tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654871904357112672024-02-20T03:46:19.159-08:00Let the Scripture SpeakBridging the Gap Between Then and Now With Text-Driven PreachingPastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-78556349411720650102016-03-29T13:59:00.001-07:002016-03-29T14:00:57.340-07:00Why the Grave Could Not Hold Jesus<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Acts 2:24</b>, "Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden (held) of it."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God says it
was impossible death could hold Him! It was impossible for God to leave His Son
in the tomb. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His Divine person</i>- He was sinless. Therefore
death had no victory over Him. “The wages of sin is death.” Jesus died because
he was made sin for us. He paid the price and discharged the debt. So it was
impossible to be held by death.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. His <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Divine power</i>- Death could not hold him because
he was the resurrection and the life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His Divine promise</i>- Death could not hold him
because Jesus said, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it
up."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His Divine purpose</i>- God intended we be with
him in heaven. To do that Christ had to come out of the grave.</span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-91244357340504868592016-03-22T11:55:00.000-07:002016-03-29T14:03:30.004-07:00Pre-Tribulation<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are many passages in the NT that teach the rapture of the church before the seven year tribulation to come on the earth, but none any clearer than Rev. 3:10</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here we have the seven churches that were actual historical churches, they were contemporary of characteristics of churches today, and they are prophetic of the stages in the present church age beginning with the post-apostolic church till the raptured church of Philadelphia and the apostate church of Laodicea.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Note several reasons Rev. 3:10 is speaking of the rapture of the faithful church leaving the apostate church behind.</span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">vs. 10-11:</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial";">
These verses clearly teach the pre-tribulation rapture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">1. The </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">Philadelphia</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> is the true church raptured [v. 10a].</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From” is used and not “in” or “through.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">3. "Hour of temptation
or trial" Speaks not of 60 minutes but a time period- the 7 year
tribulation (Dan. </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">9:24</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">-27; Rev. 6-19).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">4. "Shall come"
means it's yet future</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">5. "All the world"
means the whole world not a section</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">6. "Dwell upon the
earth [Earth dwellers]" Used several times in Rev 6-19 of those unbelievers
left behind after the rapture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">7. This is the first mention
of the rapture in Revelation [v. 11].</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">8. "I come quickly"
means suddenly not soon. The imminent return to take His church out of the hour
of trial (2 Thess. 2:1).</span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-87369052177962644572015-03-18T14:11:00.000-07:002015-03-18T14:11:10.277-07:00Eternal Life<span style="font-size: large;">Eternal Life is Whole Life not Term Life</span>Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-27377901053007894932015-02-16T13:43:00.002-08:002015-02-16T13:43:24.423-08:00Jesus Confronts Our Culture
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">"Jesus Confronts Our Culture"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Matt. 19:1-6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<st1:date day="15" month="2" year="2015"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2-15-15</span></st1:date><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Sun AM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As Christians, we value all
people, regardless of culture, because we recognize that all people are created
in the image of God (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Genesis%201.27" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Genesis 1:27</span></a>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We also recognize that
diversity of culture is a beautiful thing and differences in food, clothing,
language, etc., should be preserved and appreciated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the same time, we know
that because of sin, not all beliefs and practices within a culture are godly
or culturally beneficial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Truth is not subjective; truth
is absolute, and there <u>does</u> exist a moral standard to which all people
of every culture will be held accountable (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Revelation%2020.11-12" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Revelation
20:11-12</span></a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When we talk of culture
then, we speak of the world system headed up by Satan who is the god of this
world with its mindset, philosophies, and ideologies apart from God and his
Word. There are two world views- the world view and the Christian world view.
One is based on fallen man and the other on the inspired Word.</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">v. 3:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> This
passage is about the Pharisees trying to draw Jesus into a debate between two
sects of Jews in regard to marriage and divorce. As a result, he would be at
odds with Moses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rabbi Hillel</b> taught that one could divorce his wife for any reason,
including burning dinner or being unpleasant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rabbi Shammai</b> taught that divorce was permissible on in
"indecency."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">vs. 4-6: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jesus
took them to the Scriptures citing Gen. 1:27 and Gen. 2:24. The Bible teaches
marriage is a monogamous relationship between a man and a woman for life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Except for unfaithfulness
(Matt. 19:9; Mark </span><st1:time hour="17" minute="32"><span style="font-family: Arial;">5:32</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">)
and Paul's teaching about desertion of the unbelieving spouse (1 Cor. </span><st1:time hour="19" minute="12"><span style="font-family: Arial;">7:12</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">-16).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But I see something else
here that speaks to the wayward decadent culture we live in the here and now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">TT- </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">In our
text today,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Jesus confronts our
culture with two damning statements:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I. You Have Profaned Creation [v. 4].<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jesus quotes, </span><b>Genesis
1:26-27 <sup><span style="color: black;">26 </span></sup></b>And God said, Let us
make man in <u>our image</u>, after our likeness: and let them have dominion
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle,
and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
<b><sup><span style="color: black;">27 </span></sup></b>So God created man in his
<i>own</i> image, in the image of God created he him; <u>male and female</u>
created he them. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This needs no explanation, no
exegesis, or no exposition. God created two genders- male and female! He did
not create transgender or Adam and Eve and something in between. All sexual
perversion would be reversed if they would believe Gen. 1-11.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Biblical manhood and
Biblical marriage are under attack. If you disagree with today's culture then
you are a right wing, fundamental bigot in need of diversity training in
today's political correct culture. Sexual perversion and deviancy is not a
civil right nor those who practice it a minority.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bible teaching is not hate
speech, what is hate speech is profaning God's creation design.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Until they tell me they died
and were resurrected on the third day, I am going to follow and listen to the
one who did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">They will do what they can
to silence and marginalize the Christian voice. We must speak because we are
ambassadors of Christ speaking and living as salt and light exposing the evil
deeds of this wicked world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sexual deviants are not born
that way and their is no gay gene. What you have is outright rebellion to God
and His law. God will not be mocked and </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">America</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is turned over to our sin (Rom. 1:26-28).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let me share three modern
day cases:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Facebook</b> introduced dozens of options for users to identify their
gender, although they would not be releasing a complete list. They can select a
'custom" gender option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">ABC News has identified 58
gender options which you can pick up and read on the table. They can come up
with 58, but I bet the hospital maternity ward will still have, "It's a
boy" or "It's a girl."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. Ken Ham of "Answers in Genesis- </b>In the UK a high-end
department store named Selfridges, is doing away with men's and women's
departments to 'unisex clothing."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Huffington Post says they
are doing away with male and female mannequins in favor of a more
gender-neutral mannequin. "We want our customers to dress without
limitations and stereotypes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Olympic star Bruce Jenner</b>- He won the gold medal in the decathlon
in 1976. He was on the Wheaties box and cover of playgirl. He is now in
transition from a man to a woman through a series of transforming surgeries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If its not natural its not
biblical!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I. You Have Profaned
Creation [v. 4].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">II. You Have Profaned Marriage [vs. 5-6].<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">37 states have licensed
same-sex marriage and the Supreme Court continues to overturn states who passed
the "Defense of Marriage Act." U.S. Supreme Court is considering it
now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let me share some cases:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. </span><st1:city><st1:place><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Atlanta</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Fire Chief</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> was fired because He wrote a book on his Christian
faith in which he took his stand on Biblical marriage and refusal of same-sex
marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Supreme Court Justices in </b></span><st1:state><st1:place><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">California</span></b></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-family: Arial;"> can't affirm Biblical marriage and set on the high
court.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christian Cake bakers</b> were fined and forced to go to diversity
training for refusing to make cakes for same-sex marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Secular companies</b> are increasingly producing ads that promote or
attempting to what they call “normalize” homosexual behavior and gay marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For example, as a part of
its “Put Your Heart to Paper” campaign, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hallmark
</b><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/30/hallmark-lesbian-couple-campaign-_n_6581470.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">featured</span></a> the story of a young lesbian couple. And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nikon</b> <a href="http://iamgenerationimage.nikonusa.com/profile/kordale-kaleb" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">featured</span></a> the story and a gallery of photos of a family of
three children with their gay fathers. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">J.C.
Penney</b> had ads promoting two men as fathers on Father's Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">5. TV shows and movies
flaunt same-sex and transgender themes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">6. They are coming into the
church to take away tax exempt status and will force us to hire gay people and
recognize and perform same-sex marriages. They will declare Biblical teaching
as hate speech.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
Jesus quotes</span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gen. 2:18-25<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Con:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Our
nation is sowing the seed of our own destruction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-70326338606332848962015-01-29T07:48:00.000-08:002015-01-30T05:44:49.993-08:00Traits of the Professing ChurchThe progressive spiral downward<br />
<br />
1. Lack of knowledge of what God's Word says and means.<br />
<br />
2. Lack of desire to know God's Word.<br />
<br />
3. Lack of ability to interpret Scripture correctly.<br />
<br />
4. Lack of ability to discern truth from error, right from wrong, and biblical from unbiblical.<br />
<br />
5. Anything goes in our doctrine, church music, and living.Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-49616733410563914302014-11-28T11:11:00.002-08:002014-11-28T11:11:36.107-08:00Rapture and Revelation
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">The rapture
and the second coming are separate events. Let me contrast the rapture and the
revelation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">At the
rapture, believers meet the Lord in the air to go to the third heaven [John 14:
3; 1 Thess. </span><st1:time hour="16" minute="17"><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">4: 17</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">].
At the second coming, believers return with the Lord to the earth [Rev. 19:
14].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">The rapture
occurs before the tribulation [1 Thess. 5: 9; Rev. 3: 10]. The second coming
occurs after the tribulation [Rev. 6-19].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">At the
rapture Christ comes to rescue saints from the tribulation and take them to the
Judgment Seat for reward [Rom. </span><st1:time hour="14" minute="10"><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">14: 10</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">; 2 Cor. 5: 10; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 5:
9; Rev. 4: 4, 10]. At the second coming He removes unbelievers as an act of
judgment and reigns in His kingdom [Matt. 24: 40-41].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">At the
rapture Christ gathers the elect church [1 Thess. </span><st1:time hour="16" minute="13"><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">4:13</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">-18]. At the second coming the
angels gather God’s elect </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">Israel</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";"> [Dan. 12: Matt. 24: 31].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">The rapture
will be secret and instant [1 Cor. </span><st1:time hour="15" minute="50"><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">15: 50</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">-54]. The second coming will be
visible to all [Rev. 1: 7; Matt: 24: 29-30; Zech. 12:10].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">The rapture
is imminent; it could take place any moment [Titus 2: 13; 1 Thess. 4: 13-18; 1
Cor. 15: 50-54]. The second coming will not occur until after certain other
end-times events take place [2 Thess. 2: 4; Matt. 24: 15-20; Rev. 6:18].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the rapture he comes as a
bridegroom while at the revelation He comes as “the wrath of the Lamb.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Blessed Hope and the Day
of the Lord are different Events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-50434849501295595992014-10-30T05:18:00.000-07:002014-10-30T05:22:13.092-07:00Church Servants<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>1 Timothy 3:1-13</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 Tim. 3:1-7</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">
gives us the spiritual qualifications of those called to lead the church. Paul
gave insight into the call, the personal life, the family life, the church
life, and the testimony of the one called to lead the church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 Tim. 3:8-13</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> we look at those who are called to serve the church, the office of
Deacon. When God raises up a man to serve His church, He looks for hearts right
with him, not talents, not human abilities, not social status, or occupation, but
He raises up a spiritual men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lets take a few seconds to
look at this word “deacon” and its many variations. Originally it meant
performing menial tasks such as waiting on tables [Acts 6]. It grew into any
service in the church. The word means “servant, minister, ministry, or
service.” He is to be “kicking up the dust" in service. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What are the duties of a
deacon? They assist the pastor in caring for the spiritual and temporal needs
of the church under the pastors oversight. They carry out whatever tasks are
assigned to them by the pastor or needed by the church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The office of deacon is one
of two ordained offices in the church and serve alongside the pastor meeting
the temporal and spiritual needs of the congregation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pastors who lead and deacons
who serve perform different functions, but the spiritual qualifications are
almost identical except for 2 clear differences:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">(1) The pastor is to be "apt
to teach” [v.2]. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">(2) The pastor leads, gives
oversight, and superintends the work of the church. The deacons serve the
pastor and church in the work of the church (vs. 4-5, 8).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial;">W.A. Criswell says</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial;">, "There is no such thing as a "Deacon
Board" but a "Body of Servants." Board has to do with a business
or corporation. They are not managers but ministers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-85947227346031069552014-10-30T04:54:00.002-07:002014-10-30T04:54:30.297-07:00Three "Lost" Parables<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>The themes of Luke 15:1-32 is
three-fold:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. God’s attitude toward
sinners, which is quite different from the Scribes and Pharisees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. God rejoices when
repentant sinners turn to Him and are "found." God saves anyone who
repents and comes to Him on God's terms. There are two <i>aspects</i> <i>to</i>
<i>this</i> <i>salvation</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial;">There is <i>God’s</i> part</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial;">: the shepherd seeks the lost sheep, and the woman
searches for the lost silver, and the loving Father looks for the lost Son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial;">There is <i>man’s</i> part in salvation</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial;">: for the lost son willingly repented and returned
home. To emphasize but one aspect is to give a false view of salvation, for
both the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man must be considered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. Joy comes when that which
is lost is found.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We note a four-fold pattern: <i>lost,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">search</i>, <i>found,</i> and <i>rejoice</i>.
This is the pattern of salvation: sinners are lost, they are sought by Christ,
they are found, and rejoicing follows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It is easy for us today to read these two parables
and take their message for granted, but the people who first heard them must
have been shocked. <i>Jesus</i> <i>was</i> <i>saying</i> <i>that</i> <i>God</i>
<i>actually</i> <i>searches</i> <i>for</i> <i>lost</i> <i>sinners</i> not the
self-righteous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">No wonder the scribes and Pharisees were offended,
for there was no place in their legalistic theology for a God like that. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">They were like many today, to proud to admit their
sinful condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Checkmate-</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> The Scribes and Pharisees would affirm the search
for the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, while condemning him for searching for
and recovering lost souls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The point is the same for these parables- sinners
are lost, they are sought by Christ through us, they are found, and rejoicing
follows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-41360871736028643582014-07-12T17:56:00.003-07:002014-07-15T15:38:13.603-07:00What is the Proof of Salvation<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
Can the truly saved
lose their salvation?</div>
<br />
The short answer is NO! If they depart from Christ and the
doctrine of Christ they prove they never were saved. Continuation is the proof
and evidence of salvation. True believers will persevere to the end.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
True believers can backslide and live temporarily in sin,
but they will be chastened and corrected by God, but they will eventually
return or be taken to heaven prematurely.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Let's look at some proof passages for continuation as proof
of salvation.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt. 13:18-23</b> <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">18</span></sup> Hear ye therefore
the parable of the sower. <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">19</span></sup> When
any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth <i>it</i> not, then
cometh the wicked <i>one</i>, and catcheth away that which was sown in his
heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">20</span></sup> But he that received
the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with
joy receiveth it; <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">21</span></sup> Yet
hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or
persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">22</span></sup> He also that
received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of
this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh
unfruitful. <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">23</span></sup> But
he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and
understandeth <i>it</i>; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an
hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Note that only the "good ground" [receptive heart]
was saved and continued to bear fruit.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Hebrews 3:6 </b>But Christ as a son over his own house;
whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the
hope firm unto the end.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Hebrews </b><st1:time hour="15" minute="14"><b>3:14</b></st1:time><b>
</b>For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end;</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Hebrews </b><st1:time hour="18" minute="11"><b>6:11</b></st1:time><b>
</b>And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full
assurance of hope unto the end:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Hebrews 10:38-39 <sup><span style="color: black;">38 </span></sup></b>Now
the just shall live by faith: but if <i>any man</i> draw back, my soul shall
have no pleasure in him. <b><sup><span style="color: black;">39 </span></sup></b>But
we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to
the saving of the soul.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Col. 1:21-23</b> <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">21</span></sup> And you, that were
sometime alienated and enemies in <i>your</i> mind by wicked works, yet now
hath he reconciled <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">22</span></sup> In
the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and
unreproveable in his sight: <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">23</span></sup> If
ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and <i>be</i> not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, <i>and</i> which was preached
to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and <i>be</i>
not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, <i>and</i>
which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am
made a minister; </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>1 John </b><st1:time hour="14" minute="19"><b>2:19</b></st1:time><b>
</b>They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us,
they would <i>no doubt</i> have continued with us: but <i>they went out</i>,
that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt. 7:22-24</b> <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">22</span></sup> Many will say to me
in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name
have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">23</span></sup> And then will I
profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">24</span></sup> Therefore whosoever
heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise
man, which built his house upon a rock: </div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-54298582103388767502014-07-10T16:41:00.002-07:002014-07-10T16:41:18.150-07:00Three Appearings
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Three Appearings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hebrew 9:24-28<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">As believers in the New
Covenant, we don't depend on a human to enter a temporary earthly tabernacle.
We depend the heavenly High Priest who entered once and for all into the
eternal sanctuary where He represents us forever before God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">He will never let us go, He
will never stop representing us, and He will never stop His intercession for
us. That is a promise given to us by God as stated in His written Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">"now to appear"
means that Christ reported to the Father that He fulfilled His mission. The
work of Christ is a completed work, final and eternal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Note that the word
"appear" is used 3 times in Heb 9:24-28?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He has appeared to take away our sin by dying on
the cross [v. 26]. Deals with the past and position.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He is appearing now in heaven for us [v. 24]. Deals
with the present and progressive.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He shall appear to take Christians home [v. 28].
Deals with the future and perfect [complete].</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">These represent what is
called the "three tenses of salvation" all based on Christ's finished
work. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. <u>Justification</u> [regeneration] we are in Christ and freed from the
penalty of sin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. <u>Sanctification</u> is the journey to being more like Christ and being freed
from the power of sin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. <u>Glorification</u> is at the resurrection when we will be like Christ
and freed from the presence of sin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-25596252685900899192014-06-25T17:34:00.001-07:002014-06-25T17:34:29.704-07:00Timeless Truths from Obadiah
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">1. The
conflict in the </span><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Middle East</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> has biblical and spiritual roots and will be used to accomplish God’s
ultimate purposes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">2. People
hate </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Israel</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> because they hate God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">3. The
pride of man is his downfall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">4. No
matter how lofty and prideful we are, we will not escape God’s judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">5. God will
preserve his people </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Israel</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> till the end of time. There have
been several attempts to annihilate the Jews but this will not happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">6. Such a
small nation will be “A cup of trembling” to the more numerous and powerful
nations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">7. The
promises to </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Israel</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> will stand because God keeps His
promises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">8. The way
of Cain and human wisdom is the way of destruction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">9. The Lord
God reigns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-46775528924489438862014-06-11T18:01:00.002-07:002014-06-11T18:01:39.557-07:00Three in One
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Romans </b><st1:time hour="13" minute="20"><b>1:20</b></st1:time><b>
</b>For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, <i>even</i> his eternal
power and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Godhead</b>; so that they are
without excuse:</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Acts </b><st1:time hour="17" minute="29"><b>17:29</b></st1:time><b>
</b>Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Godhead</b> is like unto gold, or
silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Colossians 2:9 </b>For in him dwelleth all the fulness of
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Godhead</b> bodily.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">[Refuting a Jehovah Witness as to denying the Deity
of Jesus and the Trinity or Eternal Godhead]. Keyword- Godhead, Trinity, Jesus</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">1. Jesus
Christ is God</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> (OT
and NT)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Genesis 1:1-2 </b>In the beginning <u>God</u> created the
heaven and the earth. <b><sup><span style="color: black;">2 </span></sup></b>And
the earth was without form, and void; and darkness <i>was</i> upon the face of
the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Genesis </b><st1:time hour="19" minute="24"><b>19:24</b></st1:time><b>
</b>Then the <u>LORD</u> rained upon <st1:city><st1:place>Sodom</st1:place></st1:city>
and upon <st1:city><st1:place>Gomorrah</st1:place></st1:city> brimstone and
fire from the <u>LORD</u> out of heaven;</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Psalms 2:7 </b>I will declare the decree: the <u>LORD</u>
hath said unto me, Thou <i>art</i> my <u>Son</u>; this day have I begotten
thee. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b> </b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Psalms 16:10-11 </b>For thou wilt not leave my soul in
hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. <b><sup><span style="color: black;">11 </span></sup></b>Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in
thy presence <i>is</i> fulness of joy; at thy right hand <i>there are</i>
pleasures for evermore.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Peter uses this passage to speak of the resurrection of
Jesus in the Pentecost message in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts
2:25-35 </b>and Paul uses it in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts </b><st1:time hour="13" minute="25"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">13:25</b></st1:time><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>(Ps. <st1:time hour="22" minute="11">22:11</st1:time>-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">22</b>)</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Isaiah 9:6 </b>For unto us a <u>child is born</u>, unto
us a <u>son is given</u>: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and
his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, <u>The mighty God</u>, <u>The
everlasting Father</u>, The Prince of Peace.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Micah 5:2 </b>But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, <i>though</i>
thou be little among the thousands of Judah, <i>yet</i> out of thee shall he
come forth unto me <i>that is</i> to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth <i>have
been</i> <u>from of old, from everlasting</u>.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>John 1:1-2 <sup><span style="color: black;">1 </span></sup></b>In
the beginning <u>was the Word</u>, and the <u>Word was with God</u>, and the <u>Word
was God</u>. <b><sup><span style="color: black;">2 </span></sup></b>The same was in
the beginning with God.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>John </b><st1:time hour="13" minute="14"><b>1:14</b></st1:time><b>
</b>And the <u>Word was made flesh</u>, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and
truth.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 5:17-24</b>
Christ makes five claims of deity and being equal with God.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>John 8:56-59 <sup><span style="color: black;">56 </span></sup></b>Your
father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw <i>it</i>, and was glad. <b><sup><span style="color: black;">57 </span></sup></b>Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art
not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? <b><sup><span style="color: black;">58 </span></sup></b>Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I
say unto you, <u>Before Abraham was, I am</u>. <b><sup><span style="color: black;">59
</span></sup></b>Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid
himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so
passed by. <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 10:30-33 </b><sup><span style="color: black;">30</span></sup> <u>I and <i>my</i> Father are one</u>.<sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">31</span></sup> Then the Jews took
up stones again to stone him.<sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">32</span></sup> Jesus
answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from <u>my Father</u>; for
which of those works do ye stone me?<sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">33</span></sup> The Jews answered him, saying, For a good
work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, <u>makest
thyself God</u>. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>John 14:6 </b>Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the
truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, <u>but by me</u>.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>John </b><st1:time hour="20" minute="28"><b>20:28</b></st1:time><b>
</b>And Thomas answered and said unto him, <u>My Lord and my God. </u><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></u></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Col. 1:15-19</b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">15</span></sup> Who is the image of
the invisible God, the <u>firstborn</u> of every creature: <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">16</span></sup> For <u>by him</u>
were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and
invisible, whether <i>they be</i> thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him: <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">17</span></sup> And he is <u>before
all things</u>, and by him all things consist. <sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">18</span></sup> And he is the head of the body, the
church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all <i>things</i>
he might have the preeminence.<sup><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">19</span></sup> For
it pleased <i>the Father</i> that in him should all fulness dwell; </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Hebrews 1:1-3 <sup><span style="color: black;">1 </span></sup></b>God,
who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers
by the prophets, <b><sup><span style="color: black;">2 </span></sup></b>Hath in
these last days spoken unto us <u>by <i>his</i> Son</u>, whom he hath appointed
heir of all things, <u>by whom also he made the worlds</u>; <b><sup><span style="color: black;">3 </span></sup></b>Who being the brightness of <i>his</i>
glory, and the <u>express image of his person</u>, and upholding all things by
the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the
right hand of the Majesty on high;</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>1 Timothy 1:1 </b>Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the
commandment of <u>God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ</u>, <i>which is</i>
our hope;</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Titus 2:10-13 <sup><span style="color: black;">10 </span></sup></b>Not
purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of <u>God
our Saviour</u> in all things. <b><sup><span style="color: black;">11 </span></sup></b>For
the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, <b><sup><span style="color: black;">12 </span></sup></b>Teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this
present world; <b><sup><span style="color: black;">13 </span></sup></b>Looking
for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the <u>great God and our
Savior Jesus Christ</u>; </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>1 John 1:2 </b>(For the life was manifested, and we have
seen <i>it</i>, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, <u>which
was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;</u>) </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b> </b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>1 John 4:2-3 <sup><span style="color: black;">2 </span></sup></b>Hereby
know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that <u>Jesus Christ is
God come in the flesh</u>: <b><sup><span style="color: black;">3 </span></sup></b>And
every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not
of God: and this is that <i>spirit</i> of antichrist, whereof ye have heard
that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>1 John 5:1 </b>Whosoever believeth that <u>Jesus is the
Christ is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">born</b> of God</u>: and every
one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>2 Peter 1:1-2 <sup><span style="color: black;">1 </span></sup></b>Simon
Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained
like precious faith with us through the righteousness of <u>God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ</u>: <b><sup><span style="color: black;">2 </span></sup></b>Grace
and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our
Lord,</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">2. The
Trinity or Eternal Godhead </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">(OT and NT)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Genesis 1:1-2 </b>In the beginning <u>God</u> created the
heaven and the earth. <b><sup><span style="color: black;">2 </span></sup></b>And
the earth was without form, and void; and darkness <i>was</i> upon the face of
the deep. And the <u>Spirit </u>of God moved upon the face of the waters.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Genesis 1:26-27 <sup><span style="color: black;">26 </span></sup></b>And
God said, <u>Let us</u> make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them
have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over
the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth
upon the earth.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><sup><span style="color: black;">27 </span></sup></b>So God
created man in <u>his <i>own</i> image</u>, in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Genesis </b><st1:time hour="15" minute="22"><b>3:22</b></st1:time><b>
</b>And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become <u>as one of us</u>, to
know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the
tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b> </b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Genesis 11:7 </b>Go to, <u>let us go down</u>, and there
confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Isaiah 6:8 </b>Also I heard the voice of the Lord,
saying, Whom shall I send, and <u>who will go for us</u>? Then said I, Here <i>am</i>
I; send me.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b> </b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Psalms 110:1 </b>The <u>LORD</u> said unto <u>my Lord</u>,
Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Matthew 3:16-17 <sup><span style="color: black;">16 </span></sup></b>And
<u>Jesus</u>, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and,
lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the <u>Spirit of God</u>
descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: <b><sup><span style="color: black;">17
</span></sup></b>And lo a <u>voice from heaven</u>, saying, <u>This is my
beloved Son</u>, in whom I am well pleased. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Matthew 28:19 </b>Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>name</u></b><u>
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:</u></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph. 1:1-14 </b>The
work of the <u>Godhead</u> in salvation</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Ephesians 4:4-6 <sup><span style="color: black;">4 </span></sup></b><i>There
is</i> one body, and one <u>Spirit</u>, even as ye are called in one hope of
your calling; <b><sup><span style="color: black;">5 </span></sup></b><u>One Lord</u>,
one faith, one baptism, <b><sup><span style="color: black;">6 </span></sup></b><u>One
God and Father of all</u>, who <i>is</i> above all, and through all, and in you
all. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>1 Peter 1:2 </b>Elect according to the foreknowledge of <u>God
the Father</u>, through <u>sanctification of the Spirit</u>, unto obedience and
sprinkling of <u>the blood of Jesus Christ</u>: Grace unto you, and peace, be
multiplied.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Jude 1:20-21 <sup><span style="color: black;">20 </span></sup></b>But
ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the <u>Holy
Ghost</u>, <b><sup><span style="color: black;">21 </span></sup></b>Keep
yourselves in the <u>love of God</u>, looking for the mercy of our <u>Lord
Jesus Christ</u> unto eternal life.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-72839601007275440982014-06-11T17:56:00.000-07:002014-06-11T17:56:45.477-07:00The Myth of the Carnal Christian<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">1 Cor. 3:1-9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Many teach that
Paul in this passage is talking about 3 classes of people: The natural man or
lost man [</span><st1:time hour="14" minute="14"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2:14</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">],
Spiritual Christian [3:1a], and the Carnal Christian [1b]. They present a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">diagram</b> with 3 circles representing the
3 classes of people. At the center of each is a throne. The <u>natural man</u>
has self on the throne with Christ outside the circle. <u>The carnal Christian</u>
has invited Christ into the circle but keeps self on the throne. The <u>spiritual
Christian</u> puts Christ into the circle and Christ on the throne.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">A man named
Lewis Sperry Chafer popularized the carnal Christian idea in his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He that is spiritual. </i>C. I. Scofield
states the same in his notes in T<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he
Scofield Reference Bible</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">In recent years
this idea of a permanent state of a carnal Christian has been included in
tracts by Campus Crusade for Christ, Dallas Seminary, and later revised by Bill
Bright before his death.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial;">According to Ernest
Reisinger</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial;">, "This "Carnal
Christian" teaching was invented to accommodate all the supposed converts
of modern evangelism. The non-lordship teachers had to have some explanation
for the thousands and thousands of those who are products of an evangelism that
leaves out Bible repentance from their evangelistic message. I am referring to
those who make "decisions," walk aisles and make professions of being
Christians, but their lives have never been changed by the power of the Holy
Spirit. Therefore, they do not love what Christians love and hate what
Christians hate. They act, think and live like non-Christians, but their
teachers must have some explanation for their unchanged lives. Thus the
unbiblical category "Carnal Christian" was invented by the
non-lordship teachers."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Stage one is conversion and
then stage two is to make Jesus Lord. In between the two stages the believer
may live like an unbeliever.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">This tract is
based on our text today</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">.
Trouble is, Paul is not teaching 3 classes of people, but only 2 classes of
people- The natural man [lost] and the Spiritual man [saved]. Here we see the
saints and the aint's.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Note </span></u><st1:time hour="14" minute="14"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2:14</span></u></st1:time><u><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">-15</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> He is not teaching that a Christian can’t remain in a
permanent state of carnality for his whole life and be in a special class.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">TT: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Why? Let me defend this view with seven reasons!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">1. Paul was rebuking the Corinthians for
their fleshly</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>behavior, for their state not their standing.</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The church had
divided into factions over the popularity of different teacher [vs. 3-9]. Paul
states that they were fleshly and behaving <u>like mere men</u> or the natural
man. Paul was accusing them of acting like non-Christians. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Paul was not
defining 2 classes of Christians or 3 classes of people. He simply talks about
the natural man and the spiritual man who was acting carnal in behavior.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Can true
Christians be carnal? The word carnal means fleshly. Paul addresses them both
as “brethren” [v. 1] and “carnal” [v. 2]. Every time we sin we act carnal.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There is no such thing as a
believer who is carnal all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, there is no such thing as a believer who is not carnal some of the
time.<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">A true Christian
will not remain carnal for a lifetime. Many believe a person can come to faith
in Christ and then turn to live their life in a carnal state with no signs of
spiritual life, and be a Christian.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Once we set up a
category for a “carnal Christian” everybody who confesses Christ is saved, but James
2:14; Matt. 7:21; 1 John 3:9; and 1 John 5:14 tell us different. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2. Spiritual Refers to all Christians</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">They were
spiritual because they had received the Holy Spirit,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they were spiritual by position but not
practice. Their standing was as spiritual but their state was as fleshly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Their behavior
was so inconsistent with the truth that Paul had to address them as babes in
Christ, carnal, acting like the natural man [</span><st1:time hour="14" minute="14"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2:14</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">-15].<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Romans 8:5-9, </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The lost have a mind set on the flesh
while Christians have a mind set on the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">According to
Paul then, all Christians are spiritual but do act in the flesh from time to
time, and that is what he is rebuking them for in our text.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">3. Paul does not urge these carnal
Christians to “make Jesus Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Many think that
a believer can live in a carnal state having not made Jesus Lord. They are
converted, Jesus is in the circle, but Jesus is not on the throne of their
life.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Phil. 2:11; </span></b><st1:country-region><st1:place><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Rom.</span></b></st1:place></st1:country-region><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">
10:9-10; John 20:28; 1 Cor. 12:3<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">A.W. Tozer said
it best, "You can't receive a divided Christ."</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">4. The carnal Christian teaching perverts
Justification and Sanctification.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">5. The carnal Christian teaching makes no
room for false converts.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">6. The carnal Christian teaching negates
the importance of repentance.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">7. The carnal Christian teaching
eliminates the doctrine of assurance of salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">1. A true
Christian can be carnal [3:1].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2. A true
Christian will not remain carnal for a lifetime without </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">the conviction
and correction of God and ultimately physical </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">death [Heb.
11:5-9; James 5:20; 1 John 5:16-17].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Believers can’t
sin without punishment. One can’t be a </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">carnal Christian
and not experience discipline from the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">3. A Christian
who is acting carnal loses reward not relationship [</span><st1:time hour="15" minute="15"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">3:15</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">4. We are wrong
in labeling carnal Christians as permanent </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">carnal
Christians, when in reality they that have their mind </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">set on the
flesh, and are probably lost [Romans 8:5-9; Gal. </span><st1:time hour="17" minute="17"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">5:17</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">-24]. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">5. What about </span><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Lot</span></st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">? </span><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Lot</span></st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> is used as a example of a lifelong </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">carnal
Christian. Turn to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Peter 2:7-9<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">* He lived in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Sodom</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> but never became a sodomite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">* He was
grieved, tormented and oppressed over the sin</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>around him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">* The Lord
rescued </span><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Lot</span></st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> with severe chastisement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lost his testimony<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lost his home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wife was killed by divine judgment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His daughters disgraced and shamed him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-7168511292325022822014-06-11T17:54:00.002-07:002014-06-11T17:58:34.187-07:00Young Creation<br />
<h2 align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Where Did a
Young-earth Worldview Come From?</span></h2>
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></h2>
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">by </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Bodie Hodge</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">on </span></i><st1:date day="30" month="5" year="2007"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">May 30, 2007</span></i></st1:date></h2>
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i></h2>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial;">Simply put, it came from the Bible. Of course, the Bible doesn’t
say explicitly anywhere, “The earth is 6,000 years old.” Good thing it doesn’t;
otherwise it would be out of date the following year. But we wouldn’t expect an
all-knowing God to make that kind of a mistake. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial;">God gave us something better. In essence, He gave us a “birth
certificate.” For example, using a personal birth certificate, a person can
calculate how old he is at any point. It is similar with the earth. Genesis 1
says that the earth was created on the first day of creation </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(<cite><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Genesis%201.1%E2%80%935" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">Genesis 1:1–5</span></a></span></cite>).<span style="color: #3f4041;"> From there, we can begin to calculate the age of the
earth. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial;">Let’s do a rough calculation to show how this works. The age of
the earth can be estimated by taking the first five days of creation (from
earth’s creation to Adam), then following the genealogies from Adam to Abraham
in Genesis 5 and 11, then adding in the time from Abraham to today. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial;">Adam was created on day 6, so there were five days before him.
If we add up the dates from Adam to Abraham, we get about 2,000 years, using
the Masoretic Hebrew text of Genesis 5 and 11.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://answersingenesis.org/age-of-the-earth/how-old-is-the-earth/#fn_3" title="Footnote 3"><span style="color: windowtext;">3</span></a><span style="color: #3f4041;"> Whether Christian or secular, most scholars would agree
that Abraham lived about 2,000 B.C. (4,000 years ago). </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial;">So a simple calculation is: </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial;">5 days<br />
+ ~2,000 years<br />
+ ~4,000 years </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #3f4041; font-family: Arial;">~6,000 years </span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-21301181354530997462014-05-20T13:18:00.002-07:002014-05-20T13:19:03.852-07:00God's Favored Servants<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">"God's Favored Servants"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Dan. 1:1-21 [vs. 1-2, 8, 9]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<st1:date day="14" month="5" year="2014"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">5-14-14</span></st1:date><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Wed PM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">There are twin themes in chapter 1:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">A. <u>Conviction</u>
[v. 8]. Biblical convictions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Someone said
that a belief is something you hold; but a conviction is something that holds
you. Biblical discernment and Biblical convictions are a endangered traits
today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Daniel held
Biblical beliefs, but he was also held by Biblical beliefs that showed in his
convictions and choices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Conviction could mean being convinced of
sin and the Savior, being cut to the heart [salvation conviction], or believing
the Word of God without compromise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Compromise is defined as the inability to
deal with the biblical data as God intends because we are overwhelmed with our
own personal desires. We substitute ourselves as the one to be pleased rather
than God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">What is it that
you are compromising today? What keeps you from your Bible study? Your
witnessing? Your praying? Your doctrinal and moral purity? What is it that
keeps you from faithful church attendance and ministry?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We will see in
our text how God used 4 young men out of possibly 50-75 men to show us today
that one can live an uncompromising life in a compromising world. That it is
possible to walk Godly in an ungodly world, to live right in a wrong world with
God's favor on you..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">B. <u>Favor</u>
[v. 9].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We will also see
the sovereign hand of God in the affairs of men and nations by bring these men
into favor with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">1. <u>What does it mean to have God's favor
on you</u>? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The best definition of the
word <i>favor</i> is “demonstrated delight.” The favor of God can be described
as “tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2. <u>How can you get God's favor</u>?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(1). God shows favor to the
ones who delight in and give honor to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Isaiah%2066.2"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Isaiah 66:2</strong></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> says</strong>, “These are the ones I look on
with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my
word.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Second%20Chronicles%2016.9"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Second
Chronicles 16:9</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> says, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole
earth, to show himself strong on behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward
him.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">To be
“perfect” toward Him means we seek His favor more than we seek the favor of
anyone else, even ourselves.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
(2). God seeks out those who love Him and love His commands so that He can bless,
guide, and protect them (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Psalm%2037.23"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Psalm 37:23</span></a>;
<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Proverbs%203.5%E2%80%936"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Proverbs
3:5–6</span></a>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This does not mean that
everyone who is prosperous or healthy has found favor with God (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Jeremiah%2012.1"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jeremiah 12:1</span></a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Psalm%2037.7"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Psalm 37:7</span></a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Psalm%2073.16"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">73:16</span></a>). Nor does it mean
that those whom the Lord favors will never suffer difficulties. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Those who are favored of God
know that God is with them and that nothing can happen to them apart from His
good purpose (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Romans%208.28"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 8:28</span></a>).
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(3). One way to obtain favor
from the Lord is to seek wisdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Proverbs%208.35"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Proverbs 8:35</span></a> </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">says, “For those who find me
[wisdom] find life and receive favor from the LORD.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Psalm%205.12"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Psalm 5:12</span></a></b>
says, “Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor
as with a shield.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(4). Finding favor with the
Lord keeps our lives and thoughts pure because we desire to please Him more
than we desire to please ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2011.25"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Hebrews 11:25</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> says of Moses, “He chose to be mistreated along with
the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When the same can be said of
us, we know we have found favor with God. His delight in us will be
demonstrated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-20300540383577446872014-05-20T13:05:00.004-07:002014-05-20T13:08:09.968-07:00Exception Clause<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What is the "Exception Clause"
in Matt. 19:9?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Matthew 19:7-10,</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement,
and to put her away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(8)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saith unto them, Moses because of the
hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the
beginning it was not so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(9)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And I
say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication,
and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is
put away doth commit adultery.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(10)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His disciples say unto him, If the case of
the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">The “exception clause” in
Matt. 19:9 extends to Gentiles as well as Jews in the Sanhedrin [Matt. 19:3].
Some believe this clause is not for us today but the Jews in the Sanhedrin
finding out their bride was not a virgin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">What does verse 9 say?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">1. “Fornication” covers a
multitude of sins not just pre-marital sex. It also </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">covers extra-marital sins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">2. There is no mention of the
“betrothal stage” in the text as some believe </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">putting it in relation to the Jews in the
Sanhedrin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">3. The disciples asked Jesus,
not just the Jews.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(1) Matt. 19:10-12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(2) Matt. 5:31-32, note here that the context is the Sermon
on the </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mount which is written to
believers in kingdom living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">4. Note Matt. </span><st1:time hour="17" minute="31"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">5:31</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> where Jesus is talking about Moses but in v. 32 he
says,</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“you.” In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is
talking about how our inner </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">righteousness must exceed the outward
righteousness of the Jews. “You,” </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">refers to the disciples not just the Jews.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Therefore we believe there
are two Biblical reasons for divorce (1) Unfaithfulness (Matt. 5:31-32; 19:9)
and (2) The unbeliever divorces (1 Cor. </span><st1:time hour="19" minute="15"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">7:15</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 14pt;">-16).There
is no mention of remarriage in the case of the second.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-45830675791378220202014-03-18T16:04:00.004-07:002014-06-11T17:59:00.360-07:00Faithful Preaching<div class="entry-content clearfix">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our calling as preachers is really very simple. We study, we
stand before our people, we read the text, and we explain it. We
reprove, rebuke, exhort, encourage, and teach—and then we do it all
again and again and again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">- Mohler, He Is Not Silent, 64.</span></div>
</div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-77531787372361841322014-03-07T18:38:00.003-08:002014-03-07T18:42:29.935-08:00The Exception Clause<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">What is the "Exception Clause"
in Matt. 19:9?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Matthew 19:7-10,</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement,
and to put her away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(8)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saith unto them, Moses because of the
hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the
beginning it was not so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(9)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And I
say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication,
and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is
put away doth commit adultery.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(10)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His disciples say unto him, If the case of
the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The “exception clause” in
Matt. 19:9 extends to Gentiles as well as Jews in the Sanhedrin [Matt. 19:3].
Some believe this clause is not for us today but the Jews in the Sanhedrin
finding out their bride was not a virgin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">What does verse 9 say?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">1. “Fornication” covers a
multitude of sins not just pre-marital sex. It also covers extra-marital sins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">2. There is no mention of the
“betrothal stage” in the text as some believe putting it in relation to the Jews in the
Sanhedrin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">3. The disciples asked Jesus,
not just the Jews.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">(1) Matt. 19:10-12</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">(2) Matt. 5:31-32, note here that the context is the Sermon
on the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mount which is written to
believers in kingdom living.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">4. Note Matt. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">5:31</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> where Jesus is talking about Moses but in v. 32 he
says, “you.” In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is
talking about how our inner righteousness must exceed the outward
righteousness of the Jews. “You,” refers to the disciples not just the Jews.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Therefore we believe this is
one of the two Biblical reasons for divorce, the other one being desertion (1
Cor. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">7:10</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">-16).</span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-19846457547107755502014-03-01T04:54:00.003-08:002014-03-01T04:54:48.575-08:00Born of Water and of the Spirit<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">What does "Born of Water and
Spirit" mean?</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">John
3:3-5</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">, Jesus answered
and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,
he cannot see the kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(4)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nicodemus saith unto him, How
can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his
mother's womb, and be born?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(5)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, Except a man be <u>born of water and of the Spirit</u>, he cannot enter
into the </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">kingdom</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> of </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">God</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nicodemus had no glue what
Jesus was talking about. He thought Jesus was talking about being born twice
physically, being physically born a second time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Different views...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(1). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">John's baptism</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jesus nowhere makes John's
baptism a requirement for salvation. John's baptism was preparing them for the
Messiah.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(2). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christian baptism.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some say water baptism but
this would be meaningless to Nicodemus before the church was even born at
Pentecost. Water baptism is not a condition for salvation nor was it instituted
at this time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(3).<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Human birth.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some say "water"
refers to the amniotic fluid of human birth. One has to be born physically
before he could be spiritually born (note it is water and spirit).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">(4). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Regeneration
by the Spirit</i> or the cleansing by the Spirit through the Word of God (Ezek.
36:25-26). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ezekiel 36:25-26,</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and
ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I
cleanse you. (26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put
within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will
give you a heart of flesh.”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">(27)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will place My Spirit within you and cause
you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I want to give 4 reasons it is probably
the latter view... </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">1.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Titus 3:5</b> Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost;</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">
water is not baptism or physical birth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph.
5:26</b>, "To make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by
the word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
Context of vs. 6-8</b>- Wind and the spirit are the same Greek word, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pneuma</i>, which means in English, breath
or pneumonia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">In creation everything is after its kind-
flesh begets flesh and Spirit begets spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The wind can't be controlled and is invisible but the effects of the
wind can be seen and witnessed. The proof of the Spirit's work can be seen and
evidenced.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">4. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
Lord's rebuke in 3:9-10</b>- Nicodemus did not understand. It had something to
do with OT Scriptures which Nicodemus should have known.</span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-68173488885322672642014-02-11T16:12:00.003-08:002014-02-11T16:12:59.496-08:00Follow Jesus<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Follow Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">John 1:35-37, </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Again the next day after
John stood, and two of his disciples;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(36)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And looking upon Jesus as he
walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(37)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the two disciples heard
him speak, and they followed Jesus.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">John
the Baptist was happy when people left him to follow Jesus, because his ministry
focused on Jesus. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John </span><st1:time hour="15" minute="30"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3:30</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When people get saved they follow Jesus, not the
preacher, the people, or the program. They believe, follow, and tell others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The word "follow" means to imitate or
mimic, to submit, and it speaks of Lord-ship. We as followers of Christ journey
toward Christ-likeness and walking in His steps. We desire to walk as He
walked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">"If any man come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me" Luke 9:23</span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-45060571014041616692014-02-11T16:01:00.001-08:002014-02-11T16:01:24.068-08:00Those Troubling "if" Clauses
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Those troubling “if”
clauses<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Hebrews 3:6</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">,
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the
confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We need to understand this in the light
of the total context, which is Moses leading </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Israel</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> out of </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Egypt</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> and to the Promised Land (3: 7-19) and
many did not continue proving they were not saved!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The writer is not suggesting that
Christians must keep ourselves saved. This would contradict the major theme of
the book, which is the finished work of Christ and His heavenly ministry
guaranteeing our eternal salvation (Heb. </span><st1:time hour="19" minute="14"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">7:14</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The writer is affirming that those who
hold fast their confidence and hope are proving [no maintaining] that they are
truly born again, note "whose house we are, not become" [see </span><st1:time hour="10" minute="38"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">10:38</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Some believe these mere professors were
in danger of losing salvation. The opposite was the case. If these turned out
to be mere professors then departed, they did not lose salvation but by not
continuing they proved they never were saved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Three other times in this epistle, the
writer exhorted the readers to hold fast to this confession (Heb. </span><st1:time hour="15" minute="14"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">3:14</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">; </span><st1:time hour="16" minute="14"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">4:14</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">; 6:9;</span><st1:time hour="10" minute="23"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">10:23</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">). It was this same confession that
characterized men and women of faith in the ages past (Heb. </span><st1:time hour="11" minute="13"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">11:13</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Note other passages in the NT that speak
of continuing or holding fast (Acts </span><st1:time hour="13" minute="43"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">13:43</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">; </span><st1:time hour="14" minute="22"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">14:22</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">; Col. 1:23; 1 Cor. 15:2; 1 John </span><st1:time hour="14" minute="18"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2:18</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">-19).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We should not have confidence in
ourselves, because we are too prone to fail; but we should have confidence in
Jesus Christ who never fails.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">In other words, those who have trusted
Christ <i>prove</i> this confession by their steadfastness, confidence, and
joyful hope. They are not burdened by the past or threatened by the present,
but are “living in the future tense” as they await the “blessed hope” of their
Lord’s return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">It is this “heavenly calling” that
motivates the believers to keep on living for the Savior even when the going is
gets tough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-51115088429127548842014-01-14T16:34:00.002-08:002014-01-14T16:34:36.738-08:00Led by the Spirit
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">What does it mean for the Christian to be
led by the Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Romans 8:14</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">,
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of
God."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Context:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">
After having contrasted those who walk in the flesh [unsaved] with those who
walk in the Spirit [saved], Paul now states that believers (those who walk
after the Spirit), have the marvelous privilege and responsibility of being a
child of God and adopted as an adult Son in God’s family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Exposition: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Are
being lead” is in the present passive indicative which means “those that are
being led.” This means that the believer’s life is characterized by
righteousness, but also the Spirit’s leading, guiding, and directing. “Those
who walk after the Spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the assurances of our
salvation is to ask ourselves, “Do I feel God’s leading in my life?” Leading
authenticates Christianity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Doubts come from neglect of
Bible study, prayer, fellowship with the church, and disobedience. Doubts can
be placed in our mind in times of weakness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We know that those who see
their sinful desires and practices decreasing see evidence of the Spirit’s
convicting work in leading their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">How does God lead his
children?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. He leads by giving us
understanding of His Word. We have the “Anointed one” in us to teach us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">John 14:26</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">,
“But the Comforter, which is the <u>Holy Ghost</u>, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">whom the <u>Father will send</u>
in My name, he shall <u>teach you all </u></span><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">things</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial;">, and bring all things to your <u>remembrance</u>,
whatsoever I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">have said unto you.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Eph. 1:17-18a</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Father of glory, <u>may give
unto you</u> the spirit of <u>wisdom and </u></span><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">revelation</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial;"> in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">understanding being
enlightened.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. He leads us to obey His
Word. It is thru our faithful obedience that that we experience the working of the
Spirit in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-64757333108963182612014-01-11T10:27:00.003-08:002014-01-13T03:06:23.937-08:00The Rapture and the Return<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Difference Between the Rapture and
the Return<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The rapture [John 14:3; 1
Cor. </span><st1:time hour="15" minute="51"><span style="font-family: Arial;">15:51</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">-52; 1 Thess. </span><st1:time hour="16" minute="16"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4:16</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">-17],
the return [Matt 24:27-31 and Rev. 19:11].</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the rapture we ascend in
the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, at the second coming the Son of Man
comes on the clouds and touches earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the rapture he comes
himself for his bride before the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">tribulation to take us to
the Father’s house, at the second coming we come with Him as the angels gather
his elect Israel after the tribulation to enter the millennial kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the rapture there is a
resurrection, at the second coming in </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Matt. 24; Rev. 19 it says
nothing about a resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the rapture he comes 7
years before the tribulation to rescue His bride, while at the second coming he
comes after the tribulation to the earth with his saints to reign in the
millennial kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the rapture he comes as a
bridegroom, and at the second </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">coming He comes as “the
wrath of the Lamb.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the rapture his people
witness his return while the world sleeps in darkness. At the second coming
every eye shall see him and mourn over the one they pierced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the rapture we go to the <i>Judgment
Seat of Christ</i> to be rewarded, at the second coming we are arrayed in fine
linen having been rewarded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-88165838196425086002014-01-02T14:17:00.001-08:002014-01-02T14:18:24.421-08:00Did Jesus go to hell when he died<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 Peter 3:18-20</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">, "<span style="color: black;">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:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(19)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By which also he went and preached unto the
spirits in prison;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(20)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which sometime were disobedient, when once
the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a
preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A common teaching is that Jesus was in
hell between the time He died on the cross and when He was resurrected. The
Apostles' Creed (which is not part of the Bible). The creed states, "He
descended into hell." Did Jesus really go to the place of suffering and
torment called "hell"?<br />
<br />
Some think 1 Peter 3:18-20 refers to Jesus speaking to human beings in hell
after His death on the cross. Others think it refers to Christ's spirit
speaking in the days of Noah to warn of impending judgment and offer salvation
to Noah and his family. But it is more likely that it refers to Christ
pronouncing His victory over the demonic spirits who are bound in the abyss.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%208.31" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke 8:31</span></a></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, And they besought him that he would not
command them to go out into the deep [abyss].<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Jude%201.6" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jude 1:6</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And the angels which kept not their
first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Revelation%209.11" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Revelation 9:11</span></a></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, And they had a king over them, which is
the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon,
but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the cross, Jesus cried out, "It is finished!" (</span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%2019.30" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">John 19:30</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">).
His suffering was over; there was no more payment needed for salvation. Also
just before His death, Jesus said, "Father, into your hands I commit my
spirit" (</span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2023.46" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke 23:46</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">).
Upon death, His spirit went to the Father, not to hell. Also, Jesus promised
the thief on the cross that they would be together <i>today</i> in paradise (</span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2023.43" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke 23:43</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">).
This could not have happened if Jesus had spent three days in hell.<br />
<br />
The clause "He descended into hell" in the Apostles' Creed may have
been well intended, but is so controversial that some denominations consider it
optional or even exclude that portion of the creed. Jesus' body was in the
grave for three days and His Spirit was with the Father, but He did not go to
hell.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--></span>
<!--[endif]--></span>Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765487190435711267.post-26990318026444504932013-12-05T04:43:00.001-08:002013-12-05T04:43:10.913-08:00Miracles
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Why
Miracles?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">1. Not all illness is a result of sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">2. God has power over sickness and death.
He and the apostles worked miracles to confirm the message and the messenger
(Heb. 2:3-4; 2 Cor. </span><st1:time hour="12" minute="12"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">12:12</span></st1:time><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">). Jesus performed miracles to prove He
was the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">3. The purpose of miracles was to produce
faith in the Lord's word. God never did a miracle without a purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Miracle
"mighty work or deed" was a supernatural work by God and
"signs" means it pointed people to faith or a spiritual truth as in
the 7 sign miracles in John. "wonder" spoke of the human reaction.
There are 121 recorded miracles in the bible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Q- What about faith healers today?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I
believe in divine healing thru the prayers of the saints (James 5) but not
faith healers after the last apostle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Many
were healed in the Bible who expressed no faith or even asked for a healing. Of
the 35 healings in the gospels only 10 expressed faith or asked to be healed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1.
Jesus healed the multitudes who did not express faith (Luke</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><st1:time hour="18" minute="19"><span style="font-family: Arial;">6:19</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">;
</span><st1:time hour="9" minute="11"><span style="font-family: Arial;">9:11</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">; Matt. </span><st1:time hour="14" minute="14"><span style="font-family: Arial;">14:14</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">; </span><st1:time hour="15" minute="30"><span style="font-family: Arial;">15:30</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2.
Malchus did not ask Jesus to put his ear back on and did</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not express faith (John </span><st1:time hour="18" minute="10"><span style="font-family: Arial;">18:10</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">3.
The demoniac was incapable of expressing faith (Luke</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><st1:time hour="8" minute="26"><span style="font-family: Arial;">8:26</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">4.
The blind man in John 9 expressed no faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">5.
Nine of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11 expressed no faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">6.
Paul had great faith yet God chose not to heal him for God's</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>divine purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">7.
Paul did not heal Timothy of his stomach ailments and I am sure he had faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">8.
Paul did not heal Trophimus but left him at Miletum sick (2 Tim. </span><st1:time hour="16" minute="20"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4:20</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Con:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> God
heals at his sovereign will and for His sovereign purposes to bring someone to
faith or convey a spiritual truth. We can't demand or claim a healing
by positive words of confession.</span></div>
Pastor Ken Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12611251164470059473noreply@blogger.com