MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOU NEED

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

Today, as in other uncertain times, we may wonder how we are going to make it.  For Christians, we have a God who cares about us and is able to meet all of our needs.

God has been given many names given to describe Him in the Old Testament.  One of them is Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord Who Provides

The name is literally, The Lord Who Sees, or The Lord Who Will See To It. This is what we long for when we have a need that is personal and special; One who will see to our needs and provide for us. This is what Jehovah-Jireh means; the Lord Who will see to it that my every need is met. One Who knows my need because He sees. One Who is able to meet my need in just the right time as He did for Abraham, and One Who can meet it fully. For Abraham, it was the ram caught in the thicket that was offered in Isaac's place. For us it is whatever we need.  The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil (Psalms 34:15-16).  

The righteous are those who love God and demonstrate that love in their actions toward Him and toward others.

In Genesis 22 we have the account of God telling Abraham to take his only son and offer him as a sacrifice and burnt offering.   

When Abraham’s adult son asked him, where was the sacrifice, he said: My son, God (Jehovah-Jireh), will provide  himself a lamb for a burnt offering.(Genesis 22: 6-8).  God always shows up on time, not our time, but His time.

At the time Isaac was going to be offered up, God provided a ram.  And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Genesis 22:10-12).

Abraham believe that even if he had offered Isaac, God was able to raise him from the dead.  By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead(Hebrews 11:17-19). And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh  (Genesis 22:14)

God provided His Son as a sacrifice for you and me, and raised Him from the dead as he will you and me one day.  Christ has already made provision for your salvation: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).  

From these scriptures and others we can learn several things.  We can learn that God’s provision will come in the time of our greatest need.  Where will He provide?  He will provide for us in the mount, that is the place of our trial.  When you cannot see the answer to your need, the Lord will see you and see to your need.  He will be your Jehovah-Jireh.  The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil.  (Psalms 34:15-16).

When we have needs, God is Jehovah-Jireh for us.  He can and will provide. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass (Psalms 37:4-5).

We can learn that the provision was made by God Himself. This is a provision that guarantees all other provisions you need. We do not have to interfere with the provision of God.  Do you think that after He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, that you need to try to manipulate circumstances for God to work?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32).  Jehovah-Jireh is concerned about your needs: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).

It is not God’s will for you to walk around feeling like a victim.  It is time to quit blaming others for where you are in your life.  If there is a need in your life that has gone unmet, it is time to ask God to help you, and then get busy with the gifts and talents that God has given you to meet that need.  It may take some sacrifice on your part in time and energy for God to give you what you need.   Every one of us shall give an account of himself to God  Romans 14:12

 The supply is there for your need. My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  This does not say wants.  God will give you what you need.   You have to go to the right source and believe that He is able to help you.  This is called faith.

Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He that comes to God must believe that He is (real), and that He rewards them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6).

These needs include more than things.  God can meet your emotional and spiritual needs as well. Identify those things you really need. He can send people into our life to help you meet those needs.  The Holy Spirit is in you to help you, and teach you, how to handle the things that you lack in your life.

It is God’s desire to help you today.

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers  (3 John 2).

THE COMPASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS TOWARD OTHERS

The Compassion of Our Lord Jesus Toward Others

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ did many amazing things while He was on the Earth and during His ministry.   Look at His interaction with those He met and how he showed compassion on them and their needs.  His compassion was not just words, but actions.  We need to be more like Jesus as we walk through this world.  We may not have the Power to heal the sick, feed the multitudes, raise the dead, or help needy children, but we do have the power of prayer which we can use to meet these needs.  If it is God’s will, and you ask in Jesus’ name you can help other’s with their requests and your prayers. "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. "If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:12-15).

He Had Compassion On Those Who Came To Him

“And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2-3).  Our Lord had compassion on people who were societal outcasts, to those that others had totally given up on.  The man knew Jesus could help him, but was not sure if he wanted to because of what he was.  Today our Lord “is willing” to help those who are willing to come to Him.  Spread the good news that our Savior is ready to help those who cannot help themselves and when others have no desire to help them. "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (Mark 2:17).

He Had Compassion On Those Who Others Cared About

“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him…….Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.” (Matthew 8:5-13).   Our Lord had compassion for those who could not get to Him but others brought their needs to Him.  You can take the needs of others to our compassionate Savior. 

He Had Compassion on Those Who Were Grieving The Loss of Their Loved Ones

“While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples…. When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him. But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.” (Matthew 9:18-25).  Our Lord has compassion on those who grieve the loss of a loved one.  In this case He caused the girl to come alive again.  If we follow Jesus we will see all of our loved ones who the Lord has already brought back to life and are living with Him in Heaven. At another time when our Lord brought someone back from the dead Jesus said:  “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26).

He Had Compassion on Children

“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:13-14).  Our Lord had compassion on children.  He did not say wait until they get old enough to understand the Bible and who I am before you allow them to come to me.    He explained His love for children by saying: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:1-5).  Our Lord gave a stern warning about mistreating children.  "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10).

You may not be able to meet the needs of everyone you meet, but you can have compassion on the people God sends your way asking for help.  Someone needs your compassion today, not just your sympathy. Someone needs your prayers, not just your well wishes.   You can make a difference with your prayers and following the Lord in meeting the needs of others.  Have compassion on someone today.

GENESIS 8

GENESIS 8

Verses 1-5  God Remembers Noah

Noah had been in the Ark a full year and ten days.   Noah had found grace in the eyes of the Lord, yet perhaps began to think that he had been forgotten.  When God’s people go through afflictions and problems they seem unusually grievous and long.  God commanded the wind.  He told it to Go, and it went.  Jesus told the wind to cease in the storm and it did.  The ark rested.  God has times and places of rest for his people after their trials and tribulations.    “"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."(Matthew 11:28-30).

Notice that Noah was safe in the ark - but he wasn’t delivered yet from the flood. God was doing a lot in the background - unseen by Noah - to secure his deliverance. Noah’s job was to wait patiently. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”Isaiah 40:31.   That’s what we should do too.  We are in the Lord, but we have not been delivered yet.  “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” (Colossians 2:6).  “Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” (1 John 3:24).

Verses 6- 12  Noah Sends A Dove

Noah sent a dove out three times.  Often we have to pray more than once for an answer.  When the dove did not find rest, he returned to the ark.  Christ is our ark and we must return to the ark for rest.  The olive branch that the dove brought back was and is an emblem of peace.  God sent forth His gospel as the dove in the likeness of the Holy Spirit as it descended upon our Lord and Savior.  "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  (Luke 11:9-10).

Verses 13-14  Dry Ground

God can make dry ground to appear even where it seems to have been lost and forgotten.  God did not allow him to go out of the ark for almost two months after he saw the dry land.  God knows what is good for us better than we do for ourselves and we must wait on His timing. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).  We must be satisfied with God’s timing and wait until He decides to show His mercy to us.

Verses 15-19  Go forth

Noah landed on Mt Ararat, about 17,000 feet above sea level. But he doesn’t get out until God tells him to. We don’t need to move until God tells us to move.

God said “Come into the ark”, but He says “Go forth”which indicates that God went in with him, stayed with him all the time, and then sent him out safely.  Jesus said: “I will never leave you or forsake you”.  Though he had been in the ark a year and 10 days, he found himself preserved there, not only for a new life, but for a new world.  One day we will see our new Heaven and new Earth.

Verses 20-22  Noah’s Sacrifice

This is the first altar mentioned in the Bible.  Noah is worshipping and the sacrifice was meant to show God that Noah wanted continual reliance and fellowship with God.  It was probably also to say "thanks for getting me though this!"

He built an altar without particular instructions.  God is pleased with free-will offerings and praises that wait for him.  He offered only those that were clean.  The amount was small, but God wants even our small sacrifices of praise and righteousness

It is no longer necessary to offer sacrifices of animals to God.  “But this Man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,” (Hebrews 10:12).  But there is a sacrifice from us that God will be please with.  “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”(Hebrews 13:15).

THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY

The More Excellent Way

“But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”                (1 Corinthians 12:31)

Preceding the verse above, Paul has been speaking of the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit such as healing of the sick and foretelling things to come in the future days of Bible prophecy. The more excellent way to use our gifts  is the way of loving all men with God’s power controlling our lives.  “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

There are many gifts that the Bible mentions that are given to Christians to be useful to our generation.  In I Corinthians 12:28 Paul mentions that included in the list of gifts given to the church is the gift of teaching, gift of preaching,  gift of helps, gift of administration, and the gift of governing.  There are also many individual gifts the Lord has given us such as artistic gifts, musical gifts, gift of good health, gift of encouragement, the gift of giving financially, the gift of praying for others, the gift of faith to believe that the Lord can do all things, the gift of convincing speech to lead others to Christ, and the gift of knowledge. I do not think there is anyone who hears or reads this message that does not have one or more of these gifts.   Paul tells us to desire the best gifts.

Let us take whatever gifts God has given to us and use them in “a more excellent way”.  After we have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit sets before us a challenge to use our gifts to glorify God and to help others.  The gifts God has given to us are not to make us rich, famous, or proud.  “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.”  (James 1:16-18).

If you have the gift of good health, the Lord wants you to use it in “a more excellent way”, and not waste it on things that would destroy it.  Find a way to improve your health by exercising, eating right, and avoiding things that will rob you of that gift that many people wish they had.  “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.  (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  You already have the best health care program on Earth, called “God Care’.  “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases”  (Psalms 103:2-3).  But you are accountable for the things you do with this gift.“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”(Romans 14:12).

If you have received the gift of financial security, remember that God who owns Heaven and Earth has entrusted unto you part of His riches to be used for the glory of God and for others.   "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”  (Matthew 6:19-20).  You will have no reward in Heaven for what you do not lay up while you are on the Earth.  This includes money, works of love, and devotion to your Lord and Savior.  Use your money in “a more excellent way”. "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.” (Malachi 3:8-9)

If you have the gift of knowledge and understanding, use it for the glory of God.  Some have been given the ability to read, remember, and speak about things in a way that others can understand and learn from them.  Can you sing with a voice, or play an instrument that will draw others to think about the love of God?  Will you give unto God the things that are God’s and give Him all the goods of your heart? “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.” (Psalms 51:10-14).

Every gift that has been given unto us should be used with our best effort and in “a more excellent way”.  Evaluate your gifts today and follow this life philosophy:  “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24).  Remember, our God is a God of excellence.  “O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalms 8:9).  “How excellent is your loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings.”  (Psalms 36:7).

Start today.  Ask for forgiveness where you have failed and choose to do better with what God has given you.  You will find that the better you use your gifts the more they will increase and many people will be blessed by your life.

WHAT MORE COULD I HAVE DONE, THAT I HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE?

What more could have been done to My vineyard, That I have not done in it?

Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes?    Isaiah 5:4

Our Lord has described His relationship with you in many different ways.  He has called you His friend.  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”  John 15:13-14.  He has called you to a special position in His service. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

In our text verse today, God is comparing you to a place He has invested a lot of time and work to receive something in return.  God is asking a question: “What More Could I have Done for  You, That I have Not Already Done?” to receive something good from you in return.

Many Christians today have disappointed God with the fruits of their lives.  Instead of producing the fruit of the Spirit, they have produced sour grapes in their lives.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23.

Many people have given excuses on why they are not serving the Lord with their whole hearts which is a commandment we have received. "Jesus said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”   Matt.22:37-38.  Many others have failed to show their love for others in deeds and actions.

When God looks at your life, what does He see?  He wants you to know that it really matters to Him.  Actions such as reading your Bible, praying, attending Church, ministering to others in need, are good fruits that a Christian should always produce.

Jesus put it this way:  “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.” Luke 6:45.

What more could God have done for you than to give you the desire and ability to bring Him good fruit?


He has provided a way for you to receive forgiveness of your sins through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16.  Do you know of anyone else that cares that much for you? “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:7-8.

What more could God do for you than to reveal to you the opportunity to receive eternal life? God has given you clear instructions in His precious Word - The Holy Bible.  “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  Romans 10:9-10.  This opportunity is offered to anyone who wants to follow God and will live a life pleasing to Him.  “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved” Romans 10:13.

What more could God do for you than to provide you with the ability to communicate with Him?  “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  Luke 11:9-10.

What more could God do for you than to give you other Christians to help you learn about the love of God?  “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. I John 1:7.  He has given you a Church, a body of believers who can encourage you to live for God.

What more could God do for you than to give you all the things you need?  He has given you the resources of prayer and protection. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:31-32

What more could God do for you than to provide for you an eternal place to be with Him?   “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”  John 14: 1-3.  You will spend eternity some place.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be with God and all those people who love Him and are already with Him?


God has done a lot for you and in return He is expecting to see good fruit for all the time and energy He has put into your life.  A relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is more than just mentally believing that they exist.   It is a relationship.  “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!  But do you not know, O foolish person, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:18-20.

God has given each of you gifts and abilities that can glorify Him and be a blessing to others.  God has done His part and I don’t know of anything else He can do to show His love for you.  The question then becomes: “God, What more can I do for you?”.  Let that be your prayer and He will show you many ways to receive blessings from Him and be a blessing to others.  Everything you do today for the Lord will count for Eternity.  “Set your affections (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.”  Colossians 3:2

“BY GRACE ARE YOU SAVED THROUGH FAITH”

“BY GRACE ARE YOU SAVED THROUGH FAITH”

(The thoughts and words of this message are paraphrased from two messages preached by John Wesley.  “Salvation by Faith” and “The Scripture Way of Salvation”)

“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

It was the free grace that “the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7).  Neither your faith, nor your salvation comes from you.  It is the free and undeserved gift of God.  The faith through which you are saved as well as the salvation which He of His own good pleasure and favor gives to you.  Faith and salvation include the substance of the whole Bible, so it is very important that we form a true and accurate picture concerning both of them.

The first question we need to answer is: “What is salvation?”  The salvation which is in our text is frequently understood as “going to Heaven” and having “eternal happiness”.  This scripture might be extended to the entire work of God, from the first dawning of grace in the soul until it is consummated in glory.  But in this verse the Apostle Paul is saying: “You are saved”.  It is not just a blessing which lies on the other side of death, but it is implied you are now “pardoned and forgiven”.  The immediate effects of our salvation are that “the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7), and  “whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)…”you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).  So we can know we have this salvation when we have peace and joy about our present relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ also came to save us from the guilt and the power of sin.  “And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:21).  He will save them from all their sins both original and actual, past and present sins of the flesh and of the spirit. “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the impurity of your flesh, He has made you alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14).  You do not have to live a sinful life.  You now are saved from the power of it.

The second point to consider is since we are “saved” by faith, what is “faith?  The Bible defines it this way: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1).  Faith is a divine evidence and conviction of things not seen or visible; things that are not perceivable either by sight or by any other of the external senses.  It implies both a supernatural “evidence” of God and of the things of God, a kind of spiritual light given to the soul. “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6).  Our Lord and Savior said of Himself:  "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12).

When we receive Christ and are “born again”, the eyes of our soul are both opened and enlightened so that we see the things which the natural eye cannot see. “But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9). 

This faith of assurance is the divine evidence that God loves us.  "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).  He that believes with the true living faith that is given by God has the evidence and conviction within himself that he is a child of God.  No one has to prove it to him, nor can they take away that conviction.  “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”.  (Romans 8:16).  This is the faith by which we are given our salvation.

The third consideration is if we are saved by faith and not by works, what part do works play in our Christian life.  In coming to Christ God has commanded us to repent or “cease” from doing evil and learn to do good. "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;” (Isaiah 1:16-19).

Therefore repentance and good works are in some sense related.  But works or fruits are only necessary if there be time and opportunity for them. A person may receive Christ on their death bed like the thief on the cross.  Everyone that believes is saved and no man is saved until he believes. “For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13).  Our gift of salvation is called being “justified”.  But everyone who is saved desires to please God and be used of Him.  This is called being “sanctified”.    Both repentance as well as the practice of all good works are necessary to be “sanctified” or to be used of God in His service.  These works include prayer, searching the Scriptures, being baptized and receiving the Lord’s Supper, works of mercy toward others such as feeding the hungry and visiting the sick, and contributing in any manner to saving of souls though their hearing the Gospel message.  This is part of the conviction and assurance we have that we have “been saved by grace, through faith”.

DON'T WALK AWAY FROM YOUR BLESSING

Don’t Walk Away From Your Blessing

“And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean." But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, "Indeed, I said to myself, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.' "Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage.” (2 Kings 5:10-12 NKJV)

God does not always show us how He is going to bless us.  The information given to Naaman about Elisha's power to heal his leprosy was given to him be a little maid that waited on his wife.  "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9).  When you are praying for a blessing, do not under estimate the advice or suggestions that is given to you.  God might use something you read or hear that you were not expecting.  You may attend a Sunday evening or Wednesday night service and the Holy Spirit might give you the wisdom you need to receive the blessing you have been praying about.

God does not always use the same method to accomplish His goals and bring blessings to those who ask.  In Naaman’s situation, Elisha did not even go out to meet him but sent his servant to tell him what to do.  This upset Naaman and almost cost him his healing.  This is what he wanted Elisha to do:  “But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, "Indeed, I said to myself, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.” (2 Kings 5:11).  When you receive Godly counsel, you may be told that you have to stop doing some things you are doing or start doing some things you are not doing to receive God’s blessings. 

Pride will keep you from receiving God’s blessings.  “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18).  “For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:16-17). Proud men are the worst enemies to themselves and keep themselves from receiving the blessings of God.

You are more likely to find God’s blessing when you are in God’s territory and with God’s people.   Jordan belonged to Israel's God, from whom he was to expect the cure, and not from the gods of Damascus or their rivers.  It watered the Lord's land, the holy land, and in it held a miraculous cure. The relation of the river to God was much more considerable than the depth of the channel or the beauty of the stream. That Jordan had more than once before this obeyed the commands of omnipotence. “I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD." (Psalms 122:1).

After taking the advice of his servants, Naaman yielded to make this exercise not one of faith, but of an experiment. He received his blessing and healing because he obeyed the Word of God.  Elisha told him to wash or dip himself in the Jordan seven times and he did it. “So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” (2 Kings 5:14).  God will always honor His Word.  “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides.” (Psalms 119:89-90).  “The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” (Psalms 119:160).  “It is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.”(Hebrews 6:18). 

When Naaman received his blessing he gave God glory and praise.  Of the ten lepers that our Saviour cleansed, the only one that returned to give thanks was a Samaritan.  “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? (Luke 17:15-17)   This Syrian did so, and here expresses himself.  Convinced of the power of the God of Israel he said: “And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, "Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant." (2 Kings 5:15).  Can’t we as God’s children give Him praise and honor when He answers our prayers. “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalms 107:8).

Don’t get angry at God or His Word when your blessing is delayed or not exactly what you wanted.  If Naaman had not turned back to the man of God and obeyed God’s Word, He would have died a leper instead of a great military leader.  Many people have walked away from God’s blessings when they were so close to getting them. “Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." (Acts 26:28).  Almost is not good enough when you are dealing with God.

SERIES OF MESSAGES IS ON THE NAMES OF GOD

SERMON - 1

Pastor Mark Taylor                                 Friendship United Methodist Church

                                                     Sunday Morning Worship Service

Jehovah-Nissi - The Lord Our Banner

Exodus 17:8-16

While Joshua and the army of Israel fought the Amalekites in the valley below, Moses stood on the top of Mt. Horeb, which is Mt. Sinai, with his hands stretched out before the Lord, with his rod in his hands. The symbolism in this picture is full of instruction. Moses lifted up his hands in prayer to God and held up the rod, which represented God’s omnipotent power, so that all Israel could see it standing erect, like an immovable banner upon Mt. Sinai. But when Moses hands got heavy, the rod he held sagged. When the army of Israel could not see the rod, they wavered and the Amalekites prevailed against them. Aaron and Hur found a stone and put it under Moses to support him. Then they stood by Moses and held up his hands until the going down of the sun. Thus, Israel defeated the Amalekites. We are like those Israelites. At times it seems that our spiritual warfare will surely end in defeat. Like Moses, we get weary. Our legs are feeble. Our hands begin to sag. It appears that we will surely fall to the enemy. But, just when we have no strength, Christ our High Priest, represented by Aaron, and the Spirit of God, represent by Hur, whose name means liberty, inspire us to lift up our hands in prayer to God. Fixed upon Christ, our sure Foundation Stone, we again see the Rod of God, our mighty Savior, exalted and lifted up like a banner before us. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2), we prevail over our enemies. Our exalted Savior gives us assurance that, when the day of our warfare is over, we shall win the victory over our enemies. Our great Commander says to us, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). And by His grace we too shall overcome the world. At the end of the day, "Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-Nissi" (v. 15), which means, "the Lord our Banner".*

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS JEHOVAH-NISSI, THE LORD OUR BANNER. In the majesty of his person, the efficacy of his work, the merit of his blood, the perfection of his righteousness, the certainty of his triumph, and the glory of his second advent, Christ is the Banner of his Church. Under this Banner we fight and prevail. And to this Banner we rally. In ancient times the banner of a regiment was far more useful than it is today; but we are still familiar with the symbolism. What a nation’s flag is to its people, Christ is to his Church. He is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord our Banner. The banner is lifted up and displayed as the point of union. Countrymen have many things about which they have little quarrels. But let an enemy invade the land and every patriot will rally around the flag. When the chips are down, when liberty and freedom are in danger, all are one. All have one flag as their point of union. Even so, Christ is the point of union for all believers. All rally as one around Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord our Banner.*

When it comes to the person and work of Christ, all true believers are one, all true believers rally around and lift up the Banner of the Cross. Those who oppose and fight against the doctrine of Christ, his eternal Deity, effectual atonement, imputed righteousness, free grace salvation, sovereign rule over all things, or almighty intercession in heaven, are our enemies. All who uphold and defend these things are our brethren. In times of war, the banner directs the battle and encourages the soldiers. Moses held up the rod like a banner before Israel. The banner both directed and encouraged the army below. Aaron and Hur took great care to see to it that the banner did not fall to the ground. If it should fall the battle would be lost. Jehovah-Nissi, Christ our Banner, is the One who directs and encourages us in our warfare here below. We have no cause of fear. Though Moses grew weary, He never shall. He who is the same, yesterday, today and forever, will never fail. Child of God, fix your eyes upon him, and you shall never fail.*

There are at least four kind of victory that God will give you if you will let Him be your banner.  He can and will give you victory over sin in our life.  “But if we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin”           (1 John 1:7).  God can and will give us victory over bad habits and addictions.  “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”       (John 8:36).    God can and will give us victory over sorrow and death. “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26).  "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"     (John 11:26).  "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4). 

 END OF THE SERMON - 1

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SERMON - 2

 The Lord That Heals – Jehovah Rapha

“For I am the LORD that heals you!” (Exodus 15:26)

Rapha means “to restore”, “to heal” or “to make healthful” in Hebrew.

Jehovah is the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people, as well as their nation.

In Exodus 15:22-26 we have the account of Moses leading the children of Israel from the Red Sea to a place called Marah.  They had been without water for 3 days.  And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter.  The people murmured against Moses, saying, What Shall we drink? And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet”.  Then the Lord gave them a conditional promise.

“If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and will do that which is right in His sight, and will give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will not allow any of these diseases come upon you, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that heals you (Jehovah-Rapha).

Jehovah-Rapha is the healer of all our sicknesses.  “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases..” (Psalm 103: 2-3).  Because of Adam’s sin, sickness entered into our genetics and lives.  Everyone that Jesus healed eventually died.  But our Lord Jesus is still in the healing business.  God’s prevention of disease ought to be as much a matter of praise as his curing us of it.  God uses medicine and doctors to treat us as he used the tree that was cast into the waters.  The tree had no healing virtue; but God used the tree to accomplish the healing. Paul told Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach disorders (II Timothy 5:23).  James told the sick to use both prayer and the anointing of oil for the healing of their sick bodies (James 5:14-15).  We should thank God for medicine and doctors, but never to attribute praise to them as healing us.  It is God alone who heals.  In every healing we experience, we have a pledge of the resurrection of the body.  He who restores health to our bodies will restore life to our bodies in the resurrection.

Jehovah-Rapha is the healer of all our troubles.  “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalms 34:6).

The Lord our God has many ways by which he makes our bitter waters of trouble sweet.  Sometimes he simply changes our circumstances.  At other times the Lord turns our sorrow to joy and makes our bitter waters sweet interjecting something unexpected, which changes everything.  Our Lord Jesus is always present with us in our troubles.  Giving in to the will of God and making our hearts submissive to Him will bring peace to the troubled heart quicker and more effectually than anything else.  “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Jehovah-Rapha is the healer of our souls.  “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).  Christ is the Tree of Life that removed the judgment of drinking the bitter waters of sin. The tree is a picture of Christ himself on the cross which put away our sins and brought in everlasting life. First, the Lord made the people know how bitter the water was.  Then prayer was made to God before the waters were healed.  The waters were not healed until the tree was cast into them.  Once the tree was cast into the waters, they were completely healed.  When God heals a soul, it is healed forever and completely.

Jehovah-Rapha will do His final healing when we get to Heaven.  “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).

There is healing for your deepest pains and disappointments.  There is healing over addictions, past hurts, and past failures.  There is healing for your body.  If you have become sidetracked by bitter waters in your soul and spirit, the only way to go to find the sweet water is to run to Jehovah-Rapha, The God Who Heals.

 END OF THE SERMON - 2

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SERMON - 3 

THE NAMES OF GOD

There are many names in the Old Testament that refer to God and each reveal some aspect of God’s character or His relationship with us.  Most versions of the Bible simply translate His name as “God” or LORD”.   But there are several Greek and Hebrew names that contain a wealth of truth about the wonderful God we serve.  We will look at two of these names and begin this wonderful study.

When ever you find the name “Lord” written is small capitals, it represents the name that God revealed to Moses.  This name was Yahweh.  The Jews thought this name was to holy to pronounce when they read the Scriptures aloud, so they pronounced it as Jehovah, which means “Lord God”.  God told Moses that He was the God who always had been , and who always would be.

“And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shall thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (Exodus 3:13-14).  God told Moses that He was the God who always had been, and who always would be.  He was the eternal God.  There are many things in our world that cannot be seen, touched, or measured with instruments, yet we know they exist.  Likewise, we cannot see, touch, or measure God, but we can see the effects of His activity in our world.  We can see people’s lives transformed when they surrender themselves to Him.  We can see miracles of healing.  We can watch the marvelous cycles of the natural world, which keeps renewing itself and preserving itself year after year.  We know by His revealed Word, The Bible, they are the results of His activity.  Moses had never read one word of Holy Scripture.  He had never heard a sermon, yet he could hear the voice of God.  Because of his faith in God and his obedience to God, he would be able to see God perform mighty miracles before his own eyes. 

We worship the one, true, and living God that can and will work in our lives if we will love Him.

Jehovah-Elohim – The Lord is God.  Elohim is a proper name for the one true God, suggesting His unique nature as the three-in-one God.  “And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness..” (Genesis 1:26).  We Christians understand that “us” and “our” refer to the Trinity.  God is speaking of Himself and with Himself in the plural number.. Each person the Father, Son and Spirit are 100% deity so when they appear singularly there is no division of that deity since God is indivisible. The same rule would be for the word God theos, in the N.T.  John was speaking of Jesus when he said: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3).”  “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14).  When we worship, serve, and call upon the name of Jesus, we call upon the name of the one true God.  Jesus said He was God.  “Then said the Jews unto Him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, “I Am” (John 8:57-58).

If you have accepted Christ as your personal Savior, you have accepted the one and true living God.  “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one” (John 10:27-30).   The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one.  You cannot have one without having all three.  “And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life” (1 John 5:11-12).  “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9).

Next week we will look at two more names of God – El-Shaddai (The Almighty God), and  Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide).

END OF THE SERMON - 3