IS YOUR LIGHT SHINING?

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 New International Version (NIV) Salt and Light 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. HOW DO THE WORLD RATE CHRISTIANS? Some say good. Some say hypocrites. Some say cheaters. Some say they are the same like us. Some say they are worse than us. Some say have nothing to do with them. Some say they do not have a victorious life. What do you hear the world outside say about Christians? JESUS EXACT WORDS. Matthew 5:20 New International Version (NIV) 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. The Scribes and Pharisees were the custodian of the law and Jesus said our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. How can our Righteousness exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees? God has revealed a way: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22). In other words, Jesus, the Righteous One, lived a sinless life and died an atoning death. He now offers His “righteousness” to us by faith, so that we can be “declared righteous” before His throne. ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD. This process of justification by faith goes all the way to Abraham, who “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3, 5, 9; Galatians 3:6). All those, then who believe in Jesus are credited with righteousness and have Abraham as their father (4:11-12). Keeping the Law plays no role in being counted as righteous in His sight (Romans 10:1-10; Galatians 3:21; Philippians 3:9); rather, God’s grace is at work. WE HAVE TO UNDO THE LAW THAT IS ALIVE IN US. Romans 7-5:6 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. CHRISTIANS CAN NEVER LIVE VICTORIOUS UNDER THE LAW.  But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. WHAT WE HEAR CHRISTIANS DOING IS NOT A SURPRISE. We hear that they see phonographs. We hear Christians living in adultery. We hear Christians cheating. We hear Christians not living a victorious life. We hear Christians speaking bad words. We hear Christians have two characters one in the Church one outside the Church. YOUR LIGHT WILL SURELY SHINE. Those who have been justified by faith have been set free from sin and thus must offer themselves to God “as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:11-14). IF YOU ARE SET FREE FROM SIN THAN YOUR LIFE WILL SHINE FOR JESUS. THE SURROUNDING FRIENDS WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT JESUS. IMPOSSIBLE TO LIVE A LIFE OF SIN. Those who belong to Jesus hunger and thirst for righteousness. We find God’s will for us described in the inspired Scriptures through which we receive “training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is impossible for those who have been born of God not to do what is right (1 John 3:7-10). Our Lord said that those who belong to Him “hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). BECAUSE OF JESUS RIGHTEOUSNES,WE ARE MADE RIGHTEOUS. There is also a future aspect to righteousness when God does judge the world by His standard of righteousness (Acts 17:31). On that day of days, we “will reap a harvest of righteousness and peace” (Hebrews 12:11) and thus become fully righteous; this is our Christian hope (Galatians 5:5). YOU HAVE JESUS RIGHTEOUSNESS IMPUTED TO YOU. Righteousness, like salvation, is a gift that we receive from God when we believe. It is a present reality in our lives, and is a future hope toward which we aspire. Does your righteousness exceed that of the Scribes and the Pharisees? CONCLUSION: JESUS GIVES YOU THE STRENGTH TO SHINE. WHEN HE LIVES IN YOU HE GIVES YOU HOPE. HE GIVES YOU PEACE. HE LIVES IN YOU TO HEAL YOUR MORTAL BODY. HE GIVES YOU HIS WISDOM. JUST BELIEVE AND RECEIVE ALL THAT BELONGS TO YOU. BE LIKE ABRAHAM WHO JUST BELIEVED AND GOD CALLED HIM RIGHTEOUS.

GOD HAS A PURPOSE IN EVERY TRIAL. Canaanites Defeated at Hormah 21 The king of Arad, the Canaanite, who dwelt in the South, heard that Israel was coming on the road to Atharim. Then he fought against Israel and took some of them prisoners. 2 So Israel made a vow to the Lord, and said, “If You will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.” 3 And the Lord listened to the voice of Israel and delivered up the Canaanites, and they utterly destroyed them and their cities. So the name of that place was called Hormah.[a] The Bronze Serpent 4 Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” 6 So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. WHAT DID THE NATION OF ISRAEL SAID CONCERNING GOD AND MOSES? WHY DID YOU BROUGHT US IN THE WILDERNESS TO DIE? THERE IS NO FOOD, NO DRINK AND THE MAANA THEY CALLED WORTHLESS BREAD. DEATH COMES WHEN YOU REBEL AGAINST GOD. THEY WERE BLESSED ALL THE TIME . GOD HEARD THEIR PRAYER. VICTORIOUS LIVING. FRUIT FULL BUT WHEN THEY REBEL AND GRUMBLE THEN THE FIERY SERPENTS CAME. 6 So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. WAS IT AN ACT OF LOVE? Many will argue is it an act of love? That was certainly an act of love for that was the means that God used to make those Israelites repent and turn back to Him so that He could bless them, but he could not do so until they repented. Jeremiah 29:11 New King James Version (NKJV) 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. WHAT ARE YOUR TRIALS TODAY? When we meet the ransomed in eternity, and her their stories we will discover more fully how God used: Snake bites Financial difficulties Marriage problems Cancers. All these will make a person return to God. Romans 8:28-29 New King James Version (NKJV) 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. WHAT IS YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPOND WHEN YOU GO THROUGH TRIALS? GOD IS PUNISHING ME. GOD HAS LEFT ME. IS GOD REAL? WHY IS GOD TESTING ME SO MUCH? SOMETIMES YOU CRY. NOTHING, WRONG IN CRYING.BUT BELIEVE THAT GOD WORKS MARVERLOUS THINGS THROUGH TRIALS. WHY IS ANY CHRISTIAN A CARNAL CHRISTIAN? The devil has deceived him into thinking that he can be happier if instead of yielding himself totally to God, he tries to get “ the best of both world”. This is a deception. Romans 8: 6-8 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. JESUS WANTS YOU TO BE DISCIPLES. Luke 14:33 New King James Version (NKJV) 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. If you have you old self alive in you, you can never be a disciple. Because this will make you think like the people of Israel. What God meant good for them they translated it into evil. THE NATION OF ISRAEL REPENTED. Numbers 21:7-9 New International Version (NIV) 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. JESUS EXACT WORDS. John 3:14-16 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever [a]believes will in Him have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His [b] only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. The Bronze Snake is a symbol of Curse. When the people repented God’s immediate instruction is to pray for them. Moses Prayed. Today if you going trough trials ask the Pastor or Elder to pray for you. Your focus must be Jesus. He took all your curse. You are blessed. LEARN OF GOD’S MERCY AND LOVE. It took the disciples roughly 60 Hours weekly 240 Hrs a month X 12 = 2880 hours Jesus spent 3 ½ years teaching the 12 disciples and equipping the 12 disciples. It took Jesus 10,080 hours to train the disciples and teach them. How many hours are you spending time learning the word of God in order to be sent? They still denied Christ and left him to die alone. Until they were empowered with the Holy Spirit. Come for Bible study and Prayer meeting. I guarantee your life will be transformed. Then you will sent by God for Ministerial works. You will be fully equipped. Amen

WHEN GOD CALLS YOU THERE IS NO EXECUSE NOT TO SERVE HIM Our text for today is Exodus 4:1-17.  Moses is still in front of the burning bush arguing with God about going back to Egypt.  So far the conversation has gone like this: God tells Moses to take off his shoes.  Then God tells Moses, "I have seen the suffering of my people and heard their cries, and I am going to save them."  So far so good.  No argument here.  MOSES PROTEST But then God tells Moses, "I am sending you to Pharaoh to lead my people out of Egypt.  Go!"  Moses protests, "Who am I to do this job?"  God answers, "It is not who you are, but who I am.  I will be with you!"  Moses protests again, "But who are you?  What is your name compared to Pharaoh's name, especially in Egypt?"  God answers, "I am who I am, and I will strike Pharaoh and he will let you go!  I am and Pharaoh is soon to be not! WHAT IF THE PEOPLE DON’T RECEIVE ME? This brings us to 4:1 where Moses offers yet another protest, "What if the Israelites don't believe that you have appeared to me?"  As persistent as Moses is in his reluctance, God is even more persistent in the call of Moses.  God responds to Moses by giving him three signs to demonstrate that the LORD has indeed appeared to him. WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND? First, God asks Moses what is in his hand.  It is his staff, a wooden stick which Moses used in his care of the sheep as well as to give himself greater stability as he walked the desert terrain.  Moses literally leaned upon his staff for support and survival.  It was his tool, his technology, which enabled him to do his job of sheep herding.  Yahweh proceeds to tell Moses to throw it down, to release it.  Yahweh wants Moses' staff.  The LORD wants what is in Moses' hand, no matter how important it is to Moses.  This is typical of the LORD.  God wants what is in our hands, no matter how important it is to us. WE ARE LIKE MOSES. DEPEND ON OUR FINANCE. DEPEND ON OUR INTELLIGENCE. DEPEND ON OUR ABILITY. (UNABLE TO SPEAK WELL) DEPEND ON MEN. NOT DEPENDING ON GOD. THERE IS A SNAKE IN OUR OWN SELF EFFORT. Moses throws down his staff and when it hits the ground it turns into a snake.  One thing you can be sure of: being a shepherd in the desert, Moses knew snakes.  Moses starts to run from it – he no longer has his staff to protect him from it.  But the LORD tells Moses to pick up the snake – by the tail.  Moses the desert shepherd would know that the last way to pick up a snake is by the tail; it could curl up and bite you.  The way to pick up a snake, should you have occasion to do so, would be to use your staff to pin it to the ground by the back of the neck and pick it up there, so that it cannot twist and curl and bite.  2ND SIGN THAT GOD GAVE MOSES. God then gives Moses a second sign.  He tells Moses to put his hand inside his clothing next to his chest.  Moses does so, and then pulls out his hand only to discover that he now has a leprous skin disease.  Leprous skin diseases were considered social diseases.  Not only were they thought to be contagious, but also defiling.  A person with leprosy was isolated from the group, even family.  To have leprosy was to be a social outcast.  Moreover, leprosy was considered a sign of divine judgment.  Not only was the leper rejected by society, but also was deemed to be cursed by God.  Thus, Yahweh demanded not only what was in Moses' hand, but Moses' hand as well, and thereby his social life.  God’s skin claim amounted to a social claim. TOTAL OBEDIENCE. Yahweh then told Moses to put his hand back next to his chest.  If I were Moses I would be holding that hand as far away from myself as possible.  But Yahweh told him to put it on his chest, next to his heart.  Again, Moses fearfully obeyed.  When he pulled it back out of his garment he discovered that his flesh had been restored.  Now Yahweh not only had Moses' staff, hand, and social life, but also Moses' whole body and being.  Again, this is typical of Yahweh.  When the LORD calls, the demand is for our tools, hands, and heart, our total existence. THE 3RD SIGN The third sign is not yet acted out.  Moses will have to wait till he gets to Egypt to perform this one.  He is to take some of the water from the Nile and pour it on the ground.  It will turn to blood.  This sign enables us to see another dimension present in the first two signs.  The purpose of these three signs is to create faith in the Israelites that Yahweh has appeared to Moses and that the message of deliverance is true.  WAIT FOR THE POWER ABOVE. Luke 24:49 New King James Version (NKJV) 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem[a] until you are endued with power from on high.” WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU CAN DO NOTHING. WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU CANNOT MINISTER. (THERE WILL BE SELF EFFORT IN YOU) WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT NO MIRACLE CAN BE MANIFESTED. WHAT ARE THE 3 SIGNS THAT FOLLOWS BELIEVERS? These Signs Follow Believers After His resurrection from the dead, Jesus declared that signs would follow those who believed in Him. MARK 16:17-18 NKJ 17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on CAST OUT DEMONS ACTS 16:16,18 NKJ 16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And he came out that very hour. Speak With Tongues ACTS 2:4 NKJ 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ACTS 10:46 NKJ 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, ACTS 19:6 NKJ 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied Remove Snakes The word translated take up in Mark 16:18, referring to serpents, is the same Greek word translated be removed in Mark 11:23. The meaning is not to play with snakes, but rather to remove them. We find an example of this in the life of the Apostle Paul in Acts 28:5. ACTS 28:3-6 NKJ 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead; but after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. GOD CALLED MOSES :THE SAME WAY HE IS CALLING YOU. DO NOT SAY I AM NOT GOOD ENOUGH. DO NOT SAY SEND SOMEONE ELSE. DO NOT SAY I CANNOT. DO NOT SAY I AM NOT CLEVER ENOUGH. JUST SAY LORD IF YOU CALL ME EQIUP ME WITH YOUR POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. YOU WILL BE EQUIPED AND DO GREAT THINGS FOR THE LORD.

CONFESSION & CLEANSING

}It is not sin conscious.

}Church we are all ways grace conscious.

}But, nevertheless we must look into areas that there might be sin.

}David prayed this prayer

}Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

}CONFESSION & CLEANSING

}

}Grace is guarding your Christian walk.

}Romans 6:1-4

}New King James Version (NKJV)

}Dead to Sin, Alive to God

}6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

}

}DON’T BE DECEIVED.

}Deception means to believe that something is right when it is wrong.

}The prophet Jeremiah warned us how the easily the human heart is deceived.

}Jeremiah 17:9

}New King James Version (NKJV)

}9 “The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?

}

}Is it Possible for anyone to be deceived –even a Christian?

}Yes. There are many Christians still saying that under grace God will forgive if I still continue to sin. And they are continuing to sin.

}  1 John 1:8,9

}8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

}Three Areas for Deception.

1.Thinking we have no sin – and thus do not need God’s forgiveness.

2.Thinking that we don’t need to confess- that if we do sin, we aren’t required to do anything about it; that God will either overlook it, or forgive us even if we don’t face it or tell Him about it.

3.Thinking we won’t be forgiven- that God will not really forgive us even when we do confess our sin.

}LADY  CAUGHT IN ADULTERY.

}John 8:1-11

}New King James Version (NKJV)

}8 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

}2 Now early[a] in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught[b] in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded[c] us that such should be stoned.[d] But what do You say?”[e] 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.[f]

}7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up[g] and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience,[h] went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her,[i] “Woman, where are those accusers of yours?[j] Has no one condemned you?”

}11 She said, “No one, Lord.”

}And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and[k] sin no more.”

}

}WHAT WAS THE STRENGTH HERE NOT TO SIN?

1.NO CODEMNATION

2.ACKNOWLOGEING JESUS AS LORD.

3.THAN THE POWER NOT TO SIN IS GIVEN BY JESUS.

4.REPENTANCE.

5.GRACE WAS GIVEN.

}DECEPTION SPOILS FELLOWSHIP

1.Those who believe they never sin at all will keep having problems caused by their sin. But they won’t know why they have the problems- or why their lives are in constant turmoil.

2.Those who sin but do not repent or confess their sin to God- thinking He will forgive them can become hard of heart.

}Hebrews 3:13

}New King James Version (NKJV)

}13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

}BE SENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.

}We should ask God daily to make us very sensitive to His Holy Spirit to warn us when we are in danger.

}He will let us know very quickly if we sin against His love or truth.

}We will receive more than just comfort we will receive His wise instruction and direction.

}

}

}REPENTANCE BUILDS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

}MATTHEW 3 :7 &8

}7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee and escape from the wrath and indignation [of God against disobedience] that is coming?

}8 Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart)

}

}YOU ARE GOD’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS.

}Since you are His sons and daughters

}He cares for you.

}He loves you.

}He intercedes for you.

}He is not sin conscious but grace conscious.

}He want you to be free.

}He do not want you to worry.( worry is sin)

}YOU ARE SET FREE

}John 8:36

}If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

}Sin is no more your master.

}You are special.

}Just say to God I am sorry.

}He hears you.

}He loves you

}God bless you.

}

ABRAHAM AS A GREAT FATHER. FINDING A BAD FATHER IS NOT HARD. – 1 Kings 22:52; the men of Israel, Psa. 78:8, 78:57, Jer. 9:14. These Scriptures, along with many others, give glaring proof that there are bad fathers all about. In our day, the bad father is not hard to find. They are everywhere. However, finding that man who stands out as an example of what a good father ought to be is a hard animal to track down. GOD DECLARED ABRAHAM AS GOOD FATHER. About 3,500 years ago, God looked down on Abraham and declared him to be a good father. If a person will take the time to look at the life of Abraham, the reasons for this glowing assessment become abundantly clear. Today, we are going to look at Abraham’s life and see God’s idea of what makes a great father. GOD’S PLAN FOR ABRAHAM A Great Dad Is A Man Who: IS IN LINE WITH GOD’S PLAN God’s call on the life of Abraham. He is called, at the age of 75, to leave behind home and family and set out for God, Gen. 12:1. As far as we know, there was no hesitation on the part of Abraham. He simply responded in faith to God and set out to follow Him. Abraham’s call was to be the Father of a great nation, Gen. 12:2. Abraham answered that call and followed the Lord. ABRAHAM WAS A MAN OF PRAYER. A MAN OF PRAYER Abraham was a man of prayer. This is seen in that every time Abraham moved, he erected an altar to God and there he sacrificed and prayed, Gen. 12:8; 13:4; 21:33. He prayed about many things, such as the impending demise of Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen. 18, but he also prayed about his children. AS A FATHER ARE YOU PRAYING FOR YOUR CHILDREN DAILY? He prayed about God’s promise of a son – Gen. 15:1-6 He prayed for the welfare of Ishmael – Gen. 17:18 There is, to my mind, no greater blessing that a child can have than to know that their father is praying for them! Fathers should make it a practice to pray for the children daily. Pray for their salvation, their protection, pray for them that they will be used of the Lord for His glory. Whatever the object, just be sure to pray for them daily! Let them know you are praying for them too! IS A MAN OF GREAT PERSUASION Of all Abraham’s accomplishments and achievements, his faith stands head and shoulders above the rest. Abraham is chronicled in the bible as a man of faith. In Gen. 15:6, the Bible says, "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." In Hebrews 11:8-11, 17, the writer stresses the faith of Abraham. Abraham’s faith was that which made him a child of the King, Rom. 4:22. He was persuaded that God’s way was above any other way. ARE WE REALLY A GREAT DAD? SUICIDE STORY. The father gave his son everything he wanted. He became a great doctor. Highly educated in this field. But the only one thing he failed to do is to spend time with his son and guide him in the things of God. This young son of his fell in love with a girl and happened to be his friend also fell in love with the same girl. He committed suicide. The father said I gave everything hoping everything will be okay. But what has happened? ASK,THIS QUESTION ARE YOU A GOOD FATHER? Men need to be aware that what our children see us do, they are apt to do as well. ( An old anti-smoking commercial from the 60’s showed a father and a son walking together. The father picked up a rock and threw it, the son did the same thing. The father whistled the son copied him. The father fished a cigarette from a pack and lit it up and began to smoke. The commercial ended with the boy looking from the father to a cigarette pack he found in the road. The message was crystal clear; what our children learn from dad, they will replay in their own lives!) ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A BAD FATHER. A man in Chicago made it a practice to stop in the bar for a drink or two on his way to work. One morning as he walked toward the bar in the newly fallen snow, he heard a small voice behind him saying, "Daddy, I'm A' coming in your steps". It was the voice of his young son as he tried to place his feet in his dad's footprints in the snow. The man cried out to the Lord: "Oh, God, if my boy is coming in my steps, by Your help, I'll track them in another direction." Dad put God first. Matthew 6:33 New King James Version (NKJV) 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Dad are you seeking God? Is your Child looking at you as Godly Father? Do you want your Child to be a great woman or man of God? Do you want to have Godly children and grand children? Well start now. Do not regret later. You will see your Children’s children blessed. Abraham was a man who enjoyed the great and abundant blessings of the Lord. God blessed him in many ways, including: Being the father of Israel from which came the Messiah, the Lord Jesus. He blessed him with a land called Canaan which became his and his descendants forever. 3. He blessed him with a son named Isaac to whom Abraham passed along the blessings of the Lord. Gen. 25:5, "And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac." That one verse tells it all! He received from the Lord and passed it along to the next generation. Isaac was blessed to have a father like Abraham in his life! ABRAHAM WAS MAN WITH A GRACIOUS PERSONALITY The incident which occurred between the herdsmen of Abraham and those of Lot, Gen. 13. Abraham was willing to allow Lot to take his choice of the land and Abraham would be content with whatever was left over. In chapter 21, there was a conflict between Sarah, Hagar and Ishmael. Again, Abraham displayed a gracious spirit and in spite of what were very difficult circumstances, he sought to be kind and generous to everyone involved, Gen. 21:14. James 3:23 James 2:23 New King James Version (NKJV) 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”[ And he was called the friend of God. Few men have ever reached the spiritual stature of this great man. However, men in our day could be more like him, and we could possess these qualities that he possessed if we would only allow the Lord to have His way and work His will in our lives! Let’s face it, we need godly fathers and men who will mold small lives into great ones for the Kingdom. We need men who will change society by giving the next generation great examples to imitate. Close: Are you what God wants you to be today? When we are the men we can be, our children will become the children they should be. They will be a blessing and the Lord for His glory will use them. They will be like this little boy who walked by his father and said, ""Papa, when you go to heaven, will you take me with you?" "Why, son?" the father replied. "Cause I want to go with you" was the child's simple, earnest reply. He loved his father, respected him and wanted to spend his life with him. That kind of love and respect is earned! It is not bought nor is it natural. It is the result of a father or a man who invests his life in the lives of children! I

HEIRS OF GOD. Our Spiritual Condition Before Adoption. Galatians 4:1-7 (New King James Version) 4 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of[b] God through Christ. A New Creation The New Testament Greek word for “adoption” is Huiothesia. This is a compound of the root words for “son” and “a placing”. When the Bible uses “son” the term includes both male and female gender. The “son ship” for both male and female believers that the full inheritance from God is received by every person who is saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Roman Adoption Roman family the father absolute head and ruler. (He is the boss of his family) Roman legal adoption process was completed by ceremony of conveyance. What happens here is: All prior relationship or loyalties were severed. All former debts and obligation were cancelled or paid by the new family. The adopted person will be made an heir to the new father’s estate. The adopted son was also under the completed authority of his new father Has the right to discipline. Become accountable for the actions of the adopted son. Was considered the owner of all the adopted person’s possesions and life. Purpose of the Law. Paul forcefully argues that no one can be justified by the law(Gal 3:10-14,21,22.) Romans 3 :9-28. It is impossible for human to completely obey all the law. The Law can never save us or restore us to our place as sons of the Living God. We can never be Sons under the law. The Law had a purpose. The purpose was to reveal us to our sin and our need of a Savior Who could fulfill the requirements of the redeem us. Gal 3: 19-22 Paul then uses the Roman characteristics' of adoption to further show how God used the law. Scripture states that “before faith(salvation) came” we were “kept under guard” by the law and the “law was our tutor.” (Gal 3:23,24) Roman household practice. In Roman households it was common to have and adult steward or guardians who was responsible to discipline and care for the children. Thus Paul contrasts being “kept under guard” by a steward( the law) with our new position as sons upon our salvation. Galatians 3:26 New King James Version (NKJV) Sons and Heirs 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. NO more under the guardianship of the Law. The Greek word Paul used for son in Galatians 3:26 “ Huios.” Notice that it is the same root word for “adoption”( huios/thesia, son/placing) WHY DID PAUL USED THIS WORDS? Paul’s use of this word reveal to us that the moment we are born again we are no longer under the “guardianship” of the law.(Gal 3:25, Romans 7:6) Rather , we are placed by God’s sovereign action as full sons in God’s family. In other words at salvation God places us in the position of a matured son. Adoption: A Free Gift. Galatians 4:3 New King James Version (NKJV) 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. The word “elements” used by Paul has two meaning in the New Testament. It describes both the elementary principles of Old Testament law and the pagan religious practices of Gentiles.( see Galatians 4:8-11, Colossians 2: 16-23) Jewish law and Pagan religion. Jewish law and pagan religion expressions would seem to have little in common. However what they both did in practice was to try and replace true salvation by faith in Christ and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit with rituals, traditions and customs of men. (Gal 3:1-9) But neither the rituals of the law nor the practice of pagan religion could bring anyone salvation. WHAT HAPPENS IN SALVATION? Thus Paul was not saying that we only earn our spiritual son ship as we mature in Christ. Paul’s word is clear in its meaning. Instead, when we receive Christ as our Savior at salvation the “child” immediately becomes the son. We are place in a mature position in full relationship with the Father as a full heir. It is a free gift. This gift empowers us to fulfill god’s will and bring more glory to His name. Hallelujah! God’s Perfect Timing. Paul goes on in this passage to reveal God’s action in the flow of human history. Prior to the coming of Christ, one could only choose to serve either a false pagan religion or the Jewish Law. And neither could bring salvation or restore one to God. But at the right moment when the “fullness of time had come, God sent forth His son” so that the Son would fulfill the law(Matt 5:17,18) and make salvation by faith in Him possible. Fully Sons From the Moment of Salvation. The Roman Adoptions needs a witness. The same applies at Salvation the Holy Spirit becomes a witness for you. Galatians 4:6 New International Version (NIV) 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[a] Father.” WHEN YOU ARE SON YOU RECEIVE EVERY BLESSINGS. John 17:21-23 New International Version (NIV) 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. NOW YOU ARE SONS OF GOD. Like the Roman Adoption : All prior relationship or loyalties were severed. No more going back to old habits. You are dead to sin but alive to God. Jesus lives in you. All former debts and obligations were cancelled. Jesus paid for your sins 2000 years back it is settled. You are sons to the Kingdom of God. N o more debts cancelled. The adopted person was made an heir to the father’s estate. This is Great News you are made an heir to your heavenly Father’s estate. The adopted person experienced a more full relationship with the adopting father . Learn more about our Loving Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The more you know Him your life will be transformed. Amen.

ABSOLUTE NECESSARY OF FAITH.

WHAT IS FAITH? By now the whole Church should know what is faith. Definition of Faith. Hebrews 11:1 New King James Version (NKJV) By Faith We Understand 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. How did Jesus walk? 1 John 2:6 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Was Jesus walk victorious some of the time or most of the time? Or All the time? THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY OF FAITH Is that possible here on this earth? We are told to have faith and believe so that all our problems will be solved. Believe and you will have all things. The fig tree died. Peter came running “Rabbi” the fig tree which you cursed has withered away. How did Jesus replied have faith in God. The question is how many have faith to believe things will happen we start confessing and saying. Christians ought to believe that what man cannot, God can. SAYING AND BELIEVING. Mark 11:23-24 New King James Version (NKJV) 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING TODAY? WHEN YOU START LOOKING AT THE SITUATION YOU WILL FEEL DISCOURAGED. TRUE. But look beyond and believe that He does all things for us in a special way. Testimony of a Barber. This Barber who believes in Jesus was desperate of money. He owed his friend. He told me this problem. I told him that this is a big sum you tell Jesus and tell Him that you are His son. He did exactly that and believed that Jesus is His supplier. He was able to pay back the person whom he owed and also blessed our church. SOME SADDEST WORDS IN THE BIBLE. Matthew 13:58 New International Version (NIV) 58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. Mark 6:5-6 New International Version (NIV) 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith. TWO PERSON HEARD THE WORD OF GOD. 1 ST PERSON SUFFERING FOR 3RD STAGE CANCER. He heard the word of God. The word says I am your healer. He started confessing and believing. He used God’s word. Hebrew 4:12 Hebrews 4:12 (New King James Version) New King James Version (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. He got healed. And still living a healthy life. The other person heard also God’s word. 2nd stage bone cancer. He started saying the wrong things. God is punishing me. God hates me. I am going to die. Quoted the Bible verse. He died having believed that God has punished him. He even quoted the word from the Bible to justify what he is saying. Lev 26: 14-45 6 then I will do this to you: I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consume the eyes and make the heart ache. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. He died. Today many Christian fall in this category. Because they mix the covenant of law and the covenant of grace. God will not visit your sins to 3rd or 4th generation. He already did a good job through His son. He already visited our sins and put it on Jesus. Today we have Faith and by faith through grace we are saved. Hebrews 8:13 New International Version (NIV) 13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear. Unbelief is a danger. Unbelief is a greater danger than lying or adultery, for these latter are easily recognized as sins, whereas unbelief is not. An evil heart of unbelief can cause us to fall away from God. Unbelief is the root cause of all the other sins. Hebrews 3:12-13 New International Version (NIV) 12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. GOD CAN SET YOU FREE FROM THIS DREADFULL SIN. GOD WANTS TO SET YOU FREE FROM THIS SIN. BUT HOW PASTOR CAN I BE SET FREE? Romans 10:10 (New King James Version) 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. KEEP CONFESSING AND BELIEVING. DO NOT LOOK AT THE SITUATION RATHER LOOK AND BELIEVE IN THE FINISHED WORK OF JESUS. KEEP USING HIS WORD BACK TO HIM. SIN IS NO MORE YOUR MASTER. Romans 6:14 New King James Version (NKJV) 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. The Holy Spirit tells us that if we come under grace than sin shall have no dominion over us. Thanks be to Our Lord Jesus. He has given us grace so that He was able to keep the law. We are all blessed everyday by just confessing and believing. Have faith and you will see the blessings flow each day. CLOSE: KEEP CONFESSING EACH TIME YOU FALL UNTIL VICTORY BECOMES A REALITY IN YOUR LIFE. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED IF IT DOES NOT COME OVERNIGHT. GOD WILL SURELY HONOR THE CONFESSION OF YOUR MOUTH. God is not a man that He should lie nor a son of man that he should repent. Will He say and make it not good.