by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Christmas Truth's
What Will You Find at Christmas
“Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men, on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
There are eternal gifts for those who grasp the truths of Christmas with their hearts. Understanding those gifts and walking in the free grace by which these gifts come will completely change a person’s attitude toward the season which we now celebrate. I would propose to you that there are wonderful benefits for those on whom God’s favor rests. Most people including church attendees quote only part of the angel’s message from the Lord in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men…” However, the Holy Spirit leads the Children of God to understand the rest of the verse, “…on whom His favor rests.” It is Christians with a heart after God that are the ones that express a life that walks in the grace and mercy of God.
Pastor Rick Warren was 100% correct when he said, “You are going to find what you are looking for this Christmas.” For those who have the heart of Pharaoh, He is going to give them that hard heart they so want. (Exodus 8:15; 9:15; 10:1,20,27; 11:1; 14:8; Joshua 11:20; 2 Chronicles 36:13) For those who want to believe the lies of those brought forth by the devil, the Lord will cause them to believe those lies. (2 Thessalonians 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:3-4)
However, there is something different for those who have the heart of David after his sin was exposed by the prophet Nathan, who wrote, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:10-12) To these types of spiritual hearts God will cast His favor in great amounts. Those who have the favor of God upon their lives will live a life that expresses God’s forgiveness, peace of mind, and eternal life found in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit has this question for all today, “What will you find this Christmas? What will be the expression of your life for all to see?”
Forgiveness of sins through His name
There are many benefits for those who grasp the truths of Christmas, one being forgiveness.
Acts 10:43 says, “All the prophets testify about [Jesus] that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” (Acts 10:43)
A little boy wrote Santa Claus saying, “Dear Santa, there are three boys who live in our home. Jeffery is two and he is good some of the time. David is four and he is good some of the time. Norman is seven and he is good all the time, I am Norman.” (Rick Warren, Christmas Message) The Bible tells one truth that must be grasped there are no Normans in this world. If we could tap into the brains of Christians and recall all they thought and did this last year and project it upon our big screen there would be some extremely embarrassed Christians. There are no Normans in this world. Thus, even today we are in great need of God’s forgiveness and mercy both available in Jesus’ Name.
A Christmas card sent to Pastor Rick Warren said, “If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness so He sent a Savior.” The greatest need for all of mankind is forgiveness and the greatest need for Christians is the continued forgiveness that can be found in Jesus’ Name.
“Forgiveness” (apheseoes) in Acts 10:43 means to release one’s sins from the sinner. This required Jesus’ coming as man so the sins of the world may be cast upon Him. Thus He can take on the punishment of sin upon Himself. He did this because His Father sent Him, and He came voluntarily. The reason this forgiveness needs to be a continual forgiveness is because the children of God are not delivered from the presence of sin when they get saved. Thus, Christians will slip into sin. However, sin will not have dominion over them because the Holy Spirit will convict them of sin and draw them to repentance. In Jesus’ Name they will be forgiven. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary; 1 John 1:8; Hebrews 8:24 ) 1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8) Christians who think that they no longer sin deceive themselves.
Dr J. Vernon McGee was in Bible College. When he met his first room mate he had quite a surprise. His roommate informed him that he had not committed a sin over the last three years. Dr. McGee was shocked to meet someone who was so sanctified in this life that he no longer slipped into sin. As time went on, Vernon McGee’s roommate blamed him for everything that went wrong, no matter what. After the first semester, freshman were able to change roommates. McGee went to his roommate and informed him that he was moving into another room with someone who was like him. That is, a sinner saved by grace who God was still doing a work in. Vernon and his new roommate got along just great. Two Christians standing in need of much prayer, just two sinners resting in the continued forgiveness of God given to them in Jesus’ name.
The great news of the angel was, “…in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2: 11) “Savior” (soter) is Jesus Christ who delivers and perseveres at saving sinners from the danger and destruction of sin, and puts sinners in a state of prosperity and happiness. Jesus as Messiah, the Savior of men, saves the repentant sinner from the guilt and the power of sin, from eternal death, from punishment, and misery as the consequence of sin. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary)
Walter B. Knight wrote about an African pagan, Masagr. He was a man known for lying, stealing, polygamy, slavery, and drunkenness. After hearing the message of God’s forgiving and saving grace found in Jesus Christ, he surrendered His heart and life to Jesus. He was very old and so wanted others to hear the good news that was proclaimed by the angels, “A Savior has been born to you.” He saved every penny he could and even sold his cow to buy a bicycle. He found a missionary, gave the bicycle to him and encouraged him to find a young person who was full of zeal for the Lord, that he may go and tell his fellow tribesmen about Jesus Christ. This pagan African became a child of God, forgiven and saved from the sins that once held him in bondage. He had the Holy Spirit living in him, giving him the same burning desire as the shepherds had on that first Christmas. He wanted others to hear what has been told them about Jesus.
Great peace
Christians who find the Christ of Christmas are sinners who are saved by grace. They depend upon the forgiveness that is given in Jesus’ name. And this brings them a great peace. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165) “Law” (torah) is used twenty-five times in Psalm 119 in parallel with various other words with the same meaning. The word in itself is an active verb meaning to love the instructions in a general way from the Lord. It means loving the ways, customs and directions from God as David so longed to know and love the Lord’s ways. (The Complete Word Study)
There are those who develop such close relationships in Christian marriages, with Christian parents, with friends, co-workers and spiritual overseers, that they long to be around these Christians for instruction and guidance in the Word of God. These Christians will deny themselves certain pleasures in life to prayerfully read and study the Word of God. They pray not only revelation of God’s Word, but illumination of the Word so they can have the Lord’s strength to live it out. These Christians find themselves getting victory over the flesh, overcoming the world, and exposing the lies of the devil. They find peace in the way they use the Lord’s provision, talents, and abilities the Lord has given them. The guidance of the Holy Spirit as He illuminates the Word of God in their lives enables them to walk victoriously rather than stumbling over the temptations and in the trials of life.
Pastor Rick Warren very rightfully observed that there are three things that rob people from enjoying Christmas. They are guilt, grief, and grudges. Satan has a way of bringing up past regrets around Christmas time. He uses family members, co-workers and even those in the church to point out pass sins of people. The great news is that if the child of God has confessed his sin to the Lord and is producing the fruit of repentance, then those sins are not held against him anymore. The Holy Spirit wrote through Ezekiel, “But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. (Ezekiel 18:21-22) The prophet Micah gives this promise of God regarding the sins of the repentant, God will “…hurl all [their] iniquities into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:19) (The Expositors Bible Commentary; Matthew Henry) It is like the Lord takes those sins that have been confessed and turned from, calls them up on the computer screen, highlights them, and pushes the delete button. The list of sins goes blank. Sins unknown or repented for will not be recalled by the Lord.
Christmas time is that time of the year when grief haunts many. Loved ones that have passed on, and broken relationships lurk around each corner. Unmet expectations hit hard at this time of the year. Every Christian has a cross to bear and they must bear it daily. (Luke 9:23) However, because of Christ they do not have to bear it alone. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
Roy Fowler saw an illustration that shows so clearly how Christians try to live. While in the Philippines he saw the driver of a caribou wagon stop for a very old man who was carrying a heavy load. The driver offered the old man a ride for free. Carefully the old gentleman accepted. He got into the wagon and held on to the rails but never set his load he down in the wagon. So many Christians are carrying a big load and they refuse to lay it into Jesus’ hands. They live miserable lives and carry unnecessary burdens, hoping to hold on until they get to heaven. There are plenty of rewards here on this earth for Christians who will just lay their burdens into Jesus hands. Christians are called to take Christ’s yoke upon them. Christians cannot find rest if they are looking only for personal comfort and escape from Christian duty, for this will make them restless and miserable. They will only find ease as they give themselves and what has been given to them to the service of Jesus Christ. (The Pulpit Commentary)
As afflictions in Christ abound and are prolonged, consolations abound and perseverance is given by Jesus as long as Christians go to Him as teacher for He invites them to be His students. (Matthew Henry Commentary) As Christians throw off the yoke of the flesh, the world and the lies of the devil, they find that Jesus’ yoke is easy and fashioned just for them to make them Christ-like. Jesus said “My yoke is easy.” (Matthew 11:30) “Easy” (chrestos) means well fitting. It is not harsh or galling nor will it put a callous on the spiritual heart. (The Complete Bible Dictionary; William Barclay; The Preachers Outline & Sermon Bible)
As Christians carry their cross they must bear and lay their burdens into the hands of Jesus Christ and allow what He is taking them through to mold them into His image. They will find that the yoke He puts on them is easy. The yoke refers to oxens yoke. The yoke was a wooden collar-like instrument placed on the neck and shoulders of the oxen. It was extremely important that the yoke be fitted for the shoulders of the oxen to prevent rubbing the flesh raw and causing sores. Measurements were taken, the yoke was roughed out and then oxen were brought back to have the yoke tailor-made. According to some traditions, some carpenter’s shop may very well have carried signs like “My yoke fits well.” (William Barclay; The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible) The yoke refers to a man’s life and task as he lives on this earth. Jesus is saying to take on His yoke, not the yoke of the flesh, the world, or the devil’s lies. His yoke will fit Christians perfectly, making them useful to the life and task that He has planned for them down here. (The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible) Whatever God has you facing right now is made to fit you perfectly. You have the Spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities to handle everything He allows you to go through. Therefore, lay your grief into His loving hands and surrender to His will for you.
Grudges and resentful are keeping many from enjoying Christmas. People, who have been hurt, hurt others by what the say, what they do, and even with their presence. This is done intentionally and unintentionally, and how Christians respond to that hurt will determine their level of happiness in this life, especially around Christmas time. Very few people walk continuously and victoriously over the sin of resentment. It so easily entangles, and can grip you at a moment’s notice. Jesus gives us a powerful truth that must be grasped in forgiving. He says, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15) This passage of Scripture is found in the teaching of Jesus Christ’s teaching about prayer, just before His teachings on fasting.
One of the most cheerful men of God I have ever known of in ministry was Dr. Bill Bright, a man whom I am convinced allowed the Lord to teach Him much about prayer and fasting. Dr. Bill Bright is the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. I remember being around him a little in Louisville, Kentucky. I watched the ministry he had overseen for some time. I once heard him say that it was through fasting and prayer that the Holy Spirit of God enabled Him to release all resentment toward everyone who had ever hurt him in any way. He was most certainly the most joyful man in ministry that I have ever known about. He testified once, “The Holy Spirit has given me the ability to not hold grudges, there is absolutely not one person or circumstance in my life that I am resentful over.”
The Holy Spirit wants Christians to know the joy of Christmas by becoming like Jesus, letting Him clear their hearts of any guilt, take their grief upon himself, and free them freed from all grudges so that they can have a joyous Christmas spirit.
Gift of God is eternal life
The Christ of Christmas most certainly wants Christians to know His peace. He wants all to have the gift of eternal life.
Everyone is going to die someday. The Bible says, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27) Everyone who has ever been conceived in his mother’s womb has eternal existence. It is up to each individual to decide just where they are going to spend it. The choice is heaven or hell. The fact is everyone is going to spend more time on the other side of this life than is spent here. Some will live fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety and maybe even a 100 years on this side. The other side is forever. Romans 6:23 says, “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
The Devil is a paymaster and he will make sure you suffer the consequences of sin. Those wages are death, and eternal separation from God. Through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit Christians enjoy the gift of eternal life in heaven. Christianity is not the stage that someone has reached but always the direction of life that a saved man is heading. Instead of living a life that is bondage to sin, it is a life reaching out to and obtaining righteousness. It is a life fed by the Word of God, Illuminated by the Holy Spirit. A man’s talents, abilities, possessions and Holy Spirit gifts are spent for the glory of God, and not on self and the accumulation of worldly wealth. Receiving the Gift of God, Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, offers three wonderful gifts. He clears the Christian’s past, takes care of him in his present state in life, and secures his future here and in eternity.
The Baptist Standard ran the true story of a man whom, I believe, came to understand that Jesus was the only person who could give him the forgiveness he sought, comfort in his most difficult circumstance and determination of where his eternal existence will be. There was a poor drunkard who awakened one morning in a strange kind of bed. He felt something near him that was warm and soft, which was much different from his usual sleeping place in an alley somewhere. Finally it dawned on him that he was in a stable lying right beside a cow which was also lying in the straw beside him. He was hungry, but realized that those in the street would be too offended by his low sinful condition to give him any breakfast. Then he heard those familiar Christmas bells that rang every year on Christmas morning. He realized that he had spent Christmas Eve night in a stable. His thoughts turned to that story of Christ being born in a stable. He thought maybe the Christ who was born in a lowly place could help a poor fellow like himself, for he had heard the story of the birth of Christ and the gospel message before. So right then and there he chose to get down on his knees and invite Jesus into his life and heart. He chose to receive the gift of free forgiveness, a Savior who could understand and minister to him right were he was in life and determine where his eternal existence would be. He found Christ at Christmas.
What will you find this Christmas? Jesus offers forgiveness, empowerment for all of life situations and circumstances. He offers a life of true satisfaction and life spent forever with God the Father, Jesus the Son and a fellowship in the Holy Spirit. What will you find this Christmas?
Let us pray!
by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Christmas Truth's
Benefits of Receiving God’s Gift, Christ
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:10-11, 14)
Have you ever received a gift inside a gift?
Have you ever received a gift inside a gift? I once read of a lady who received a pair of gloves for Christmas. The fingers of the gloves were stuffed with $20.00 bills. One man received a Russian doll that is Yeltsin on the outside, open that and on the inside is Bersniv, open that and on the inside is Stalin, open that and on the inside is a little tiny Lenin. (Rick Warren, Christmas Message)
I would propose to that when Christians receive the Gift of God, Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, there are gifts that are put on the inside of them that manifest themselves in a way that is beneficial to spiritual health and to the building of the kingdom of God.
Listen as I read Luke 2:10-11, 14, “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:10-11, 14) Just what are gifts that are the results of having the Gift, Jesus Christ indwelling Christians and what benefit is that to the Body of Christ?
There is an abundant life
Receiving Jesus is the greatest Gift anyone can receive, for the receiver of God’s Gift there is an abundant life promised. “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)
The description of a Christian is a person who believes in Jesus and has received Christ into his life and heart. This repentant sinner has received Christ as being a gift from God. He must receive the Word of God as final authority, receive God’s offer of kindness and begin to take on the Lord’s image and His impressions of love as the governing principle of his affections and actions. (Matthew Henry) This repentant sinner believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ and is open to allowing the Holy Spirit to enable him to live out the Word of God. (The Pulpit Commentary)
To the born again Christian, Jesus says, “…I have come that [you] might have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) The New American Standard Bible says, “…I came that [you] might have life, and might have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 NAS) This passage of Scripture holds a key truth that the Holy Spirit wants you to grasp today. You can have life in Christ that is beyond existing. Jesus gives meaning to life to those whom He indwells because He gives full satisfaction and perfect guidance. I have always appreciated what Elder Don Malcolm has said often, “Because of Jesus, I have found a reason for living.”
“Life,” (zoe) meaning a blessed life, life that satisfies, being indwelt by God but not necessarily favored by circumstances. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary) Jesus had on many occasions faced difficult circumstances and so have many of His most faithful servants, the apostle Paul, just to name one. This word for “life” is an active verb affecting every part of the child of God’s eternal existence. Jesus’ life offered freely is:
One: His life is energy, the force and the power of being. Your Christian life has a powerful influence on someone. Jesus has worked so powerfully through certain Christians that many ministries receive prayer and financial support from people they never see face to face on a regular basis, because someone in that ministry has helped, encouraged and fed the soul of someone.
When I was serving on the board of TFC, many times a special love offering would come in from someone who had once been touched by a Teens for Christ staff member some years ago back. They would often write expressing thanks and the love offering sent would often be just the right amount for a specific need. Because Christians receive God’s gift, Jesus Christ, they experience the blessing of sharing the life- giving force of Christ to others in need. Christians who grasp the truths of Christmas know the truth of their very existence and they say like the apostle Paul, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)
Two: His life is opposite of perishing. This gift of deliverance from condemnation and death is the guarantee of being part of the resurrection of the children of God. This new resurrected body will not see deterioration and decay, nor be touched by corruption. (John 3:16; 5:24,29; 10:28) Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. And He has given Him authority to judge because He is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” (John 5:24-29
Three: His life brings satisfaction and security. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35) Jesus is the support of spiritual life and His teachings give guidance in every part of life for those who have the courage and heart to seek the truths that He teaches. The blessing of having accepted God’s free gift leads to enjoying that ever-flowing never-exhausted communication with the Lord, which can only be interrupted by self-will. It is a life that overflows in trust, obedience and in love with Christ.
Jesus is the divine bounty in all that God has for His children and Jesus using the word “comes” shows that those wanting eternal blessings must be willing to allow God to work in their lives. (Barns Notes; Matthew Henry; The Pulpit Commentary) There is one thing that can stop the work of God and that is the stubborn heart that does not want to release control. The defiance of the human heart is the most dangerous enemy out there to the human soul. The life promised in Christ is right there for the taking or the refusing. When a person takes on the life of Christ, the human heart finds what it was created for and this person moves from just existing into a life of spiritual excitement, adventure and peace. However, it must be sought with a repentant heart surrendered to the will of God.
In his best selling book called, “Into Thin Air,” the author (Jon Krakauer) relates the hazards that plagued some climbers as they attempted to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Andy Harris, one of the expedition leaders stayed at the peak too long and on his descent, he became in dire need of oxygen. Harris radioed the base and told them about his predicament. He mentioned that he had come across a supply of oxygen canisters left by other climbers but they were empty. Climbers ahead of him on the same decent over heard the radio transmission and told Mr. Harris that they had just passed those canisters on their way down and he was not seeing properly because of his lack of oxygen, the canisters were not empty but full. They pleaded with him on the radio to make use of them but it was to no avail, Harris was starved for oxygen and he continued to argue that the canisters were empty. His lack of oxygen had ravaged his capacity to recognize what was right in front of him and his lack of faith in what he was told led to his death. (Brian Bill in Bread of Life, sermoncentral.com)
What oxygen is to the body, the Bread of life, Jesus Christ, is to the soul. When a baby is born he must grasp for continued life through breathing air which unseen, everyone knows is there. Through what is created everybody knows there is God who is unseen and His plan has been made known to mankind through creation. Romans 1:19-20 says, “since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19-20)
Everything about God and Christ and revelation of the Holy Spirit has and is being made known by all that the Lord does. It is only man’s love for self-pleasure, the world and his longing to listen to the lies of the devil that prevents him from having eternal life. Sinful man must first be resolved to seek God for forgiveness, invite Christ in and surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit and eternal life is assured to the repentant.
Andy Harris needed life giving oxygen, sinners need to receive Christ. Unbelief kept Mr. Harris from believing what he was told. The flesh, the world, and the Devil keep sinners from understanding the life giving truths of God’s Word. Is the sin of self, the world and the deception of Satan choking the breath of God, the Holy Spirit of Christ from entering into you? Thus, causing you to refuse truth that lies right before you. Are you allowing Christ’s life to live through you? Does your life proclaim the “Gift” of God saying, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) The child of God who understands and submits to this truth walks secure in the promise of Jesus. He said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Jesus makes it clear that His disciples are to replace the pursuit of earthly things for the pursuit of greater significance. To seek His kingdom is to have a heart desire to enter into, submit to, and participate in spreading the news of the saving grace of God. It must be remembered that the Lord’s kingdom is established through Christ, submission to His Father, His victory over sin and death and through the on-going work of the Holy Spirit to cause man to think of eternal things. (The Expositors Bible Commentary) Seeking His righteousness is to become interested in His favor resting upon you through prayerful reading and studying of the Word of God, through surrendering to the Holy Spirit as He cleanses you through the washing of the Word of God. (Ephesians 5:26) This involves becoming illuminated by the Holy Spirit so one can apply the truths of God’s Word. (Barnes Notes; Thru the Bible; Psalm 119:9,11) A life satisfied with the righteousness of God will have all necessary things provided for him. (Barnes Notes; The Pulpit Commentary) The child of God who has God’s Gift, Jesus Christ, has the One who clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the birds of the air and Christians are far more important to Him than flowers and birds. He will provide clothes, drink, and food for those who are living according to His will and have a desire for His purposes to be achieved in and through their lives. (Matthew 6:25-34)
Recently I read a message (by Pastor Melvin Maughmer) that shared some valuable information about army maneuvers. When they were out in battle or patrolling in enemy areas there was a key position that was essential to a company of soldiers. It is called the “Point Position” and it was highly esteemed and respected because the person who held it had the responsibility of all the other soldiers upon his shoulders. What the point man did was to lead the company through hostile territory. He would go first ensuring that the way was clear, that there were no land mines or any danger before the solders were allowed to move onward. What would happen sometimes by him being first was if the enemy was out there somewhere, the enemy would notice him first and they more than likely would shoot him. What this did was give the rest of the company the knowledge that the enemy was out there and they could take the appropriate action to save the lives of the other soldiers. When a sinner accepts God’s gift, Jesus Christ becomes his point man. The Lord leads the Christian through hostile territory of the devil. He points out all that would destroy physical and spiritual life, the snares that lead to bondage and entanglement. He provides safe shelter, the food and water sufficient for the up-coming battles. This soldier of Christ goes into life’s battles saying, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Christians also have the gift of “hope”
The man or women who accepts God’s free gift and receives Christ lives a full, abundant life that is satisfying and exciting. Christians also have the gift of “hope.”
In Ephesians 1:18 the apostle Paul prays a prayer that is birthed forth by the Holy Spirit and is the heart of Christ and from God. Every Christian parent and grand parent needs to be regularly praying this prayer, petitioning the God of mercy to give this revelation to all who has ever proclaimed to be a Christian. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the Hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.” (Ephesians 1:17-18) This “hope” (elpis) is placed deep within the heart of those who have experienced salvation through Christ. This brings an awareness of eternal life and all the blessedness that comes in knowing Jesus Christ.
Dr. Jim Berg does an outstanding job in giving us insight on what this hope is in comparison to how the word hope is often used today. It must be noted that “hope” in the Bible is used much differently as it used today. It must be pointed out that the way hope is often used today is not wrong. Hope as it is used today is usually an expression of a strong desire that seems in all likelihood of being fulfilled. For example: Hundreds of people have a hope that they will be able get a loan on their house and in about 40 years through hard work and faithfulness get the home paid off. For those who stay faithful and stay on the plan, that is usually what happens. However, you never know what may come up, illness, tragedy in the family, a great depression in our economy or as many have found out this year, a natural disaster could completely destroy your home and cause you to refinance. However, “hope” as it is used in the Bible is not the expression of a strong desire with a measure mixed with uncertainty of what could happen. This hope finds its foundation upon the written Word of God and this is an expectation that what is promised will be completed. For example: When the apostle Paul speaks of “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13) he is speaking about an event that is going to take place.
One truth that shores up the hope found in born-again Christians is the sealing of the Holy Spirit. Notice what the apostle Paul teaches in Ephesians 1:13-14 regarding the Holy Spirit just before his prayer for illumination in Ephesians 1:17-18. “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession…” (Ephesians 1:13-14) The seal of the Holy Spirit is His presence within the believer. His presence is the authorized signature of God that He will complete the work He has started in you. He will provide, protect and equip those who are faithful. The child of God who receives God’s gift has an unshakeable hope when the Holy Spirit has opened his spiritual eyes to the fact that Jesus Christ Himself takes up residence in such a sinful dwelling as his heart through the Spirit of Christ. (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16)
My son Caleb cleans stalls for one of the finest horse barns in Norton County. He cleans stalls 6 days a week and he does a great job at it. His brothers, Caleb and I can tell you, no matter how much you clean a stall, there is always that stench of filth. Sometimes it make your eyes water. If you just walk in the barn that smell gets in your hair and clothes, thus you have a bad odor. Sin jumps on us just as easy. We are sinners saved by grace and we sin daily through thought or deed. Yet, our Lord, in humility is content to indwell the children of God by the Holy Spirit to sanctify them and mold them into His image, to empower them for service unto Him, the brethren, and to mankind in general. Just as He was willing to be born in a stinky stable and walk on this sin-trodden earth nearly 2000 years ago so man may have hope in God, He is willing to live within Christians.
Peter writes this about God’s elect, those who have received God’s gift, “Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” (1 Peter 1:21) Once a child of God has received the Gift, Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of Christ, Biblical hope is birthed from God’s Word.
When Satan, the father of lies, speaks to the mind of a Christian, bringing up his past sins, the Holy Spirit brings to mind what the Bible says about forgiveness. The Holy Spirit moved the beloved John to write this sure hope, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Ezekiel writes about the sinner who turns to God and gives this sure hope, “None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him.” (Ezekiel 18:22)
The man who accepts God’s free gift, Jesus Christ, is a man who has a fresh clean start with God and His love endures forever. When the flesh, the world view and the devil tells a child of God that he is worthless and has no value in this life, The Son of God, through the Holy Spirit brings to mind Psalm 139:13-14, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;” (Psalm 139:13-14) He reminds them that they have Holy Spirit gifts for ministering to others. (1 Corinthians 12:7) For those who obey the call of making disciples He gives these promises, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Those who possess God’s Gift will be moved like the shepherds were on that first Christmas of whom the Bible says, “they spread word concerning all what had been told them about this child.” (Luke 2:17) To those who proclaim the birth of Christ and the gospel message there is the sure hope that, “…[their] labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) And if they do “not become weary… at the proper time [they] will reap a harvest if [they] do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
These are hopes that come with a “yes and Amen.” There are many more hopes found in the Word of God for those who have received Christ and the Holy Spirit will enlighten all who will take the time to prayerfully read and study the Word of God. Benefits in receiving God’s free Gift, Jesus Christ, are for the taking or the rejecting. When Christ is received in the heart as Savior and Lord, Christians find out that there are many gifts that are placed inside them and their lives become satisfied, exciting and useful to the building of the kingdom of God.Christians receive life with the Gift of Christ, in this world and in eternity. They have a sure hope placed within them that the Christ they have received will never leave them nor forsake them. His faithfulness to us is as sure as His faithfulness to His Father’s will for Him. You can trust a Lord who was obedient even unto death, for the sake of purchasing a bride, His church.
Have you “Grasped the Truths of Christmas? Have you received God’s Gift and are you expressing His life and a sure hope in God and Christ?
by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Psalm Sunday Truth's
Examining Truths in the Triumphal Entry
“Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray Him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. ‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of My burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me.’ Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in Him. The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the King of Israel!’ Let us pray!
Biblical examination of the “Triumphal Entry”
In Jerusalem the chief priests were making plans to kill Jesus and anyone who God was using to draw people to Christ. (John 12:10-11) There are many truths worth grasping as we take time to take a Biblical examination of the “Triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem and the day just preceding Palm Sunday. Those sad days brought sorrow upon Mary and those who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. We see Lazarus enjoying fellowship with Christ after being raised from the dead. We see Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet, growing in grace and knowledge of the Son of God as well as Martha serving, exercising her gift of hospitality. This Biblical account gives us some essentials for the Body of Christ. They are walking in victory over sin and death, worshiping and giving adoration to the Lord, and service to the King of kings.
I would propose to you that when Christians grasp the truth of Jesus Christ being King as well as Savior they want to live a life that says, “I care about Jesus’ Kingship in my life.” The Holy Spirit wants you to understand that Jesus holds many places of authority such as Savior, Teacher, Great Shepherd, and Healer, however, our king less culture and democratic process down play the very important matter of Jesus as “Messiah,” “The Christ,” being “God’s Anointed.” Just what are the steps to proclaiming Jesus Christ as the King to whom everyone someday will bow their knee and every tongue will confess that He is the Lord? (Philippians 2:9-10)
Know Jesus as God’s Messiah
The first step to truly proclaiming a life that says “Hosanna!” “Blessed is the King of Israel, blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord” is to know Jesus as God’s Messiah. John 1:41 says, “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ)…”
Andrew’s actions reflect a Holy Spirit illuminated heart about Jesus Christ being not only Savior, but God’s anointed faithful High Priest (Psalm 110:4), Prophet of God (Deuteronomy 18:15-19) and I purposely repeat, “Anointed King” (2 Samuel 7:12-13). These three officials in the Old Testament were always anointed with oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit who perfectly anointed the Christ, the Messiah. (Luke 3:21-22; John 1:32-33) It is imperative that Christians understand that “Messiah” (Hebrew – masiyah) and “Christ” (Christos) mean “Anointed one.”
Anointed as “Priest,” Jesus intercedes for us. Hebrews 7:21-25 says, “[Jesus] became a priest with an oath…” [and] because He lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood… He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for [the saints of God].” As anointed “Prophet” He leads in all truth. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Matthew 22:16 says, “‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.’” As anointed King He reigns over all to whom they will give an accounting. Philippians 2:9-11 says “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus personally accepted this title “Messiah” and “Christ” at least three different times in the New Testament. (Matthew 16:17; Mark 14:61-62; John 4:26) What is the work of the God’s “Messiah” the “Christ?” We read of Jesus’ answer to that question in Luke 4:17. Here, Jesus makes His way to the place of worship, which was the custom of His life. (Luke 4:16) In the Synagogue worship was not perfect, yet He went to the house of the Lord to worship with God’s people.
Starting at verse 17 and going through to verse 20 in the Book of Luke, “The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, [Jesus] found the place where it is written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because [God] has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ Then [Jesus] rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and He began by saying to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’”
The Holy Spirit moved upon the apostle Paul to write about what Jesus purchased for all who would approach Him in repentance, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Humanity groans under the headings, “poverty,” “broken-hardheartedness,” “bondage” and “blindness.” In a sense Jesus says, “He was anointed to set those in the bondage of sin free and give spiritual eye sight to those who were blinded to the light of the gospel.” The “Salvation” (soteria) that Paul is referring to here is deliverance from the bondage of sin and its penalty of death and eternal damnation. God’s “Messiah” the “Christ” is the salvation of all men but only enjoyed by those who have Godly sorrow, people who are sorry because they have sinned against the Lord, not sorrowful over suffering the consequences of sin.
Jesus Christ, God’s anointed, purchased for Christians first, a once-for-all experience of salvation. This free gift is initiated when a person bound by sin recognizes his standing with God, acknowledges the separation, then trusts in Christ as Savior and Lord. This not only brings deliverance from sin but the assurance that Christians will not be separated from God’s presence now and in eternity.
In Luke we read of another time when Jesus received a personal anointing. It was when Jesus was having dinner at a Pharisee’s house. While having dinner an unnamed woman, deep in humiliation for her sins comes and wets His feet with her tears. She wipes them with her hair, kisses His feet and pours perfume on them. It is very possible she had become convicted of her past sins while Jesus taught somewhere and at this time she longed to be in His presence to show the Lord her affection. Jesus said she loved much and He told Simon, “…her many sins have been forgiven… ” Jesus told the woman, “…your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:47) He also told her “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” (Luke 7:50) As we read the Biblical account of the sinful woman anointing Jesus, we see a repentant sinner entirely devoting this task to the Lord’s honor owning Him to be the “Messiah,” “the Christ,” “the Anointed.” Thus showing us the truly repentant have a dear love for Christ and personally anoint Him as their Prophet, Priest and King.
Jesus Christ, God’s anointed, purchased for Christians secondly a salvation that is a continued work of “Sanctification.” A repentant sinner is placed in a new covenant of grace involving the process of being made holy. The Apostle Paul writes about the results of this new covenant under the blood of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” This is an awesome passage of Scripture. Paul had been talking about a veil being over the spiritual heart. When the repentant sinner receives Jesus Christ into his heart and life by faith, that veil is taken away. Even as Christians the veil of sin can make its way back, but when sin is confessed Christians look upon the Lordship of Christ with great expectation of living a life of righteousness. They are literally being transformed, changed by the power of the Holy Spirit who anointed Christ in His earthly ministry. This salvation found in Christ enables the children of God to behold Him.
Dr. H.A. Ironside told the true story about an old Scot who lay suffering and actually heading into the shadows of physical death. He had been told by a doctor who was a real friend that “his moments on this earth are but few.” Another friend came by and said, “They tell me you will not be with us long. I hope you get a glimpse of the Savior’s blessed face as you enter the shadows of physical death.” The physically dying man gathered his strength and said, “I will not be satisfied with just a glimpse, I want to behold the Christ of whom I have been being made like over these last forty years.”
Salvation found in Christ enables the child of God to enjoy a continual sanctification and causes them to behold Him. “Beholding” (katoptrizo) means grasping the glory of the Lord as reflected in the Word of God. This is in great contrast to those who want to hang onto their unbelief just as the Jews did in Paul’s day of preaching the Gospel. He writes about them in 2 Corinthians 3:14-15, “But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.” The Holy Spirit writing through Paul sets the direction for having the veil of not understanding taken away. Paul writes in verse 16, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” The veil was certainly taken way from Mary’s heart. She was able to behold Jesus Christ as she personally anointed Him in Bethany during a dinner that was given to honor Christ. Our key text today says, “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3)
In our key text today there are character traits that are worthy of the attention of the child of God who wants to live a life that says, “I care about Jesus’ Kingship in my life.” The character of Mary is worth grasping today. Mary’s love was extravagant. She took the most precious thing she possessed and spent it on Christ. Extravagant love has no nicely laid out cost. It gives its all and the only regret is that there is not more to give. It is sacrificial giving, just as God did for us when He gave His only Son and when Jesus gave His own life for us.
William Barclay shared the story of “The Gift of the Magi.” This story is about Della and Jim, who were very poor, yet much in love. Many of you have heard the story. Della had long beautiful hair, Jim had a watch that at one time belonged to his father. When Christmas time came around they both were short of funds. Della sold her hair to buy a platinum fob for Jim’s watch. Jim sold his watch to get a set of expensive combs with jeweled edges for Della’s hair. The sacrifice of what was dear to them was only an expression of their love for each other. Christians who express a life that says, “I am anointing Christ as King,” give extravagantly unto Him.
Mary’s love showed humility. She came to her Lord as a servant, meeting His need in humble servant-hood fashion. Christians who anoint Christ as their King serve in a way that keeps Him on the throne of the heart, not in a way that exalts them. Mary’s love was expressed unashamedly. Her expression of love brought rebuke from Judah Iscariot and placed her in danger of the chief priest. The priest not only wanted to kill Jesus but Lazarus as well because people were going over to Christ and putting faith in Him. (John 12:10-11) Mary gave her own gift to the Lord. She applied the gift with her own hands. A love like hers does not spare charges and does not spare pain in honoring Jesus Christ. Mary’s love was exercised by faith that Jesus was without a doubt God’s Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed who is Prophet, Priest and King.
The Holy Spirit’s prompting is to go and do likewise, anoint Christ King by expressing your love for Christ extravagantly, in humility and unashamedly. The Holy Spirit has another truth to grasp for the child of God who wants to personally anoint Christ as King. Jesus said this about the anointing of Mary upon Him, “…It was attended that she would save this perfume for the day of My burial.” (John 12:7) Our Lord thought and talked openly about His death and burial.
The mighty hand of God is guiding the actions of Mary who so loved the Lord. He moves her to anoint Christ ahead of time for He is about to go into Jerusalem and die for the sins of the world. Therefore, the child of God who personally anoints Christ as Mary did will take to heart what the Holy Spirit moved Paul to write in answering the question “Shall we continue in sin?” He writes, “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11) This ability only comes from the anointing of the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ, God’s anointed, purchased for Christians, thirdly, a salvation that ensures a place in the coming Kingdom of God. 2 Peter 3:13 says, “But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” There is going to be a day when there will be a new heaven and a new earth and there will be no more pain, crying or influence from anything evil, perfection forever. The Holy Spirit’s prompting is to anoint Christ as King so you will have your name written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life.” The beloved John writes, “No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him.”
Shout “Hosanna!”
Understanding that Messiah and Christ mean God’s Anointed encourages repentant sinners and enables Christians to personally anoint Christ as King. This births forth a natural response that shouts “Hosanna!” John 12:13 says, “They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’”
There are three groups in the great crowd. One, the Passover visitors from outside of Judea, (John 12:12,18); two, the local people who had witness or at least heard about the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 12:19); and three, the religious leaders who were greatly concerned about what the world was doing with Jesus. (John 12:19) The crowd was singing a chant from Psalm 118:25-26 which was often connected with the Festivals of Tabernacles, at Dedications, and at the beginning of Passover. This victory chant says, “O Lord save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.”
The beloved John writes his Gospel years after the Triumphal Entry and he tells us something that must be understood so we do not make the same error as most of the crowd that was singing “Hosanna.” This will help us keep “Hosanna” in it’s proper context so we can fully enjoy what Christ did for us during resurrection week. John writes, “At first His disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.” (John 12:16) At the moment Christ was entering Jerusalem to go to the Cross, even His disciples failed to meditate upon was written about Him.
There is no doubt that most of the people in the crowd who sang these words of victory were seeing Jesus for who He was, God’s Anointed One, the Messiah, the Christ, the Deliver, the One who was to come. However, most forgot or misunderstood that Jesus was first to come as the “Suffering Servant,” “God’s Anointed” to die for the sins of the world. This is why shouts of “Hosanna” turned to shouts of “Crucify Him” by the majority on Good Friday. They had forgotten the Words of Isaiah who wrote, “See, my servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at Him–His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and His form marred beyond human likeness.” (Isaiah 52:13-14)
I believe through God’s absolute sovereignty He was speaking through the great crowd to proclaim a truth they could have heard then if they would have taken in the whole counsel of the Old Testament and a truth that those illuminated with the Holy Spirit will grasp today. They were singing “Hosanna” which in Hebrew means “save us now we pray” Those singing wanted to be saved from Roman oppression and God was speaking through them saying that the Christ was coming now to save them from their worst enemy, the sinful nature and the lies of the devil. Jesus had come to save them from the penalty of sin and death. The way Christians enjoy Palm Sunday today is not to be focused on the time Christ will return on a white horse to conquer the kingdoms of this world and their armies, but by anointing Christ as their Prophet, Priest and King or rather Lord and Master. Seeing Jesus as He is, the One who died upon the Cross for our sins so we can be saved NOW from the bondage’s of sin and spiritual death, for this is why He came in the first place.
Acts of obedience
Christians personally anoint Christ as King when they let Jesus set them free from the bondage’s of sin. Christians honor His kingship by acts of obedience. Romans 6:16-18 says, “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey–whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Verse 22 says, “…the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the results is eternal life.” A contemporary commentator observed that every person obeys some person or something. The whole of Scripture teaches that everyone is a bond-servant to someone or something. It may be the flesh, the world or the devil. Hopefully you are a bond-servant to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Your master is easily determined by what or who you are obedient to.
Dr. Jay Vernon McGee was serving as pastor in a church in Los Angeles. Across the street from the church was a swanky club that was attended by some very rich men. The people who belonged to that club spent thousands of dollars to be a part of that society and they usually owned chauffeur driven Cadillac’s. One day Pastor McGee notice several cars in front of club with about fifteen chauffeurs standing around. In a little while a very nice-looking wealthy young man came out of the club; he made a motion and spoke out. One chauffeur responded, he went to the car and opened the door, then went and got in the drivers door and drove off. As Pastor McGee watched, he discovered that it was easy to see that the other fourteen chauffeurs were not employed by the rich young man because they did not respond to his call. The one who responded was obedient to his employer or master.
Christians who personally anoint Christ as king live a life that says, “I care about Jesus’ kingship in my life.” It is through their obedience that they reveal just how much they love Him. Personally anointing Christ as King begins with understanding that Jesus is “Messiah,” “the Christ,” “God’s Anointed.” Christians anoint Him by having Godly sorrow over sin, not responding to regret of the consequences of sin. They anoint Him by loving Him extravagantly, unashamedly, and with humility. They live a life that says, “Hosanna,” O Lord save me now from any sin that would destroy our relationship and bring you to public disgrace. (Hebrews 6:6) Christians anoint Him as king by a life of obedience. They know that who or what they obey reveals their master, or in context to this message, King. Let us pray!!!!!
by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Memorial Day Truth's
Praying for Those in Harm’s Way “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord for failing to pray for you.” (1 Samuel 12:23)
Christians can take their rightful place among such giants of intercession
Our key text today is set in the time when the prophet Samuel is giving his farewell speech. In this speech Samuel confronts the people with evidence of the righteous acts performed by the Lord for the people of God. (1 Samuel 12:7) Samuel tells the people, “If you fear the Lord and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His commands and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God – Good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against His commands, His hand will be against you…” (1 Samuel 12:14-15)
It was harvest time and Samuel called upon the Lord to send thunder and rain so they would know what a great evil they had done in the eyes of the Lord when they asked for a king to rule over them as the other nations had kings. (1 Samuel 12:17) The same day Samuel prayed the “…Lord sent thunder and rain and all the people stood in awe of the Lord…” (1 Samuel 12:18) Listen to the response of the people to Samuel, “…Pray to the Lord your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to our sins the evil of asking for a king.” (1 Samuel 12:19) After a few more instructions, Samuel tells the people, “For the sake of His great name the Lord will not reject His people, because the Lord was pleased to make you His own.” (1 Samuel 12:22) These words of promise lead us to our key text: “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord for failing to pray for you.” (1 Samuel 12:23)
I would propose to you that when those whose lives are in danger ask for prayer, it would be a sin to fail to pray for them. Born again Christians can take their rightful place among such giants of intercession such as Moses, (Exodus 32;30-32) Daniel, (Daniel 9:4-20) The Apostle Paul (Romans 1:9-10) And Jesus. (Romans 8:34) Are Christians called to pray for each other and for those who risk their lives for their country? Just what are the benefits in praying for those in our armed forces?
God who called us to Christ sent His Holy Spirit to have the Apostle Paul write
God who called us to Christ sent His Holy Spirit to have the Apostle Paul write, “I urge, then first of all, that request, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone…” (1 Timothy 2:1) Ephesians 6:18 tells us that Christians are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers…” Samuel could had said, “Now that you Israelite’s have the king you wanted and sinned against God, go to Saul and have him pray for you. God knew that Saul’s heart would not remain faithful to Him and His prayers would be superficial and self-centered. Therefore, The Lord would call forth a true man of God who knew Him and would pray so as not to be found in sin.
The Christian’s call is to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and they sin when they restrain prayer in general, and in particular when they cease to pray for those who ask for it. Even though Samuel would no longer have political leadership, he still had spiritual influence in teaching God’s Word and through prayer. Christians do not need to have authority over those who serve in the armed forces and who are in harms way, but they most certainly can have an spiritual influence through heartfelt prayer. As the prophets of God interceded in prayer for those they had spiritual responsibility over, Christians are to set the example before all leaders and service men in regards to prayer which is God’s way of overcoming anxiety in times of war. Samuel followed the example of Moses who interceded for the Jewish nation, and Christians are to follow the example of Samuel, the Apostle Paul and Jesus.
Dr. Jay Vernon McGee knew of many sick, bedridden Christians of whose heart the Lord had laid the responsibility to pray for those in harm’s way. He found them to be very much used of God just as Samuel was. All Christians who come to understand and respond to their call to pray for others have the great opportunity to go before the “Throne of Grace” (Hebrews 4:16) and intercede for their fellowman. They have on many occasions seen the truth of what James wrote, “…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
Christians cannot forget the nation the Lord has led them into or called them to serve Him in. Nor should they fail to intercede for the men and women God rises up to protect the freedoms He has given them. Christians must resist that temptation of omission in prayer because they become weary of the nation’s continued descent into sin. The prophet Samuel saw the sins of the people, yet committed to pray for them because he did not want to sin against the Lord. The most influential work done for the Hebrews was the teaching of God’s Word and the prayers that came from great intercessors such as Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, King David and Solomon. These powerful intercessors did not just leave the people of God to their own course – to sow as they pleased and reap as they had sown. They did not withdraw from their responsibility, but interceded with all their hearts before a merciful God who could bring a people to repentance, protect them from their enemies and empower them to accomplish His perfect will.
Prayer is mightier than a king’s power of authority and more effective than a warrior’s sword. Wars are going to come and it is the responsibility of Christians to hold up their generation of soldiers in prayer which the Apostle Paul understood to be a weapon that has divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4) The Holy Spirit moved the church to pray for Peter when he was in harms way before King Herod. (Acts 12:5) The Bible records the Apostle Paul’s intercession in prayer for Timothy night and day, for Timothy was to face godlessness (2 Timothy 3) and false teachers (2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 4 and 6) The Christians in Colosse were in great danger of heretical teaching and the Bible says Paul never stopped praying for them. (Colossians 1:9)
The goal for every Christian should be to say as the Apostle Paul who wrote, “God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times…” (Romans 1:9-10)
As Christians prayerfully examine the whole of Scripture they are led of the Holy Spirit to intercession. There is a knowing in their hearts that failing to pray for those who are in harms way, whether in fighting the spiritual or earthly battles of the Lord, is to be found in sin. Pleasing God involves interceding for all of His works and for the people He is using to get His will done. Christians are to pray for those in harms way because those who are sacrificing their lives for this nation’s freedom have asked for it. The Lord has raised up a ministry called the Presidential Prayer Team and many have joined forces with them to pray each week for the important decisions to be made by the president and for our troops. The most recent request is that prayer be made for the president as he was to give the commencement address to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The hope is that the words he spoke will inspire them to serve there nation well and give their lives to protect this nation if need be. Our president has on many occasions requested prayer from the people of the United States of America for guidance and protection of our troops.
On May 4th this request was sent out by the Presidential Prayer Team ministry on the very day the Chaplains of each branch of the military met on the National Day of Prayer, “Pray for the U.S.S. Enterprise and its entire strike force group as they deploy to the Middle East, asking God to protect each sailor and their families as they work to protect the cause of freedom around the world. Pray for all the members of our military whether they serve on board ship, in aircraft or on the ground, that they will be protected by God and will have His guidance and wisdom as they serve.”
The Holy Spirit is moving throughout America in these last days to raise up intercessors for those who are in harms way. One such man is Christopher Lucey. As he surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s leading to focus his studies on prayer, he came under the conviction that the Lord wants to see a revival of prayer across this nation. His ministry now is to train Christians to pray for America, the president and for those who serve in our armed forces. This testimony was written about Christopher from a person who has the opportunity to observe his life. “Christopher brings a refreshing and Spirit-filled approach to all he does and seeks to align those he trains in prayer to find God’s agenda and get a passion for prayer only as it is rooted in and [directed by] the Word of God.” (Presidential Prayer Team Website)
Praying to a mighty God causes great and mighty things to happen
Christians are to be faithful in praying for those who are in harms way. Praying to a mighty God causes great and mighty things to happen.
Samuel was married and had a family. (1 Samuel 12:2) He had served as priest (1 Samuel 7) and Judge (1 Samuel 7:16; Acts 13:20) and prophet. (Acts 3:24) He also got involved in directly praying for military situations, in calling a nation to repentance and giving them directions on how to live. In order for the soldiers of a nation to enjoy the full power of God’s protection or intervention there must be a person who has the Christ apportion gift of prophet (Ephesians 4:11-13) working in that nation. Not only must there be a prophet speaking the Word of the Lord among them, people in that nation must heed to the prophets exhortations.
If the church of Jesus Christ is going to be the source of praying God’s shield around its armed forces, it must have knowledge of God’s Word and the courage to give the Lord’s exhortation or instructions. 1 Samuel 7:3 says, “Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve Him only, and He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”
1 Samuel chapter 7 records the work of God in His people to purify them from the sin of idolatry. Idolatry is a departure from true religion: the worship of false gods, whether by means of images or otherwise; and the worship of the Lord by means of images. An idol is whatever claims the loyalty which belongs to God alone. The Lord speaks to us through Isaiah 42:8, “I am the Lord; that is My Name! I will not give My glory to another or my praise to idols.” The Prophet Samuel sees something in the people of God that indicates that they are repentant and they are disgusted with their foreign servitude and wanting a restoration of liberty and independence. They are evidently coming to Samuel asking what can be done so they can be rescued from their bondage. They want freedom and they must have become convinced of their errors.
The truths that Samuel brought forth to the Israelite’s must be grasped by the church who desires to pray prayers that enable their armed forces to enjoy God’s shield of protection. Samuel tells them to produce the fruit of repentance by ridding themselves of foreign gods, the Baals and Ashtoreths.” “Baal’s” (baal) means that the Israelite’s were guilty of worshiping many pagan gods along with serving the Lord. They included the worship of the gods of the country they lived in with the worship of the one true God. This is happening in America today, many claim to believe in God, yet by the expressions of their lives they are serving the worldly gods made up by mankind today. “Ashtoreths,” (astarot) refers to a false goddess, who was considered to be the goddess of love and fertility. It is also used as a plural word, denoting all the female divinities, whose rites were celebrated by the most gross and revolting impurities. Quite often she is worshiped in connection with Baal and she is depicted as being nude with horns on her head.
Jesus warned that to make possessions central in life is also idolatry. (Matthew 6:24) Paul in Romans 1:18-25 teaches that idolatry is not the first stage of religion, but it is the result of deliberate religious apostasy. When man sins against the light of God’s Word and refuses to worship the Lord in Spirit and truth, God brings major chastisements. Idolatry is that which leads to the dethronement of God from the heart. The Apostle Paul warns us in Ephesians 5:5, “For this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of God.” In giving rules for holy living the Apostle Paul writes, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature, sexual immortality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)
This nation uses sensuality to sell her man made gods. Nearly everything uses women dressing and using sensual looks to draw people to their product in order to take man’s mind off of the Lord to satisfy the flesh. Pornography is rampant in this nation even among church attendees. Many who claim to believe in God have their Baals and Ashtoreths today as much as the Israelite’s did in Samuel’s time. The first step to becoming a church that prays prayers that cause our nation and her armed forces to enjoy God as their shield must be petitioning the Lord to bring America to repentance for her many sins.
Christians are God chosen people, a modern day kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:5,9) and they have the privilege of preparing a nation to enjoy God’s intervention. This is first done by asking God to make Americans sick of their sins and make them hungry for the Lord. Christians can pray that the Lord would make our Armed Forces aware of their need to have God’s protection, blessings and intervention as they fight this war on terrorism. The people of Israel listened to the exhortation of the prophet Samuel and they “…fasted and confessed [saying], ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’” (1 Samuel 7:6) The Bible says, “Israel mourned and sought after the Lord.” (1 Samuel 7:2) The Bible records the mighty hand of God that came about from the repentance of the Hebrews and because a righteous man of God intervened in prayer.
In 1 Samuel 7 we read of this great man of prayer fulfilling his position as judge, prophet and priest. He tells the Israelite’s to meet in Mizpah. He gives them the great news that he is going to intercede for them. (1 Samuel 7:5) The Bible says Samuel cried out to God on Israel’s behalf. (1 Samuel 7:9) When the Philistines heard that the Hebrews gathered at Mizpah, the Philistine leaders decided to attack the Israelite’s. The Israelite’s became frightened and they went to the man of God and requested prayer saying, “Samuel, Do not stop crying out to God for us, [pray] that [God] may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 7:8)
Listen to what the Bible says about God’s deliverance, in answer to Israel’s seeking after the Lord and Samuel’s prayer. “[When] the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. …that day the Lord thundered with a loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelite’s. The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them…” (1 Samuel 7:10-11) The Bible says that God is the same today as He was yesterday. I believe that if America would truly repent of her sins, and begin to fully seek after the Lord, they can see Him do some great things in battle for her troops.
1 Samuel chapter 7 says, “Throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 7:13) The Israelite’s had their land restored back to them, and they delivered their neighboring territory from the power of the Philistines and there was peace between the Israelite’s and the Amorites. (1 Samuel 7:14) In the lifetime of Samuel, the great prophet, priest, judge and prayer intercessor, the Philistines never invaded Israel territory again. Only God knows what He is going to do for America in regard to protecting her borders from those who would put her people in harm’s way. The church needs only to fulfill her calling to pray and teach Christians to obey what the Lord Jesus commands. (Matthew 28:20)
History records powerful truths of God’s intervention for armed forces
History records powerful truths of God’s intervention for armed forces as people take time to prayer for those in harm’s way.
In May of 1940, Germany was on the move and it was unbelievable how much control Hitler got over Europe in just a few short weeks. Hitler had backed up nearly all the remaining Allied troops to the beach at Dunkirk, France. Our Allied troops were surrounded. Ten miles to their rear was the German army. In front of them the English channel. An evacuation by water was their only hope however, it would not be easy. The English Channel was known for her terrible tides and treacherous winds. She was full of German mines and down the beach was Nazi artillery. The only other direction to go held German U-boats. 400,000 Allied troops were at Dunkirk and one English General said, “Nothing but a miracle could save them.” It was at this time the Holy Spirit of God moved upon Reece Howell and a group of 100 students in a Welsh Bible College to become intercessors for those who were in harm’s way of Hitler’s armed forces. For some time they prayed from 7:00 P.M. to 12:00 Midnight. While those Welsh Bible students prayed, the British Royal Navy rounded up practically everything that floated in England to go and rescue the troops.
During the rescue attempt there were several miracles. First, Hitler, for some mysterious reason stopped the Panzer tanks just 10 miles away. If he had kept moving he could have done great damage to our Allied Forces or destroyed them completely. Second, for an unheard of 9 days, the English Channel was perfectly calm, smooth as glass. Old-timers said, “We have never seen it like this before.” Heavy fog sometimes moved in and at other times smoke from burning oil fields drifted calmly towards the beach, thus, keeping the German air-force from seeing anything from the air during the evacuation. When the evacuation off the beach was finished, 338,000 Allied troops were rescued. The other 62,000 soldiers gave their lives so their fellow soldiers could get off the beach. They fought the oncoming Nazi Armed Forces when they finally made their move to attack again. It is because of that kind of sacrifice that we take time to observe Memorial Day. It should be on the heart of everyone to spend some time this Memorial Day remembering the lives of those who stayed in harm’s way so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Great Christian leaders have known the necessity of
Great Christian leaders have known the necessity of coming to repentance and spending some time in intercession for those in harm’s way.
President Abraham Lincoln, in a National Proclamation of Prayer and Repentance in 1863 wrote, “We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” He also wrote, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and all that is about me, seemed insufficient… One stormy night I tossed on my bed, unable to sleep as I thought of the terrible sufferings of our soldiers… I spent an hour in agonizing prayer.”
Tomorrow is “Memorial Day,” a national holiday set aside to honor American servicemen and women who gave their lives in our country’s defense. They allowed themselves to be in harm’s way. The losses in World War 1 numbered 116, 500 brave sons, in World War ll a total of 405,400 and the number of boys lost in our bloodiest war, the Civil War far exceeded that.
The most moving story about the observance of remembering those who gave their lives in war is about a woman in the south who was putting some flowers on the grave of a soldier from the North. This young soldier lost his life in the Civil War. When the other southern ladies saw her putting flowers on a Union Soldier’s grave they got after her. She politely told them, some mother from the north grieves this very day for the lost of her son, just as we grieve the lost of our sons. Everyone should let “Memorial Day” be a time of uniting and remembering those who gave their lives, comfort those who grieve the lost of a family member and especially let it be a time to remember those who are in harm’s way right now, for only God can protect those who are not in this land of freedom nor even a safe land to live in. Christians must take time to become a soldier’s shield through intercessory prayer.
Let us Pray!
by Terry Laughlin | May 12, 2016 | Graduation
Walking in Biblical Success
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD,” (Jeremiah 29:11-14a)
True hope is based on the revealed Word of God
Today’s Scriptures are found in a letter sent by the Prophet Jeremiah to the people of God who have been carried into exile and placed in idolatrous Babylon. He sends this letter to give guidance and comfort to a people who were held captive by the Babylonians. He knows that true hope is based on the revealed Word of God. (The Holy Spirit laid these truths upon my heart as I study the NIV Bible and these other books, Be Decisive; Matthew Henry Commentary; The Expositors Bible Commentary) Throughout the Old and New Testaments, there are many references to Babylon, a city that was located in the vicinity of modern-day Iraq. In the Word of God Babylon was not just a physical place but also symbolic of a spiritual condition, representing the condition of fallen man and fallen societies. Today, Babylon speaks of a fallen system, of man trying to find eternity without Christ or the Word of God. This system has it own religion and theology and will not bend its heart to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, a religious system that knows nothing of worshiping in spirit and in truth.
Graduates, listen carefully as I read God’s promise to you in Jeremiah 29:11-14a, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD,” (Jeremiah 29:11-14a) I would propose that these passages of Scripture hold God’s revealed truths for escaping this world’s system and enabling the child of God to walk in step with the Holy Spirit of Christ, thus bringing Biblical success.
Just how can you achieve the high calling that God has placed before you, determine His plans and enjoy a Biblical successful life? The Lord’s ultimate purpose is to bless you. There are three truths the Holy Spirit wants you grasp as you leave this phase of life and enter into the next phase. 1.) Feed on the Word of God. 2.) Have a heart that says, “Lord, teach me to pray.” 3.) Understand that you are only a steward over what God has given you and there will be a day of accountability. Several times in Jeremiah’s letters to the exile there is a phrase, “bring you back from captivity.” This phrase implies the full restoration of life in all its dimensions in relation to fellowship with the Lord. In today’s work of God’s grace, through faith in Christ as personal Savior and Lord the repentant sinner is brought back into fellowship with God and finds freedom from the captivity of sin. Jesus taught, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. (John 8:34) He also said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)
Powerful thirst and hunger for the Word of God
The first step to walking on the path to Biblical success is to find God’s plan for you through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and by having a powerful thirst and hunger for the Word of God.
The key word the Holy Spirit has for graduates from today’s text is “seek.” The New American Standard Bible gives us this understanding, “And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) “Search” (daras) in it’s most important theological meaning involves studying or inquiring into the Law of the Lord (Ezra 7:10) or inquiring of God (Genesis 25:22; Exodus 18:15; Deuteronomy 12:5). Graduates, you are to be like Ezra who, “…devoted himself to the study and observance of the law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees [to others].” (Ezra 7:10)
Every Christian who has discovered God’s will and been enabled by the Holy Spirit to achieve the Lord’ plan for them has the heart of the psalmist who wrote, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your Word. I will seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. (Psalm 119:9-12) In his discourse with the devil Jesus said, “It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
A teachable spirit begins with the proper regard for God’s Word. Joy comes from knowing the Lord Jesus. God’s will for you is revealed through the written Word as you pray for revelation and illumination of the Holy Spirit.
Graduates, the Bible must be your chart by which you make every decision and to which you compare all things. You must study it and meditate upon the Word of God daily. Learn to think Biblically in regard to every part of life. A man may take the greatest care to follow a road map, but if the map is incorrect he will be misled. A man may have the most accurate map and still end up lost if he does not follow it carefully. It is not enough to desire to do right; for ignorance has led many to think that they are doing right before the Lord until they found themselves being chastised because of living for the things of this world.
Consider 1 Chronicles 13 when David attempted to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. Uzzah reached out to steady the ark because the oxen stumbled. The Lord struck him down and David got angry because the Lord’s wrath broke out against Uzzah. (1 Chronicles 13:9-11) In 1 Chronicles 15:13 we read why God’s anger flared. David, God’s anointed said, “It was because you, the Levites, did not bring the [ark] up the first time that the Lord broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of Him about how to do it the prescribed way.” Christians become like oxen in a china shop when they try to do the Lord’s work without inquiring His way through the written Word of God.
A sure contrast is found in the book of Acts 1:4-5 where we read of the disciples following their instructions from the Lord, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized you with water, in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” In chapter 4 we read of Pentecost and in the rest of the Books of Acts we read of a Holy Spirit empowered church doing great things with the Lord. In Acts 1:12-24 we read that the disciples were Christians who knew how to pray and seek the Lord to get His will.
Graduates, the older you get the greater temptation this world system will be. Temptation is going to come at you like stink on a skunk. Jesus was tempted so every creature in heaven and earth could understand that He is the Christ, the Conqueror. It is worth taking note of how He handled temptation. It is important to note that Jesus was led out into the desert by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 4:1) Graduates, you must be asking God to give you sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading and correction as you prayerfully read the Word of God. Satan wanted Jesus to prove Himself by extraordinary powers, but the Lord defeated the devil by the power of the Holy Spirit and the written Word. Temptation involves the will and Jesus came to do the will of His Father. Jesus said, “My food… is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” (John 4:34) The Holy Spirit’s call is to do the will of God and complete the work He calls you to do.
All of you have faced medical affliction at some time or another and had to take medicine or treatments to be restored back to health. In order for you to walk in Biblical success, you must agree with God’s Word, you have the cancer of sin within you and apart from having the blood of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ applied for the redemption of your soul you cannot be restored to Biblical health. The Holy Spirit’s call is to look at the Word of God as the medicine and nurturing food for the soul and spiritual heart. In Peru, Sir Samuel came across a plant that became of great use to missionaries in Africa. There was a recurring disease called agu. This disease caused recurring chills and fever. There was a plant called the quinquina and from this plant came medicine that kept the fevers and chills from the disease agu away. The Word of God is the quinquina against the fever and chills of recurring passions and over anxiety that comes while living on this sin trodden earth.
The Holy Spirit of Christ has this question for graduates, “Are you hungry and thirsty for the Word of God and is your heart cry like that of the psalmist who wrote, “O Lord; teach me your decrees… I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your Word.” (Psalm 119:12-16)
Lord, teach us to pray
Once you are continually feeding on the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will move you to be like the disciple who came to Jesus and said, “…Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples to pray” (Luke 11:1) We usually think of John the Baptist as a prophet and martyr, and yet here we see a disciple of Christ remembering this great prophet of God as a man who taught his disciples how to pray. This disciple comes to Christ just as He was finishing praying. Christians know in their hearts of the need of prayer. A popular term used today is what would Jesus do? He would pray about everything. Jesus prayed at His baptism, (Luke 3:21) He prayed before the choosing of the twelve, (Luke 6:12) when the crowds began to increase, (Luke 5:16) before He asked the twelve for their confession of faith, (Luke 9:18) and at His Transfiguration. (Luke 9:29) The disciples knew that He often prayed alone (Mark 1:25) and it is only natural that those who know Him would ask Him to teach them to pray.
If Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God depended on prayer during His days on this earth (Hebrews 5:7) then why would it seem out of place for us to be obedient to God’s Word that tells us to, “…pray continually…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Prayer finds it’s heart in the personality of God, His ability and willingness to communicate with us through the power of the Holy Spirit. It involves a sure knowledge that He has personal control over everything in our lives, in all things and over all creatures. People who believe these truths have no problem connecting with God in prayer. Abraham’s servant connected in prayer and the Lord directed him to the person who should be the wife to his master’s son. (Genesis 24:10-20)
The Billy Graham Association is a ministry connected to God in prayer and they are very sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. They literally pray for every detail of their outreaches including letters being sent out by name, praying for the connections needing to be made, asking God to do for them as Nehemiah prayed for favor before the Emperor of Persia. (Nehemiah 1:4-11) Men and women who work for the Billy Graham Association are like Ezra the priest and teacher of the law of God. When the King of Persia ordered Ezra to do what it takes to get the house of God back in order, Ezra knew that it was God who put it in the king’s heart to honor the house of the Lord. (Ezra 7:27-28)
Graduates, a key to walking in Biblical success is to grasp in your heart what Ezra knew, God is in control at all times and His obedient servants can ask Him to grant them favor before those who have authority over them. The Bible tells you to, “Remember your leaders who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7) God has set before you Christian leaders who have lived a life of faith in Christ. Follow their faith, trust God, live for Christ and walk in step with the Holy Spirit. You are about to enter the next phase of life, therefore, remember what the Lord taught you about prayer. Remember how the Lord has answered the prayers of your parents, grandparents, Christian teachers and church leaders. Approach your prayer time with the Lord like that of Ezra and Nehemiah and walk in the attitude of heart of the disciple who approached Christ saying, “Lord teach me to pray.” It is imperative that you understand, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
Stewards of what God has given
In order to live Biblical successful lives, Christians must know God’s Word, let Jesus teach them to pray and understand they are only stewards of what God has given them.
All humble servants of the Lord are very aware of the fact God is not impressed with their achievements, opportunities, possessions, talents or abilities for He is the one who gave those endowments to them. God extends His grace to those who live in the awareness that there will be a day of accountability. The Holy Spirit moved the apostle Paul to write, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. …It is the Lord who judges me. …He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
Graduates, it is what is done for Christ that counts. A man doesn’t become a steward after he has been saved, nor after he begins to make good money, have possessions, or authority. He is a steward – good or bad – and he will give an accounting to God. Stewardship in the Christian life demands that a man take good care of what the Lord has given him because he has been commissioned by Christ to manage those affairs for the Lord God. God gave you the opportunity to achieve, proving yourself faithful has opened the doors of new opportunity. You must continue to prove yourself faithful if you desire to enjoy the continued hand of the Lord upon your life.
Those in this community have been blessed by those who have proven faithful to their God-given opportunities to succeed in academics, the fine arts, in athletic and social skills. A spirit of Christ-likeness will ensure blessings in the future as you remain faithful to what God calls you to do. God blesses those who are faithful to Him with a joyful heart, yet it must be understood, you have not arrived at the maturity that God wants you. This will take years, many years.
Moses was eighty years in his full training by the time he was used of God to free the Israelite’s from the bondage of Pharaoh out of Egypt. There are still doors you must walk through, trials which will challenge your faith and battles that can only be won by the mighty hand of God. It is faithfulness that will be rewarded. Do not seek fame, riches and self-indulgences. You have God’s promise, yet you must prove faithful if you want to hear, “…Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:23) at the Judgment seat of Christ.
Graduates, the choice of walking in Biblical success in this sin trodden world lays completely in your willingness to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, leading to eternal life. Be hungry and thirsty for the Word of God and pray for illumination of the Holy Spirit to make God’s truth real so you can enjoy all that God has for you. Go to Christ and say, “Lord teach me to pray!”
Lastly, rejoice in all the doors God has already opened for you and know that He is the one who has enabled you to be faithful in what He has given you so far. Yet, God’s continued blessing are determined by your knowing and living upon the fact your stewardship will be judged by the righteous Judge. He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
I think of the great man of God John Wesley, born of Samuel Wesley, a minister of the Church of England. He was raised under good Biblical teaching by his mother for some time and in his later school years attended a Christian College. He was deeply religious but had moments of laxity. He loved missions and became involved in missions. He stood strongly against false teachings. Bishop Ryles gave this assessment of John Wesley. “John preached the gospel, honored Christ and did extensive good with [his Holy Spirit given gifts]. He was a bold fighter on Christ’s side, a fearless warrior against sin, the world, and the devil. He was an unflinching adherent of the Lord Jesus Christ. He honored the Holy Word of God. Let us thank God for John Wesley.”
Graduates, many have thanked God for you. It is by His divine grace new doors of opportunity are opening up for you. The Holy Spirit’s call for you today is to grasp for more of Christ in your heart and life, and desire with all your heart to pray through the vision He has already given you. Be faithful because the Lord has already shown you His faithfulness in opening doors for you in many ways. It is your choice from this day on. Faithfulness to Him will cause others to say, “Let us thank God for our graduates.” Choose Biblical success! Let us pray for our graduates!
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