Giving Thanks

For midweek prayer service we met on Tuesday.  The pastor had a notion for all to think of one thing for which he/she was thankful.  The answers were varied but insightful into the hearts and minds of the people.  The eldest lady church member said she was thankful for water.  She had been thinking about it since asked to give one thing and realized one could not live without water. 
Many, of course were thankful for Salvation, family and health.  Two interesting thoughts came to bear however. One lady said she was thankful for the time she spent as a young girl on her grandparents farm. She had been placed there, apart from two other siblings, because the mother could not take care of her. She said that at the time she resented much of the lack of "things" and separation from her mother, brother and sister. But, many years later, she realized how the Lord was working in her life to prepare her for future difficulty's. It occurred to her that she never went hungry and always had a roof over her head. 
Another mother, very grateful for her only child, said that wasn't the the thing she was most thankful for. Out of a certain life trial many years before, she was thankful for what the Lord taught her. During that trial, she learned to lean on the Lord in a way she had never understood before. Although she said she wouldn't want to live it over again, she declared that she wouldn't change it because of the spiritual maturity and grateful heart it gave her.
The thing is, we are to be thankful in sunshine and in rain! The Lord never promised us a "bed of roses." Job told us clearly in all his sorrows that; "man that is born of woman is few days and full of Trouble." (Job 14.)
But what we can do, regardless of our circumstances, environment or sorrows, is "give thanks." After all, He told us to. As believers, we really don't have a choice. One must conclude, then, that there is ALWAYS something to give thanks for!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2018!

 Ps 57.7

A thorny problem, indeed!

 TO LOVE or NOT...

"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ<sup>." (Phil 1.9,10)

Recently, the writer of this blog was challenged from one who said they loved her to "let me love you more."  
On the one hand the meaning could have been that the giver of the sentiment wanted to see the receiver enjoy more of the Lord's blessings by letting others "in." 
On the other hand the meaning was an affront. It seemed that the recipient was doing something wrong.  How could this giver love the recipient more?  The recipient, i.e, the writer of this blog, has  a distinct personality that keeps folks at "arms length," it's true. However, was that "wrong?"  The giver of this opinion also noted that the recipient "missed out on so much," by keeping others at arms length and not "letting them get close and love more."

Such a puzzling, worrisome thought. Prayer and meditation was given to the opinion and this is what the Lord gave:</sup>

• ^{...that your love may abound...in knowledge and...judgment} 

 ^{One can only love, feel love and receive love through the filter of life circumstances and experiences that has molded the character and spirit.  True, we are over comers in life (I Jn 4.4) by grace through faith.  Yet, all that may be given or received is what has been given or received to this point.  
Love, for some, comes easier because it has been a life long gift given affectionately.  For others, love was given out of duty.  The difference to ones personality is stark in many cases.  It makes it difficult to let others "in," because of insincerity or rejection.  Therefore, one can only give what has been received, honestly, sincerely and affectionately.
Dear reader, it isn't wrong to hold the love from another at arms length.  It doesn't mean you are hard and unfeeling.} 

^{It just means that you can't be more than you are.}

<sup>True, some will take it personally if you don't receive their love gift as wholeheartedly as they think you ought. But it means you are being honest.  Scripture encourages us to be a vessel of honor rather dishonor. (Rom 9.21)
The only way to attain this distinction is to be honest.  You love according to your "knowledge and judgment."  You judge whether one is sincere in their love for you.  You take it in that spirit that you may be "sincere and without offence." (Phil 1.10)
Of course, it goes without saying that the more you practice "love and loving" others, like the Lord Jesus, the easier it will be to receive the same.

Blessings today is our prayer.</sup>

  

Integrity

Since it is Mother's day – would your mother be proud of the way you handled yourself with that money on the table?

Pro 3.27, 28

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.”

integrity- (W) The entire, unimpaired state of any thing, particularly of the mind; moral soundness (remember soundness in using wisdom with discretion? Pro 3.21, 24) or purity; incorruptness; uprightness; honesty. integrity comprehends the whole moral character, but has a special reference to uprightness in mutual dealings, transfers of property, and agencies (help) for others.

SS – Lost and Found

Tyrone likes to take the shortcut through the woods on his way home from school. He always finds some interestgin bug or rock to inspect along the way. He watches the chipmunks and squirrells scurrying. Once, he even surprised a deer on the way. The other kids don't get to see that walking along the sidewalk. Sometimes his friends will join him, but usually Tyrone walks home by himself.

Today, Tyrone stayed after school to finish a project for the teacher. He hurries home now through the woods. He doesn't stop to look around because he doesn't want to be late for his piano lesson. But he can't help shuffling through the leaves – it makes such a wonderful sound. As he shuffles along, he kicks up something that clatters along the path. Stopping to pick it up, he sees that it is an expensive gold pen, similar to the one his friend recently bought. What fortune! Tyrone thinks he needs a new pen. What do you think Tyrone should do?

• Should he, take the pen to the school lost and found?
• Keep the pen and see I his friends mentions it.
• Take the pen to his friend to see if he lost it?
• Leave the pen in the woods, hidden behind a tree. If no one finds it, he can keEt it.
• Keep the pen and sell it?

Read Prov 3.23, 28 again to help you decide.

DISCUSSION:

• Why should Tyrone take the pen and show it to his friend?

• What could happen if Tyrone delays in showing his friend the pen?
• If you were to find a valuable item, what could you do to find the owner?

Delaying to do good is inconsiderate and unfair. If it is in your power to act, whether it's repaying a loan, returning a lost item, or fulfilling a promise, do what you can without delay. Be as eager to do good as you are eager for people to do good to you.

Discretion

Proverbs 3.21, 24 “My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion...When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shall lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”

What is “them” referring to? “sound wisdom and discretion”

Notice that “wisdom” is emphasized with the word “sound.” That means one can have wisdom to know the right thing to do and still not use it.

What does the word “discretion” mean to you?

(W) that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution;

For example: “A good man--will guide his affairs with discretion.” (Psa 112.5)

“My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion.” (Pro 3.21)
If you've used “sound wisdom and discretion” about a situation, how will you sleep? “sweet” - in other words, no tossing and turning because you're not sure if you did the right thing.

Sticky Situation: "The Scary Storm Fest" - Whaddya do?

Fiona's friends are into watching scary storms big time. The more heavy thunderstorms in a day with lighting and high winds, the better. Storms are not exactly Fiona's preference. Every time she watches one, she is a horror the next day because after the storm is over, she was too scared to sleep. Usually when her friends get together for after checking incoming weather, Fiona takes a pass. But it has been several months since their last storm gathering, so when they ask Fiona to join them, she agrees. She's growing out of that phase, she believes, and can handle a few storms now.

The girls plan to make it an all-night affair, given the weather reports. Fiona thinks it sounds interesting and a little exciting, but when she checks it out with her parents, they are skeptical. “Are you sure you want to do this?” they ask, advising her that it may be wiser to avoid watching the storms roll in. But Fiona assures them that she will be all right and will get enough sleep so she'll be fresh for her grandmother's birthday party the next day. Five minutes into the first crack of lighting, however, Fiona realizes she has made a terrible mistake. She is scared silly and doesn't know what to do. She doesn't want to wimp out in front of her friends, but she is frightened! What do you think Fiona should do?

Read Proverbs 3:21-24 again and 4:3, 4 to see what Fiona should do

A. Watch the storms with the girls and show up like at zombie at her grams birthday party?

B. Hide under the bed and tell her friends she's looking for dust bunnies?

C. Pretend that she has to take a bath and hide out in the bathroom for a couple of hours?

D. Tell her friends that she is going to skip tonights entertainment?

E. Call her dad to come and get her – before the storms do?

1. How could Fiona have avoided this entire situation?
2. What types of activities make you afraid?
3. In what ways do you show good planning and insight? In what ways don't you?

The Bible teaches that in order to be wise, a person needs both discernment and sound judgment. Discernment is the ability God gives to people to think and make correct choices. But God only gives sound judment to those who follow Him. Sound judgment includes discernment, but it also includes knowledge that comes from knowing and applying God's Word. Do you have the necessary sound judment to make good decisions? If not, ask God and He will show you how to get it.

Mercy and Truth

Pro 1: 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

 Sticky situation, whaddya do?

 

     Jackie is good friends with a group of girls, including Catherine, Christina and Jamie. This group eats lunch together every day, and they go to the basketball games after school together. They all tried out for the field hockey tem and made it! It's a fun group and Jackie really enjoys being with them.

     But lately, Jackie has noticed that Catherine and Jamie are becoming more bossy. Usually they decide what the group will do, where they will go and who will be invited. Now they have decided they don't like Christina. Jackie and Christian are particularly close because they have been friends since elementary shcool. 

     Today at lunch, while Christian is in the lunch line, Catherine and Jamie start cutting her down. What should Jackie do?

Discussion:

1. When you were in a situation like Jackie's, how did you respond?
2. How do you think Jackie should treat Catherine and Jamie if they continue to cut down Christina?
3. How can Jackie show her loyalty to Christina?

Pro 3:3-4 is a call to action! We are never to get tired of being loyal and kind. More than just attitudes, loyalty and kindness involve action. Then, says Proverbs, we will earn a good reputation among our friends and more importantly, with God.

Trust

TRUST

TRUST activity: - stand behind student and ask them to fall into your arms, demonstrating that teacher will catch them

Proverbs 3.5, 6

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He SHALL direct thy paths.”

A promise from the wisest man God ever put on this earth – in spite of his humanity in sin.

1. “Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart..” - what does it mean to trust? (let students answer and give examples) then define trust from

(W) - Confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person. Charge received in confidence. That which is committed to one's care. Special reliance on supposed honesty.

...whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Pro 29:25.
“In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.”. Psa 71:1.
Care; management. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be no highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Tim 6:17
Who do you trust? Let students write answers on whiteboard... Who should you put all your trust in? The Lord, that's right because others will fail you but He never will.

2. “Lean not unto thine own understanding...” Our memory verse instructs us that “a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” - thus gaining understanding from those that have age and experience in the spiritual and natural life. The writer of this book emphasizes this point when he says not to try and understand circumstances/experiences which you have no control of or are beyond your comprehension. Simply put, sometimes there is just no way you can see what is ahead of you. The Lord meant it that way so that you would learn to trust in Him.

3. Then you are told to “acknowledge Him -in all (your ways).” - When a child is learning new things, you will hear “I'll do it myself.” However, there are somethings, like chopping food that an adult understands the child is not ready for. For example: the parent has told “Junior” not to play with knives and the five year old takes a knife and begins to cut up a banana, or whittle a piece of wood, for example – What do you think will probably happen? Yep, he/she will get cut. This child didn't “acknowledge” the one who knew better and got hurt. The same thing happens when you ignore God and His Word – you will get hurt. His Words are true and righteous and direct. There is no misunderstanding when you “acknowledge Him.” Just do what He says!

4. Now, you have a promise, “He SHALL direct your paths!” Who should you put your trust in, the Lord or man? Do you believe He will do what He says? You've got it! Now exercise your “understanding” by living and behaving according to what He says in His word!

Wisdom

Proverbs - Wisdom

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;

and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”

(Prov 1.5)

• What is a “Proverb?”

Proverb - (W) A short sentence often repeated, expressing a well known truth or common fact, gained by experience or observation; wisdom.

In Scripture, it sometimes signifies a moral compass by telling one which way to go. (Prov 1.6)

• Who wrote the Proverbs? (1.1) Solomon, son of David
  
• Where/how did King Solomon gain such wisdom? (I Kings 3.5-12)
• What is the purpose of the Proverbs?(1.2-4)

2”To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.”

To “know, receive and give.”

1. One is to “know” what is wise – it is your responsibility to “know” what is wise...

In the study in Proverbs we will, Lord willing, be teaching on what you need to “know” to get along better in life.

2. One is to “receive” this instruction with an open heart – the only way you may “receive” wise counsel and instruction is to be “more ready to hear (Eccl 5.1), and swift to hear and slow to speak.”(Jms 1.19)
3. Then one may “give” to others or “pass along” what has been gained by knowing and receiving such wisdom and understanding, first and most important, giving ALL glory for this understanding to the Lord (Isa 42.8) thus walking in the light of His will (Jn 6.38)

REVIEW:

• memory verse
• Who wrote the Proverbs? (1.1) Solomon, son of David
  
• Where/how did King Solomon gain such wisdom? (I Kings 3.5-12)
• What is the purpose of the Proverbs?(1.2-4)

Salvation, L11

Why do we get baptized?

We've heard testimonies of those we know and of Paul whom we did not know.

These are those who believe the Lord Jesus Christ:

• was born of a girl who had never know a man in marriage
• lived a perfect, sinless life, teaching, preaching and performing miracles while on earth
• was baptized of John the Baptist to demonstrate He would die and live again
• and trusted Him in all the things He said and confessed their sin(s), and know they will live with Him forever in Heaven
• is coming back to earth very soon to get all His children, those alive and those that died in the faith (I Thes 4.17)
• is telling the truth when He says that all who don't believe in Him by faith and walk in His ways, will go to that eternal lake of fire Rev 19.20.10, 14, 15
• that “without the shedding blood there is no remission of sins.” (Heb 9)

Because they believe these things, they also believe about a special day set aside to remember Him, it's called EASTER!

The name Easter was first noted among believers in (Acts 12.4) It is (W) A festival of the christian church observed in commemoration of our Savior's resurrection. It is also known as the pascha (Pesak) or passover of the Hebrews which is the time when Jews celebrate their liberation from Egypt from the harsh rule and bondage of the Pharaoh.

(Remember, “When I see the blood I will pass over you.”)

That is why we celebrate Easter but today let's examine baptism after one believes in all these other things.

So, where does baptism fit in all this “believing?”

Why do we get baptized?

(read?, Rom 6.1-11) to tell the world we believe He got up from the dead

• Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
• Mt 3.6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
• Mt 3.13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
• Mt. 3.16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
• *KEY: Acts 2.38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Why do we get baptized?

1. In obedience to the Lord's example
2. To demonstrate, publicly that we believe in His death, burial and resurrection from the dead.

Is Baptism salvation? No. The thief on the cross had no opportunity to be baptized but still the Lord told Him that “today though shalt be with me in paradise.” (Lk 23.43)

When one is baptized should they be completely immersed or just sprinkled?

What did Jesus do?

Well, can one be “half-dead?” Likewise, one cannot be “half-baptized or sprinkled.” So, if you believe He died and conquered death at His resurrection, then you will be completely immersed before earthly and spiritual witnesses (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) to testify to that.

Salvation, 10

How did He pay for the sins of those that believe?

His blood....

How do we know blood pays for sins? We've heard and read testimonies of those who have had the blood applied to their lives, thereby being forgiven of sins. We've talked about who this Jesus is, what He did while He was on earth. We've learned why He came (to save His people from their sins) and who His people are: the Redeemed. We observed by the Word what happens to those who don't believe. Today, we will examine what paid the price for your sins and mine.

Going back to the OT:

• Gen 8.20 And Noah ... offered burnt offerings on the altar.
• Gen 22.7, 8 ...where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering:
• Gen 34.14 Jacob ...poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.
• after the children of Israel were led out of Egypt
• Exo 10.25 Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the Lord our God.
• EXO 12.13 the Lord explains: “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you,”
• EXO 12.17 tells us to avoid the death angel: “And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.”
• What is this a picture of? Look at where the blood was placed (put cross in front of door for illustration)
• Exo 18.12 Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God:
• Exo 20.24 Of sacrifices the Lord tells the people, through Moses, “An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings,...in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.”
• Exo 29.12 At the tabernacle in the wilderness, we are shown what the priest did for the sins of the people: “And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.”
• Exo 29.14 Explained in this passage is what the Lord thinks of this old flesh: “But the flesh of the bullock,...,shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.”
• Exo 29.18 The only thing that satisifes our Holy God: “And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the Lord: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”
• Our all on the altar by fire – if you've never been broken, you don't know Him...
• Exo 30.10 And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements:

All through the book of Leviticus the priests are told where to put the blood that is to atone for the sins of the people...

Lev 17.6 And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the Lord.

KEY VERSE: Lev 17.11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

• So it was that blood sacrifices from innocent animals took the place or “atoned” for the sins of the people.

• Yet, there came a time when (Heb 10.4) “... it (was) not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”

How does that explain what Jesus did for the believers on the cross?

All that sacrifice quite simply,was a “type” or a picture of what the Lord Jesus would do as Israel's “Messiah” when He came to earth.

He said in Mt 26.28, Mk 4:24, Lk 22.20 at the Last Supper before Judas betrayed Him:

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many (not all because not all are going to believe) for the remission of sins.

Acts 20.28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Rom 3.25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare HIS righteousness for the remission of sins...

Rom 5.9 Much more then, being now justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through HIM.

Paul told the church at Ephesus:

(Eph 2.13,14) “13. But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;”

HIS BLOOD “BROKE DOWN” THE WALL THAT WAS BETWEEN YOU AND GOD

Heb 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Heb 9.22 ...and without shedding of blood is no remission

What atoned for sin in the OT? Blood

What did Jesus give to atone for sin in the NT? His blood

According to Lev 17.11, why is blood required for atonement? Because “life is in the blood.”

Conclusion: “I do not know how the transaction takes place but I does know because of His blood, given for all who would believe, it does.”

Salvation, 9

What happens to those that don't believe?

What happens to those that do believe?

What happens to those that don't believe?

Eze 18:20 - The soul that sinneth, it shall die.... What happens to those that don't believe?
Mt 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.What happens to those that don't believe?
Mt 25:41 - Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:What happens to those that don't believe?
Mt 25:46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Mk 9:43 - And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:What happens to those that don't believe?
Mk 9.44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. What happens to those that don't believe?

Mk 9.46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. What happens to those that don't believe?

Mk 9.48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. What happens to those that don't believe?

Lk 16:19-31 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift (he's still there) up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Where did the rich man end up?
Jn 5:29 - And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (another “resurrection,” but to hell instead of heaven) Where do “the evil” end up?
Jn 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Who “shall not” see everlasting life? (he the believeth not)
Rom 2. 6-11 - Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11For there is no respect of persons with God. Does God judge fairly? Yes, “no respect of persons”
Rom 6:23 - For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. What is the payment (wages) for sin?
2 Thes 1:8 – In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. On whom does God take vengeance? “them that know not God or obey the gospel”
1 Jn 5:12 - He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Who has life, those that know the Son or those that don't?
Jude 1:7 - Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. What did the wicked cities who practiced sin, suffer?
Rev21:8 - But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. What is the end for unbelievers/sinners?
Rev 20:15 - And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Who was cast into the “lake of fire?”

So you see, NO ESCAPE for unbelievers! But that's not all of the story....

What happens to those that do believe?

Mt 18.3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. What does it take to “enter into the kingdom of heaven?”

Jn 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. How does one “come to the Father?” through belief in His Son
Rom 2:6-11 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. What is the reward for those that “worketh good?” glory, honour: and peace Whom is the reward given to?” Jew and Gentile
Rom 10:13 - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Who can be saved?”
Saved from what? Eternal damnation, hell

I Tim 4.12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. How does the world know one is a “believer?” one is “an example...in word, conversation, charity/love, spirit, faith, purity.” Simply put, one “behaves straight, true and right”

1 Jn 5:12 - He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Who really has “life,” that is, the right kind of life?

3. What keeps one out of heaven and sends another to hell?

Mat 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Mar 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

Mar 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Rom 4:20 (Abraham) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

1Ti 1:13 (Paul, speaking of himself) Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

WARNING:
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Heb 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Heb 4:6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

Again, What keeps one out of heaven and sends another to hell? UNBELIEF!

Which one are you, A believer or an unbeliever?

Salvation, 8

Who are the Redeemed? Are you one of them?

Today, let's talk about the folks who love the Lord Jesus.

Redeemed: (W)Ransomed (rescued from captivity, by the payment of an equivalent.); delivered from bondage, distress, penalty, or from the possession of another, by paying an equivalent.

Remember the preacher we had recently? I told you he love to sing this song:

I am one of them today

1 How I came to love these pilgrims, Is to me a great surprise; And the way the Lord has led me, Is a wonder in my eyes;
No, I never thought I’d be one, But I’m happy now to say, That, although I used to hate them, I am one of them today!

Refrain:
I feel constrained to tell it, I love this narrow way; O glory, hallelujah, I am one of them today.
2 Well I knew the world despised them, So I said ‘twould never do; I would lose my reputation If I join that noisy crew;
But I heard in Sinai’s thunder “You must surely go that way;” I am not ashamed to own it, I am one of them today.
3 Oft I sneered when they were telling That they felt no foe within, That the grace of their Redeemer Daily kept them free from sin;
But conviction seized my spirit, Took my hatred all away; Now I know this great salvation, And I’m one of them today.

Who are “the redeemend?”

Exo 1:19 - “lively people.”

“And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.”

Paul told wrote as an encouragement to the church at Corinth that:

(2 Cor 4:8-10) “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (WHY?, because we are) Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

So, “the redeemed” are happy all the time? No, of course not. They just look at life through God's eyes instread of their own.

How do the “redeemed” respond to life?

Look at what the Psalmist said of God's chosen earthly people: He told us by unction of the Holy Spirit, that:

• he was committed to the Lord because of redemption (31.5) Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
• redemption caused him to sing (71.23) My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
• recalled that he was part of a promised “inheritance” (74.2) Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed;...
• praised the Lord for redemption from their enemies(77.15) Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
• Have an understanding of the enemy beyond what the eye can see (106.10) And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
• had the privilege to “say so” (also known as grace) as one of the redeemed (107.2 )Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
• rejoiced in the Lord's mercy that endures forever for the redeemed (136.24) And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

The prophet, Isaiah reminded us of where the redeemed would end up:

(Isa 35.9) “No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:”

What place does this sound like, according to scripture? Yes, heaven

Only in this passage, another group of “redeemed” have been included, the Gentiles.

• What about “the other” chosen people, the Gentiles?:

(Lk 1.68) “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed his people”

• Who are “His” people? From this verse it would seem that only Israel are counted as “His people.”
• But what about Jn 3.16? Who is considered “a believer?” “whosoever believeth”
• Would that be Jew or Gentile? Yes – let's look further

(Lk 24.21) “But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.”

• What had been done after “the third day?” the Resurrection

How is one “Redeemed?”

(Gal 3.13) “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:”

• What did His death accomplish? Redemption from the curse of the law
• How? He was made “a curse for us”
• He was made a curse for whom? “us” or “whosoever believeth” (Jn 3.16)

(Eph 1:7) "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace"

• How are we “redeemed” according to this passage? “through His blood”

Paul writes, “in whom WE have redemption...”

If He is writing to the church at Ephesus and they are Greeks,

• would you say he is talking to Jews or Gentiles? Gentiles

(1 Pet 1:18) “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;”

• What could not “redeem” us? Silver, gold, vain conversation, tradition

(Rev 5.9) “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

• Who are “they” that “sung a new song?” the redeemed
• Where did they come from? “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation”

(Rev 14.3) “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.”

• Who are the only ones that could “learn that song?” 144,000
• Would you say this is everybody? Nope
• If it isn't everybody, then who is it? “the redeemed from the earth”

(Rev 14.4)”...These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”

• Who is “the Lamb?” The Lord Jesus
• One more time, who are classified as “the redeemed?” “...they which follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth...”

Last question, are you one of “them?”