Sermon On the Net

LIVE IN PEACE

 

Hi Everyone:

 

Luke 2: At the time of the birth of Jesus Joseph and Mary went up to the town of Bethlehem. Finding no place to spend the night they settled n a manger in which Jesus was born. There were shepherds living in the fields nearby tending their herds when all of a sudden an angel appeared before them. He told them of Jesus’ birth and the good things He will bring to the people, where to find Him, and how they will know it is Him. Suddenly a great host of Heavenly beings surrounded them saying; “glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”

 

When the angel left they went to see for themselves and they found Jesus. They told them what had happened and all the things concerning Him. The people were amazed at what the shepherds told them. They left and were glorifying God all the while.

 

On the eight day it was the custom in those days to have a purification ceremony in the Temple, which they did. There was a man named Simeon who was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he would see the Christ. When he went into the Temple and saw Jesus he knew it was Him. He held Him and praised the lord for His kindness in fulfilling the promise made to him. His words of praise included the prophecy that Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles and a glory to the Jews. He told Mary and Joseph that Jesus was destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and would be a sign that many will speak against. There would be pain.

 

There was a widow living in the Temple who devoted her life to praying and fasting. She approached Mary and spoke of Jesus and the redemption of Israel. They left and went back to Galilee.

 

Every year they would travel to Jerusalem for the feast according to custom. When it was over they left only to discover a day later that Jesus had stayed behind in the Temple. They went back and found Him listening and questioning the teachers who were amazed at His words, especially for a twelve year old. Mary was a little upset but He told them that ‘He had to do His Father’s business.’ They left and Mary treasured all the things that happened and were said. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.

 

My friends we are (believers in Jesus) in God’s favor. He wants us to know that and to live our lives accordingly. He wants us to live in the peace He has provided with His suffering and forgiveness. Our future is provided for us in Him forever. While we are here in this temporary body and place, let’s do what He has told us to do. Worship Him, love others and enjoy our station in life wherever we are and whatever we are involved in. We should never be concerned about what others have and what we don’t. Always look to our destiny. Remember the least of what is in store for us is better than anything on this earth. There are many who live without the assurance of God’s promises. This can be remedied immediately by anyone choosing to do so. Just tell Jesus you repent of your sins and you want Jesus to come into your life as your personal Savior. He has promised all who ask to do exactly that. How fortunate are we that that choose His way.  “Come all ye who are heavy laden, come into my arms.”

 

I remain your friend and servant, Nick                                        Number 116   

 

Sermon On the Net

PURPOSE

 

Romans 15, 16: Paul ends his letter with greetings to all in Rome so I thought I would combine these last two chapters. As noted by Paul those of us who are strong in the faith should help those who are weaker. We should not think the Lord has graced us with maturity for our own benefit. Jesus didn’t come to please Himself; He came to help others. Paul tells that everything written in the past is for our benefit of learning and strengthening our faith; EVERTHING, not just certain selective things. Of all the religions in the world believers in Christ are the only ones who do follow the Bible, literally; at least they should. Paul expresses his desire that all Christians should have a spirit of unity to worship and glorify God. We are to accept one another just as Christ accepted us. Jesus became a servant of the Jews to confirm the promises made in times past. It is written that He will praise His people among the Gentiles and tell the Gentiles to rejoice with His people.

 

Paul was committed to preaching the good news of salvation to all those who never heard of Him. He traveled to all parts of the region to accomplish his goal. He explained to them that this is why he was delayed in his visit with them. Paul says that he is going to visit them on his way to Spain. Paul finishes by asking them to pray that he will have the strength to finish his mission and to be protected from those who do him harm.

 

Chapter 16 completes the letter to the Christians in Rome with Paul sending his greetings to many of the believers. His last instruction to them was that they should be mindful of fakes who preach a different Gospel and try to confuse and turn them away from the truth.

 

Paul’s last words are extremely important to us today for we should always be on the alert for false teaching. There are so many false religions today that it is almost impossible to know right from wrong. This complex arena of false religions is the reason why I have always preached to all who would listen to discover for themselves the truth by reading and meditating on the Word of God. For those of you who have not accepted Jesus as personal Savior, do not be afraid to read the Bible and discover its truths. If you have a sincere heart God will open your eyes and ears and you will travel a journey whose destination is Heaven He will make it clear to you. If I may use a personal reference of my experience with the Bible I will tell you that I made several attempts to read it during my early years without any success. I found it difficult to believe what I was reading, but you see I didn’t have a sincere heart at the time. I really wasn’t seeking God. However, when I sincerely sought Him and opened the Bible, He opened it to me and I have never laid it down again. No matter how many times you will read it there will always be a new or confirming message. As Paul says in Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any double edged sword, and penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” May God bless you my friends.

 

 

Sermon On the Net

M Y O B

 

Romans 14: The title is unusual but the meaning should ring a bell. Mind Your Own Business. This is what this chapter is telling us, i.e., not to be judgmental, critical or insensitive to others. Paul tells us to accept those who may be weak in the faith department. One’s depth of faith will guide that person’s character and actions. Some will do things that others may frown upon but who are we to criticize someone else’s servant. If God has accepted them into His family, who are we to question His decisions? Did He appoint us to be the judge and jury of His servants? Of course not, therefore let us not condemn any, rather, let’s love and encourage our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Verse 10: “You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.” Verse 11: “It is written; As Surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.”

 

Some will do things one way, others will do it another. As long as it is not contrary to God’s will, let us not condemn. As an example some might be vegetarians and others meat eaters, however God invited us all to the table so let’s not look down upon God’s chosen people. Let’s be thankful we have been invited and praise the Lord instead. And remember the day is coming when each person that has ever lived will stand before the judgment of God and every knee will bow before Him and confess to Him. There will be no exceptions, (verse 11).  “So then, each of us will give account of himself to God,” (verse 12).

 

Let us do everything in a way that is peaceful and loving. God is a God of love and He wants us to live that way. We should not engage in things that could cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble just because we may know that it’s okay, and they may not. Some times we may even question what we do and whether or not it is spiritually okay. A good rule to follow is, whatever it is, can we do it to the glory of God? Would we do it or say it if God were in our presence? Well I’ve got news for you, He is. He sees our every action, knows our very thoughts, but most of all He sees into our hearts. That’s why we are His children and we can not praise Him enough for what He did for us on the cross.

 

My friends, if you have yet to confess your sins to Him and ask Him to come into your heart and believe Him, please take a moment to do so. It is a life changing experience, believe me, I know as have so many others.

 

 

Sermon On the Net

SUBMISSION

Romans 13: This is a short passage but it carries powerful and fulfilling messages. Paul tells us to submit to authority because if we do we can live without fear. God appoints or allows authority as part of His plan. We are not to question it but to follow it. We must understand that when we rebel against authority we are rebelling against God. I don’t think anyone wants to do that. Verse 2: “Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those that do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

 

We are not to incur debt except for the debt of love. All the law is fulfilled in love. I’m sure you‘d agree that if we were to love everyone as God loves us there would not only be a fulfillment, but there would never have been a need for the law. Remember when God created Adam and Eve there was no law. Creation and implementation of the law was a result of man’s moral decay or sin. Verse 10: “Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

 

As Paul says, ‘let’s wake up and live our lives as we should, i.e., be loving and kind to everyone, holding no one in greater esteem than the other.’

 

Let’s sum it up; submit to authority and live a life of love. Oh, if it were only possible. While this is an impossible task because of our human nature there is a way to help each one to at least try. Jesus, yes, Jesus says in John 14: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He is the way, the truth and the life. If we (those of you who have not already done so) can accept Jesus as our Savior and begin to understand His sacrifice, then we will be better able to understand what submission and love is all about. Jesus submitted to the Father’s will for our sake so that we will have an opportunity to spend eternity with Him. Please take a moment and tell Him of your need to confess and accept His free gift. You will live a more peaceful life, even in times of despair, I promise, no, I can’t promise, but God does.