny and the Christ he rejects.

56

THE SPIRITS IN PRISON1 PETER 3:18-20

A. A SUBJECT OF MUCH SPECULATION, CONTROVERSY, AND CONFUSION1. Some think that Peter's words are proof that man is a dual being "immortal spirit" and the body made of clay:2. They maintain that our Lord actually, and personally, went and preached to the "disembodied spirits in the

spirit world."3. Mormons and Catholics think Peter's words confirm their theory that at death the "immortal" soul, or spirit,

separates itself from the body, goes to the "spirit world" - purgatory or limbo or "spirit world":

B. THE SPIRITS IN PRISON1. The text: "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God,

being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto thespirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days ofNoah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."

2. High points of the text:a. Christ was put to death in the flesh. Compare 1 Pet. 3:18 with Rev. 1:18; 2:8; 1 Cor. 15:3, 12-18b. He was quickened by the Spirit (resurrected) Compare 1 Pet. 1:18 with Rom. 8:11. The Spirit that

raised Christ from the dead was the third person of the Godhead.c. By the Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, Christ went and preached unto the spirits in prison.d. When? In the days of Noah, when the ark was in preparation.e. Whom did the Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, use to preach?f. He used Noah for one hundred and twenty years to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ - Gen. 6:1- 20g. This is the heart of Peter's words in 1 Pet. 1:18, 19

3. What was the result of Christ, through the Spirit, and the Spirit using Noah, preaching to the spirits in prison?a. Eight souls were saved.b. Noah and his family were saved.c. The rest of the antediluvians perished in their sins. Compare Gen. 6:7, 8 with Luke 17:26, 27; Matt.

24:37-39; 1 Pet. 3:18-20

C. THE SPIRITS IN PRISON1. The spirits, who are they?

a. They lived in the days of Noah, when the ark was in preparation.b. They, doubtless, saw Noah build the ark.c. They heard him preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.d. It was Christ who sought to save them through the preaching of Noah.e. They rejected both Christ and the gospel of Christ - Gen. 6:1-3; Matt. 24:37-39f. They were destroyed by the flood - Luke 17:27

2. The prison: What was it?a. It was the enslavement of sin; the captivity Satan held them bound in. Compare Isa. 61:1 with chapters

42:7, 8; 49:9; Ps. 142:7b. It refers to persons taken captive by Satan at will - 2 Tim. 2:26; Rom. 6:16c. A prison is a place of involuntary captivity, where one is not at liberty to exercise his free will - Rom.

6:16; 7:18-243. The Spirits in prison:

a. They were prisoners to Satan, and Christ sought to set them free - John 8:36b. The Holy Spirit strove with them during Noah's preaching, "My Spirit shall not always strive with man,

for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years" - Gen. 6:3c. This brings up a very important point overlooked by our "spirits in prison" preachers.

(1) If Noah could do nothing to change the antediluvians, if the pleading of the Spirit could not helpthem, who could?

(2) They all perished in the flood; they had a chance to be saved, but rejected it: why preach moreto them?

57

BIDDING GOOD-BYE TO GODACTS 24:25

A. "GO THY WAY FOR THIS TIME; WHEN I HAVE A CONVENIENT SEASON, I WILL CALL, FOR THEE"1. To get the true signification of this polite rejection of Paul's appeal, we must remember:

a. The impression Paul's appeal had made upon the conscience of that cold and sin-hardened governor -(1) Felix trembled.(2) He was visibly affected by the appeal of Paul's testimony - Acts 24:25; Dan. 5:6

b. The power of the truth laid Felix's life open; his conscience tormented him to a point where he lost self-control.

c. He realized that he will have to give an account of the life he wasted - 2 Cor. 5:102. In turning down Paul's appeal, Felix committed a threefold sin:

a. He sinned against the appeal of the Holy Spirit - Heb. 3:7-9b. He sinned against an awakened conscience - John 8:9; Dan. 5:22c. He turned down his God-given opportunity to be saved - 2 Cor. 6:1-3; Luke 21:36

B. BIDDING GOOD-BYE TO GOD1. Why did Felix bid God good-bye?

a. He Was intelligent enough to know that he was a great sinner, doing things that were wrong.b. He knew, further, that he faced ultimate ruin, as it was.c. He felt in his own soul that a higher power was speaking to his conscience.d. It was when he rejected the appeal of God's message that he said "good-bye" to God.e. We have no record that he ever called anyone to teach him more of God's word.

2. Felix is a type of unknown thousands who go through similar experiences:a. How many thousands have been in my services, deeply moved by the word of God, yet never obeyed

the truth.b. This is a serious mistake.c. How seriously God takes the rejection of light shed in the hearts of men is plainly indicated in the

Bible -(1) Luke 14:16-24(2) Luke 17:26-29; Matt. 24:37-39

C. IT IS A FATAL MISTAKE TO TELL GOD GOOD-BYE1. When you tell God good-bye, you do not want Him to help and guide you. You want to be one of the ungodly:

EXAMPLES -a. Cain told God good-bye - Gen. 4:16b. Many of the early followers of Christ told God good-bye - John 6:66c. Judas told the Lord good-bye - John 13:30; Matt. 27:1-3

2. When we bid good-bye to God:a. We cut ourselves off from the source of life and light - John 1:4-11b. We cut ourselves off from Him who alone can save us from sin and death - Matt. 1:21; 1 Cor. 15:3c. What will we do when we have to appear before the judgment seat of Christ? 2 Cor. 5:10d. We need an advocate, an intercessor; and if we say good-bye to God, we are without any

representation - 1 Tim. 2:5; 1 John 2:1-3e. What will you do with Jesus who died for you? Gal. 2:20; Matt. 27:22f. When you tell God good-bye, you cut yourself off from the very source of life, light, and truth.g. You lose hope - 1 Thess. 4:13h. Salvation - Acts 4:12; Matt. 1:21; 1 Tim. 1:15

3. When people tell God good-bye they reveal:a. That they do not like to fellowship with Him.b. They, in fact, hate Him.c. That was the case of Esau, of Cain, and many who live among us today.

58

SOWING AND REAPINGGALATIANS 6:7

A. THE LAWS OF NATURE CONTROL SOWING AND REAPING 1. Each seed after its kind: Gen. 1:11, 12; Jas. 3:122. The growth of vegetation is controlled, not by man, but the condition of the soil, weather and moisture:

B. OUR LIFE IS, IN MOST INSTANCES, THE TIME TO SOW1. Some sow upon the flesh:

a. Sow wickedness - Job 4:8b. Reap the fruit of it - 2 Sam. 12:11c. Sow iniquity,d. And reap vanity - Prov. 22:8

EXAMPLES -(1) Gehazi and gifts - 2 Ki. 5:21-27(2) Haman and the Jews - Esth. 7:10(3) Achan and the accursed things - Josh. 7:20-26

2. Others sow upon the Spirit:a. Sterling purity — Joseph in Egypt - Gen. 39:1- 12b. Loving loyalty to principles of truth — Daniel and his friends - Dan. 1:8 3:16-26; 6:10-28c. Love — Jonathan and David - 1 Sam. 20:42; 2 Sam. 9:1-7d. Patience — Job, a symbol of patience and its reward - Jas. 5:11e. Faith --the woman from Canaan - Matt. 15:22-28The list of those who sowed upon the Spirit could be multiplied, but these examples will suffice.

C. HARVEST TIME1. Sowing and reaping are nature's twins:

a. Where there is no seeding there can be no harvest; that is a law quite well understood by most people.b. The laws of sowing and reaping seem to be unchangeable; are true to the season as planned by the

Creator - Eccl. 3:1-22. This is true, also, of our earthly lives:

a. There is a time when we have opportunity to sow — thoughts, words, and deeds.b. Seeding time is followed by harvest - Gal. 6:7, 8c. Sow a thought and reap an action; sow an action and reap a blessing or a curse.

3. We know of some misguided souls:a. Who think that God is merciful and that we will not harvest the results of sin, but that is an illusion on

their part.b. Our opening text states very clearly: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man

soweth, that shall he also reap."4. Let us note these eternal truths:

a. The seriousness of this present life -(1) God will hold us accountable for what we do or say - Matt. 12:36, 37(2) That we shall not escape the results of our deeds in the body - 2 Cor. 5:10(3) That God does not pay at every turn, but He will surely pay at last.

b. The importance of sowing upon the spirit and not upon the flesh -(1) Sow upon the flesh and reap corruption.(2) Sow upon the Spirit and reap eternal life.

59

"WE WILL SERVE THE LORD"JOSHUA 24:15

A. "CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE . . . BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THELORD." - Josh. 24:151. Joshua was a man of decision:

a. That was a quality that fit him for leading Israel into the promised land.b. Indecision would have been fatal to him and his people.

2. He placed himself in the lead:a. To his nation and to his family, he could say, "follow me, as I follow the Lord."

3. My burden at this point is to point out the positive attitude and relationship of Joshua to his family:a. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

(1) That shows that he knew the attitude of his family.(2) They had confidence in his faith and followed his leadership.

b. That was the testimony God gave to Abraham - Gen. 18:19

B. "WE WILL SERVE THE LORD."1. Joshua was a servant of the Lord:

a. He lived his faith.b. So did Daniel - Dan. 1:8; 6:10c. God gave the same testimony to Job - Job 1:1-6

2. He won his family for God and his cause:a. Lot failed in this - Gen. 19:14b. Samuel, a mighty man of God, too, was unable to win his family for God - 1 Sam. 8:5c. How many of us have succeeded in our efforts to win our loved ones for God and His cause? We have

tried!d. The winning of his family for the Lord and his service was one of the greatest achievements of Joshua

on record.e. Happy are they who can at all times speak for themselves and their family, as Joshua did.

3. He devoted his life and interests to the service of God - "we will serve the Lord":a. They all took part in family worship.b. They all had a part in the activities of the church.c. They were all dedicated to the service and glory of God.d. Can that be said of us?

C. TRUE SERVICE FOR THE LORD1. Negatively:

a. It does not consist of outward forms, although they may be a part of our service.b. Because formalism without the spirit of truth is useless - Mark 7:1-13; Matt. 23:21-28

It takes more than to observe the outward tenets of our faith; we must have respect to the condition of the heart - Isa.29:132. Positively:

a. True service is the expression of loving obedience to the will of God. We serve Him because we loveHim - John 14:15; 15:10

b. True service expresses itself in loving sacrifice. That was true of Abraham - Gen. 22:1-12c. It includes living for others. That is what our Lord, the servant of all servants, did - Matt. 25:40; Jas.

1:27d. When God said of Abraham that all nations would be blessed in him; that meant that the life and faith

of that man of God affects the lives of all God-fearing men in the world - Gen. 12:1-53. Effective service is possible only:

a. When the Holy Spirit controls our lives - Gal. 5:16, 17b. The fruit of the spirit is the seed of fruit-bringing service - Matt. 7:15-21c. When Christ lives in us, we will render true and effective service to God and His children.d. We will keep ourselves unspotted from the world - Matt. 6:24; Rom. 6:19; Rev. 2:19

60

GOD'S MOUNTAINSISAIAH 49:11, 12

A. "AND I WILL MAKE ALL MY MOUNTAINS A WAY, AND MY HIGHWAYS SHALL BE EXALTED."1. Mountains have, in the history of ancient Israel, played a large part in God's communion with His people:

a. Mount Sinai where Israel received laws and the ministry of the earthly sanctuary.b. Mount Nebo where Moses died and was buried by the Lord - Deut. 32:49; 34:5-7

2. We think of Mount Moriah where Abraham sacrificed his son Isaac: Gen. 22:1-12

B. GOD'S MOUNTAINS1. Mountains have become symbolic of the experience of God's people:

a. We think of 'mount sacrifice'; this mountain has to be climbed by all who aim to enter the kingdom ofGod - EXAMPLES -(1) Abraham and his son Isaac climbed this mountain - Gen. 22:1-12(2) Moses, all alone, climbed this mountain -Deut. 32:48, 49; 34:5-7(3) Our blessed Saviour, too, climbed this mountain - Matt. 17:1-6; Heb. 5:1-12; Phil. 2:6-11

b. This mountain was made a condition of discipleship by the Lord - Matt. 10:34-36c. Some were unwilling to climb this mountain - EXAMPLES -

(1) The rich young ruler - Matt. 19:16-22(2) Seventy disciples - John 6:66

2. Mount tribulation:a. Here is where some people get confused. They think that when we accept Christ as our Saviour, all

trials and tribulation cease.b. But let us listen to the Bible to get the truth -

(1) "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." - 2 Tim. 3:12(2) "We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God" - Acts 14:22(3) "In the world ye shall have tribulation" - John 16:33

3. Mount Zion of victory:a. John sees God's remnant people standing upon Mount Zion, singing the song of victory - Rev. 14:1-5b. All of God's people, who have won the victory over sin, will eventually stand on that mountain - Heb.

12:22-29

C. "I WILL MAKE ALL MY MOUNTAINS A WAY."1. This is a most encouraging promise of the Lord:

a. Mountain climbing can be very dangerous unless an experienced Mountaineer guides us over somevery treacherous crevices.

b. It takes stouthearted persons to climb mountains.c. Our blessed Lord and many of His faithfuls have blazed the trail for us. He paved the way for His saints

to travel.2. The experience of many of God's children shows that their mountain experience became a special blessing to

them and the cause of God:a. Mount Moriah became the place where the temple was built and where Israel offered their sacrifices.b. Every time an intelligent worshiper came to offer a sacrifice to God, he could not help but recall the

sacrifice of Abraham.c. David spent some time on or near Mount Olivet during the days of his persecution by his own son -2

Sam. 15:30d. Our Lord spent considerable time on Mount Olivet - Acts 1:12

3. Some musts for all mountaineers:a. Divest yourselves of all unnecessary weight which would impede your progress - Heb. 12:1-6b. Keep looking up as you go forward. This is a must for you to make progress towards the kingdom of

heaven.c. Said the Psalmist, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help" - Ps. 121:1-6d. Follow the instructions of our guide with care and much prayer - Ps. 24:3e. Hold the hand of your guide very closely, and you shall be landing on Mount Zion.

61

THE REVEALING OF THE FACEISAIAH 3:9

A. "THE SHEW OF THEIR COUNTENANCE DOTH WITNESS AGAINST THEM."1. We are carefully and wonderfully made:

a. Just as the countenance reveals the physical state of our health — 1 Sam. 16:12; Dan. 1:13 — so dothoughts and character reveal themselves in our faces - Dan. 5:6; Gen. 4:5

2. Our nature, with its complexity of being, has yet a subtle and mysterious oneness, and the tone of the mindand the inclinations of the heart are made manifest, not alone in speech, but in look and gesture andmannerism:

3. In the simple language of our text there is a show of countenance:

B. THE REVEALING OF THE FACE1. Man cannot prevent self revealing:

a. "They that be otherwise cannot be hid" - 1 Tim. 5:25b. Scientists tell us that there is no concealing in nature.

2. Said Moses to the children of Gad and Reuben, "Be sure your sin will find you out": Num. 32:23a. As snow reveals the footprints of the beast or prey, as the wind of the desert drifts the sand from the

body that is covered, so sin will surely be found - EXAMPLES -(1) Felix in the presence of his prisoner - Acts 24:25(2) Belshazzar on his last night - Dan. 5:6(3) Ananias and his wife Sapphira - Acts 5:1-11(4) The hypocritical Pharisees in the presence of Christ - John 8:9

3. Men cannot long act a part:a. You cannot forge handwriting.b. You cannot make an artificial rock and keep it unknown beside the real.c. This is true, also, of the voice and the face of the individual.d. Hypocrisy unconsciously drops its mask.e. The truth will have a way to get out; this is a fact of moral and natural law.

C. WHAT IS OF ETERNAL IMPORTANCE TO SINNERS AND SAINTS ALIKE IS1. Men cannot avert punishment:

a. "Woe unto their soul' For they have rewarded evil unto themselves" - Isa. 3:9b. Memory is their painful misery - Dan. 5:9; Matt. 27:1-5c. Theories of unaccountability are useless in the face of truth.d. Paul quotes God's unalterable law in nature, "For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" -

Gal. 6:7e. "He that soweth upon the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption" - Gal. 6:8

2. There is, however, one exception which may alter the law of sowing and reaping:a. Jesus Christ and my relationship to Him is that one exception.b. When we accept Him as our personal Saviour, a complete change of our life comes into full view -2

Cor. 5:14-17c. A transformation that affects body, soul, and spirit is visible- 2 Cor. 3:18d. One may, however, not escape the results of sin completely, scars will show up in some way -

EXAMPLES - (1) God forgave persecuting Saul, but he refused to remove the physical impediment from him - 2

Cor. 12:9(2) The Lord forgave Jacob's sins, made him a prince, but left a mark on his body - Gen. 32:32

3. Our face reveals many things:a. Our association -

EXAMPLES -(1) Moses spent forty days with the Lord on the mount; his f ace showed that - Ex. 34:29(2) Ahab had committed a crime against one of his subjects and his face showed it - 1 Ki. 21:4(3) Belshazzar had desecrated the vessels of the Lord's house, and his face showed it - Dan. 5:4-

8b. The face will reflect the life of the soul, it will mirror that which is within because nature itself provides

no hiding place for a guilty conscience.

62

A PROMISE TO THE OVERCOMERREVELATIONS 21:7

A. "TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE, WHICH IS IN THE MIDST OF THEPARADISE OF GOD."1. A most revealing promise:

a. It leads us back to the Garden of Eden, as recorded in the second and third chapters of the book ofGenesis.

b. It shows that the paradise of God has not been altered - the tree of life is still in the midst of thegarden. Compare Gen. 3:3 with Rev. 2:7; 22:1-3

2. It is an inspired reminder of the beginning of the loyalty test of the human race:a. That is why the tree of knowledge of good and evil was planted beside the tree of life.b. The test itself shows that man was created a free moral agent; he could choose between good and

evil.

B. LET US CONSIDER, PRAYERFULLY, THE IMPLICATION OF GOD'S PROMISE TO THE OVERCOMER1. The word "overcomer" is most revealing:

a. It is indicative of a conflict - Gen. 2:15, 16; 3:1-6b. It presupposes temptation or difficulty - Gen. 3:1- 6, Luke 4:13

2. It must be noted that in temptation the principle of loyalty is involved:a. That was true in the case of our first parents - Gen. 2:15, 16; 3:1-6b. That has been true ever since -

EXAMPLES -(1) The temptation of Joseph was a loyalty test - Gen. 39:7-9(2) The temptation of Abraham was a loyalty test-Gen. 22:1-12(3) Saul's temptation was a loyalty test - 1 Sam. 15:1-22

3. It points to the great controversy between Christ and Satan: a. That conflict began in heaven - Rev. 12:7b. It was transplanted to this earth, and it will end here on the earth.

4. It must be noted, further, that the book of Revelation strongly emphasizes the importance of overcoming: a. Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 25b. Rev. 3:5, 12, 21

5. There is a reason for the assurance of the promise to the overcomer: a. As we near the end of time, the conflict between good and evil will be intensified.b. Satan knows that his time to do his work is very short, and for that reason he is doubling his effort

against the church of God - Rev. 12:12; Dan. 12:1c. To all the final test will come over -

(1) Loyalty to God's law - Rev. 12:17; 14:12; 22:14(2) Loyalty to all principles of truth - Dan. 1:8; 3:10

6. Power to overcome:a. Faith in Christ Jesus - 1 John 5:4; 1 Cor. 15:57; Phil. 2:13; 4:13b. By the Holy Spirit - Zech. 4:6; Isa. 59:19c. By the blood of Jesus Christ - Rev. 12:11d. By the word of the testimony of the saints - Rev. 12:11

C. BLESSINGS AWAITING THE OVERCOMER1. It is to be noted that the blessings promised to the overcomer are related to the specific conflicts won:

a. Loyalty to truth will be rewarded with the privilege of eating of the tree of life - Rev. 2:7 b. Loyalty unto death will be rewarded with being saved from the second death.c. Steadfastness in our relationship to the Lord will bring the reward of being pillars in the church of the

living God - Rev. 2:17d. Perseverance in the faith will be rewarded with the garment of Christ's righteousness - Rev. 3:5; 19:7, 8

2. In the light of what we have considered, we must conclude:a. That Christianity implies a conflict for all who bear this name.b. That this conflict will be intensified as we near the end of time.c. That God will have a rich reward for all faithful soldiers of the cross when the conflict is ended.

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THE LOVING KINDNESS OF GODPSALMS 63:3

A. "BECAUSE THY LOVING KINDNESS IS BETTER THAN LIFE, MY LIPS SHALL PRAISE THEE."1. The phrase "loving kindness" occurs a number of times in the Bible:

a. The Psalmist uses this expression twenty-one times — Ps. 17:7; 92:2; 26:3; 36:8, 10; 40:10, 11;42:8; 48:9; 51:1; 63:3; 69:16; 88:11, 33; 92:2; 103:4; 107:43; 119:88, 159; 138:2; 143:8

b. Jeremiah uses this phrase four times - Jer. 9:24; 16:5; 31:3; 32:18c. It is found once in the Book of Hosea - Hos. 2:19

2. It will be most rewarding to the reader of the Bible to learn how the Psalmist and also the prophets used thisphrase to magnify the love of God:

B. NOTICE THREE HIGH POINTS IN OUR OPENING TEXT1. God's loving kindness is joyfully acknowledged:

a. "Thy loving kindness."b. "Thy loving kindness before mine eyes."c. "How excellent is thy loving kindness."

2. This loving kindness is manifested:a. In the gift of God's only Son: - John 3:16; Eph. 2:7b. God spared not His only Son, but gave him up for us all - Rom. 8:31-33 c. It is displayed in His forgiving mercy and saving grace - Isa. 44:22; 43:25; Jer. 31:34d. He manifests His loving kindness to those who love him - Ps. 103:13e. In His promises to His children - Ps. 31:19f. These are but a few of the many manifestations of God's loving kindness.

3. The superlative value of God's loving kindness:a. "Better than life."b. The truth is that life, health, talents, wealth, knowledge are all the gifts of God' s loving kindness.c. God's loving kindness is above life because -

(1) Life is supported by God's loving kindness.(2) It is the joy and felicity of life.(3) It sanctifies the adversities of life.(4) It is more endurable than life.These are but a few points about the loving kindness which we receive daily!

C. ITS GRATEFUL INFLUENCE1. "My lips shall praise thee." How our hearts should overflow with praise and heartfelt gratitude for God's loving

kindness!2. That praise should not be limited to lip service — it should include:

a. Undivided loyalty to God, His word, and His cause -EXAMPLES -(1) Joseph(2) Daniel and his friends (3) Stephen(4) Paul and many other faithfuls

b. Loving service in His cause.How can we compensate for God's loving kindness more joyfully than dedicating our life to his service!

64

THE MARVELOUS GRACE1 PETER 2:9

A. "THAT YE SHOULD SHOW FORTH THE PRAISES OF HIM WHO CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HISMARVELOUS LIGHT."1. Our text shows that:

a. True faith not only amends, but it also transforms.2. Our views, dispositions, and actions are all transformed:

a. It is this experience which brings great joy and is most convincing.3. Our text is most illuminative on the effects of faith in Christ:

B. LET US ATTEMPT TO ANALYZE PETER'S WORDS IN OUR TEXT1. Darkness is our pristine natural condition:

a. Sin is a work of darkness - (1) It blinds its victims - 2 Cor. 3:14; 4:4 (2) That is the testimony of our Lord - John 12:40

b. Sin makes captive and imprisons its victims - Rom. 6-16 c. It places them in a state of wretchedness - Rom. 7:24d. By nature we are spiritually dead in trespass and sin- Eph. 2:1e. Jude speaks of the "blackness of darkness" - Jude 13

2. All this gives us a dark but true picture:a. This darkness was portrayed on Calvary when the Sinless as made sin.b. It is seen today when we see men and women slaves of evil habits seemingly beyond the bounds of

redemption.3. Redemption produces a change:

a. We are called out of darkness into the marvelous light of truth.b. By the light of God's word - Ps. 119:105c. It is the light of God's grace - Eph. 2:7, 8d. The light of the blessed hope - Tit. 2:11-14 e. The light of eternal redemption.

4. All these and other blessings are summed up in the gospel of Jesus Christ: 2 Cor. 4:4-6

C. SUCH HEAVENLY BLESSINGS BRING WITH THEM CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS TO THE RECIPIENT1. Gospel blessings cannot be hoarded away by the believer:

a. They are to be shared with others -(1) The parable of the talents - Matt. 25:14(2) The pounds give a similar message - Luke 19:13-25

b. This shows that we all are, at best, God's stewards, entrusted with the blessings of the gospel ofgrace - 1 Pet. 4:10

2. Our mission in this world:a. To shew forth the praises of God.b. That means that we demonstrate with our transformed lives that God's word is indeed the power of God

unto salvation.c. We are to be able to say with Peter and John, "Look at us" - Acts. 3:1-3d. Yes, we are to say with Paul, "it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called

me by his grace, to reveal this son in me, that I might preach him unto the Gentiles." - Gal. 1:15, 16e. This is the most effective way of witnessing for Christ -

(1) "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify yourFather which is in heaven." - Matt. 5:16

(2) By the fruit shall we know the tree - Matt. 7:16-20(3) "While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear" - 1 Pet. 3:2(4) "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."

- Rom. 2:133. Thus we see the work of God's marvelous grace:

EXAMPLES-a. The lame man made whole - Acts 3:8, 9b. The impotent man made whole - Matt. 9:7, 8c. The work of the apostles - Acts 4:18-21God grant that we, too, may manifest the marvelous grace of God to a dying world.

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WHAT LACK I YET?MATTHEW 19:20

A. BACKGROUND TO THE QUESTION OF OUR TEXT1. The eager inquiry by a young man:

a. "What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"b. Our Lord referred him to the second table of the Ten Commandments.c. In answer to our Lord's quotation of some of the commandments, he said, "These I have kept from my

youth up: what lack I yet?"2. I fear that not many of this audience could make such a claim in the presence of one who knows our life like an

open book:a. The assertion of the young ruler indicates his home life; he was taught loyalty to God's law - Deut. 6:4-

7; that his parents instilled high principles into his life.

B. LET US CONSIDER THE QUESTION OF OUR SUBJECT TITLE1. The question of the young man is personal, "What lack I yet?"

a. It is so easy for us to discover the lack in others - Luke 10:40 EXAMPLES -(1) The self-righteous Pharisees - Luke 18:11, 12(2) The unjust steward - Matt. 18:28-30(3) Consider those hypocrites that dragged a woman to Christ - John 8:1-9

b. Our Lord gives us a very strong warning - Matt. 7:1-52. How to know our lack:

a. Examine ourselves in the light of the truth we profess to believe - 2 Cor. 13:5b. We profess to believe in the highest moral standard known to man - Ex. 20:3-17; Matt. 7:12c. Search our hearts very diligently to discover our lack.d. David even prayed that the Lord would search him to know his true state.e. Can we do less?

3. By searching the scriptures daily we learn God's holy will more perfectly:a. The Bereans did - Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:15-17b. The egotistical Pharisees failed to study the word for their own soul benefit - Matt. 22:29

4. Earnest prayer is a must:a. The Psalmist prayed, "Search me, 0 God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts." - Ps.

139:23, 24b. By obeying the light when it comes to us after earnest prayer - Jas. 1:22; 1 John 7:7-9c. That is where the rich young ruler fell short; he came and inquired, but when he learned the cost of the

lesson, he refused to heed the counsel given to him.

C. OUR LORD'S COUNSEL TO THE YOUNG MAN1. Note, please, the young man asked for it:

a. "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and itshall be given him." - Jas. 1:5

b. "Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you, ask and it shall be given unto you." -Matt. 7:7, 8

2. Our Lord stated to him the basic facts to entering the kingdom of heaven:a. Keep the commandments - 1 John 2:4-7; Isa. 48:18, 19; Eccl. 12:13, 14; Rev. 22:14b. Share your material blessings with the poor - Matt. 25:31-34c. "Follow me."

That means that we forsake our own selfish ways and choose the way set out for us by the Lord ofGlory - Jer. 6:16, 17. It means that we will fix our eyes upon the Lord Jesus and follow in his footsteps- Heb. 12:1-3

d. There were times when some of the disciples followed the Lord from what they thought was a safedistance, "But Peter followed him afar off" - Matt. 26:58

e. Would we have done any better than Peter? Would we brave the dangers of persecution and stand upfor the truth?

66

THE PROFANITY OF ESAUHEBREWS 12:16

A. ESAU1. What we know about his person:

a. He was the oldest son of Isaac and Rebekah.b. He was, for some reason, his father's favored son.c. He was, by occupation, a hunter - Gen. 25:25-28

2. The Bible calls him a profane person:a. The word "profane" means to be disrespectful; to disregard, and to treat with contempt things of a

religious nature.b. Some Bible translations speak of Esau as a wicked person, one that has no desire for God or His

word; who lives by the impulses of his own heart.

B. ESAU'S PROFANITY1. He was godless:

a. Even though he had been brought up in a God- fearing home, the same as Jacob, yet we have norecord of him ever using the name of God in prayer or otherwise — he was godless.

b. His two wives were idol worshipers, and there is no record of him winning them to the worship of thetrue God.

2. He was disrespectful:a. As the first born to his parents, he was the heir to the birthright and its blessings.b. He manifested neither respect or interest in the birthright; he sold it for a mess of pottage - Gen. 25:32-

34c. He lived by his own sinful impulses and had no respect for the future; he lived for today, tomorrow was

discounted by him.d. He cared for things temporal only; O yes, he wanted the blessing of the birthright, but refused the

responsibility connected with the birthright.e. We shall see that Esau's profanity did not die with him; he has many counter parts in the world today.f. That is what makes this sermon of great importance to us.

C. ESAU, A PROTOTYPE OF PROFANE PERSONS IN OUR DAY 1. He typifies those who attempt to live without God:

a. Ps. 52:7b. Jer. 10:16-24

2. He manifested the same attitude toward all God-given privileges as millions do in our day:a. Luke 14:16-24b. John 5:40

3. Profane persons, who have no regard for things sacred, live for the present only, as Esau did:a. Luke 17:26-30b. Jas. 5:1-9c. Jas. 4:13-17d. Dan. 5:1-4

4. Being brought up in a Christian home is no assurance against infidelity:a. Esau was under the identical influence as Jacob was; was taught the same truths; yet he was

godless.b. That shows that godliness is a personal attitude, and cannot be instilled in the heart of even the

closest relative.5. Look into the history of God's people:

a. The home of our first parents; they were God- fearing, yet Cain became the first murderer of the humanrace - Gen. 4:1-26

b. We think of the family of Samuel as a God- fearing family, yet his sons were so wicked that the Lordhad to destroy them- 1 Sam. 8:3, 5

c. Think of the priest Eli and his sons; God had to destroy them because of their wickedness - 1 Sam.2:12

6. Profanity cannot be limited to profane words, but it includes a complete exclusion of God from one's life:7. Let us beware, dear friends, lest we shall become guilty of profanity, as Esau was:

a. He excluded God out of his life.b. He disrespected his birthright, but sought the blessing of the birthright.c. He perished in sin.

67

TAKE HEED WHAT YOU HEARMARK 4:24

A. THE ADMONITIONS BY OUR LORD ARE TIMELY AND APPLY ESPECIALLY TO OUR TIMES1. Never before, in the long history of man, has humanity been surrounded by so many voices as today:

a. The radio.b. The television.c. Press and kindred media.

2. What makes the Lord's warning doubly important is that the very air is filled with confusing and contradictivemessages:a. Some things that are coming over the air are most harmful to the moral life of the listener.b. It takes a keen mind to differentiate between truth and error.

B. LET US CONSIDER OUR OPENING TEXT TO LEARN ITS IMPLICATIONS1. What we hear affects our life and gives direction to our attitude toward God and the world of sin:

a. That was true in the experience of our first parents — Had they heeded what God told them, thehistory of man would be different - Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-6

b. Had Cain heeded God's warning, he would never have murdered his brother - Gen. 4:6, 7; 8, 92. What we hear makes us responsible, regardless of our attitude:

a. That was true in the experience of Moses and Aaron - Num. 20:8, 9-12b. It was true in the experience of the man of God sent to Jeroboam- 1 Ki. 13:8, 21-25c. It will be true in this last generation - Matt. 24:14 Truly, the warning by our Lord is an eye opener to all

of us.

C. GOD'S MEDIA TO SPEAK TO MAN1. He has, in the past, used different means to speak to man:

a. The voice of nature - Ps. 19:1-6, Rom. 1:20b. The Son of God - Heb. 1:1-3; 12:26c. The Holy Bible - Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; John 5:39d. The Holy Spirit - Heb. 3:7-9; Rev. 22:17e. Through the conscience - John 8:9; Acts 24:25f. Through His church - Rev. 22:17

2. Christ's admonition has special signification for this present generation:a. The Three Angels' Messages going to every kindred and nation is God's final appeal to a rebellious

world - Rev. 14:6-12b. What the world hears through the Three Angels' Messages will leave men without excuse.c. It will bring men to a final decision to side either with God or with the anti-Christ.

3. But most of all, what we, the professed believers of the Advent message hear will:a. Prepare us for the soon coming of our Lord - Rev. 19:7, 8; Eph. 5:26, 27; 1 John 3:1-3b. It will stir our hearts to a point where we will break with every known sin and place ourselves upon the

altar for service.c. Or, if we do not heed God's message, it will seal our doom to eternal destruction - Heb. 12:25, 26; 2:1-

3

68

"IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?" 1 SAMUEL 17:29

A. WHEN GREAT JUDGMENTS HAPPEN, THERE MUST BE GREAT GUILT. WHEN A NATION, CITY, OR FAMILY IS BROUGHT INTODANGER, IT IS WISE TO INQUIRE INTO THE CAUSE1. David, doubtless, under divine inspiration, came to visit his brethren on the battlefield:

a. He saw how the hearts of the soldiers of Israel fainted in the face of Goliath, the challenger.b. David thought of the situation as a reproach to all of Israel.

2. He offered to meet the challenger — this to the dismay and displeasure of his brethren:a. It was in answer to the belittling by his brothers that he asked the question of our text. "Is there not a

cause?"

B. OUR TEXT RAISES A THOUGHT-PROVOKING QUESTION - "IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?"1. The army of Israel was in total dismay at a time when courage and daring should have been one of the

evidences of their strength:a. Their leader, the king, had been rejected by the Lord - 1 Sam. 15:28b. The morale of the army was very poor; it was unprepared to meet the challenger - 1 Sam. 17:11

2. It was at this time that God made David the man of the hour:a. To save the honor of God and Israel.b. His concept of offering his service to his nation in the hour of crises was far more inclusive than his

brethren comprehended.3. Is there not a cause?

a. Achan's sin affected a whole nation -(1) The Lord refused to join Israel in battle against their enemies because there was a curse in the

midst of the camp of Israel - Josh. 7:1-26(2) The whole family of Achan was affected by his sin.

b. That was true in the experience of David and the children of Israel - 2 Sam. 24:1-14c. That was true in the experience of Jonah and the mariners connected with the ship he attempted to

flee in - Jonah 1:4-15d. That shows that we are responsible, at all times, for the fate of others.

C. OUR OPENING TEXT IS A PENETRATING AND HEART SEARCHING QUESTION1. Why are things with us as they are?

a. Are they an accident over which we have no control?b. Or is there a cause or reason for it all?

2. Let us take a brief look into the experience of nations and individuals:a. Ancient Israel went into captivity, had its cities laid in ruin, its youth destroyed. Why? Was there a

cause for it?b. The answer is yes; there was a cause — sin, rebellion against God, idolatry; there was no other

choice for God, but to cast them off.3. Let us consider, briefly, some individuals:

a. Two brothers in the family; of them God said, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated" - Rom. 9:13b. Was there a cause for making such a great difference between two brothers? Yes! Esau was an

infidel, and Jacob loved the Lord.c. Cain and Abel; two brothers in the same family, both religiously minded, yet, God accepted the

sacrifice of Abel, and rejected the offering of Cain - Gen. 4:1-9d. Was there a cause? Yes, indeed, sin in the heart of Cain was the cause.

4. Our God is reasonable:a. He invites men to come and reason together with Him - Isa. 1:16-19b. When we get into difficulties or tight places, let us ask ourselves the question of our text - "Is there not

a reason or cause for my present situation?"c. If our bodies break down before we feel it is time, can there be a cause for that? The answer must be

yes, there is a cause; sin against our body is the reason.d. We must ever remember that the Bible says, "whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap" - Gal.

6:7, 8e. Life is not a chance, not an accident; if things happen there must be a reason, a cause for it all.

69

"BE TROUBLED, YE CARELESS ONES"ISAIAH 32:11

A. "BE TROUBLED, YE CARELESS ONES"1. The context will show that this warning is given to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judea:2. Dire predictions concerning the city and the land in general are made by the Lord:3. This passage, however, may be appropriately applied to all who are in a state of indifference about their soul:

B. LET US CONSIDER THE IMPLICATION OF OUR TEXT1. To Whom it Applies:

a. "Ye careless ones"b. To be careless signifies inattention, indifference, unconcerned, heedlessness.

2. Who are the careless?a. Those who live as without God in the world - EXAMPLES-

(1) Esau - Gen. 25:30-34. We have no Bible record showing that he believed in God!(2) Pharaoh - Ex. 5:2(3) Rabshakeh the Assyrian - 2 Ki. 18:29-34

b. They who neglect communion or fellowship with the Lord - Jer. 10:25; Hoe. 7:7c. All who make an outward profession, yet deny the Lord in their daily life - 2 Tim. 3:1-9d. They who neglect their spiritual nature - Rev. 3:14-17

3. Let us note the indicated symptoms of the careless:a. They are inattentive -

EXAMPLES(1) The relatives of Lot - Gen. 19:14(2) The special guests - Luke 14:17-20

b. The indifferent - Luke 17:26-29; Matt. 24:36-39c. The unconcerned - Luke 12:16-20; 21:34-38; 1 Thess. 5:1-9d. The heedless ones - Heb. 3:7-9; 4:1-9; Acts 24:25

C. WHY THE HEEDLESS ONES OUGHT TO BE CONCERNED1. God is exceedingly displeased with their carelessness:

a. Said He to the antediluvians, "My Spirit shall not always strive with man" - Gen. 6:3b. "For when they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction shall come upon them" - 1 Thess.

5:32. God has a time limit for sinners and saints:

a. For sinners - 2 Cor. 6:1-3; Heb. 3:7-9b. When their cup of iniquity is full, they will drink out of it -

EXAMPLES -(1) Belshazzar and his lords - Dan. 5:1-18(2) Herod - Acts 12:23(3) Ananias and his wife Sapphira - Acts 5:1-14(4) All the nations - Isa. 51:17; Jer. 25:31

c. Professed Christians -- Our Lord's admonition, "Watch and pray" - Matt. 24:42-44d. He is against the careless preachers - Matt. 24:48- 51e. Laodiceans take notice - Rev. 3:14-17

3. Why the careless ought to be deeply concerned:a. There is an accounting taking place of all we do, say, or think - 2 Cor. 5:10b. Our Lord warns us against that time - Matt. 12:36, 37c. We are well advised to discontinue to be careless, or take the consequences of our carelessness.

70

REPENTANCE, FORGIVENESS, RETRIBUTION2 SAMUEL 12:1-14

A. "AND DAVID SAID UNTO NATHAN, I HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE LORD. AND NATHAN SAID UNTO DAVID, THELORD ALSO HATH PUT AWAY THY SIN; THOU SHALT NOT DIE. HOWBEIT, BECAUSE BY THIS DEED THOUHAST GIVEN GREAT OCCASION TO THE ENEMIES OF THE LORD TO BLASPHEME, THE CHILD ALSO THAT ISBORN UNTO THEE SHALL SURELY DIE."1. David's confession of his sin:

a. Was sincere and heartfelt - Ps. 32:1-6b. It evoked deep sorrow in his heart; he never was the same man after this - Ps. 41:4; 51:4

2. God, who knows our heart, was ready and willing to forgive David his sin: Mi. 7:18, 19 a. That is the promise to all who are truly sorry for their sin - Isa. 55:7b. The story of the prodigal son is encouraging testimony for the willingness of the Lord to forgive us -

Luke 15:11-27

B. LET US NOTE THREE RELATED TRUTHS REVEALED IN OUR OPENING TEXT1. Repentance:

a. Deep, heartfelt contrition is basic to true repentance - 2 Cor. 7:10b. An open confession is required - 1 John 1:9; Prov. 28:13; Ps. 32:1-12c. Restitution, when possible, must be made - Luke 19:1-8d. This was impossible in the case of David -- he could not restore the man that fell in battle, nor could he

give his wife back to him.2. Forgiveness: "The Lord hath put away thy sin"

a. The pardon was immediate. One minute David stood guilty and lost, and the next minute he wasforgiven.

b. Not only was the pardon immediate but it was complete - John 8:363. Retribution: "Howbeit . . . the child shall surely die"

a. Our text makes it crystal clear -(1) That pardon for sin does not mean impunity altogether.(2) The effects of sin seem unavoidable.(3) We cannot recall it. Speak a word and you cannot recall it; think a thought and you cannot

change it.b. We cannot control its evil influence -

(1) The law of sowing and reaping - Gal. 6:7(2) The sins in our lives quickly enter into the bloodstream of others.

c. There are times when the Lord allows us to harvest the results of our own sins, not to punish us, butrather to teach us a soul-saving lesson for the benefit of others.

C. FRIENDS, WE HAVE TAKEN A BRIEF LOOK AT THREE RELATED FACTS WHICH FOLLOW SIN1. Repentance: A deep and heartfelt sorrow because of our sin against God, his cause, and our fellow men. If it is

sincere, it will bring good and lasting benefits.2. Forgiveness: That is God's nature -- mercy, compassion, and pardon. How thankful we ought to be that we

have a forgiving Saviour!3. Retribution: Sin is a contagion, a malady, a poison, and its effects cannot easily be erased. Look into the

history of mankind and see the scars sin has made in the lives of saints and sinners; in the lives of kings andprophets. It is frightening to think of the final wage of sin - Rom. 6:23. There is but one hiding place -- under theblood of Jesus Christ.

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THE SUPREMACY OF THE SPIRITUALZECHARIAH 4:6

A. "NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS."1. This heavenly assurance came to Zerubbabel, the governor of the Jewish province at a time:

a. When the work was at a standstill.b. When even the stouthearted of the returning Jews grew faint.

2. The Jews from exile were few and poor; and the enemy that harassed them was strong and very active:3. To encourage the hearts of His people, God assured them in the words of our text:

a. Not by might, nor by power,b. But by my Spirit, saith the Lord.

B. CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE GRACIOUS PROMISE GOD GAVE TO HIS PEOPLE1. Not By Might:

a. With these words the Lord indicates the might as conceived by men; God does not choose to finishhis work in that manner.

b. Think of the means God used by the hand of Gideon to free Israel - Judg. 7:4c. David used a small stone and a sling - 1 Sam. 17:1- 39d. Recall the means Samson used to smite the Philistines - Judg. 15:3-5, 8, 9

2. Nor By Power:a. This was a timely message for the Jews; they were so weak that the enemy made sport of their

feebleness.b. Material power may have its place, but it cannot change the heart - Jer. 13:23c. You recall what Peter said to one Simon - Acts 8:18-20

3. Salvation is of a spiritual nature which must be effected by spiritual power:a. hat which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit - John 3:1-9b. Spiritual things are perceived by a spiritual mind - 1 Cor. 2:10-14

C. THE SUPREMACY OF THE SPIRITUAL1. It is noteworthy that David, a man of war, skilled in the art of war in his day, recognized this glorious truth and

freely acknowledged the supremacy of the Spiritual:a. "Now know I that the Lord sayeth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving

strength of his right hand."b. "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."c. "They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen and attend upright."d. "There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength."-Ps. 20:6-8;33:16; 44:6

2. The Holy Spirit is the key to the success of any God approved project:a. He transforms human nature - 1 Sam. 10: 6; 2 Cor. 3:18, 19b. He gives us a new outlook upon life - 1 Cor. 2:11-14c. He replaces hatred with love - Rom. 5:5d. He convicts of sin - John 16:7-13e. He brings comfort to the sorrowing - Isa. 40:1, 2f. He creates new hope in our hearts. This is important for us in these last days when the Saviour

foretold that men's hearts would fail them for fear of the things that shall come upon the earth - Luke21:24-26

g. Finally, and gloriously, God's Spirit prepares our life for glory land. This is the key to the Supremacy ofthe Spiritual -(1) It enables and it transforms.(2) It preserves and prepares for the world to come. Thank God for the supremacy of the Spiritual!

72

CHRIST RECEIVING SINNERSLUKE 15:2, 3

A. "THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS"1. The Pharisees were our Lord's greatest enemies:

a. They sought occasion to accuse him of being a false prophet.b. They were filled with spiritual pride and paraded it at the street corners and in the market places -Matt.

6:5c. To them it was a disgrace to come in contact with what they called 'sinners'.

2. When they saw our Lord being surrounded by tax collectors and publicans, they sought to mark him as a falseteacher because he received sinners: a. That attitude, by the supposed leaders in Israel, revealed that they were blind to both the plan of

redemption and also to the mission of the Son of God - Luke 6:39; Matt. 15:14; 23:16b. That shows, further, that it is possible to have the form of truth, yet be totally ignorant of our mission in

this world.

B. "THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS"1. This statement, by the Pharisees, was intended to be a taunt, a stigma:2. But, unwittingly, they expressed the very heart of the mission of our Lord:

a. "For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." - Matt. 9:13b. "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost." - Luke 19:10; Matt. 18:11c. Said the angel, "thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." -Matt.

1:21; Acts 3:26d. "For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts

4:123. "This man receiveth sinners." Let us note a few implications of this statement:

a. Since all men have sinned and come short of the glory of God - Rom. 3:23; 6:19b. And since sin has brought all men under condemnation - Rom. 5:12-19c. It is an expression of God's love to invite sinners to come to Him through Jesus Christ, our Lord - John

3:16d. What would poor sinners, under condemnation, do with their sins if they could not come to Christ

(1) The Lamb of God which alone can take away sins - John 1:29(2) It is Christ, who died for our sins - 1 Cor. 15:3

C. CONDITIONS AND BLESSINGS OF CHRIST'S RECEIVING SINNERS1. Conditions:

a. Come and confess our sins is a basic condition to be received by Christ - (1) The prodigal son - Luke 15:18(2) The thief - Luke 23:38-44

b. Make restitution as far as it is in our power - Luke 19:8c. Sin no more - John 5:14; 8:11

2. Heavenly assurance:a. "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." - John 6:37b. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matt. 11:28c. "Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." - Rom. 10:11

3. Yes, Christ does receive sinners:a. I personally know it from experience!b. If you have not experienced the joy of salvation — why not come to Him now?c. His arms are still stretched out to receive you - Isa. 65:1, 2; Luke 15:20d. Thank God for His mercy when He sent Jesus to receive sinners — that is the heart of the plan of

redemption!

73

BRUISES AND WOUNDSJEREMIAH 30:12

A. "FOR THUS SAITH THE LORD, THY BRUISE IS INCURABLE, AND THY WOUND IS GRIEVOUS"1. These words are directed primarily to God's ancient covenant people, showing the reason for their going into

captivity:2. But I believe that they have a spiritual message for the people today:

a. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning" - Rom. 15:4b. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition,

upon whom the ends of the world are come." - 1 Cor. 10:11

B. BRUISES AND WOUNDS1. Our opening text shows the sinner's true condition, as God sees it:

a. Bruises. Everyone living in sin will receive bruises. That is the work of the devil - Luke 9:39; 10:30b. Satan will leave no soundness in his victims - Isa. 1:6c. He will leave incurable wounds - Ps. 38:5; Prov. 23:29

EXAMPLES -(1) Samson - Judg. 16:20(2) Esau - Heb. 12:16, 17(3) Judas - Matt. 27:1-5

2. Attitude of the world when they see you bruised and wounded:a. Who cared for the prodigal when he was down and out? - Luke 15:11-29b. Who cared when Judas hung himself? - Matt. 27:1-5

3. Effects of bruises and wounds:a. You are incapacitated for doing good.b. You are losing precious opportunities to prepare for the kingdom of God - 2 Cor. 6:1-3; John 5:3-6c. You miss the blessing of the great feast of the Lord - Luke 14:16-28d. Who is able to measure the effects of sin in this present world or in the world to come?

C. BUT NONE NEED DESPAIR OR BE DISHEARTENED1. There is a promise for the bruised and the wounded:

a. "I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thy wounds, saith the Lord." - Jer. 30:17b. There is balm in Gilead - Jer. 8:22; 46:11c. It is found in the wounds of the Lamb of God - Isa. 53:5

EXAMPLES - (1) The prodigal son was restored fully - Luke 15:22-32(2) Mary Magdalene was restored fully - Mark 16:9(3) The woman of Samaria was restored - John 4:1-29

d. "I will, says the Lord, heal thy wounds" - Ps. 103:1-3; 143:3; Luke 10:342. To heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds was the great mission of the Son of God, when he came

into this sin-sick world:a. That is what the prophet Isaiah foretold - Isa. 61:1b. That prediction was quoted by the Lord as finding its fulfillment in Him - Luke 4:18c. He will wear the scars of the wounds He received for you and me forever and ever. They will be a mark

of His love for poor sinners - Zech. 13:63. How wonderful is God's love which has made provisions for healing our wounds and bruises:

a. That mission of mercy occupied the largest part of our Lord's ministry - Acts 10:38b. He is the great Physician of our body and our soul - Ex. 16:26c. Of Him the Psalmist writes, "who healeth all thy diseases" - Ps. 103:1-3

4. Dear friend, do you know this Physician from experience? Has he touched your heart and your body with thehand of healing?

5. How wonderful it is to know from experience that God is willing to heal us from the wounds caused by sin!

74

THE VALUE OF MANPSALMS 8:1- 9

A. HUMAN ESTIMATES OF THE VALUE OF MAN1. Chemists say 'man' is worth about ninety-eight cents:2. Nations' estimate of man in time of war:

a. Used to be less than the price of a good horse.b. Less than any investment made for military reasons.

3. In places of amusements, man is worth less than the satisfaction of animal passions, less than a filthy dollarmade either in a liquor store or in a tavern, or in a theater:

B. MAN'S IMPORTANCE IN THE UNIVERSE 1. Counted as a small dust: Isa. 40:15 2. Lighter than nothing: Ps. 62:9 3. His endurance is comparable to:

a. Green grass - Isa. 40:6; 1 Pet. 1:24b. Vapor - Jas. 4:14 c. A tale that is told - Ps. 90:9

4. His stand before God:a. As an unclean thing - Isa. 64:6b. A condemned rebel - Rom. 3:23, 9-11c. A slave to evil habits - Rom. 7:15-17, 25, 26; Jer. 13:23d. A captive of Satan - John 8:34, 44; 2 Tim. 2:26; Rom. 6:16e. The prodigal son - Luke 15:11-32f. The lost sheep - Luke 15:1-6g. A stranger to the promise of God - Eph. 2:11h. Less than nothing - Ps. 62:9

C. CHANGED VALUES1. The gospel of Jesus Christ has changed the value of man:

a. He has again become a son of God - 1 John 3:1-3; John 1:12, 13b. A new creation - 2 Cor. 5:14-17; Eph. 2:10c. Worth more than the whole world - Matt. 16:26d. The salt of the earth - Matt. 5:13e. The light of the world - Matt. 5:14-16f. A costly pearl - Matt. 13:45, 46g. One of God's treasured jewels - Mal. 3:16, 17h. A saint - Ps. 50:5; 1 Cor. 1:2 i. A fellow heir to God's promises - Eph. 3:6

2. The price God was willing to pay for man's redemption: a. "Ye are bought with a price" - 1 Cor. 6:20b. The price for man's redemption included the best Heaven had to offer - John 3:16c. Holy angels are put to serve men that are to be heirs of God's kingdom - Heb. 1:13, 14

(1) They protect him against danger - Ps. 34:7; Dan. 6:22(2) They deliver men from death - Acts 5:19(3) They are God's messengers of peace to men - Luke 2:13, 14 (4) They will gather the saints for a trip to heaven - Matt. 24:31

d. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is wholly dedicated to the preparation of man for immortality - John16:13; Zech. 4:6

75

THE POWER OF MEMORYGENESIS 41:9

A. "THEN SPAKE THE CHIEF BUTLER UNTO PHARAOH, SAYING, I REMEMBER MY FAULTS THIS DAY"1. The story of Joseph is familiar to most Bible readers. It never loses its attraction:

a. Children hearing the story of Joseph are fascinated by its pathos.b. It ranks among the best of the Bible stories.

2. The chief butler had a good reason to make the confession, as stated in our text:a. Joseph's interpretation of the butler's dream brought hope to him to be set free again.b. And it was in appreciation of this deed of kindness that Joseph asked him to remember him when he

regained his freedom - Gen. 40:7-15

B. THE POWER OF MEMORY1. Memory is a God-given faculty:

a. To be treasured by us for what it does for us even in this present life.b. With it we can bring to our mind God's wonderful promises.c. With it we can recall the Lord's wonderful care for us in adversity, in sorrow, and in danger.d. With it we can encourage ourselves in meeting life's duties.

2. We should guard our memory as we would guard life itself:a. If Satan can harm or destroy our memory, he has destroyed our usefulness.b. That is why he assails our memory continuously because he knows its powers.

3. Function of the memory:a. Memory is based upon events or incidents that have made a strong impression upon our minds, in one

way or another.b. David made great use of the power of memory - Ps. 42:6; 77:10; 143:5c. The ability to use the power of memory has, at times, meant the difference between life and death.

4. Our text reveals two special blessings of memory: a. The power of association, "I remember this day" - Gen. 40:14, 15; 41:9. Pharaoh's dream sharpened

the memory of the butler. He, too, had a dream while in prison, and Joseph interpreted it. The power ofconscience aided the butler to make good his duty to Joseph.

b. The experience of the butler reveals how powerful a conscience is. This idolater sensed aconsciousness of guilt, of neglect, and of ingratitude. It exited a painful feeling of remorse. He wastruly sorry for his sin of neglect.

C. A SPECIAL LESSON FOR US 1. Does our memory open to us our faults?

a. If it does, it is a great blessing.b. That gives us an opportunity to make things right.c. The chief butler must have been grateful that he still had opportunity to make things right.

2. Seven things our sharpened memory ought to bring to us this evening:a. How good the Lord has been all the days of our lives. When I think of God's mercies to me in all my

unworthy life, I have no words to express my humble gratitude toward Him for his love and care.b. How often we have failed Him and our fellow men in either word or deed.c. How often we entered the shadows of death, and somehow, we do not know how, we were snatched

out of the very shadows of death.d. How has our memory affected our lives? Has it helped us to avoid the pitfalls of sin?e. Does our memory bring to our minds God's promises in the hour of temptation, or in the hour of

sorrow?f. Is it a grateful memory — filled with praise and thanksgiving?g. Finally, does our memory retain God in its great powers? Eccl. 12:1-6

76

MAN, A TOMB OR A TEMPLEMATTHEW 23:37; 2 CORINTHIANS 6:16

A. "YE ARE LIKE UNTO WHITED SEPULCHERS." "YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD."1. Both these utterances are addressed to men:

a. That reveals two possibilities in our lives -(1) We can be a tomb (2) Or a temple

2. We have the capacity of virtue or of vice, of joy and of sorrow:

B. LET US TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT1. A Tomb:

a. It is dark, no light penetrates it.b. It is lifeless.c. There are no activities outside of the worms that feed upon the bodies of the dead.d. There is corruption and decay.e. It is full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

2. The Tomb is a representation of the condition of those who are dead in trespass and sin:a. Darkness fills body, soul, and Spirit - 2 Cor. 6:14; John 3:19; Rom. 13:12b. They are dead in trespass and sin - Eph. 2:1, 5; Col. 2:13c. Heart and soul are defiled and full of moral corruption - Matt. 15:19- 21; Eph. 4:22; 1 Tim. 6:5; Rom.

3:10-183. There is strong evidence of the presence of Satan:

a. Think of the demon possessed beings - Mark 5:1-10b. Consider the bloodthirsty spirit of the scribes and Pharisees who paraded in sheep's clothing - Matt.

23:29-35

C. A TEMPLE1. The dwelling place of the Holy Spirit:

a. 1 Cor. 3:16, 17b. 1 Cor. 6:19, 20

2. Lighted up with the word of truth: Ps. 119:105, 1303. Full of the life of the Holy Spirit:

a. Experience of the believers on the day of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-17b. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will fill the soul- temple with life and light - Gal. 5:22, 23

D. THE GREAT DIFFERENCE1. A tomb houses the dead:2. A temple houses God's Holy Spirit:3. You and I have it in our power to be:

a. A tombb. Or a temple.

4. If we allow Satan to control our lives, we shall be a tomb:5. But if we let Christ come into our hearts, we shall be the temple of the living God. Which shall we be?6. There is a prayer in my heart that as you weigh the decision you and every other person must make:

a. You will realize the importance of your life, body, soul, and spirit, bought with an infinite price - 1 Cor.6:20

b. You will see the wisdom of Paul's admonition to the Romans, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, bythe mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which isyour reasonable service." - Rom. 12:1

c. There is a difference in the final outcome of what our lives have been, a temple or a tomb -(1) Think of Judas - Matt. 27:1-5(2) Or of Paul - Acts 9:15(3) What is your life?

77

THE SEARCHING TESTLUKE 18:18-30

A. "AND A CERTAIN RULER ASKED HIM, SAYING, GOOD MASTER, WHAT SHALL I DO TO INHERIT ETERNALLIFE?"1. Of special interest to the careful reader of the Bible is in the fact that similar questions were asked by different

persons:a. John the Baptist was approached by the publicans, "Master, what shall we do?" - Luke 3:12b. The soldiers, listening to John, asked, "What shall we do?" - Luke 3:14c. The multitude, who had been stirred by Peter's sermon the day of Pentecost, asked "What shall we

do?" - Acts 2:37d. A lawyer asked the Lord, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" - Luke 10:25e. Saul, of Tarsus, asked the Lord, "What wilt thou have me to do?" - Acts 9:6f. The startled Jailer said, "What must I do to be saved?" - Acts 16:30

2. All these burning questions show that the salvation of man is, as it has been in the past, a very burningquestion for every judgment bound sinner:

B. THE SEARCHING TEST1. The petitioner in our text:

a. A prominent man in Jewish Society -(1) Very wealthy.(2) Excellent in character.(3) Apparently very sincere.

b. Jesus loved him - Mark 10:212. His attitude at first:

a. Very eager -- he came running - Mark 10:17b. He kneeled to our Lord.c. He had sufficient faith in Christ to ask for guidance in spiritual matters; all this in spite of the bitter

opposition of the leaders.d. This was noteworthy of this young man, worthy of our emulation.

3. His question — "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?"a. Is most revealing.b. He was wealthy and popular, but was not satisfied with his knowledge or his life.c. He longed for something better than he had.d. He was thinking of things eternal. All this is to his good.

4. His attitude toward eternal life and its requirements show:a. That the schools of the Pharisees had left him in darkness on one of the most vital truths in the Bible -

eternal life!b. He knew that only the Author of life (John 1:4; 14:6) could give the true answer.

C. THE SEARCHING TEST1. All went exceedingly well up to this point:

a. The question was proper and worthy of an answer.b. The Lord loved him, he admired him for his moral attitude and a desire for eternal life.c. He was, indeed, an exceptional person.

2. Until the all-knowing Lord and Master applied the divine test: a. "Keep the commandments"b. Obedience to God's law is the key to the straight gate and the narrow road that leads to life everlasting

- Rev. 14:12; 22:14; 1 John 2:4-7; 5:4, 53. The questioner's instant reaction was: "which?"

a. That was the beginning of the unfolding of his misinformation because with God there is no difference— all commandments are equally important and binding - Jas. 2:8-11

b. The word "which" is selective and it has no place in God's plan - Matt. 5:17-194. Our Lord referred him to the sixth commandment, and here is where he failed to meet the test: Deut. 6:4-9;

Matt. 22:34-385. He refused to comply with the requirements of heaven. Would you have done any better?

78

PREPARE TO MEET THY GODAMOS 4:11, 12

A. HERE IS A MESSAGE WHICH NO ONE CAN BY-PASS1. A meeting with God is as certain as death:

a. Every eye shall see Him - Rev. 1:7-8b. All shall appear before Him - Matt. 25:31-33c. It is a question of time only — some sooner and some a little later.

2. This message has special significance for the children of God - Israel:a. Members of the church.b. People professing to believe God's word - Ps. 50:7- 23

B. PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD1. This admonition shows that we are not prepared to meet God:

a. Our condition is stated in Rev. 3:14-17b. How serious is it to meet God? Ask Job - Job 42:1-5. The prophet Isaiah, too, knows what it means to

be in the presence of the great King - Isa. 6:1-62. Christ gives special emphasis to prepare to be able to stand before the Son of man:

a. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these thingsthat shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." - Luke 21:36

b. "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such a time as ye think not the Son of man cometh." - Matt. 24:443. The signs of the time urge us to get ready to meet God: Matt. 24:26-444. How are we to get ready to meet God?

a. Prepare our hearts - 2 Chron. 12:14; 30:19b. Put on the garment of salvation - Isa. 61:10; 64:6; Rev. 6:13-15; 16:15; Matt. 22:1-12

5. When are we to get ready?a. Some people say in their hearts, "My Lord delayeth His coming" - Matt. 24:48b. They raise questions about the coming of the Lord which are uncalled for — "We see not our signs:

there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long." - Ps. 74:9c. God says, "Now is the time to prepare to meet your God" - Ps. 5:4; 2 Cor. 6:1-3; Heb. 3:7-9d. In the accepted time - Matt. 25:1-12; Luke 13:25-28

C. TO MEET THY GOD1. He wants to meet us in the prayer closet: Matt. 6:6; 18:202. We are to meet him before the throne of grace: Heb. 4:163. He wants to meet us on that great homecoming day when Jesus takes us to meet our heavenly Father: Heb.

12:22-244. We all will have to meet Him on that great judgment day: 2 Cor. 5:105. Let us come to God our Father by the Lord Jesus Christ.

79

DIVINE PARDONISAIAH 55:7, 8

A. "LET THE WICKED FORSAKE HIS WAY, AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS MAN HIS THOUGHTS: AND LET HIM RETURNUNTO THE LORD, AND HE WILL HAVE MERCY UPON HIM; AND TO OUR GOD, FOR HE WILL ABUNDANTLYPARDON."1. The pardoning of our sins is the foundation blessing of all the enjoyments and privileges the gospel presents:

a. We are, by our very nature, sinners; sin is the transgression of God's law - Rom. 3:23; Gal. 3:22; 1John 3:4

b. The transgression of God's law brings the sinner under condemnation; he stands in need of divinepardon - Rom. 5:12-19

2. Pardon is, therefore, the very heart of the plan of salvation:a. We think of Mary Magdalene - Luke 7:37-47b. The publican - Luke 18:13, 14

B. "HE WILL ABUNDANTLY PARDON." PLACING THE EMPHASIS UPON THESE WORDS, LET US NOTE THESEWONDERFUL TRUTHS1. Consider the disparity between God and those whom He pardons:

a. He is the Eternal and self-existent One, divinely self-sufficient - Isa. 57:15b. Those who are pardoned by Him are but a speck of dust, a little more than the atom - Isa. 40:15c. He is the embodiment of Holiness and perfection; his eyes are purer than to behold evil - Hab. 1:13d. The sinners are defiled and in a state of rebellion against God's will- Isa. 1:4-6; Rom. 3:9-19

2. Yet, God's pardon far exceeds man's guilt of sin:a. Meditate upon Isa. 1:18; 55:7b. Think of the words found in Ezek. 16:6 - "And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine

own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast inthy blood, Live."

c. Rejoice over Mi. 7:18, 19; Isa. 38:17 3. Mark the contrast between the offenses committed against God and men:

a. Sin is aggravated by the dignity of Him against whom we have sinned, and by our obligations to Him.b. Now the Being against whom we have sinned is not only the greatest but also the best Being in the

universe - Jas. 1:17c. Remember the divine independence and power of God to punish, yet He still loves to pardon our

transgressions - Isa. 55:7d. How different is the pardon by men -

(1) They forgive with difficulty.(2) He limits his forgiveness - Matt. 18:21 (Is seven times enough?)

e. Keep in mind the story as recorded in Luke 16:1-22; Matt. 18:23-32f. How often do we hear words like these, "I will forgive him, but I am unable to forget"; thus attaching a

condition to his forgiveness.g. That is why the Lord makes our readiness to forgive others a condition to His forgiveness -

(1) Forgive as we forgive - Matt. 6:15(2) "If ye forgive not from your heart" - Matt. 18:35

4. How differently is the forgiveness by our heavenly Father:a. "I will remember their sins no more."b. "I will blot out their transgression."c. "I will remember them no more." - Mi. 7:18, 19; Isa. 44:20

5. Let us claim the wonderful promise of our merciful God as recorded in our opening text:a. Yes, it is conditional — based upon our attitude toward sin.b. It must be confessed.c. There must be sincere sorrow over our sin - Ps. 32:1-9d. We must want to be set free from the power of sin.e. As free moral agents, we can claim the pardon of our God, or we can reject it.f. Friends of mine, what is your personal reaction to this message this evening?g. Are you ready to seek and accept the pardon God offers through the gospel of Jesus Christ?

80

SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS MATTHEW 6:33

A. WHAT HAVE PEOPLE NOT UNDERTAKEN IN THEIR ADVENTURE FOR EARTHLY GAIN?1. Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage: Gen. 25:31-34; Heb. 12:162. Lot chose Sodom because that valley was very fertile: Gen. 13:13, 143. Balaam sought to curse Israel for gain: Num. 23:1-3; Jude 114. Judas sold the Prince of life for thirty pieces of silver: Matt. 26:15, 165. Ananias and Sapphira attempted to lie to Peter because of the filthy lucre: Acts 5:1-11

B. "SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD"1. Its value is immeasurable:

a. In it dwelleth righteousness - 2 Pet. 3:13b. It is eternal - Heb. 12:28; Dan. 2:44, 45c. Its glories cannot be comprehended by us - 1 Cor. 2:9-11d. It is without money or price - Isa. 55:1-3e. It includes all God's promises - 2 Cor. 1:20; Gal. 3:16

2. "And his righteousness": a. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God ' s righteousness - 1 Cor. 1:30, 31; Jer. 23:6b. God's law is righteousness - Ps. 119:172

3. God's requirements are most reasonable:a. Our temporal needs are not overlooked by our heavenly Father - Matt. 6:24-34b. "My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" - Phil. 4:19c. They, too, are the gift of God -

(1) "Give us this day our daily bread" - Matt. 6:11(2) They are added unto us - Matt. 6:33

d. For our heavenly Father knows and supplies our needs - Matt. 6:33e. If we could learn this lesson and have childlike faith in God.

C. SOME REASONS WHY WE SHOULD TAKE HEED TO THE ADMONITION OF OUR LORD1. We must heed the admonition:

a. Because of our natural tendency to be preoccupied with the cares of this life - Luke 21:34; Matt. 13:22b. Because of our ignorance of true values - John 6:27

2. There is a great risk in our delay:a. This is illustrated in the parable of the five foolish virgins - Matt. 25:1-12b. Our own life is so uncertain - Luke 12:20; Gen. 33:17-20c. God's appointed time is Now - 2 Cor. 6:1-3; Heb. 3:7-9

3. Rule of God's kingdom:a. First things come first -

(1) Moses had to remove his shoes first before he could commune with the Lord - Ex. 2:5(2) His hands had to be held first before the army could win against the enemy - Ex. 17:11(3) Abraham had to go all the way in offering Isaac before the Lord demonstrated that he provided

for himself a sacrifice - Gen. 22:1-124. Why so few seek the kingdom of God first:

a. God's kingdom is light, and sinners love darkness rather than light - John 3:19-21b. God's kingdom is based upon truth and righteousness, but the world would rather believe a lie and

refuse to comply with the principles of the kingdom.c. The kingdom of God requires self-denial, and so many people do not want to deny themselves - Matt.

19:16-22d. There is a price attached to seeking the kingdom of God, stated by the Son of God - Matt. 10:34-36;

Mark 10:28-30; Matt. 19:16-22e. The kingdom of God is based upon love, and the world does not possess this heavenly gift.

81

OBJECTS OF THE DIVINE DELIGHTPSALMS 149:4, 5

A. "FOR THE LORD TAKETH PLEASURE IN HIS PEOPLE."1. What an inspiration comes to our hearts when we read in the Bible about the great affections of God for His

children:a. They are the apple of His eye - Deut. 32:10; Ps. 17:8b. A peculiar treasure - Mal. 3:17c. A royal priesthood - 1 Pet. 2:9d. The portion of God's inheritance - Ps. 119:57

2. They are, as our opening text states, His great delight!

B. LET US CONSIDER THESE TRUTHS1. The Saints are God's people:

a. He created them for His pleasure - Isa. 43:7; Rev. 4:11b. He redeemed them for His glory - Eph. 1:6; 1 Pet. 2:9, 10c. They bear His name - Rev. 22:4d. They bear His image - Gen. 1:26, 27; Rom. 8:29e. They possess the Lord's Spirit - Rom. 8:12-16; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20

2. The Lord delights in them:a. "The Lord taketh pleasure in his people" - Ps. 147:11

EXAMPLES -(1) Daniel - Dan. 10:11(2) Abraham - 2 Chron. 20:7(3) Job - Job 1:1-3

b. He does so in their person.c. Their bodies are His dwelling place - 2 Cor. 6:16; 1 Cor. 6:19d. He takes pleasure in their health, in their success, and in their spiritual growth.e. He shares with them their joys and also their griefs - Isa. 53:4f. They are indeed the delight of His soul.

C. WHAT GOD KNOWS AND SEES IN HIS CHILDREN THAT GIVES HIM SUCH AFFECTIONATE DELIGHT1. Negatively:

a. Not because of their sins.b. They grieve him and cause him much work and weariness - Isa. 43:24; 47:13c. Not when they go through suffering and pain - Isa. 63:9d. Not in the death of His children - John 11:35

2. Positively:a. In their redemption from sin - Luke 15:6, 9, 23b. In their loyalty to His will - Gen. 18:17-19c. In their eagerness to witness of the great wonderful works of God - Acts 7:55d. In their childlike trust in His mercy - Ps. 91:14

3. This raises a number of challenging questions for each of us to ponder:a. Am I so closely connected with the Lord to know that He delights in me?b. What can I conscientiously point to in my life that would cause delight to my heavenly Father?c. Do I take delight in Him, His Word, His people, and His Cause?

4. May I close this outline with this humble prayer offered by David on a number of occasions: "Search me, 0God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and leadme in the way everlasting." - Ps. 139:23, 24

82

THE HOPE OF THE BACKSLIDERHOSEA 14:1- 6

A. A BACKSLIDER1. One falling behind or out of step; one who retrogresses in his moral duties:

a. Lot's wife is a vivid example of backsliding - Gen. 19:26b. The prophet Jeremiah uses the word "backsliding" twelve times - Jer. 2:19; 3:6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 22; 5:6;

8:5; 14:7; 31:22; 49:4c. Hosea uses this word three times - Hos. 4:16; 11:7; 14:4

2. The term "backsliding" was used in connection with army practices; when a soldier fell behind or out of stepwith his comrades, he was marked as a backslider:a. That was considered a serious offense in the army, unless illness or other unavoidable incident

caused it.b. This word is used, also, with reference to persons that retrogress in their moral obligations; fail to keep

a promise.c. It is in this sense that the Bible uses the word continuously.

B. LET US TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF A BACKSLIDER1. When a person or a people depart from the word of God, that is very serious backsliding in the sight of the

Lord:a. That is God's serious complaint against Israel as stated in Jer. 2:12, 13, "Be astonished, O ye

heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people havecommitted two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and have hewed them outcisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."

b. Thus, a two fold cause for backsliding is laid down in God's word -(1) Departing from the living God.(2) Setting up our own standards - 1 Tim. 1:4, 5

c. This type of backsliding is the root of all backsliding, personal or collective retrogression alike.2. Nature of backsliding:

a. One may never realize the seriousness of backsliding because, in most instances, it is a gradualprocess, at times hidden to the guilty himself.

b. It usually begins with carelessness — leaving out the private devotions, reading of the Bible, orneglecting secret prayer.

c. Absent from the church services is still another indication of irregularity in the life of a backslider.d. Worldliness is still another sign of serious backsliding. Following the ways of the world in dress and

other infractions.

C. THE HOPE OF THE BACKSLIDER1. This is the heart of my subject:

a. God does not utterly forsake the backslider; He does not leave him to go down to destruction becauseHe knoweth our infirmities, and has compassion upon us - Ps. 103:13, 14

b. If that were not the hope of the backslider, many of us would have no hope at all, because in someways we all come short of the glory of God.

2. But, note, please, that backsliding is a disease, needs healing: "I will heal their backsliding, I wilt love themfreely" - Hos. 14:4a. Backsliding leaves bruises and wounds - Isa. 1:6b. And often scars are the abiding evidence of a life of backsliding.

3. Let those who find themselves having backslided, take courage:a. God is interested in you; He has not abandoned you to your fate; He wants you to return to Him; and

He will help you.b. That is the repeated invitation of the Lord to you - Isa. 19:22; Hos. 6:1; 14:1

EXAMPLES -(1) The prodigal son returned - Luke 15:11(2) Peter returned to the Lord - Mark 14:72(3) The people of Israel returned to the true God and His worship - 1 Ki. 18:39

c. How thankful we can be for a compassionate Father in heaven, who is ever ready to receive to Himselfthe backsliders!

83

"AND THE LORD SHUT HIM IN"GENESIS 7:16

A. THE BIBLE STORY OF THE FLOOD EMBODIES A NUMBER OF GOSPEL TRUTHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE LIVINGIN THE LAST DAYS1. Our text expresses one of these thought provoking truths, "And the Lord shut him in":

a. The time of God's waiting and long-suffering had finally run out - 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Pet. 3:20b. That shows that there is a limit even to the forbearance of a merciful and compassionate God -Ex.

34:6, 7c. Said the Lord, "My Spirit shall not always strive with men." Gen. 6:3

2. That the forbearance of God has its limits is easily seen:a. In the experience of Sodom and Gomorrah - Gen. 19:23b. That was true of ancient Israel - Matt. 21:43

B. THE MESSAGE OF OUR TEXT AS IT APPLIES TO OUR DAY1. When God shut the door of the ark:

a. He shut Noah and his family in. That gave Noah and his family full security against the waters of theflood.

b. But He who shut Noah in, shut the sinners, in the days of Noah, out; that meant eternal doom for alloutside the ark - Matt. 24:37-39

2. "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" - Matt. 24:37a. Soon, very soon, the long-suffering God will shut the door of mercy.b. The words in Rev. 22:10, 11 will be fulfilled, "the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust:

and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still."c. It means that, as it was in the days of Noah, they that were ready entered the ark; but they that were

not ready were shut out; they were subjects of destruction by the waters of the flood.d. The door of mercy will close, and that means that probation will have ended forever for all who have not

entered the ark of salvation - Matt. 25:1-12; Luke 13:25-29; Amos 8:11-143. The story of the flood shows further that God is not a respecter of person:

a. He gave the sinners in the days of Noah one hundred and twenty years to make up their mind - Gen.6:3

b. The message of righteousness by faith, preached by Noah, left them without excuse - Luke 17:26, 27c. We have already learned that Christ makes the experience of the Antediluvians an object lesson for

the people that live just prior to his second coming.d. The door of mercy, now wide open, will close some day and thus all who reject salvation through Christ

will be without excuse.

C. PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF OUR LESSON IS FOUND IN THESE FACTS1. God honored the faith of Noah:

a. Noah believed God.b. He proved it when he built the ark for salvation of his family - Heb. 11:7c. Those who perished in the flood made no provision for the safety of their own selves, nor for their

families.2. A most solemn question to all of us:

a. When the door of mercy closes forever, will it shut us in or will it shut us out?b. Learn a lesson from the study of Matt. 7:13, 14c. Think of the wedding feast and the ten virgins -Matt. 25:1-12d. Or attempt to understand the words of our Lord as recorded in Luke 13:22-29

3. The answer to our question is very simple:a. They that were ready went in before the door was closed.b. They who were not ready came too late, and were left in outer darkness.c. Our Saviour, knowing the end from the beginning, warns us in these words, "be ye also ready: for in

such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" - Matt. 24:44d. How many of us do want to make sure that when the door of mercy is shut, that we are in and not out!

84

THE BRUISED REEDISAIAH 42:3

A. THE REED1. It is mentioned a number of times in the Bible:

a. Bible references in the Old Testament - 2 Ki. 18:21; Job 40:21b. Scriptures in the New Testament - Matt. 11:7; 12:20; 27:30; Rev. 11:4; 21:15

2. Its habitation and usefulness:a. It grew in the miry places, in those oozy marshes where fever lurked and the foul air rises.b. Wild beasts had their habitation in its environment.c. The stronger sorts were converted into measuring rods; others were used as a staff on which the

traveler leaned; the finer ones were used as writing pens.

B. THE DIVINE ESTIMATE OF MAN1. A bruised reed:

a. Here we have a symbol of an impaired life; a life broken and bruised by sin - EXAMPLES -(1) The prodigal son - Luke 15:11-32 (2) The thief on the cross - Luke 23:40-44(3) Mary Magdalene - Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2

b. The broken reed symbolizes feebleness, helplessness, and almost worthlessness - Rom. 7:24: Isa.1:19

c. There is no power in the broken reed to repair itself; neither is there power in sinners, morally,mentally, and physically broken, to repair themselves - Isa. 40:28-31; Ps. 62:9

2. What the estimate implies:a. God's attitude toward sinners — many of them have wasted their talent and their physical and mental

strength, but God does not cast them away, He is willing and ready to restore them - "he restoreth mysoul" - Ps. 23:1-6

b. "And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wasin thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou was in thy blood, Live." - Ezek. 16:6

C. THE DIVINE METHOD OF TREATING SINNERS1. God does not use naked force to deal with us:

a. He comes to us as the dew. The dew is very gentle upon the tender plant; works very quietly andpenetrates deeply - Hos. 14:5 EXAMPLE - Note how gentle and kind the Master dealt with the woman of Samaria! He knew her life, that musthave been anything but moral, but he never treated her harshly - John 4:1-29

b. He speaks of wine and oil to heal the wounded man that had been waylaid by bandits - Luke 10:342. The force of truth:

a. Manifests itself in love, long-suffering, kindness, and restraint - 2 Pet. 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:14-17b. It appeals to the power of reason - "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your

sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be aswool." Isa. 1:18

3. God's method indicates further:a. That he has faith in man, otherwise he would not set all the forces in his universe in motion to save

man.b. His dealing with Saul of Tarsus shows that God has faith in man - Acts 9:15c. He knows that sin is the root of all our difficulties in life, and He has made full provisions to redeem us

from sin.d. The Psalmist puts it this way, "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." - Ps.

103:14e. In verse 13, he says, "Like a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him."

4. What a wonderful lesson is to be found in our opening text: a. Most of us are but broken reeds, and yet, our heavenly Father sent his only Son to repair our life - "he

restoreth my soul."b. He sees hope where, to all appearance, there is no hope!

85

THE POOR MAN'S MARKET ISAIAH 55:1, 2

A. "HO, EVERY ONE THAT THIRSTETH, COME YE TO THE WATERS, AND HE THAT HATH NO MONEY; COME YE,BUY AND EAT; YEA, COME, BUY WINE AND MILK WITHOUT MONEY AND WITHOUT PRICE"1. Bible students are agreed that Isaiah was a prophet of the highest order and, also, a great Evangelist:

a. The second half of his book is devoted to the highest type of soul saving Evangelism.b. Our text contains enough material for Evangelistic messages, for a series of sermons.c. The appeal of our text touches upon two great essentials of life - bread and wine. These, we know, are

typical of spiritual food freely offered through the gospel of Jesus Christ.2. It is an invitation best understood by the people who treasured both bread and wine:

B. A VERY UNUSUAL AND VERY LIBERAL INVITATION1. Appeals to the universal hunger and thirst planted into the life of men:

a. Even the Son of God hungered and thirsted while He was in this world - Matt. 4:2; Mark 2:25; 11:12;John 19:28

b. But, I believe, that the gospel appeal has particular reference to the hunger and thirst for hearing theword of the Lord - Jer. 15:16

2. Most encouraging to the gospel worker is the universal hunger and thirst for the food of the soul and thespiritual drink — the water of life:a. The word of God is the bread of life - Luke 4:4; Prov. 9:5; Jer. 15:16b. The water of life — the spiritual life - John 7:37, 38; Rev. 22:17c. This hunger and thirst for hearing the word of God will come some day to those who now are indifferent

to the word of God - Amos 8:9, 10d. Let us heed the invitation of heaven while it is today - Heb. 3:7-9e. How wonderful it would be if all of us could say with the Psalmist, "As the heart panteth after the water

brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, 0 God" - Ps. 42:1, 23. The vain search for satisfaction:

a. "Why do ye spend money for that which satisfieth not?"b. Why do you labor for that which satisfieth not?

(1) Some seek satisfaction in their accumulated wealth; but they will be disappointed - Luke12:15; Jas. 4:13, 14

(2) But material things will not and cannot satisfy the soul - Ezek. 7:9(3) A woe is pronounced upon all who seek to the pleasures of material wealth - Jas. 5:1-6(4) Still others seek satisfaction in sensuality which will in the end bring a harvest woe upon them

- Luke 12:19; Gal. 6:7, 8

C. THE TRUE SOURCE OF SATISFACTION AND HOW WE MAY BENEFIT FROM IT 1. The knowledge of the true God will bring true happiness:

a. "How excellent is thy loving kindness, 0 God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under theshadow of thy wings."

b. "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink ofthe river of thy pleasures."

c. "For with thee is the fountain of life" - Ps. 36:7-92. The poor man's Market:

a. Are you heavy laden with sin? The blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse you without money and withoutprice - 1 John 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19

b. Are you groaning under the burden of evil habits? The Son of God will set you free without money andwithout price - John 8:36; Isa. 49:25, 26

c. Remember the price has been paid — it is all free to you now - Luke 14:14-24d. It is amazing but true — at the poor man's market you buy, but you need have no money or the

equivalent of money.e. And yet, how many go to the wrong market and spend their money and their life for the things that

bring neither satisfaction or the salvation of their souls.f. Friends of mine, how does the invitation of our opening text appeal to you?

86

THE UNANSWERED QUESTIONHEBREWS 2:1-10

A. "HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?"1. It is noteworthy how the little word "so" is used in the Bible to give very strong emphasis to a specific truth:

a. "For God so loved the world" - John 3:16b. "If God so clothe the grass" - Matt. 6:30c. "So worship I the God of my fathers" - Acts 24:14 2. In our text, the word "so" is to call special

attention to the greatness of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ our Lord:

B. THE GREATNESS OF THE SALVATION OFFERED TO US IS SEEN 1. By what it costs:

a. The scars on the body of the Son of God, inflicted on Him on Calvary, will speak very eloquently as tothe price paid for our salvation - 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Cor. 5:21

b. The broken heart of the dying Christ is still another added evidence of the price heaven paid to save usfrom damnation.

c. The ministry of heavenly beings unto those who are to be heirs of salvation is added evidence of thesupreme effort of God to save us - Heb. 1:13, 14; Ps. 34:6

2. By what it offers:a. Complete and free pardon of sin to all who accept Christ Jesus as their Saviour - Isa. 55:7; Mi. 7:18,

19b. Complete deliverance from the power of sin - Acts 26:18; John 8:36c. Complete deliverance from the eternal consequences of sin - 2 Cor. 5:17

(1) It must be noted that salvation in Christ may not remove (in this present life) the effects of ourtransgressions - Gal. 6:7, 8

(2) When we violate the laws that control our bodies we may have to suffer the temporalconsequences.

d. But the fact remains that salvation in Christ is all inclusive — body, soul, and spirit; the past, thepresent, and the future!

3. By the method this salvation may be obtained:a. Free, absolutely without money or price; it is the free gift of God! Isa. 55:1, 2; Eph. 2:7, 8b. Through simple faith in Jesus Christ - Acts 8:37; 16:31; Rom. 5:1-3c. There is nothing that any sinner can do to merit salvation, nothing at all.d. By accepting Jesus Christ now, not tomorrow, now! 2 Cor. 6:1-3; Heb. 3:7-9 Illustrations of the practice

of simple faith - (1) All who were bitten by the poisonous reptiles were placed under the one condition — "look

and live" - Num. 21:6-8 (2) They could not go by feeling or emotion; their salvation rested in the exercise of faith in God' s

faithfulness.

C. THE UNANSWERED QUESTION1. Note, please, the part the little word "neglect" plays in being lost:

a. How easy it is to be damned forever — do nothing! Just stand by and be indifferent to God's efforts tosave our soul.

b. The inhabitants of Meroz were cursed, not because they did a lot of things. No, they were cursedbecause they did nothing, at a time they should have been active - Judg. 5:23

c. The parable of the Lord about the great supper a man made for his friends speaks very loudly on thesubject before us -- Read Luke 14:16-24

2. There are three ways or types of criminal neglect:a. To be indifferent to what God says is a hideous sin in the sight of the Lord - Gen. 19:14b. To be preoccupied at a time when God calls is another mark of damnation -

EXAMPLES -(1) The people in the days of Noah - Matt. 24:36-39; Luke 17:26-29(2) The guests that failed to come - Luke 14:16-29

c. Attempt to postpone our duty to God is another crime against the soul - Acts 24:25

87

PILATE WASHED HIS HANDSMATTHEW 27:24

A. "PILATE . . . TOOK WATER, AND WASHED HIS HANDS BEFORE THE MULTITUDE, SAYING, I AM INNOCENT OFTHE BLOOD OF THIS JUST PERSON: SEE YE TO IT."1. This was, without question, Pilate's most important decision he ever made, as governor, over Jesus:

a. He passed judgment upon the Judge of the universe - Acts 10:42; Gen. 18:25b. His judgment was, in fact, a miscarriage of justice in the highest degree.

2. Our opening text embodies a number of very valuable points, worthy of our prayerful consideration:

B. PILATE WASHING HIS HANDS REVEALS THREE SPECIFIC FACTS ABOUT WRONGDOING1. The vain plea for wrongdoing:

a. He knew that the sentence he gave was a miscarriage of justice.b. He had been forewarned by God against doing what he did - Matt. 27:18c. He knew that the Jews sought the life of the Son of God because of envy - Matt. 27:19

2. His decision to deliver the Son of God into the hands of His enemies was based upon pure selfishness:a. It was based upon seeking the favor of the Jews, regardless of the injustice; but in doing what he did,

he lost the favor of the Jews.b. No man can force us to do wrong at any time. The Jews had neither right nor power to cause Pilate to

betray an innocent person to be killed.3. Note, please, the possibility of self-deception:

a. Pilate had persuaded himself to believe that he was free from the blood of the Son of God, by theceremony of washing his hands.

b. He had blinded himself to the fact that some day God will bring into review the miscarriage of justice inPilate's judgment hall.

c. All in all, the act of Pilate shows that one can persuade himself to believe that under certain conditionswrong is right and evil is good.

C. BUT THE ACT OF PILATE AND HIS EXCUSES FOR THAT ACT REVEAL TO US1. The utter impossibility to wriggle out of our personal responsibility:

a. He washed his hands but not his heart.b. History will mark him as a coward, a murderer, and a charlatan of justice.

2. Shifting the blame on others was not, however, Pilate's exclusive gift:a. Adam blamed God for giving him Eve - Gen. 3:12b. Saul blamed the people for sparing the king and the cattle - 1 Sam. 15:15 c. How often are we tempted to blame others for our wrong doing!

3. When we look deeper into Pilate's washing his hands, claiming innocence, we learn:a. He revealed an inherent weakness in his person to act out his own convictions.b. Had the Jews been less persistent in their demands, he might have set the Son of God free.c. But God, who foreordained that His Son should take the cup that rightfully belonged to us, allowed

Pilate to become one of the chief actors in the crime of the ages.4. Yes, a person may ceremoniously wash his hands, but he is powerless to wash away the sins in his heart:

a. The Pharisees and Scribes were masters in this art - Matt. 23:25, 26b. There are many among God's people who follow the same practice, "having a form of godliness, but

denying the power thereof" 2 Tim. 3:55. Friends of mine, what would you have done, had you been in Pilate's place?

a. Would you have stood up for justice, regardless of the opinion of the Jews?b. Would you have shown to the world that when you assumed the responsibility to uphold justice, you

would do so at all times?c. Well the answer can be found in your attitude! Do you accept or do you reject the Son of God, who

died for you?

88

LIFE BELTS FOR SEA VOYAGERSPSALMS 85:1-14

A. ALL MODERN SHIPS ARE FURNISHED WITH LIFE SAVING DEVICES1. No one would undertake to travel on the high seas without some safety device:

a. In fact that is a must according to law.b. It is a part of the specification a sea-worthy vessel must meet.

2. In a time of emergency, this is the difference between life and death:

B. OUR TEXT OFFERS SOME VERY THOUGHT PROVOKING IDEAS ON LIFE BELTS FOR SEA VOYAGERS1. Our present life may easily be compared to a voyage on a stormy sea:

a. That was Jacob's testimony to Pharaoh, in an interview Pharaoh gave him - Gen. 47:8, 9b. Paul gives us a vivid picture of his voyage on a stormy sea - 2 Cor. 11:23-27c. None of us is exempt from this experience - 2 Tim. 3:12

2. The danger to the people of God will increase as we near the end of our voyage:a. We are indeed facing perilous times as we near the end of the controversy between Christ and Satan -

2 Tim. 3:1-5b. Satan, knowing that he has but a short time, will turn his wrath upon the people that keep the

commandments of God - Rev. 12:17c. Cunning deceptions will test all who are not well founded upon the word of God - Rev. 3:10; Luke

23:32, 33d. Our greatest dangers are spiritual indifference; neglect of prayer; and the cares of this world. These are

forces the devil uses to tempt God's people with - Matt. 24:12; Luke 21:34-36e. Secret sins, too, endanger our voyage to the kingdom of heaven - Ps. 32:1-6; 90:8f. Our greatest danger is a state of lukewarmness which paralyzes us in many ways and threatens our

hope of being saved.

C. WE ARE IN URGENT NEED TO MAKE USE OF THE HEAVEN PROVIDED LIFE BELTS FOR OUR SECURITY1. God has graciously provided us with life belts which provide maximum security:

a. God's promises must be considered as real life belts of sea voyagers. We are told that the Biblecontains over 4000 such promises.

b. God's people have, in times of danger, made use of these wonderful life belts.(1) David used them to save his soul on many occasions - 1 Chron. 17:26(2) Moses, too, reminded the Lord of promises when things went hard for him and his people -

Deut. 1:11; 15:62. The Lord's care for His people is another life belt to have and hold onto:

a. "Lord, thou hast been favorable unto thy land."b. "Thou has forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sins."c. "Thou hast taken away all thy wrath." - Ps. 85:1- 3

3. Faith, active and living faith, is still another life belt to make sure of:a. Read Hebrews 11. What a panoramic view of those who passed over the raging sea of life. Many,

many lost their earthly possessions, their loved ones and friends; yea, even their lives, but they savedtheir souls!

b. On the other hand, many have suffered shipwreck, have fallen by the wayside - 1 Tim. 1:19c. The things of this world have blinded them to the deadly dangers facing them - 2 Cor. 4:4, 5d. Consider the testimony of the true witness as found in Rev. 3:14-22e. This testimony shows conclusively that it is possible to make a profession of Christianity and yet be

devoid of spiritual life and security against shipwreck.4. Earnest prayer is still another must for us to have security:

a. Read Ps. 107:13, 14 b. Consider Ps. 50:15; Heb. 5:8, 9

89

THE FOLLY OF SELF-CONFIDENCEPROVERBS 28:26

A. "HE THAT TRUSTETH IN HIS OWN HEART IS A FOOL"1. The object of our trust and confidence must necessarily be of the greatest importance:

a. It is the very foundation of our life.b. For when man loses confidence, he has nothing to hold on to.

2. Trust or confidence: a. Is the ground into which the anchor of the mariner is cast, and on which the safety of the vessel

depends.b. Being so confessedly important, we must make sure that our trust or confidence is anchored to the

word of God.

B. THE FOLLY OF SELF-CONFIDENCE1. "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool":

a. When we trust in our own heart, we reveal our ignorance of the true condition of the heart.b. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." - Jer. 17:9

2. Trusting in our own heart includes:a. Reliance upon our own wisdom - 1 Cor. 1:19-21b. Reliance upon the Lord is a condition to safety and true happiness.

3. Trusting in our own heart simply means that we rely upon our own scheme instead of upon the counsel of theLord: a. That was one of the first sins after the flood - Gen. 11:1-9b. This is one of the main doors to the corruption that characterizes our present age - 2 Tim. 3:1-8; Rom.

1:21-25c. That will be Satan's final triumph over the world, which has rejected the wisdom of God and desired to

be guided by the wisdom of sinful men.d. Take a look into this present world and see how the imagination of human beings has become the idol

of the masses - science, social science, physical science, medical science is sought as a shieldagainst the forces of destruction.

e. This is a sign of the very end of time. 4. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool:

a. Think of so-called "Christian Science", a cult called "Unity", and other theories which seek to glorifythe human ego, or "the inner self."

b. All this in spite of the testimony of the Bible that our hearts are unsound and undependable - Rom.7:14-24

c. The heart has deceived many, many individuals-(1) It deceived Abraham - Gen. 12:13-19(2) It deceived Moses - Ex. 2-12; Num. 20:10, 11 (3) It deceived David on a number of occasions.(4) It deceived Peter in a marked way - Mark 14:71(5) But it will be well to think of our experience with our own heart.

5. We appeal to the word of God to show how undependable the human heart is:a. "Be not wise in your own conceit." - Rom. 11:25b. "Be not high minded." - Rom. 11:20 c. "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord." Prov. 16:5

C. IN WHOM SHOULD WE PLACE OUR TRUST AT ALL TIMES?1. The Bible says:

a. "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." Ps.20:7

b. "The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate."Ps. 34:22

c. "But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God whichraiseth the dead." 2 Cor. 1:9

2. Examples of persons who trusted in the Lord:a. Job - Job 13:15b. The Hebrews - Dan. 3:16, 17c. David- 1 Sam. 17:45-50

3. In whom do we place our trust? 1 Tim. 4:10; 2 Tim. 3:15- 17

90

PLAYING WITH THE FIRES OF HELLJUDGES 16:1-14

A. THE STORY OF SAMSON RANKS AMONG THE MOST FASCINATING BIBLE STORIES1. One can see the great potentials of a life under the power of the Holy Spirit:

a. Samson had been chosen for a special work before he was born.b. He was to be a Saviour of his nation.

2. But sin in his life changed God's plan, and ruined Samson's life:a. The lust of the eye and the lust of the flesh became his master.b. A life of great possibilities became a spectacle of sin and ruination.

B. PLAYING WITH THE FIRES OF HELL1. Samson before:

a. His birth was foretold by the angel of the Lord - Judg. 13:21b. Only two other births, outside of the birth of Christ, were foretold by an angel -

(1) The birth of Isaac - Gen. 18:10(2) The birth of John the Baptist - Luke 1:13

c. He had God-fearing parents - Judg. 13:9d. Samson was moved by the Holy Spirit; that made him a man of power. Judges 14 to 16 give vivid

evidence of the unusual power of Samson.2. Samson after:

a. He played with the fires of hell - (1) "He saw a woman" - Judg. 14:1(2) That is what happened to king David and his son Solomon - 2 Sam. 11:2; Neh. 13:26

b. He argued with his parents; thinking them old fashioned when they counseled him to marry a believer.c. "Then went Samson down" -

(1) He went down and talked with a Philis-tine woman, and she pleased him; that is whathappened in the days of Noah - Gen. 6:1-6

(2) Philistines gave him plenty of company later.(3) His marriage went on the rocks; that was when his eyes were opened!

3. "Then went Samson down and saw there an harlot":a. Picture, if you please, a man of God going down to see an harlot!b. Near the harlot's bed are a thousand devils waiting to work Samson's doom.

(1) "Entice him, and see where his great strength lieth, and by what we may destroy him."(2) She, being loyal to her nation, pressed him day after day until he gave away the secret of his

strength and his life.C. WHAT A PICTURE BEFORE OUR MIND

1. Samson before:a. Samson was destined to be the saviour of his nation

(1) God's plans for Samson were full of great promise — no limit to the useful-ness of a life underthe power of the Holy Spirit.

(2) His home environment was conducive to a proper preparation for service.b. He made a wonderful beginning.

2. But think of what happened!a. He saw a Philistine woman.b. He saw his marriage destroyed.c. He saw a harlot, and from here on Samson went down, down to utter ruin and disgrace.

3. Does that not make one hate sin for what it is, and for what it does?a. How many bright lights went out because they saw the wrong woman:b. How sad it is that the history of great and useful lives is marred by the lust of the eyes and the lust of

the flesh: EXAMPLES -(1) David (2) Solomon (3) And many, many other bright lights in the history of the church have gone out because of sin.

4. The saddest part of all was that Samson slept in the lap of her that had the means to remove the symbol ofphysical power:a. Sin is a dope; it makes you unconscious of your condition.b. Still sadder yet was the fact that Samson knew not that the Lord had departed from him.c. All because he played with the fires of hell.

91

THE VISIBLE AND THE INVISIBLE2 KINGS 6:17, 18

A. "AND ELISHA PRAYED, AND SAID, LORD, I PRAY THEE, OPEN HIS EYES THAT HE MAY SEE. AND THE LORDOPENED THE EYES OF THE YOUNG MAN; AND HE SAW, AND BEHOLD, THE MOUNTAIN WAS FULL OFHORSES AND CHARIOTS OF FIRE AROUND ABOUT ELISHA."1. There are people who think that what is called the Old Testament is of historical value; but here we have a

mighty spiritual demonstration of the difference between the visible and invisible:a. Our text reveals human limitations.b. It shows how prayer changes things, it opens our eyes to the invisible world.

2. There are many precious gems of gospel truths in the writings of Moses and the Prophets, of these our text isone:

B. THE VISIBLE AND THE INVISIBLE1. The visible:

a. Visible things are tangible, they are material and may be seen with our eyes.b. These are, at best, temporal, and for that reason changeable - Ps. 102:25, 26; 2 Pet. 3:10c. Since we are a part of the physical world, our vision is limited.

EXAMPLES - (1) The servant of Elisha saw the host of enemy compassing the city with horses and chariots;

but he failed to see the heavenly host that was present also.(2) Samuel saw the attractive appearance of Eliab, the oldest son of Jesse, but he knew not his

unfitness for being a king - 1 Sam. 16:6, 72. Things visible are no criterion of either sound faith or heaven's approval:

a. "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." John 7:24b. Things visible are either out of focus, or they have been tainted by sin - Isa. 24:1-8; John 7:7; 1 John

2:15, 16c. They who trust in the things that are visible lose their perspective of the heavenly things.

3. The invisible:a. It is quite clear that the servant of Elisha was not familiar with the invisible, as was the prophet Elisha.b. The first thing we note about the invisible is that it is superior to the visible - Ps. 34:7; 91:11; Isa. 37:36c. The second thing we note about the invisible is that while things visible are of a transitory nature, the

invisible are permanent.d. A third truth seen in our opening text is that the invisible things can be seen only with the eye of faith.e. The eye of faith sees God, the Lord Jesus, and the heavenly host which protest the children of God -

Heb. 11:24-26

C. THE INVISIBLE BECOMES VISIBLE1. Earnest prayer gives us spiritual vision or eyesight to behold the glory of God:

a. Moses saw the promised land - Deut. 34:1-4b. Stephen saw Jesus at the right hand of God - Acts 7:56c. John saw the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven - Rev. 21:10-27d. Ezekiel saw the abomination in the temple - Ezek. 16:1-11

2. Here purity is a must for us to see things invisible: a. The priest Eli was lacking it and for that reason he was blind to the condition of his home - 1 Sam. 3:1-

18b. Sin separates us from the invisible - Isa. 59:1-3; Rev. 3:14-17

3. A deep desire for the spiritual is still another must to perceive of the things invisible: Ps. 121:1-3a. This is what is lacking among God's people today.b. We seem satisfied with things visible, and seem to care less for the invisible.c. Well might we pray with Elisha, "Lord open his eyes that he may see."

92

BURIED IDOLS

A. "AND THEY GAVE UNTO JACOB ALL THE STRANGE GODS WHICH WERE IN THEIR HAND, AND ALL THEEARRINGS WHICH WERE IN THEIR EARS; AND JACOB HID THEM UNDER THE OAK WHICH WAS BYSHECHEM." - Gen. 35:1-101. Our text is most revealing:

a. Jacob did not break or burn the idols; he buried them.b. The whole procedure shows that the patriarch had some special failings in his life, in spite of his

knowledge of the true God. (1) He was not altogether weaned from his idols.(2) That accounts for the idols hid by Rachel, the woman he loved - Gen. 31:34-36

2. This weakness in the life of the Patriarch was very harmful to his relationship with God: a. It is known as double dealing.b. His natural descendants are noted for this weakness.

B. BURIED IDOLS1. This is a challenging subject:

a. How we may be guilty of the same double dealing - (1) We are guilty of double dealing when we retain privately those evil practices we have

renounced in public.(2) Iniquity is iniquity to God, whether done in secret or openly.

b. We are guilty of double dealing when we practice partially the evils we have renounced as a whole.2. That was the weakness of the Reformers:

a. The inherent weakness of the reformation was when the reformers retained some of the Papalpractices, which the reformers knew were out of line with the Bible.

b. This is true also of the individuals who leave the world and join the church. They seem in earnest, yetprivately they retain some of their former ways which are contrary to the faith they profess.

c. Here is food for thought for all of us.3. Let us be honest with ourselves and with God:

a. Is our life any different than that of the Patriarch Jacob? (1) Can we think of some secret pet sin to which we cling, even though we know better?(2) By what standard do we measure our dedication to the Lord?

b. Do we bury our little or big idols, or do we hide them as Rachel did?

C. COMPLETE CONSECRATION TO GOD, WITHOUT ANY RESERVATIONS, IS A MUST1. Look at the experience of ancient Israel:

a. They left Egypt, but they took some of the practices of the Egyptians with them - Acts 7:39b. They had the form of truth but ignored it, practicing idolatry - Acts 7:42

2. Are we much better in this so-called enlightened age? a. We should have a better experience because we do have more light.b. But let us examine our relationship in the truth and to the world -

(1) Can we think of hidden idols in our private life which we would not want our neighbors to know?(2) Do we know of things in our life which witness against our profession?(3) Are we not weak spiritually because we often are guilty of double dealing - Jas. 1:1-6

3. The sensible thing for us to do is to heed the simple but timely counsel of the Bible:a. Put off all known sins - Eph. 4:24-26b. Break off every yoke and the sin that so easily besets us - Dan. 4:27; Heb. 12:1-6c. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh - Rom. 13:14d. It will be to our own good to destroy our idols and not bury them.e. Burn all the books that contain poison for the soul - Acts 19:19f. Let the life of Jacob teach us a lesson that it is utterly impossible to serve two Masters - Matt. 6:24

93

THE MEASURE OF GOD'S LOVEJOHN 3:16

A. IT IS SAID, WITH GOOD REASON, THAT JOHN 3:16 IS A SUMMATION OF THE SIXTY-SIX BOOKS OF THEBIBLE; THAT THE LOVE OF GOD IS SPREAD OVER EVERY PAGE IN THE BIBLE1. God's love created this world:2. And God's redeeming love seeks to save it from sin and destruction: 1 Tim. 2:1-3

B. THE MEASURE OF GOD'S LOVE1. In Eph. 3:18 Paul writes about:

a. The breadth.b. The length.c. The depth and the height of God's love.

2. I believe that the dimensions of God's love are found in John 3:16:a. The breadth of God's love, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son"b. "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might

be saved" - verse 17 EXAMPLES -(1) Every person born into this sinful world is included in this world-wide plan.(2) That is what the gospel commission calls for -Matt. 28:18-20(3) It is God's will that all men should be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth - 1 Tim.

2:1-63. The length of the redeeming love:

a. It offers eternal salvation - 2 Tim. 2:10b. Eternal salvation - Matt. 25:46c. Eternal inheritance - Heb. 9:15

4. The depth of God's love:a. God's love reached the greatest depth when God's Son hung on that shameful cross; when He made

Him sin, who knew no sin- 2 Cor. 5:18-21; Phil. 2:6-115. The height of God's love:

a. The height of God's love is found in Christ taking humanity into the highest heaven.b. By this he took sinful humanity out of the lowest depth of sin and degradation.c. The climax to all this will come when the saints enter heaven - John 14:1-3

C. BUT THE BREADTH, THE LENGTH, THE DEPTH, AND THE HEIGHT OF GOD'S LOVE IS ALSO MANIFEST1. In His long-suffering and forbearance with our rebellious world:

a. That is His Name - Ex. 34:6b. He endureth, with much long-suffering, the vessels of wrath - Rom. 9:22c. This long-suffering was manifested in the days of Noah - 1 Pet. 3:20

2. In the forgiveness of our sins:a. Meditate, please, upon the words of God found in Mi. 7:18, 19b. Or memorize the words of David recorded in Ps. 103:8-17

EXAMPLES -(1) The thief on the cross - Luke 23:42-44(2) The woman of Samaria - John 4:1-28(3) Saul of Tarsus - 1 Tim. 1:15, 16

c. A wonderful text to remember is found in Heb. 7:253. This divine love shines brightly in the lives of God's children:

a. They are bright shining lights in this sinful world- Phil. 2:15b. It shined brightly in the dying Stephen when he prayed for his murderers - Acts 7:60c. It shined brightly in the lives of Daniel and his three friends - Dan. 1:8; 3:16-30; 6:10-28d. That is what our Lord desires in the lives of the believers - Matt. 5:14-16e. It is God's love that dwells in the hearts of God's children - Rom. 5:5, 8f. That is why Paul writes, "For the love of Christ constraineth us" - 2 Cor. 5:14

4. All this poses a very serious question to all of us, who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ: a. Do we reflect a measure of God's love in our speech, our conduct, and in our association with others?b. If not, why not?

94

CHRIST'S YOKEMATTHEW 11:29, 30

A. "TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU, AND LEARN OF ME; FOR I AM MEEK AND LOWLY: AND YE SHALL FIND RESTUNTO YOUR SOULS. FOR MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN IS LIGHT."1. The hearers were familiar with this gracious invitation of this metaphor:

a. They smarted under the yoke of bondage for many years - Lev. 26:13; Deut. 28:48b. They knew the yoke of affliction - Lam. 3:27c. They knew the yoke of severe punishment - Lam. 1:14

2. Our Saviour was well informed of the attempts by the Jews to cast off the yoke of the Romans:

B. CHRIST'S YOKE1. Purpose of that yoke:

a. It is God's means of restraint. A yoke is placed on the neck of an ox to restrain him, and at the sametime enable him to do useful service to his master.

b. When we place our lives under the restraint of the doctrine of Christ, we become true yoke-fellows inthe service of the gospel - Phil. 4:3

2. The yoke of Christ in contrast to the yoke of man-made traditions: a. The yoke of human traditions enslaves and is at times unbearable - Matt. 23:4; Acts 15:10; Gal. 5:1b. But of the yoke of the gospel of Christ, Jesus says "my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

3. What makes the yoke of Christ easy?a. It is the absence of sin and its effects upon the burden bearer - John 8:36b. It is our association with him, who knows our every care - Isa. 53:3c. Are you weary and heavy laden? Cast all your cares upon Jesus; he careth for you - 1 Pet. 5:7

4. The lesson the Lord seeks to communicate:a. The aim of the yoke is to give him the control of our energies and talents.b. To use these gifts in the service of soul winning.c. Finally the yoke of Christ keeps us from coming under the yoke and bondage of sin.

C. BLESSINGS OF WEARING THE YOKE OF CHRIST1. Rest - "I will give you rest":

a. Rest from sin - Matt. 1:21; John 8:36b. Rest of assurance - 1 Tim. 1:15; Rom. 8:31-33c. Rest of security - John 10:28; Rom. 8:1-3

2. We become partakers of His nature:a. That was Paul's great aim - Phil. 3:8-12; 2 Cor. 3:18b. He is able to create in us His own image - 2 Pet. 1:2-7; Gal. 1:15, 16c. This experience must come to us before our Lord comes the second time - 1 John 3:1-4

3. The Lord wants us to learn the difference between His yoke and the yoke that Satan puts us under when weyield to him:a. We think of the yoke of the Pharisees. Our Lord told them what their yoke, that burdens the people, is

like.b. Read carefully - Matt. 23:4; Acts 15:10. They themselves would not think for one moment to carry the

yoke that they had placed upon their victims.c. The yoke of Christ is easy because it is made of love, truth, and righteousness.

4. The invitation of our Lord is both singular and incomparable:a. No other theorist of religion has ever been known to extend such an invitation to anyone.b. The reason is most obvious; no other teacher had either the capacity or the power to make such a

promise.c. What shall we do with this heavenly invitation? Accept it and make the Master of our life our pattern to

copy.

95

KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD1 PETER 1:5

A. OUR TEXT IS A CHALLENGE TO THE UNBELIEVING WORLD; AND A JOYOUS BOAST OF THE BELIEVERS1. Many think that they are their own keepers:

a. Napoleon thought he was, but he learned a lesson in Russia.b. The prosperous farmer thought that he had it made, but he, too, found out that without God, all is lost -

Luke 12:202. The believers, however, make their boast in God:

a. The Psalmist does - Ps. 23:1-6; 46:1; 121:1-8b. And Paul boasts in his God - 2 Tim. 1:12; 4:16-18c. Says David, "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad." -

Ps. 34:2

B. KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD1. Negatively:

a. Not from trials and temptation.b. So long as there is a conflict between truth and error, between light and darkness, between Christ and

Satan, there will be trials and temptations - Heb. 12:6; 1 Pet. 1:7; 4:122. Positively:

a. From falling - Jude 24b. And if the righteous stumble, they will stand up again - Prov. 25:26c. From evil - 2 Thess. 3:3d. Our prayer must be, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" - Matt. 6:13e. The Lord has promised to keep His own as the apple of His eye - Deut. 32:10f. "Keep me as the apple of the eye" - Ps. 17:8g. "For he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye" - Zech 2:8

3. Kept for what?a. For translation into the kingdom of glory according to God's promise - 1 Cor. 15:51; Jude 24. What a

wonderful future awaits the children of God! 1 Cor. 2:9-11b. Kept unto eternal salvation - 1 Tim. 2:4c. Unto an eternal inheritance - Col. 1:5; Heb. 11:14- 40

C. MEDIUM OF GOD'S KEEPING POWER1. It is not in ourselves: John 15:5; Jer. 10:232. The secret of being kept unto salvation is found in simple faith in Jesus Christ:

a. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" - Phil. 4:13b. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" - Phil. 2:13c. "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord" - Ps. 34:2

3. In the power of God's love: 2 Cor. 5:14 Here is the great secret of the enabling grace of the children of God.EXAMPLES -a. That was the secret in Paul's willingness to suffer and die - Acts 21:13b. That was, also, the reason for Joseph ' s steadfastness in resisting the advances of Potiphar's wife -

Gen. 39:8, 94. The word of truth in the heart is a fortress which the enemy of our soul cannot break through:

a. That was the defense of the Son of God in the hour of temptation - Matt. 4:1-9b. That was the source of David's strength - Ps. 119:9, 11

5. Paul gives the reason for the confidence of God's people in the word of God: Heb. 4:12, 13; 2 Tim. 3:15-176. Prayer is still another source of power against Satan and sin:

a. Think of the days of the apostles and what prayer did for them and the churches - Acts 4:24-31; 8:14,15; 16:25-31

b. What it did for Daniel - Dan. 6:10

96

A CASTAWAY

A. "LEST THAT BY ANY MEANS, WHEN I HAVE PREACHED TO OTHERS, I MYSELF SHOULD BE A CASTAWAY." -1 Cor. 9:271. This statement by Paul speaks volumes:

a. It exposes the man-made theory of "once in grace, always in grace" as a deception.b. For, if it were true, as alleged by the theorists, "once saved always saved", why speak of the

possibility of becoming a castaway?2. Paul was a realist; he was too practical to dally with a bogy dread:

a. He knew and he taught that salvation is conditional.b. To him it was a most serious matter to devote a whole life to the service of God, and yet realize the

ever present danger, of possibility, of being a castaway - EXAMPLES -(1) Saul had been chosen by God to be king over Israel, yet, he became a castaway.(2) Judas was one of the twelve chosen by the Lord, yet, he became a castaway - John 6:70;

Matt. 27:1-5

B. LET US CONSIDER PAUL'S DEEP CONCERN OF KEEPING FROM BEING A CASTAWAY1. That great and dedicated student of the Bible and human nature knew only too well:

a. That man, in his very nature, is surrounded by human frailty - Ps. 103:13, 14; he writes about it - Rom.7:8-26

b. That Satan is well informed about our weakness. He knew Peter's weakness - Luke 22:31; Mark14:66-71; 2 Tim. 2:26

2. He knew very well that so long as we are in a state of imperfection, incompletion, we must be on guard lest wedo become a castaway:a. Ananias and his wife became castaways - Acts 5:1-11b. The record of history knows many such victims of satanic delusions - 1 Tim. 1:19c. A man of God became a castaway - 1 Ki. 13:21d. We, too, know that God is not a respecter of person; he will deal with us as our works shall be - Acts

10:34, 353. Man is, by his creation and redemption, a free moral agent:

a. He has the power of choice - Rev. 22:17; Deut. 30:15, 16b. If that were not so, then why do we find the phrase: "whosoever will" repeatedly in the Bible? Rev.

22:17; John 7:37c. Man is imperfect in his knowledge; and he does not measure up to God's requirement - Rom. 3:23d. So long as that is true, it remains true also that he must be ever on guard in word and deed, lest he

become a castaway.

C. BUT LET US COME CLOSER TO OUR OWN EXPERIENCE1. Who is he that has not moments in life when he gives serious thought to:

a. The possibility of becoming a castaway.b. David was deeply concerned about this ever present danger - Ps. 139:23c. Would it not be wise, on our part, to pray with David, "Search me, 0 God, and know my heart: try me,

and know my thoughts."2. There is a blessing in serious concern about our state and relationship with God and His word:

a. It will lead us to daily examine ourselves in the light of God's word and our personal experience - 2 Cor.13:5

b. It will lead us to free ourselves from the sins that beset us and sap the spiritual energies out of ourlives - Heb. 12:1

c. It will make us conscious of our need of keeping very close to our blessed Saviour in thought, word,and action.

d. The admonition of Paul is very timely when he writes, "work out your own salvation with fear andtrembling" - Phil. 2:12

e. It was he who says, "I have no confidence in the flesh" - Phil. 3:33. A few rules for our life may be useful:

a. Make it a daily duty to prayerfully check your life against the possibility of drifting away from the Lord -Heb. 2:1-3

b. Pray without ceasing - 1 Tim. 5:17

97

WHEN THE GUESTS FAILED TO COMELUKE 14:15-24, 25, 26

A. OUR LORD WAS AT THE HOME OF ONE OF THE LEADERS OF THE PHARISEES1. A man that had dropsy was healed by the Lord:

a. That was looked upon as manual labor by the Pharisees.b. Christ pointed out to them that if the ox of one of them would fall into a pit, he would surely pull it out,

even on the Sabbath day.c. That being true of an animal, how much more should a son of Abraham deserve to be healed from his

sickness.2. It was at this point that one of the guests exclaimed: "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of

God": Luke 14:15

B. WHEN THE GUESTS FAILED TO COME1. The erroneous concept of the Jews about the kingdom of God:

a. They looked for their nation to be restored as an independent nation.b. Even the disciples, after they had heard the Lord expound the gospel of the kingdom, were not free

from the materialistic concept of the Jews - Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6c. They seemed ignorant of the dual nature of the kingdom of God -

(1) The kingdom of grace — a preparatory period or phase of God's kingdom.(2) The kingdom of glory to be set up when sin will have been removed from this planet forever.

2. The parable of the great feast has reference to the kingdom of grace:a. The invited guests were, in the first place, the lost sheep of the house of Israel - Matt. 15:24b. The gospel invitation went to them first - Matt. 10:6c. That was the great argument of the apostles - Acts 3:26; Rom. 2:9, 10

3. The supper is a type of the universal gospel appeal to the world lost in sin: a. Wonderfully expressed in John 3:16b. Also, in the gospel commission - Matt. 28:18-20

4. The attitude of the invited guests:a. Totally indifferent to the feast they had been invited to.b. That, we know, is not normal, when people are invited to a material feast.c. But this was a spiritual feast; it was heaven's invitation to the guests to be saved.

5. Why were the Jews so indifferent to the gospel of Jesus Christ?a. They were blind to their lost condition - John 8:31-44; Rom. 10:1-3b. They loved darkness rather than the light - John 3:19, 20c. They, foolishly, boasted of never having been in bondage to any man! That was very untrue because at

that very moment they were under the yoke of the Romans.

C. WHEN THE GUESTS FAILED TO COME1. The parable was directed, primarily, to the Jewish nation:

a. Because God sent his Son to his people to bring them back to God.b. The parable shows that God's efforts were rejected by the Jews.

2. But are we, today, any better?a. Do we make unreasonable excuses for being absent from the feast of the Lord?b. If the truth was known by us, how often are we tempted to bypass the gospel invitation? Would we

dare to point the finger of accusation at the Jews?c. Let us take a closer look at an ungracious reception of the invitation -

(1) Men manufacture boldfaced excuses to cover up the true sentiment of their heart.(2) How senseless it was for them to claim all the time for their certain projects, to the exclusion

of the feast.(3) Are we any different today? Do we make the material things in life more important than the

salvation of our soul?

98

COMING SOUL FAMINEAMOS 8:11

A. WARNING BY GOD1. Directed, not to Heathen lands, but to the land unappreciative and backsliding — Israel:

a. A people professing to be God's children - Isa. 29:13, 14b. The people that have the form of godliness but deny the power thereof - 2 Tim. 3:5; Rom. 2:20

2. It is, without doubt, a prophecy for the last days:a. Note, please, Paul's predictions in 2 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Thess. 2:10b. We are living in these days - 2 Tim. 3:1-9

3. The prediction of a coming soul famine shows: a. That the present privileges to hear the word of God will not continue forever.b. We have been forewarned of the conditions in the last days - 1 Pet. 3:20; Gen. 6:1-3; Luke 17:26-28

B. SOUL FAMINE IS THE WORST OF ALL FAMINES1. Israel experienced such famines:

a. In the days of the judges - 1 Sam. 3:1; Ps. 106:15b. When they rejected the Messiah of Bible prophecy - Luke 19:41-44

2. A soul famine implies:a. A cutting off of all communications with God - 1 Sam. 28:6; Deut. 28:3b. That will happen to humanity when the door of mercy will be closed forever - Rev. 22:10, 11; Luke

13:25-283. This prediction shows the word of God in its true perspective:

a. Food for the soul - Matt. 4:3; Ps. 106:15; Jer.15:17b. Blueprint for a happy, godly life - Ps. 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; John 5:39c. The divine source for saving faith - Rom. 10:17; John 7:37, 38

C. THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT PROVOKE IT1. Extreme and inexcusable sins:

a. Inversion of character - Isa. 5:20b. Relegating the word of God into silence by substituting it with the vain teachings of men - Jer. 3:11-13;

2 Tim. 4:4-6c. Rejecting God's final appeal of mercy - 2 Thess. 2:10, 11; 1 Sam. 15:22, 23

2. Effect of this terrible soul famine:a. Spiritual darkness will cover the earth and gross darkness the people - Isa. 60:2; Matt. 25:1-12b. A vain search for light. Think, dear reader, what went on in Russia during and after the revolution -

when the Bible was so precious to the people that they actually memorized any portion of the Biblethey could find.

3. Why this condition?a. To understand the main reason for the coming soul famine, we must take into consideration present

day conditions.b. Even God's professed people seem destitute of the divine power at a time when we should reveal it in

our lives - Rev. 3:14-19c. But look into the world of today and behold a pleasure mad race seeking, not to nourish their souls,

but rather to satisfy human passions - Luke 17:26-294. Why this strong message?

a. God loves us and does not want us to perish in sin.b. There is still time for us to turn to the study of the word of God.c. The Spirit of God is still calling to lead us into all truth.

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THE DEADLY DANGER OF DRIFTINGHEBREWS 2:1-3

A. THAT WORD - DRIFTING1. That which is driven, forced, or urged along; anything driven at random:2. That which has broken away from its mooring; that which has no self-control:3. To drift is to be carried by the tide; it means that dangerous currents are pulling us away from our anchorage

either into the open sea or to a coral reef:4. Now look at the words of our opening text in the light of the above definition of the word "drifting"; All indicate:

a. No self-control.b. Broken away from our foundation.c. Carried by a dangerous current to the open sea, or to a coral reef.d. Does any one of them apply to our own life?

B. THE DEADLY DANGER OF DRIFTING1. It must be noted that the words of our text do not apply, in particular, to the world, but rather to God's people:

a. They indicate a state of carelessness by God's professed people.b. Drifting indicates spiritual helplessness of many - Rev. 3:14-17c. It is possible to have the form of godliness and yet be dead in trespass and sin - Rev. 3:1d. It indicates further a state of drowsiness, sleepiness which makes it doubly dangerous to our spiritual

nature - Matt. 24:12; 25:1-122. Light and truth bring responsibility:

a. The things we hear or learn from the Bible make us responsible.b. The knowledge of the prophetic truths for our day makes us doubly responsible to God -

(1) We have tasted of the heavenly gift.(2) We have experienced the powers of the world to come.(3) We have been partakers of the Holy Ghost.(4) We are an enlightened people - Heb. 6:4, 5

C. SOME DANGEROUS AND INSIDIOUS CURRENTS OF OUR DAY THAT ARE DANGEROUS TO THE REMNANTCHURCH1. The spirit of our time:

a. Our Lord describes this spirit and its influence in Luke 17:26, 27; Matt. 24:36-422. The spirit of our time is noted for:

a. Indifference in the conduct of the people.b. Carelessness in our conduct.c. Neglect of prayer and the study of the word of God.d. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.e. Neglecting to work for the salvation of souls.f. Harboring ill feelings to others.g. Drinking out of polluted fountains — reading things that will dull the mind and deaden the spirit.

3. But the most dangerous of all is found in:a. Simply doing nothing about our spiritual relationship to the truth and the cause of God — just drifting.b. Allowing time and opportunity to slip away from us until it is forever too late.

4. "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time weshould let them slip." a. You see what it means to just drift along with the tide of our times!b. Unless we take hold of ourselves and arouse ourselves out of the deep stupor we find ourselves in, we

are of all men most miserable; we are to be pitied because we have the light and do not live it.

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SEEKING A RIGHT WAYEZRA 8:21, 22

A. EZRA'S GREAT CONCERN FOR HIS PEOPLE1. Return of the Jews from their fatherland:2. Road was difficult and beset with many dangers:3. Ezra was concerned for their safety:

a. Of the aged.b. The little ones.c. Their substance.

B. OUR TEXT OFFERS A TIMELY MESSAGE FOR US AS A PEOPLE1. We are, indeed, homeward bound:

a. A wonderful thought to cherish as we face the climax of the controversy between Christ and Satan.b. Our hearts and our affections are focused upon that which is yet future - 2 Pet. 3:13; Heb. 11:14- 16

2. The way-marks of Bible Prophecy indicate clearly that we are nearing the final home stretch:a. We have been living in the toes of the image of Daniel 2: for a number of years.b. The signs foretold by our Lord of His second coming and the end of the world are almost history.c. It is at this point where our Lord says, "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that

it is near, even at the door." Matt. 24:333. The road before us is beset with many pitfalls:

a. Our Lord warns us against the snares the devil will use to trap and destroy us.b. Read these scriptures very prayerfully - Matt. 24:1-24; Luke 21:34, 35c. Paul repeats these warnings - 2 Tim. 3:1-9; 4:1-6d. Peter, too, points out the same dangers that face the people of God - 1 Pet. 5:8e. John gives a graphic picture of the wrath of the enemy against the people that keep the

commandments of God - Rev. 12:12, 17; 13:1- 17

C. A LESSON FOR US TODAY1. We, of all people, should diligently devote much time and prayer in the study of God's road map directing us to

the city of our God:a. I know that we are somewhat familiar with the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation; but I fear that there

is much in these great prophecies unknown to us.b. We also see the fulfillment of Bible prophecy in the events of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.c. We do understand that when the word of prophecy pertaining to our day has been fulfilled, Jesus will

come, as he has promised.2. There are several prophecies in the Bible which concern themselves with the preparation of God's people:

a. We think of Joel 2:15-17b. This admonition should stir the hearts of our leaders and us as a people. There is a need in our life that

has not been met, as yet.c. The testimony of the true witness in Rev. 3:14- 17 applies to us today. I realize that there is nothing in

that message that will flatter our ego.d. But the condition described by our Lord is true and demands a change for the better.e. Zeph. 2:1-3 is directed to us, make no mistake. The spirit of prayer is one of our greatest needs.f. Our lukewarmness is a testimony against our prayer life. Would we spend more time in earnest

prayer, we would see a wonderful change among us as a people.3. God has blessed us with a number of church agencies that will help us in our search for more light on our way

into the kingdom of God:a. We think of the Sabbath School, a wonderful agency for deeper knowledge of the road map to heaven.b. The Sabbath morning message should be a great help in understanding the safest way into the

kingdom of God.c. The midweek prayer services, too, have a special blessing for those who make use of that service.

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TWO WAYS TO LIVEMATTHEW 7:13, 14

A. "ENTER YE IN AT THE STRAIT GATE: FOR WIDE IS THE GATE, AND BROAD IS THE WAY, THAT LEADETH TODESTRUCTION, AND MANY THERE BE THAT GO IN THEREAT. BECAUSE STRAIT IS THE GATE, AND NARROWIS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT."1. These words show clearly that Christ recognizes only two ways to live:

a. The broad way.b. The narrow way.

2. He emphasizes the end of each of these two ways of life:a. The broad way leads to destruction.b. The narrow way leads to life everlasting.

B. THE BROAD HIGHWAY OF LIFE1. Has a wide entrance:

a. Very convenient to enter.b. Allows men to take along many of their acquired sinful habits.

2. But it is seductive or misleading:a. It is spiritually dark. - Prov. 2:13b. It is crooked - Ps. 125:5c. There are many people found on that way. Matt. 7:13

3. End of the broad way:a. Leads to fall. - Prov. 28:18b. Eternal death. - Prov. 14:12c. It is beset with thorns and snares. - Prov. 22:5d. It ends in eternal damnation. - Matt. 7:13 Here is food for thought! Because we have but two ways to

choose from, and the broad highway of this world is very appealing to the natural heart, yet, we knowwhere it will lead to in the end.

C. THE NARROW WAY OF LIFE1. It has a very narrow entrance:

a. All who enter here must leave all things of this world behind; they cannot enter with them - 1 Tim. 6:7b. Peter said to the Master, "We have left all and followed thee." - Mark 10:28

2. It is so narrow that we can walk on it singly only!3. The restrictions are so great that but a very few choose to walk on it:4. But it is lighted:

a. Prov. 4:18b. Ps. 119:105

5. The end of this way of life:a. Leads to life everlasting - Mark 10:28-30b. It leads to eternal joy - Matt. 25:23c. It brings eternal rest and security - Heb. 4:1-11; 11:14-17

6. An important lesson:a. We are free moral agents; we may choose a way of life - Deut. 30:19, 20b. Jacob and Esau made their choice of the way of life, and the result is fully described in the Bible.c. Judas and Peter chose two opposite roads to walk on, and here, too, the word of God tells us of the

end results.d. The two thieves on the cross of Calvary made their final choice to end their mortal lives, and here

again, we have the end results.7. Let us be honest with the Lord and with ourselves:

a. If death should overtake us today, on what road would eternity find us?b. The answer is simple, our daily life will have the answer, and what is it?c. The burden of the message is to call attention to the seriousness of life, and to assist any honest soul

to enter the strait gate that leads to eternal life.

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UNCONSCIOUS LOSS JUDGES 16:20

A. "AND SHE SAID, THE PHILISTINES BE UPON THEE, SAMSON. AND HE AWOKE OUT OF HIS SLEEP, AND SAID,I WILL GO OUT AS AT OTHER TIMES BEFORE, AND SHAKE MYSELF. AND HE WIST NOT THAT THE LORDWAS DEPARTED FROM HIM."1. The story of Samson must rank among the most colorful in sacred history:

a. The announcement of his birth.b. Samson's childhood training.c. His exploits among his enemies.

2. His tragic ending brings sadness to our hearts:

B. LET US CONSIDER THE LIFE AND DEATH OF SAMSON AND THE LESSON IT HAS FOR US1. Samson before:

a. Samson had an exceptional background, equal to that of many other Bible heroes.b. We think of his birth - "Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong

drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the dayof his death." Judg. 13:7

2. Thus we see that his life had been planned before he was born:a. Definite responsibilities rested upon his parents in bringing him up according to God's plan.b. He received his early training in the God-fearing home of his parents - Prov. 22:6c. The Holy Spirit used him to do exploits for God.

3. But Samson went down four times and came to a tragic end:a. "And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines"

- Judg. 14:1b. He married a nonbeliever, contrary to his parents' wishes and God's counsel - Judg. 14:3; Deut. 7:4c. But he was destined to be bitterly disappointed.

(1) The Philistines gave him plenty company.(2) Lost his wife to another - Judg. 14; 15

4. He went down the second time:a. He saw an harlot at Gaza - Judg. 16:1b. That indicates how sin blinds a person progressively — first step seems easy, but the second step

leads into the mire of sin, deeper and deeper.c. He ignored his parents' instructions and the repeated snares the enemies had set for him.

5. He went down the third and fourth times:a. He was untruthful to the Philistines and the harlot Delilah - Judg. 16:5-15b. He went down to his ruin when he gave away the secret of his strength - Judg. 16:16-21

C. UNCONSCIOUS LOSS1. This is the heart of my message:

a. Because all of us are, as Samson was, in constant danger of being doped by sin.b. Satan is a master deceiver; he knows how to dope people -

EXAMPLES -(1) Achan was doped - Josh. 7:1-20(2) Solomon was doped - Neh. 13:26(3) David was doped - 2 Sam. 11:1-4

2. Let us take a closer look at Samson:a. He imagined that his sins would not affect his relationship with his Maker.b. He forgot a natural law - Gal. 6:7, 8c. His playing with sin cost him the loss of moral power, his eyes, and finally his life.

3. What a lesson for our young people today:a. The high and useful plans God has for our youth.b. The wonderful educational privileges at their disposal.c. The home surroundings — the family altar, the services of the church.

4. He wist not that the Lord had departed from him: a. Can it be possible that we are forsaken by God and not know it?b. Would it not be a travesty for us to make a profession and yet be forsaken by the Lord?

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"GIVE ME MY PRICE"ZECHARIAH 11:12

A. UNUSUAL REQUEST: "GIVE ME MY PRICE"1. Christ is speaking:2. He speaks to professed Christians:3. That means that He wants us to put a price on His person, His service, and His sacrifice:4. Ancient Israel, when they consecrated a gift to the Lord, had to place a price on:

a. Men and women, young and old.b. Beasts too - Lev. 27:1-6

B. "GIVE ME MY PRICE"1. How can poor, sinful, finite beings evaluate the Majesty of heaven?

a. Judas did - Matt. 26:15b. Mary Magdalene did - Luke 7:38-40

2. When we place a price upon the Lord Jesus Christ:a. When our faith in Him requires a special sacrifice -

EXAMPLES -(1) Abraham offered Isaac - Gen. 22:1-12(2) The poor widow placed all her living on the altar - Mark 12:41-44(3) The rich young ruler refused - Matt. 19:16-22

b. In the hour of temptation -EXAMPLES -(1) Joseph paid a price for purity - Gen. 39:7-12(2) Daniel, too, paid a price for standing up for principles - Dan. 1:8; 6:10-17

c. When we are asked to give up the world and its sinful pleasures - Matt. 10:32-39 EXAMPLES -(1) The disciples - Mark 10:28-30(2) The New Converts at Ephesus - Acts 19:18, 19

3. How much are we willing to endure for the Lord Jesus?a. Are we minded as Paul was? Acts 21:13b. Peter was crucified with his head downward.c. Think of the martyrs of Christ in all ages; how they joyfully endured cruel tortures for Christ's sake -

Heb. 11:36-40d. It is under severe trials that we place a price upon the Lord Jesus; we either pay the price or we refuse,

as many do.

C. W MUCH DOEST THOU OWE THY LORD? BY FINDING THE RIGHT ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION, WE HAVE AGOOD UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT VALUE TO PUT UPON THE LORD1. We evaluate our Lord by what He did for us:

a. He became poor to make us rich - 2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:6-11b. How poor was He? Matt. 8:20; Luke 9:58c. He bore our sins in His own body - 1 Pet. 2:24d. He became curse to redeem us from the curse - Gal. 3:13e. He died for us that we may live - 1 Cor. 15:3; Gal. 2:20

2. We show that it means to us by what He is doing for us:a. He is our advocate, our mediator before God; pleads our case before the Father - 1 John 2:1- 3; 1 Tim.

2:5; Heb. 7:25b. He is preparing mansions for us, whatever that means! John 14:1-3

3. In placing a price upon the Lord Jesus, we must keep in mind a number of facts:a. The value that Heaven has placed upon Him!b. What He actually means to us -

EXAMPLES-(1) What will I do with my sins without Him?(2) What shall I do with sorrow when it strikes?(3) What does the future hold for me without Christ?

4. The least I can do to show how much I value my Lord and Saviour:a. I can give my unworthy, sinful self to Him!b. I can acknowledge Him in all my ways.

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c. I can witness for Him in word, thought and deeds.d. I can commune with Him day by day, and enjoy His fellowship.e. I can, by His Spirit, obey His will.f. Finally, I can live to His wonderful praise the remainder of my life!

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THE CHOICE OF A MASTERJOSHUA 24:15

A. BACKGROUND TO OUR TEXT1. A farewell message by Joshua:

a. He reviews some of the experiences of Israel's travel in the wilderness.b. Points to the guidance of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - Josh. 24:2-15

2. Israel's mistaken confidence in themselves:a. That seems to have been an inherent weakness of God's ancient people - Ex. 19:8; 24:3, 7; Josh.

24:16-18b. That was one reason why they rejected the Messiah - John 8:33; Rom. 10:3

B. THE CHOICE OF A MASTER1. All life is service:

a. Nature itself testifies that all creation is to serve.b. Paul verifies this truth - Rom. 14:7

2. We may choose our Master:a. We are, to a certain extent, free moral agents - EXAMPLES -

(1) Adam and Eve were created with the power of choice - Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-6(2) Cain and Abel, too, were at liberty to choose their method of serving - Gen. 4:1-9(3) Ruth and Orpah made their choice between the God of Israel and the idols of Moab - Ruth

1:15-17(4) Israel, in a state of apostasy, was given a new opportunity to choose a Master - 1 Ki. 18:21

b. That was true before Pilate, for the people to choose either Christ or Barabbas - Matt. 27:173. We can serve but one Master:

a. That is what the Master Himself says - Matt. 6:24b. Paul indicates how we make our choice known - Rom. 6:16, 17c. Not choosing is choosing just the same -- silence gives consent.

4. The choice is urgent:a. "Choose you this day" - Josh. 24:15b. "Today if ye will hear his voice" - Heb. 3:7c. "Today is the day of salvation" - 2 Cor. 6:2d. Tomorrow may never come for us to choose - Jas. 4:13-15

5. The choice is for eternity: a. Moses' choice between Egypt and Israel - Heb. 11:24-27b. Ruth and Orpah and eternity - Ruth 1:1-20

C. WHEN GOD SAYS "CHOOSE YE THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE"1. He proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are free moral agents, and that we have it in our own power to

choose a Master:a. This fact cannot be emphasized too strongly because there are so many people who think that we are

not free moral agents to choose our own destiny.b. But, I repeat, the experience of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and ancient Israel are conclusive

evidence that God does not want any forced service, he will accept only a service of love and devotion.2. So let us seriously examine our life to determine whom we are serving:

a. Are we the servants of the Lord our God who created and redeemed us for the glory of His wonderfulname?

b. Or are we the bond servants of sin and Satan, the end of which must mean eternal ruin anddamnation?

c. What a wonderful testimony was Joshua's decision — "We will serve the Lord".d. Dear friends, is this our own experience today?

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MY GOD IS ABLE2 TIMOTHY 1:12

A. "I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED AND AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE TO KEEP THAT WHICH I HAVECOMMITTED UNTO HIM AGAINST THAT DAY." - 2 Tim. 1:121. The words of our text are both inspiring and reassuring to God's people:

a. They express complete confidence in the great cause in which the apostle was engaged.b. Such implicit faith in the ultimate triumph of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the heartbeat of Christian

witnessing.2. That is why Peter writes, "we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the

power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2 Pet. 1:163. John adds his testimony in these words, "we have seen with our own eyes, which we have looked upon, and

our hands have handled, of the word of life." 1 John 1:1

B. MY GOD IS ABLE1. This testimony, by Paul, about God being able, is based upon his threefold knowledge about God:

a. By what the Bible teaches about God - Deut. 33:27; That the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator ofthe ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that haveno might he increaseth strength - Isa. 40:28-30

b. By what God did for him.c. And by what God did for His people - Eph. 3:20, 21; Phil. 2:12; 4:13; Gal. 2:20; 1 Tim. 1:15

2. The untold numbers of transformed lives of God's people confirm the testimony of the apostle in a glorious way:

a. How he cared for ancient Israel - Deut. 5:15; 7:19; 26:8b. How he cared for his persecuted church in its infancy and throughout its history - Rev. 12

3. That God is able is demonstrated over and over:a. In the uniformity of His laws that govern the universe - Ps. 19:1-6; Heb. 1:1-3b. He, at whose word the universe keeps in motion, is able to make good His word to His people - Heb.

6:17-20

C. GOD IS ABLE1. To save sinners to the uttermost: Heb. 7:25

a. By recreating them into the likeness of the image of His dear Son - Eph. 2:10; 2 Cor. 5:14- 17b. By preserving those who come to Him through Jesus Christ our Lord - John 17:1-26; 2 Tim. 1:12c. By presenting the saints unto Himself without spot and without wrinkles - Eph. 5:27; 1 John 3:1-3;

Rev. 19:72. To translate them into His glorious kingdom:

a. He promised this to the penitent thief on the cross - Luke 23:42, 43b. Our Lord assured the sorrowing disciples that He would prepare mansions for them - John 14:1-3c. He promised to raise the dead and give them immortality - John 5:28, 29; Luke 14:14

3. Let us take a brief look at God's agents used in fulfilling His promises to His people:a. His Holy Spirit - Zech 4:6; Isa. 59:19b. His word of promise - Heb. 1:3; 4:12; 2 Cor. 1:20c. The power of faith in His wonderful name - 1 John 5:4, 5; John 17:11. Think of what living faith in the

name of the Lord Jesus did for all who exercised it -(1) The lame man at the gate of the temple - Acts 3:16(2) The woman with the issue of blood - Matt. 9:20-22(3) The centurion and his servant - Matt. 8:8

4. The blood of the Lord Jesus takes care of all our sins: 1 John 1:7-9; 1 Pet. 1:18, 195. What more need we to know that MY GOD IS ABLE!

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PAST - PRESENT - FUTUREEXODUS 14:13

A. "FEAR NOT, STAND STILL, AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD, WHICH HE WILL SHEW TO YOUTODAY."1. "Fear not":

a. Israel in a state of great fear because of the Egyptians being almost upon them.b. The Red Sea before them.c. The mountains surrounding them.

2. They blamed Moses for their seeming plight:a. "Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore

hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?"b. "Is not this the word that we spake unto you in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the

Egyptians."3. How soon they forgot the miracles of the God of their fathers in Egypt:

a. How quickly men's memory fails to bring God's love and care to us.b. How easy it is to blame the leaders for our seeming difficulties!

B. "SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD"1. In the past:

a. "Hitherto had the Lord helped us" - 1 Sam. 7:12b. "If it had not been for the Lord, who was on our side" - Ps. 124:1-5c. "Thou hast given commandment to save me" - Ps. 71:3d. "Lacked ye anything; they said, nothing" - Luke 22:35

2. Present:a. "I have set before thee an open door" - Rev. 3:8b. God provides to us this day new opportunities - (1) for improvement in our own life,

(2) for using God's gifts to share our faith with others.c. "This is your hour" - Luke 22:53d. "What thou doest, do it quickly" - John 13:27

C. AS WE LOOK BACK OVER OUR BRIEF SOJOURNING IN THIS PRESENT LIFE, WE CAN SEE HOWWONDERFULLY THE LORD HAS LED US. EVEN THE PRESENT LOOKS ENCOURAGING, BUT WHAT ABOUT . . . 1. The Future?

a. This we know for sure, that our future is in the same hands that led us in the past and cares for us atthe present.

b. This is very important for us to keep in mind at all times.2. Experience shows that human memory is very forgetful at times:

a. That was Moses deep concern with his people - Deut. 4:9, 23; 6:12; 8:11; 14:19b. David, too, was concerned, lest the people forget - Ps. 59:11; 78:7

3. Heavenly assurance for the future:a. "As thy days so shall thy strength be" - Deut. 33:25b. "My God shall supply all your needs" - Phil. 4:19c. "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends

of the earth fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding."d. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength" - Isa. 40:28-31

4. The future of God's people is as bright as God's promises to them:a. One promise to keep in mind is found in Isa. 49:15-16b. Another gracious promise for the future of God's children is found in Matt. 28:20c. A third assurance is found in the words of the Son of God as recorded in Matt. 24:35 and in Heb. 13:8