¹³ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

You know that to escape the wrath of God and be spared you must be a BELIEVER. A believer is described in the bible as having certain characteristics. If you find that you lack them, you just might not be a real believer.  One critical thing is PEACE, if we would survive spiritually.

INTRO: Peace is freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility: mental calm; serenity: the peace of mind this insurance gives you.

 I. True BELIEF in the Lord brings PEACE

You have to settle things with God and man. You cannot have disturbances going on in your heart and mind and be truly at peace.

John 14

²⁵ These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. ²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

True BELIEF in the Lord brings JOY

John 16

³³ These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

You have to make things right with people, before you can move on. If you aren’t joyful in your Christianity, quit blaming other things; you just aren’t at peace for some reason

True BELIEF in the Lord gives HOPE

Hope comes alive again, when you make everything right and just drop all your issues with people. People are joy stealers.

Children Obey your Parents in the Lord

When they are in the Lord they will obey their parents, but not when they’re married and on their own.

Pr. 20 (11)
Even a child is known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Pr. 22 (6) and (15)

Train up a child in the way he should go:

And when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child;

But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Pr. 23 (13) and (24)

Withhold not correction from the child:

For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice:

And he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

Pr. 29 (15)

The rod and reproof give wisdom:

But a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

I Tim. 3 (1-6)
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. ² A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; ³ Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ⁴ One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ⁵ (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)”

Gravity; a : dignity or sobriety of bearing b  : importance, significance especially : seriousness

INTRODUCTION: Through the years, many people have asked me why they weren’t sure what God wanted them to do; all they knew was that God had called them to preach. Why would we know, if it isn’t time to do it?

In Mark 1, Jesus said little more than ‘follow me’ and ‘I will make you’. He didn’t say where they would go, or what God’s intentions were concerning their ministries nor even mention how they would die. That’s the whole idea of ‘following’ isn’t it?  Neither will He show us these things about ourselves, before the time; at first He simply says “follow me”, and wherever that leads, it will be for the purpose of reaching others (catching fish?).

God didn’t promise them a health care plan, nor guarantee coverage of their dental expenses or even promise them heaven.
I. When you’re following Christ, it doesn’t matter where He’s leading

Believe it or not, Universities structure their curricula  to accommodate  the unfocused nature of freshmen students, especially males. They will take courses that are common to all majors, and mature enough during those first few years of college to determine their direction.

II. When you’re following Christ, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing
When an employer tells you “sweep that floor over there,” you do it.  Then you let him know you’re finished. “What’s next?” you ask. He gives you another task, you repeat the cycle. The ministry is the same; God gives you a task and, when He has something else for you, He lets you know.

I Cor. 12
This teaching was to show the Corinthians that they should neither (Chap. 3)  judge nor disdain one another by where in the church God placed them.

12 (1-11) – The Spirit works all the gifts, but there are different ones
12 (12-14) – We’re all part of a body that is ONE (Unified) but do the same things
12 (15-17) – No matter what part we play, we’re all important to the whole body
12 (18) – God puts us doing what HE wants, not what WE want
12 (19-22) – If we all had the same ministries, we’d be only a stack of parts, not a body
12 (23-27) – The less glorious jobs, are necessary and deserve more honor
THE BOTTOM LINE: (25) “but that the members should have the same care one for another”

The Sum of the Matter

²⁸ ”And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? ³⁰ Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? ³¹ But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. “

Chapter 13 shows us that, even if you worked ALL of those gifts, without love, you’re nothing. I have seen so many in the work of God who are carnal. They look at their resume instead of the will of God and what He wants done next. People more concerned about being “of Apollos” (I Cor. 1) than being a true Christian who loves his brother. They’re about “who’d done this” and “who’s done that”.

ILLUSTRATION:
A Brother once told me that, when he was in the military, he was a very “stract” trooper! He kept his shoes shined, fatigues starched, etc. and that “anyone can push a pencil”. I had never Pastored a church at that time, and I realized that he was talking down to me just a little. “No, anyone can be a grunt, but not anyone can push a pencil” I replied. We went back and forth with that a little, and left it there. I had done the grunt thing too, so I knew the difference.

A year or so later, he wound up doing administrative work. When he wasn’t at the Campground at the usual time, I asked where he was. Someone said “he’s trying to solve some problem with the finances, and then he’ll be coming. “Tell him, anyone can push a pencil” I said. He later acknowledged that I was right.

Don’t let anyone talk down to you, if you are a helper, a soul-winner, a children’s church teacher, whatever. God puts us where He wants us, and He’s the one that matters. Only those who are of carnal thinking, cannot see this truth of the scriptures.

III. When you’re following Christ, it doesn’t matter what’s next
Some people in the ministry live for ‘someday’. That is, their current work for God is ill affected by their plan to use it only as a stepping stone to their next job.

Bible Setting: Ezek. 8

INTRO: (The description of Ezekiel’s experience) from Chapter 8

To look at the sins they committed, makes us stand amazed. We’re always amazed over what others do, but never at our own sins.

ILL: Heard of those “out of body experiences?”  What if we could have one?

What if we could go outside ourselves, and look back? What if we could DIG through the walls and see what is deep in our hearts? Watch our actions?

***Ezekiel’s tour of the abominations

TAMMUZ Chief Sumerian deity whose name derived from the Sumerian dumuzi. He is the god of fertility, of vegetation and agriculture, and of death and resurrection, and he is the patron deity of shepherds. The son and consort of Ashtar  This rejuvenation of life and defeat of death was annually celebrated during the Babylonian New Year Festival.

In the OT, the prophet Ezekiel sees in a vision women weeping for Tammuz at the north gate of the temple; this is a prophetic description of coming desecrations of the Lord’s house (Ez 8:14).

In other words, instead of remaining true to the LIVING GOD, the religious leaders of the time had conformed to the idolatrous ways of Babylon.

Chapter 9

Ezekiel received instructions concerning the judgment that God would bring upon them.
The Chamber of the Heart

Chambre…vault or private room.

The Heart has 4 chambers

A Gun has a ‘chamber’

Ezekiel saw into the Chamber of their imagery (full of images)

When Ezek. looked in, and God said “do you see what they’re doing?” they weren’t stealing; no orgy was going on. What infuriated God was their devotion to other things, and turning their backs toward Him. More than immorality, God is looking at the OTHER things we worship in our hearts. Worldly indulgences that even ministers today are obsessed with, and delighting in.

Our Attitude toward our sins

See 9 (4)  Those who weep…and sigh…

They were the ones that escaped the judgment here in Ezek. Do we “weep and sigh” about the abominations of the land?  The filth in the media, the movies, etc.? Or are you INVOLVED with it? Do you love a good movie or football game, more than you love going to church? Is your back toward the house of God?

Holiness is a thing of the heart, regardless of what denomination of church you attend. You can go to heaven outside of NTCC, and you can go to hell INSIDE NTCC.

As Peter once said, it is time for judgment to begin at the house of God. God said in Ezek., to let the slayers begin “at mine house”.

BR: Luke 22 (39-46)

³⁹ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. ⁴⁰ And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. ⁴¹ And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, ⁴² Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. ⁴³ And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴ And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵ And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶ And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

INTRO: Knowledge is progressive; we have knowledge of many things today, because of the discoveries of others since the beginning of the world. The Law of Moses is a standard against which all things are compared, and according the the bible book of Galatians, that OT law of God was a “Schoolmaster”  (Teacher) to us; it gave us knowledge of our sins and shortcomings, so we could realize we need Christ.

We have to “come to certain “places”, through progressive learning and experiences, to realize certain things. That’s why you get better at things you do, that’s why you change from the way you once did things.

You can HAVE knowledge, without using it.  A bible can sit on your coffee table, but it won’t act alone. You may know WHAT to do; what you SHOULD do; what you CAN do; but you will not ACT until you ‘come to the place’

Look at II Peter 1 (1-11)

THROUGH the knowledge; All things pertaining to LIFE; MIGHT!

There must be TWO factors to multiply and realize a PRODUCT! In the same sense, it takes both Jesus’ and YOU!

I) The Place of Understanding
The Ravens Feed Elijah (I Kings 17:3-6)

³ Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. ⁴ And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. ⁵ So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. ⁶ And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. He had to get to that place, before God could feed and care for Him the way He wanted to.

Heb. 5 (7-9)

⁸ Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; ⁹ And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

He continues in vs. 11-14 to show us something about Jesus’ progressive learning;

¹¹ Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. ¹² For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. ¹³ For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. ¹⁴ But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Ordained to follow in His steps

I Peter 2 (21-25) ²¹ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: ²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: ²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: ²⁴ Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. ²⁵ For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Let’s look at some of the major steps in the life of Jesus, realizing that, we all as Christians, come to these same places.

EMPHASIZE; It does not make sense to put off the decision to give your life to God;

• God did so much, Christ gave so much, it shouldn’t be wasted
• TIme flies whether you’re having fun or not, and your days are numbered
• Your life is WAY better and FAR more fulfilling with Christ in it!
• The torment of hell in never-ending and unthinkable
• As much as it makes good sense to get saved quickly and gladly, no one will, until they come to that place.

II) The place of Gethsemane

A place of many olive trees; the word Gethsemane means “the place of crushing”

This was a method used to crush the olives with a huge, tapered stone, that rolled over the olives and pressed the oil out and down through a drain to be captured. With it was made wonderful, fragrant things; things needed for the burning of the lamps of God’s house; anointing oil for procedures described in God’s law to Israel; and of course, cooking.

John 18

18 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

² And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. ³ Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

• Judas was the traitor that gave Jesus over to the murderous band of false accusers and political puppets!
• He knew Jesus would be there, in the place of prayer
• He knew he SHOULD be there with Him

Many people start their Christian experience just fine, with JOY! But when they are crushed, you see what is inside them because it is squeezed out. The outer part of the olive is firm yet tender, and retains its shape well. But when it is ‘pressed’ its form is destroyed as it yields forth the oil within.

So too, our pretenses, claims, professions. exterior is lost when crushed and the true ‘us’ comes out. It is then that we learn things about ourselves; things that are at times, ugly to behold. We then have two choices; quit or persevere!

III) The place of the cross; Calvary

GOLGOTHA Place where Jesus and two thieves were crucified, in the vicinity of Jerusalem. The term appears in the NT only in the accounts of the Crucifixion. Three of the Gospels use the Hebrew-Aramaic term, “Golgotha” (Mt 27:33; Mk 15:22; Jn 19:17), while one uses the Latin equivalent, “Calvary,” meaning “skull or cranium” (Lk 23:33).

GAL. “I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST!”

Far from his homeland and concerned for his people, Nehemiah began to enquire about their welfare (1:1-4) and once aware, he began to pray for them (1:5-11) More than a story about the rebuilding of a city; rebuilding is something we must all do at sometime in our lives. The principles the Nehemiah put to work are of value to anyone that seeks a new start.

I) His Task (2:1-8)

• He had never been sad in the presence of the King before. Notice 2:2;
• He prayed before responding to the King’s question (2:4-5)
• He asked a lot of the King, but God gave him favor (2:8- end of the verse)

II) His Challenge

• He wasn’t afraid to move ahead, when enemies arose (2:10)
• God put it in his heart to do the work (2:12)

III) His Plan

• He surveys the ruins;  (2:11-17)
• He faces the obstacles
• He has persevering faith in the project (2:18-20)
• His vision gains the cooperation of his team of leaders (2:18)

IV) His Determination

• He inspired many to get to work (Chapter 3)
• He didn’t let enemies stop him (4:1-6:14)
• He turned to prayer when the pressure was on (4:1-5, 9)
• The opposition increased (4:7-8)
• They were ready to fight for their cause (4:14-15)

V) His Wisdom

• He was a peacemaker(Chapter 5)
• He kept praying (5:19)
• He knew how to deal with his enemies (6:1-4)
• He knew how to counter lies (6:8-9)
• He knew how to deal with deception (6:9-14)
• He finished the job (6:15)
• The enemies were discouraged (6:17-19)

V) His Leadership in Governance

In the remaining chapters

• He spearheaded plans for religious reforms and teaching
• He used reading of the word to re-educate the people about God
• He re-instituted their religious feasts and observances of God’s word
• He performed dedicatory functions to dedicate the rebuilt walls, etc., to God

BR: Romans 6 (17-23)
INTRO: In I Cor. 12-14 - The mighty works of God through His Holy Spirit are called “the gifts of the Spirit”  This is healing for the body, mind and heart, and anything else that is needed; a word of encouragement, knowledge, wisdom, faith, power! All GIFTS from God, not just on Christmas, but EVERY DAY!

Psalm 68 (19)

Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits, Even the God of our salvation. Selah.

In Ephesians,  even faith to believe the word of God is called “a gift of God”!

I Cor. 13- LOVE is the greatest Gift, the Lord said!

I) When God gave His Son, He gave us His love

John 3 (16)
¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

There is NO GREATER GIFT than that…and NO GREATER LOVE than that He laid down His life for us!
II) When God gave His Son, He gave us all that pertains to Christ

ILL:  The present given to Grant years ago; a box, in a box, in a box, in a box…

When you receive the gift of God, (Jesus) there’s one great discovery after another!

II Cor. 1 (20) ²⁰ For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen,

Prov. 12 (14) A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

Funny how a gift has the power to turn away a person’s wrath, melt their resistance, etc.  Even in anger they would be glad to receive it, even giggle lightheartedly because someone “brought them a present”. But when the Gift of God, Jesus Christ, is presented, it makes people mad! Ironically, He’s the greatest gift of all and the gift most often rejected! 

James 1 ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

III) You must RECEIVE THE GIFT! 

Sometimes people’s pride won’t let them receive anything from another, because they don’t want it held against them later or they ‘don’t want anyone’s handouts”. Remember what James said, we just read it;  God gives to YOU, and neither VARIES, nor TURNS AWAY. He is not ambivalent about giving you what you need and, according to the first chapter of James, will not upbraid you for asking.

Who would receive a gift, unless they wanted it?  Neither would a person received Christ without a desire; he must “acquire the desire” for Christ! How?  Just decide to receive what you know you need.

²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; ²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: ²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

(Cornerstone from NTCC St. Louis, MO - right)

Jesus is God’s Cornerstone

The Cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

Over time a cornerstone became a ceremonial masonry stone, or replica, set in a prominent location on the outside of a building, with an inscription on the stone indicating the construction dates of the building and the names of architect, builder and other significant individuals. The rite of laying a cornerstone is an important cultural component of eastern architecture and metaphorically in sacred architecture generally.

Time Capsules

Some cornerstones include time capsules from the time a particular building was built. The origins of this tradition are vague but its presence in Judeo-Christian countries can be associated with one quotation from the Old Testament (Psalm 118:22) cited six times in the New Testament (Matthew 21:42,Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20 and 1 Peter 2:7). (from Wikipedia)

Benefits of the Cornerstone – Matthew 7
I’ll highlight the relevant items in the passages below. These are only a few benefits, and who could list them?

²⁴ 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: ²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. ²⁶ And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: ²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. ²⁸ And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: ²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

• You will be WISE in the eyes of God
• You will STAND in the inevitable storms
• You have God’s authority (validation) unlike that of religions
• You will have stability and surety
• You will not be abandoned

All life’s constructs must be relative to the placement of God’s Cornerstone; before you build, take a measurement from Him . That means He’s our standard, reference point, fixed platform, constant, and anchor.

Isaiah 28 (16)

¹⁶  Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, A tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation
Jesus Christ is exalted, tested and SURE!

Acts 4 (10-12)

¹¹ This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. ¹² Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.