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Why I Attend All the Meetings of the Church

Hebrews 10:19-25

       When the Hebrew writer penned this passage, the church was experiencing a number of problems.  Some were being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:12,13). Some were remaining immature as Christians (Hebrews 5:12). Some were falling away from Jesus (Hebrews 6:4-6). Some were living immoral lives and were bitter and were causing others to be lost (Heb. 12:14,15).

      The Hebrew writer knew they needed each other's strength to remain strong in their faith: He exhorted them:

·         let us draw near to God (10:22);

·         let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (10:23);

·         let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works (10:24);

·         and not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together like some, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the day drawing near (10:25).

Reasons Why I Attend Every Service of the Church

   1.  Because Jesus is there.  Matthew 18:20  "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Jesus' custom was to worship in the synagogue (Luke 4:16). Jesus is with us as we commune (Matt. 26:27-29).

   2.  Because in my worship I show my love and gratitude. When I think of all that God has done for me, it is one way I can sacrifice myself for Him. One who truly loves God never asks, "Do I have to attend all the services?"  He wants to.

   3.  Because I need the strength of fellow Christians. Hebrews 10:24 asks us to consider how to stimulate to love and good works! Others strong in their faith encourage and strengthen me(Acts 2:42,45). I know that missing hurts me--those who are gone miss the good they could have received. I am stronger from the worship and the word of God! A coal of fire alone on the hearth will die; so we by ourselves grow cold and lifeless. Together we can stay fervent in our love.

   4.  Because I want to set the right example for others. In 1 Tim. 4:12 Paul says we ought to set a good example for others. It certainly would be disappointing to others if I urged them to attend and I was not here. I want to impress upon my children the necessity of church attendance, so I attend (Eph. 6:4). My influence is either for against Christ!  I do not ever want to be a stumbling block to anyone (Matt. 18:6). I don't want to be somebody's excuse for not coming.

   5.  Because I want to put my priorities in the right order. Jesus demands in Matt. 6:33 that we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.  The context suggests to us that seeking the kingdom ought to come before food or clothing. Jesus would not have said so if the kingdom were not so important.

   6.  Because I am preparing to go to heaven. Our time together in church is a foretaste of what it will be like in heaven with the Lord. Here is where we learn of God and His way and how to prepare ourselves for His everlasting service (2 Thess. 1:10-12).

      These are difficult days filled with anxiety, frustration, and stress. There are all kinds of problems: family, financial, health, moral, aging, grief, and the nagging pressure of time. The accumulation of so many problems can make you sick! Many become chronically tired, tied up in knots with aching muscles, feeling overwhelmed with work, or getting easily irritated and hard to get along with. Several Biblical characters understood these anxieties:

·         Jacob described his 130 years of life to Pharaoh as “few and unpleasant” (Gen. 47:9).

·         Moses spent a period of his life “wearing himself out” by taking on the tasks too heavy for him to bear alone (Ex. 18:18).

·         Job depicted life as “short-lived and full of turmoil” (Job. 14:1)

·         Jeremiah complained that his preaching only brought “reproach and derision all day long.” (20:8).  He became so discouraged that he said, “Woe to me, my mother, that you have born me.” (15:10)

Jesus gave us a marvelous prescription to deal with our daily pressures in Matt. 6:34. He said, “Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.” For many just getting through today is a struggle of its own. We ask what we can do about today. Can God help me today to have peace and joy? What will help me to bear my burdens and trials on this day? “I’m living one day at a time.  But, Lord, help me through today.”

      God does indeed hear the cries of His children and help them survive. Asaph said,  “God is the strength (rock) of my heart and my portion forever” (Psa. 73:26). David, with all his troubles could sing Psalm 145:

The Lord sustains all who fall,

And raises up all who are bowed down. . .

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,

To all who call upon Him in truth.

He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;

He will also hear their cry and will save them.

The Lord keeps all who love Him.  (14, 18-20)

Three Precious, Personal Promises of God:

1. I Will Give You Strength (Isa. 40:28-31)

Eric Liddel, the gold medal winner and preacher in Chariots of Fire, found his strength to run and preach in this passage. Few people win gold medals, but many people who face terrible struggles are heroes nonetheless. They are able to endure because God is their strength. There is strength in:

·         The Word of God (Acts 20:32) “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

·         Prayer (Psalm 10:17) "O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Thine ear."

·         God’s Grace (2 Cor. 12:7-10) God gives His strength as people need it. Peter said in 1Pet. 5:10, "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." Phil. 4:13 is Paul’s affirmation in the midst of the struggle that Christ will strengthen us.

2. I Will Hold You in My Hand

      Holding hands is a precious thing. Whether holding hands with my wife, at the dinner table, or at the hospital with a sick friend, holding hands is a way of being close to another. Others have strengthened me when they held my hand as my heart was breaking. I love my friends; they have helped me greatly.  But they cannot do some things that my God can do. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." God is not distant to His people; He is with them always, doing what no one else can do.

Have you thought about what it means to be in God’s hands? By God’s hands He created the world, brought Israel out of Egypt, brings us food and drink, picks us up when we fall headlong. By His hands Jesus cleansed the leper, raised up Jairus’ daughter, rescued drowning Peter, and saved you from sin. It is in God’s hands that you now live!  Jesus promised, “no one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:29). God will stay with you, and no one can change that!  (Except you.)  I love the phrase, “Lord, help me to remember that there is nothing that you and I together cannot handle.”

3. I Will Love You Forever

      David said in Psalm 103:17,18, "But the loving kindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To those who keep His covenant, And who remember His precepts to do them." God’s love for us is not fickle, not an infatuation.  God’s love is a sworn love from a righteous God who swears and will not take it back. Jeremiah said in Lam. 3:22-24, "The LORDS loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, Therefore I have hope in Him.” Jeremiah wrote this in the midst of a spiritually decaying world, falling down around him. Jeremiah preached for 40 years to people who closed their ears and hardened their hearts and hated him. He found peace is the sworn, covenant love of God. We can find that peace too. Rom. 8:35-39 asks, "who will separate us from the love of God?" The answer is nothing!

      God’s three promises to strengthen, to hold, and to love you are solid promises; yet they are conditional upon your faithfulness to Him. They are to those who fear Him, seek Him, love Him, and hold to Him. Many people fail at their faith in times of struggle, not because God is far from them but because they have grown apart from God. They have grown dull and indifferent toward God; their spiritual lives are haphazard (prayer, attendance, study); or they are too busy living their own lives and have forgotten God.

      The strength of God comes to those who are close to Him, committed. David said in Psalm 68:19, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation." Is God bearing your burdens?  Or are you bearing them alone? The key to Matthew 6:34 is 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." Are you committed to the Lord?

      We are living in a time in which evil seems to be getting worse and worse. This evil threatens our families and our souls. The values of our very society are being pulled apart. We are told that there is no such thing as right and wrong. Parents are no longer included in the decisions society makes for our children. The highest courts in our lands will not speak out against the death of innocent, unborn children.

      The changes that are taking place are not merely changes in people. We must understand who is at the bottom of this: Satan!

      Satan is our enemy; he is deadly, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Rev. 12:9 calls him the "deceiver of the whole world." 1 John 5:18-19 says, "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." In Matt. 4:8-10 Jesus was tempted by devil who promised him the kingdoms of the world if he would bow down and worship him. We must not lose sight of how devious, powerful and dangerous Satan is!

How Satan Is Attacking Our Souls Today:

      Satan is first, foremost and always a deceiver, a liar! Satan's whole history has been one of lying. He lied in the garden to Adam and Eve, "You will surely not die!" Jesus said in John 8:44 that the devil lies and murders by lying. In 2 Cor. 11:1-4 and 13-15 Paul's describes Satan's work through false apostles and pretending. Liars would not be convincing if people did not think they were telling the truth.

      Some common myths and lies:

·         There is no God; we cannot know God; God does not care about man.

·         The Bible is not trustworthy.

·         The church is only interested in what it can get out of you; all Christians are hypocrites.

·         There is no hell; everyone will be saved eventually; purgatory

·         You can sin and have no price to pay; God really won't judge us

·         "Just a little won't hurt."   

·         "No one will know"

·         Man isn't responsible for his sins--he was born a sinner, sinful

·         An unborn baby is not a person but mere tissue.

·         Man was not created but evolved from lower forms of life.

      Satan is a "slanderer" and an accuser. Satan has spent his life as an "adversary" to God and good.  One way he attempts to defeat God is by slandering and accusing any good of evil intent or purpose. The story of Job has Satan accusing God of unfairly blessing Job. Satan said, "you take the hedge away, let him suffer, and he will deny you!" Satan's accusations against God and Job were wrong. In Isa. 5:20-23 we learn that Satan's business is to turn our value systems upside down. He wishes to make evil look good and good look evil. In Rev. 12:9-10 Satan is the accuser of the brethren. Satan's way is to accuse and slander every good thing.

      Satan persecutes us through people who accuse us of wrongdoing (John 15:20). Jesus Himself died for "doing good," for teaching the truth, and for pointing out sin (John 3:19-20). Those who fight Jesus and the church often do Satan's work (unaware). Some accusations made against God's people:

·         All Christians are hypocrites or Pharisees; rarely are Christians portrayed in a respectful way on television or movies today.

·         All churches are corrupt--such things said by those who are ignorant

·         Early Christians were called cannibals, atheists, incestuous, eating flesh and drinking blood,  unpatriotic, the poor and outcast, and fanatics.

·         Early Christians were blamed for every catastrophe.

·         Today we are condemned for censorship, narrow-mindedness, prejudice, or for not wanting freedom and for opposing sin.

      Satan is one who loves to cause discord among brethren! Gal. 5:13-21 speaks of the works of the flesh by which Satan works. Satan will do all he can to cause problems between brethren in the church. Some works of the flesh include "enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, and envyings" All are problems of the heart, fostered by the lies and the prompting of Satan, the tempter. James 3:8-18 teaches that we must be careful about the use of our tongues lest we become servants of the evil one.

      Next time you pray, "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (or the evil one)," think of how he works on all of us to hurt us. Thanks be to God that through Christ we can be delivered from Satan (Jas. 4:7,8).

      Peter warns us in 1 Pet. 5:8,9, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls about seeking someone to devour.  This is true! C. S. Lewis wrote in his fictional novel, The Screwtape Letters, about a chief demon that trains a recruit in how to steal the souls of men. We should know Satan is a cunning adversary (2 Cor. 11:14) and "masquerades as an angel of light." We are encouraged not to give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27).  Fortunately God gives us a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13) so we may escape his strategies to take away our souls. It helps knowing a little bit about how the devil works. 

      Someone suggested the theme, "If I were the devil, I would…"

I Would Want You To Be Godless

      1. I would want you to be a fool  (Prov. 14:1) Fools do not believe in Hell or Heaven. Solomon said, "fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov. 1:7). Each of us without God was once foolish  (Tit. 3:3) and believed myths and lies.

2. I would want you to ignore the Word of God. The devil does this because he doesn't want you to believe. Rom. 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Faith is essential (Heb. 11:6; John 8:24) to our salvation, and because I don't want you to know the truth (John 8:31,32), I will keep you from the Word. I know this will also keep you from the freedom that comes from knowledge of the truth. I will tell you there is no absolute truth and keep you from the freedom from sin. I want you ignorant at the judgment (John 12:48).

      3. I'd offer you counterfeit religion. I'd tell you that one church is as good as another. I'd tell you that it doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you love Jesus. I'd offer entertainment in place of worship, glorifying the performer     instead of God. Pride is the door to so much that is wrong. I'd make your talents more important than God's instructions. In the end I'd make your beliefs a worship of self.

I Would Poison Your Relationships  (Eph. 4:29-32)

1.       I'd tell you that you are #1 and the most important person.

2.       I'd promote jealousy and envy (pride); forget kindness and compassion.

3.       I'd encourage gossip and slander

4.       I'd plant it in your heart to "get even" and take revenge! I'd say to you to be slow to forgive anyone.

      Could it not be Satan plants in our hearts evil thoughts, malice and ill will to tempt us and to divert our attention from the real work at hand? By doing so he destroys friendships and homes. Satan put it in Judas' heart to betray Jesus (John 13:2,27). We must ask what is he putting into your heart?

I Would Want You to Be Insensitive to Sin (Eph. 4:17-19)

1. I would change the way we look at sin by using non-threatening words to soften the effects of sin. If I can label sin as something, which will not hurt you, then I can perhaps persuade you to do evil. I will call adultery and fornication an "affair" or an "indiscretion." Homosexuals would become "gays." Some types of murder would become "mercy killing" or euthanasia. Lies would become "white lies" or "half-truths." Stealing would become "borrowing."

I'd label doctrinal matters as "non-issues": Baptism (reason or mode wouldn't affect salvation); instrumental music; and the day of Lord's Supper. I'd glorify personal opinion and minimize matters of faith. I'd minimize sin and tell you that small sins don't hurt anyone.

2. I would emphasize being "politically correct" so that pointing out sin became bigotry and ugliness.  I'd make an enemy of the people anyone who dared to criticize any sin. I'd call them "hate mongers with phobias. I would support those who permissively see no evil in sin as our friends. I would make fun of and put down everything Christian, moral or decent.  Being Christian isn't "cool." I'd label anything I didn't like as 'Pharisaical' and 'hypocritical.' I'd concentrate on all the things "wrong" with the church

3. I would use humor to get you to laugh at sin and make it appear to be "fun" and "harmless." I would develop television shows that make fun of the righteous and make heroes out of sinners. Archie Bunker, Roseanne, Bart Simpson, and Beavis and Butt-head have used humor to stimulate the worst in people. (How often movies and television with their canned laughter have prompted all of us to laugh at things that are no       laughing matter. Sin will not be funny before God.)

4. I would tell you any lie to promote the advantages of sin; remember I have no conscience! I would hide the broken lives and destroyed homes and show you the pleasures of sin. I'd make sinful behavior "fashionable" and "acceptable." I'd tell you how good you'd feel, how free you'd be, how good you'll look in front of your friends. I'd make you think that all this fun will last forever. Of course, I'd be lying.

5. I'd tell you that "your faults are no worse than others; and besides, nobody's perfect!"  I'd work hard to take away your desire to do any better than the average guy on the street. I'd "stretch the truth" and tell you that "everybody's doing it." I'd remind you that "times have changed" and people don't think what you're doing is so bad anymore. I'd make every excuse possible to keep you doing what I know will cost you your soul.

Make no mistake; Satan is your enemy and wants to destroy you. The best defense is to draw close to God. (James 4:7,8) Are you?

      David said, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing--life forever. (Psalm 133:1-3)

We must learn how to get along with others:

God’s People Watch Their Tongues

      Paul said, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear" (Eph. 4:29). Christians are to build each other up, encourage and uplift. They should know when to put an arm around each other and to say what needs saying. Solomon said in Prov. 25:11,  “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

      The Bible says in Col. 4:6, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. God’s love needs to shine through in our speech.  We should ask ourselves how would Jesus respond? Solomon said in Prov. 21:23, "He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles."

      Learn to say, “I love you” to those around you.  Most people need to hear it from time to time.

      Avoid gossip, avoid slander, and avoid unwholesome speech. James 1:26: “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless.” Matt. 12:36,37 "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned." Psalm 34:12-14 Who is the man who desires life, And loves length of days that he may see good?  Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.

      James 3:2-10 says we must be careful how we use our tongues. A man once told hurtful tales about some others and spread them broadly.  The tales were untrue as well as unkind.  When the truth became known, the man was truly sorry for his misdeed.  He wanted to make things right.  An older man sympathized with him but wanted him to see how hard that would be.  He took him to a high hill and carried a bag.  In the bag were feathers, which he threw into the wind to be spread all over the valley.  Stopping a rumor is like retrieving all the feathers.   We must watch our words.

            We should always ask ourselves these questions before we speak about another: Is it true?   Is it kind?  Is it necessary?

God’s People Watch Their Tempers

      The character of man can be tested by what it takes to make him angry. James 1:19,20 This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Prov. 29:22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. Prov. 14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. Prov. 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Prov. 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Prov. 19:11 A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. Matt. 5:21,22  "You have heard that the ancients were told, `you shall not commit murder' and `Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, `Raca,' shall be guilty before the Supreme Court; and whoever shall say, `You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. An unforgiving spirit can cost us our souls

God’s People Watch Their Hearts

      Prov. 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Psalm 15:1,2   O LORD, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart. Luke 6:43-45  "For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit; nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. "For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush.   The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.

      Getting along with others means I watch my attitude:

·         Am I feeling resentful or hateful toward my brother?

·         Am I trying to understand things from his point of view?

·         Am I a fault-finder? 

·         Am I being nit-picky?

·         Am I being selfish?

      Have I forgotten what Jesus did for me?    Eph. 4:31,32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Jer. 17:9 "The heart is more deceitful than all else  And is desperately sick;  Who can understand it? 17:10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." It is easy at times for us to fool ourselves or lie to ourselves; this is why we must watch our hearts.

      Two kinds of birds fly over the California deserts: the hummingbird and the vulture. All the vulture can see is rotting meat because that is all he looks for.  He thrives on that diet.  But the hummingbird ignores the carcasses and the smelly flesh of dead animals.  Instead, he looks for the tiny blossoms of the cactus flowers.  He buzzes around until he finds the colorful blooms almost hidden from view by the rocks.  Each bird finds what it is looking for.

      What are you looking for?  Better still what are you finding?

      What you are finding tells what you are really looking for.  Your expectations of brothers and life will determine your outcome.

            People who want to get along usually can find a way.  People who don’t usually will not get along, no matter how much they share in common. God’s People can get along when they watch their tongues, their tempers and their hearts. When a person’s heart is not right with his brother, he has a hard time being right with his God. How about you?

     The Lord Jesus has never been satisfied with half-hearted efforts; God has always demanded our very best. In Num. 18:29,32 Moses said, "Out of all your gifts you shall present every offering due to the Lord, from all the best of them, the sacred part of them." Moses told Israel in Deut. 6:5 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." Jesus said in Matt 5:48 "You shall be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." Paul claimed in Acts 24:16, "I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men." Paul urged us in Rom 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Peter said in 1 Pet 2:12 "Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation."

      Amazingly, this is very different from what one hears about Christianity today. Often we hear preaching of a casual Christian that demands little of us. Today we are finding Christians who are less and less committed to their faith. We have in our minds that God does not care whether we do a good or a poor job, so long as we do something. We have in our minds that God does not care what we believe, so long as we believe something. It is very difficult to tell the difference between people in the church and people who are in the world in speech or in behavior. For many Christianity is an external religion; they call themselves Christians but they don't know why they are or to a great degree what they believe. This "mushy," weak faith causes us to be unable to make much of an impact on our world today.  Who today knows about the church of Christ?  Who cares? It takes staunch convictions to wake us up from the stupor of mediocrity and indifference.

Our God Is A God of Excellence!

      He never did anything half way or half-hearted. He created a complete world, full, and sustaining. He made the sun, moon, stars, food and water. He gave us all the necessities. He created us capable people; we are incredibly complex creatures and unusually talented and skilled.

      He gave us perfect instructions in His word (2 Tim. 3:16,17).

      He gave a perfect sacrifice in Jesus, one who was sinless and perfect. His was a marvelous gift (John 3:16). Jesus was not a "token effort." He was not a gift quickly "thrown together." Jesus was not a cheap gift God could do without. He was the highest price God could pay.

      When Jesus faced the cross, he gave EVERYTHING!  He did not complain, did not make excuses, did not hold back, and did not ask His Father to find someone else.

Jesus was willing to die for us. When the world asked, Jesus responded willingly.

·         let me falsely accuse and try you--I will

·         let me put a crown of thorns on your head--I will

·         let me scourge your back--I will      

·         give me your hands for nails--I will

·         give me your feet to pierce--I will

·         let me shame you on the cross--I will

·         bear all the sins of all the people, each one--I will

      Jesus never failed to give His all in obedience to the commands of His Father.

      Our God is an excellent God to us. He hears every one of our prayers and cares about our every need and problem. He gives us what is best for us. He blesses us with every spiritual blessing. Paul said in Rom 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" God never quits giving to those who belong to Him. He plans for our eternal future to give us the best of everything in Heaven.

We Must Give Our Best to the Lord!

      We must pursue our Christianity as an athlete pursues a win (1 Cor 9:24-27). We can never be satisfied with a weak faith, a token commitment, feeble efforts, or a shallow love. Let us become people of quality like Jesus who said, "for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him" (John 8:29).

      When the Statue of Liberty received her much needed restoration in 1986, she was examining very closely. The craftsmen and artists who did the repairs had ample opportunity to study the original workmanship. They were deeply impressed with the design of her sculptor, Frederic Bartholdi of France, and his crew who applied their skills more than one hundred years ago. Nothing had been overlooked. One example is the beautiful work that was done high atop Liberty's spiked crown and head. The superb attention to detail was carried out so thoroughly, one would have thought that everyone would have viewed this section. But the fact is, no one would see her from above. Once she was raised to her full height, 151 feet, only a few seagulls would ever notice her coiffure. Little did the French artisans even imagine a day when helicopters would hover, giving time for the human eye to observe and enjoy such exquisite beauty. Excellence characterized the design of Liberty's head whether or not anyone would ever stop to notice or admire.

·Abiding in Christ—John 15:5; 1 John 2:28; 2 John 9

·Afflictions—Job 5:17; 2 Cor. 4:17; Heb. 12:11

·Anger—Ps. 37:8; Prov. 16:32; James 1:19

·         Answered Prayer—I Kin. 18:37; Ps. 91:15; Luke 11:9

·Backsliding—Prov. 14:14; Matt. 24:12; Heb. 10:38

·Christ's Love—John 13:1; Rom. 8:35:

·1 John 3:16

·Contentment—Prov. 15:16: Phil. 4:11:

·Heb. 13:5

·Courage—Josh. 1:9; Dan. 3:16. 17; Phil. 1:28

·Divine Comfort—Is. 40:1; Is. 61:1.2:

·John 14:1

·Divine Deliverance—Dan. 6:22:

·Job 5:19:2 Tim. 4:18

·Divine Guidance—Ps. 25:9: Ps. 48:14:

·Is. 42:16

·Divine Power—Rom. 4:21: Eph. 3:20:

·Jude 24, 25

·Doubt—Matt. 14:3 I; Mark 4:40; Luke 24:25

·Faith—Rom. 10:17: Eph. 2:8; Gal. 5:6

·Fear of God—Josh. 24:14; Eccl. 12:13; 1 Pet. 2:17

·Fear of Man—Prov. 29:25; Is. 51:12:

·John 12:42

·Folly—Prov. 15:14; Prov. 18:13:

·Ps. 53:1

·Forgiveness—Ps. 130:4; Matt. 6:14:

·Acts 5:31

·Gentleness—I Thess. 2:7; I Tim. 2:24; James 3:17

·God’s Care for You—Gen. 28:15; Ps. 121:4:2 Tim. 1:12

·God’s Grace—Rom. 4:16; Rom. 9:16; Titus 3:5

·God’s Love for You—John 3:16; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19; Rev. 1:5

·Greed—Eccl. 5:10; Matt. 27:5; 1 Tim. 6:9

·Heaven—John 14:2. 3; Luke 10:20; Matt. 6:20

·Hell—Matt. 13:41. 42; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10. 14, 15; Rev. 21:8

·Humility—Micah 6:8; Luke 22:26; Rom. 12:3

·Joy—Neh. 8:10; Ps. 16:11; John 16:24

·         Kindness—Rom. 12:10; I Cor. 13:4; Eph. 4:32

·         Liberty—Is. 61:1; Rom. 8:2; 2 Car. 3:17

·         Love to Neighbors—Mark 12:31; Rom. 13:10; James 2:8

·         Mercy—Prov. 11:17; Matt. 5:7; Luke 6:36

·         Obedience—Josh. 11:15; 2 Kin. 18:6; Acts 26:19

·         Patience—Ps. 40:1; Is. 33:2; Acts 1:4 Popularity—John 12:43; Acts 24:7;

·         Col. 3:22

·         Power of Prayer—Matt. 17:21; Matt. 21:22; John 15:7

·         Praise to God—Ps. 67:3; Heb. 13:15: 1 Pet. 2:9

·         Prayerfulness—Luke 2:37; Luke 6:12: 1 Thess. 3:10

·         Prayerlessness—Is. 43:22; Dan. 9:13; Zeph. 1:6

·         Pride—Prov. 16:18; 2 Chr. 32:25; I John 2:16

·         Promises to the Righteous—Job 36:7; Ps. 34:15: Matt. 13:43

·         Repentance—Luke 13:2. 3; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30

·         Salvation—John 3:16; Rom. 10:9-13; Eph. 2:8—10

·         Satisfaction in God—Ps. 17:15; Ps. 107:9; Is. 58:11

·         Self-denial—Matt. 16:24; Luke 14:26, 27; Rom. 15:1

·         Sin and Confession—Prov. 28:13; Jer. 3:13; 1 John 1:9

·         Spiritual Growth—Eph. 4:15; I Thess. 3:12; 1 Pet. 2:2

·         Spiritual Power—Zech. 4:6; Acts 1:8; Acts 6:8

·         Spiritual Strength—Is. 40:31; Is. 41:10; Eph. 3:16

·         Strength in Weakness—I Car. 1:27; 2 Cor. 12:9; Heb. 11:33, 34

·         Suffering for Christ—Acts 5:41; Rom. 8:17: 1 Pet. 2:20

·         Thankfulness—Ps. 100:4; Cot. 1:12; 1 Thess. 5:18

·         Unworldliness—Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 7:31; 2 Tim. 2:4

·         Worldliness—Matt. 16:26; Cot. 3:2; Titus 2:12

·Worship—1 Chron. 16:29; Ps. 95:6 John 4:24

Providence:

      The concept of providence may be found in the Greek word pronoia, which is found twice in the New Testament (Acts 24:2; Rom. 13:14).  The word is used with the idea of purposive foresight. Providence is normally defined in Christian theology as the unceasing activity of the Creator whereby in overflowing bounty and goodwill (Ps. 145:9; Mt. 5:45-48), God upholds his creatures in ordered existence (Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3), guides and governs all events, circumstances and free acts of angels and men (cf. Ps. 107; Job 1:12; 2:6; Gen. 45:5-8), and directs everything to its appointed goal (Eph. 1:9-12).

      Providence must be distinguished from:

·         Pantheism, which absorbs the world into God

·         Deism, which cuts it off from God

·         Dualism, which divides control of it between God and another power

·         Indeterminism, which holds that it is under no control at all

·         Determinism, or fatalism, which regards God's control of such a kind that it destroys man's moral responsibility

·         Chance, which denies the controlling power is rational

·         Fate, which regards God as not being benevolent

      Providence is presented in Scripture as a function of Divine Sovereignty.  God is King over all, doing just as He wills (Psalms 103:19; 135:6; Dan. 4:35; cf. Eph. 1:11).

God Rules over the Natural Order

·         over all natural forces (Ps. 147:8f.)

·         over all wild animals (Job 38-41)

·         over all happenings in the world, great and small

·         thunderstorms (Job 37; Ps. 29)

·         plagues (Ex. 7:3-11:10; 12:29ff.; Joel 2:25)

·         death of a sparrow (Mt. 10:29)

·         fall of a lot (Pr. 16:33)

·         over the lives of men and animals, which are His to give and take away (Gen. 2:17; 1 Sam. 1:27; 2 Sam. 12:19; Job 1:21; Pss. 102:23; 104:29-30; 127:3; Ezek. 24:16ff.; Dan. 5:23, et. al.)

·         over health and sickness (Deut. 7:15; 28:27, 60)

·         over prosperity and adversity ('evil', Amos 3:6; Isa. 45:7

·         Governing over the natural order means that God is also able to work miraculous events, which supercede the natural order.  Nothing is too hard for him (Gen. 18:14).

·         God's providential power in the created order proclaims His wisdom, power, glory and goodness (Pss. 8:1; 19:1-6; Acts 14:17; Rom. 1:19f).  The man who does not acknowledge God is without excuse (Rom. 1:20).

·         God's constant fulfilling of His kindly purposes in nature are reassuring:

1.       they are a reason for praise (Psalms 104; 147)

2.       they are a guarantee that God is Lord and will fulfill His gracious promises in history  (Jer. 31:35ff.; 33:19-26).

God's Rule in World History

      1. Since the beginning, God has been executing His plan of redemption.  This plan pivots upon Christ's death (John 3:16,17; Acts 2:22-24), burial and resurrection and culminates in His Second Coming and judgment.  The goal of God's plan is the spreading of the gospel throughout the world so that His kingdom, the church, may be established in every nation (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15).  The climax of history will be the overthrow of those who fight against God and His kingdom, as the book of Revelation shows (Rev. 17:14; 19).

      2. God's control over individual nations is another evidence of His sovereignty.  Jeremiah notes that kingdoms are planted and rooted up by the will of God (Jer. 1:10; 18:1-10; cf. Gen. 6:6).  Daniel foretells the establishment of four separate worldwide kingdoms (Daniel 2).  Jonah spoke of God's overthrowing Nineveh unless they repent (Jonah 3).  Paul argues that governments are ministers of God that punish evildoers and provide peace (Rom. 13:1-7).  The book of Revelation is a classic conflict between God's purposes and the evil kingdoms of the world.  God's kingdom is established and the kingdoms of the earth fail.

God's Rule and Personal Circumstances

      God told Israel as a nation that he would prosper them while they were faithful but bring disaster on them if they sinned (Lev. 26:14ff. Deut. 28-30).  The attempt to understand the fortunes of individual Israelites in the light of this principle raised problems:

·         Why does God allow the wicked to prosper, while they are victimizing the just?

·         Why is disaster so often the lot of the godly?

      1. The first question is answered by affirming that the wicked prosper only for the moment; God will soon visit them and take vengeance (Psalms 37; 50:16-21; 73), though for the present he may have patience in order to give them opportunity to repent (Rom. 2:4f; 2 Pet. 3:9-15; Rev. 2:21).  The New Testament identifies the Day of Judgment as a day of retribution for our works (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15).

      2. The second question may be answered several ways:

·         The righteous will be vindicated when the day of visitation for the wicked comes (Ps. 37; Mal. 3:13-4:3; 2 Thess. 1:7-12).

·         b. Suffering is a valuable God-given discipline (Pr. 3:11f.; Ps. 119:67, 71; Heb. 12:4-11).

·         Suffering, when faithfully endured, even if not understood, glorifies God and leads to blessing in the end (Job 1-2, 42; Jam. 1:12; 1 Pet. 2:18-25).

·         Communion with God is the supreme good, and outward impoverishment is of no ultimate importance (Ps. 73:14, 23ff.; Hab. 3:17ff.)

·         Christians share in Christ's sufferings (Matt. 10:24f.; John 15:18ff.; 16:33; Acts 9:16; 14:22; Phil. 3:10ff.; 1 Pet. 4:12-19).                   

This recognition, in conjunction with the former principles, was sufficient to completely dispose of the "problem of suffering" for the first Christians.

      3. Early Christians knew something of their glorious hope (1 Pet. 1:3ff.) and of the strengthening and sustaining power of Christ (2 Cor. 1:3-7; 12:7-10).  As a result, they could contentedly face all situations (Phil. 4:10-13) and could rejoice in all troubles (Rom. 8:35-39; James 1:2).  They were confident that their loving Father was:

·         disciplining them for their best interests (Heb. 12:5-11),                     

·         developing their Christian character (James 1:2ff.; 1 Pet. 5:10; cf. Rom. 5:2-5),

·         proving the reality of their faith (1 Pet. 1:7),

·         so preparing them for glory (1 Pet. 4:13).

      4. God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).  Not all things are good, but God causes all things to work for good.

·         Was Onesimus separated for his benefit?  perhaps (Philemon 15)

·         Perhaps difficulties in our lives are for our long-term good.

      5. God supplies His people with whatever material things they need throughout their earthly lives.

·         Matt. 6:25-33

·         Phil. 4:19

·         Acts 17:24,25; James 1:17

      6. Belief in providence determines many of the basic attitudes of biblical commitment.  The knowledge that God determines their circumstances teaches the faithful to wait upon Him in humility an patience for vindication and deliverance (Psalms 37; 40:13ff.; James 5:7ff.; 1 Pet. 5:6,7).  The faith forbids them to grow despondent or despairing (Psalms 42,43), and brings them courage and hope when harassed (Psalms 60,62).  It inspires all prayers for help, and praise for every good thing that is enjoyed.

God's Rule and Prayer

      1. Faith in prayer to God means that one realizes that God acts in response to prayer in such a way that He would not have acted had men not prayed. (Matt. 7:7-11; Mark 11:22-24; Eph. 3:20,21; James 1:5-8)

      2. How God answers prayers:

·         Sometimes He says yes  (James 5:13-18)

·         Sometimes He says no  (2 Cor. 12:7-10)

·         Sometimes He says wait  (Ex. 1; 3:7; Ps. 27:14; Lk. 11:5-8)

·         Sometimes He gives us something different than what we ask (1Kings 3:5-14; Eph. 3:20-21)

      Because God is benevolent, wise and good, He will do what is best for His children. God sees everything (1 Pet. 3:12). We receive mercy and grace in time of need (Heb. 4:16).

      This poem was found on the body of an anonymous soldier of the Confederacy more than a century ago:  (2 Cor. 12:7-10)

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve--

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things--

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy--

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life--

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for--

But everything I had hoped for.

Despite myself, my prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed!

Why God does not hear our prayers?

a.       Because of our sins and iniquities (Isa. 59:1,2; Prov. 1:24-28; 15:29; Ps. 68:18 "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me"; Jer. 11:11; 14:12).

b.       Because of doubting (James 1:5-8; Mark 11:24)

c.       Because one does not hear the cries of the poor (Prov. 21:13)

d.       Because one does not forgive others (Matt. 6:14,15; 18:21-35)

e.       Because of selfish, impure motives (James 4:3)

f.        Because husbands do not treat wives kindly (1 Pet. 3:7)

g.       Because we put other priorities first (Matt. 6:33).

Introduction:

      "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man" (1 Cor. 10:13).  Some people have the odd notion that the victorious Christian never experiences temptation.  But to be tempted is to be human.  Even Jesus was tempted in his humanity

      Let's examine the temptation of Jesus.  After his baptism in Jordan, God said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well‑pleased."  The Spirit has led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Mt. 4:1).  These temptations were the devil's attempt to give Jesus a crown without a cross.  G. Campbell Morgan:  "The temptation is the story of hell's attempt to thwart heaven's purpose."  Jesus faced temptation when he was "full of the Spirit"; yet he was weak in body, having fasted 40 days.

The Three Temptations:

      1. Luke 4: 3‑4  "If indeed You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."  The issue is will Jesus continue to trust and obey His Father or will he turn to Satan for something to eat?  Jesus' answer (Deut 8:3) "Man shall not live on bread alone."  Man's needs are more than physical, more than bread.     Satan's big lie is that fulfillment comes by meeting the physical needs and drives.  There is also an appeal here to Jesus' pride: "if you are the Son of God. . ."  Jesus didn't need to prove anything.

      2. Luke 4:5‑8  "Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be yours."  The prince of this world promised, "I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish."  To worship the devil meant unlimited glory, power and wealth.  "I'll make you Messiah by a shortcut.  Instead of the cross, you can be King right now."  Compromise with evil to achieve your goal.  Satan's scheme: the end justifies the means.  Jesus was smart enough to know that worshipping Satan also meant serving him; Satan always has a price.  It stands written:  "You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only."  You will serve what you worship. (Deut. 6:13)

      3. Luke 4:9‑12  "If you are the Son of God, cast Yourself down from here."  Jesus had been led to the pinnacle of the Temple (a sheer drop of 400‑500 feet from the pinnacle into the Valley of Kidron).  Satan:  "You can trust God!  Give the people some razzle‑dazzle.  The angels will swoop you up; you won't be injured; the people will immediately acclaim you as Messiah."  You have a shortcut, if you are who you say you are!  Deut. 6:16  "You shall not force a test on the Lord your God."

      4. When the devil had finished with every (possible kind of) temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. (4:13). Satan always has a follow‑up program, and he did come back later. 

·         Mark 8:31‑33 Peter's trying to dissuade Jesus concerning the cross. 

·         Luke 22:40‑46 Jesus at Gethsemane. Pray that you may not enter into temptation.

What We Can Learn from the Temptation of Jesus?

1. We learn not to expect to be free from temptation.

      Jesus was not free, nor was Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon, Jonah, Esther, Peter, Paul, Timothy, or Demas. Paul said in 2 Tim. 3:12, "And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Our temptations are those "common to man"; many others have gone through what you are going through and have overcome  (No one can say,  "you just don't understand.")

2. We must distinguish between temptation and sin. All are tempted; only those who yield to temptation sin. Jesus was tempted but did not sin  (Heb. 4:14‑16). We can hold fast our confession. Jesus understands temptation and sympathizes with our weaknesses. We can draw near to God with confidence not fear. We can receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (2 Cor. 12:7‑10).

3. We learn that the way to victory is to know and use the Word of God. Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden (treasured) your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:9 says, "How can the young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word." Paul said in Acts 20:32,  "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Bible study is not merely to know God's will; it is protection and reassurance and instruction in life. (Rom. 15:4) David said in Psalm 119:24, "Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors." Again David says in Psalm 119:104,  "I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path." David also says in Psalm 119:114, "You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word."

4. We must remember that Christ prays for us.

In Luke 22:31‑32 Christ prayed for