Why Should We Go to Church Worship? Hebrews 10:25

Why Should We Go to Church Worship?

Our key verse, Hebrews 10:25, gives us a clear directive: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

The author of Hebrews wrote to a congregation where some Christians had made it a habit to miss meetings. What begins as something seemingly "harmless" – a missed service here, a skipped gathering there – can quickly become a dangerous spiritual habit, eroding our faith and weakening our connection to God and His people.

Are we, too, perhaps without fully realizing it, falling into this very habit? Let's examine this crucial aspect of our faith today.

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I. Is It Sin to Forsake Joining Together?

Let's address this question directly and biblically.

A. Sin is violating God's law (1 John 3:4), and Hebrews 10:25 is a command. 1 John 3:4 states: "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." When God gives a command, and we knowingly or habitually disregard it, that constitutes sin. Hebrews 10:25 is not a suggestion; it is a clear instruction to not forsake assembling together.

B. Even while traveling, God's people were to seek to worship God (Numbers 9:9-10). In the Old Testament, even when the Israelites were on a journey and unable to keep the Passover at its appointed time, God made provision for them to keep it a month later. This shows God's desire for His people to worship Him, even when circumstances are challenging. They were to seek to worship God.

C. Paul and his companions remained in Troas to meet (Acts 20:6-7). The Apostle Paul, a man driven by mission, prioritized gathering with believers. In Acts 20:6-7, we read: "But we sailed from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them in Troas, where we stayed seven days. On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight." They waited seven days specifically to participate in the Sunday gathering. This demonstrates the high value placed on corporate worship.

D. Prioritizing material things over spiritual things is practical idolatry (Matthew 6:33). When we consistently choose vacations, business, leisure, or other worldly pursuits over the spiritual discipline of assembling with believers, we are, in essence, making those things our priority, placing them before God. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." If our "seeking first" doesn't include corporate worship, then our priorities are misplaced.

Application: Do we postpone God for vacations, business, or leisure? Or do we diligently seek Him wherever we are, making corporate worship a priority in our lives, whether at home or when traveling?

II. The Example of Jesus and Other Faithfuls

We are not left without examples. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and the early faithful, set the pattern for prioritizing corporate worship.

A. Jesus was accustomed to attending the synagogue (Luke 4:16). When Jesus began His public ministry, He did not invent a new way of worship. He participated in the established practice: "He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom." It was His habit, His custom, to assemble for worship.

B. Wherever he went, he sought out places of worship (Matthew 4:23; 12:9; Mark 1:39). Jesus' ministry was characterized by teaching and healing, but it was often rooted in the synagogues. He taught in *"their synagogues throughout Galilee" (Matthew 4:23), entered *"their synagogue" (Matthew 12:9), and preached *"in their synagogues throughout Galilee" (Mark 1:39). He didn't avoid the gatherings; He engaged with them.

C. Anna the prophetess: “she never left the temple” (Luke 2:37). This devout woman, a model of faithfulness, "never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying." Her life was a testament to unwavering devotion to God's house and presence.

D. The first-century disciples: persevered in doctrine, prayer, and fellowship (Acts 2:42-46; 1:14; 3 John 6-7). The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, immediately established a pattern of consistent gathering.

    • Acts 2:42-46: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts; they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people."

    • Acts 1:14: Before Pentecost, the disciples "all joined together constantly in prayer."

    • 3 John 6-7: John commends those who showed hospitality to traveling missionaries, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who go out for the sake of the Name. This implies a network of fellowship and mutual support through gatherings.

E. Spiritual Planning: Before traveling, faithful Christians should make sure there is a church where they can worship, seeking out opportunities for fellowship and spiritual nourishment.

Application: Do we have that same spiritual desire and foresight as Jesus and the early believers? Is assembling for worship a priority, a custom, a devotion in our lives?

III. Blessings We Obtain by Assembling

Beyond it being a command and an example, there are undeniable blessings that flow from faithfully assembling with God's people.

A. Ephesians 1:3: All spiritual blessings are in Christ, in His church. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." These blessings are often experienced and mediated within the context of the gathered body of Christ.

B. Luke 13:10-13: The sick woman was healed by not missing the meetings. Jesus healed a crippled woman on the Sabbath in the synagogue. She was there, she was present, and she received her miracle. Her healing was a direct result of her presence in the place of worship. This illustrates that blessings can be received when we are faithfully present.

C. John 20:19-24: Thomas missed Jesus' appearance because he was not present. After Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to His disciples when they were gathered together. Thomas, however, was absent: "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them... But Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came." Because he was not present, he missed a direct encounter with the risen Lord and struggled with doubt. How many blessings, how many divine encounters, do we miss by not being present?

D. Matthew 18:20: Where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there. Jesus Himself promised: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." When we assemble, we are not just meeting with each other; we are meeting with the Lord Himself. His presence is a profound blessing.

E. 1 John 1:3: Communion with the Godhead. John writes, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." Corporate worship deepens our communion not only with fellow believers but with the Father and the Son.

F. 1 Corinthians 1:9; John 4:24: Active participation in true worship. We are called into fellowship with Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9). And true worship is active and spiritual: "God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." (John 4:24). Assembling allows us to actively participate in the worship of God, offering Him praise, prayer, and adoration.

G. Romans 10:17: Faith comes by hearing; if we do not hear, our faith weakens. "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." When we neglect corporate worship, we miss out on the regular, consistent preaching of God's Word, which is essential for strengthening our faith. If we do not hear, our faith weakens.

Application: Every meeting, every gathering, is an opportunity to grow, strengthen ourselves, fellowship with God, and fellowship with our brothers and sisters. How many blessings, how much spiritual nourishment, how many opportunities for encouragement and growth do we miss by missing it?

1. How Should a Christian's Relationship with the World Be?
2. What happens when we forget the things God has done for us?
3. Justice as a mark of Christian Life

Conclusion

My beloved brothers and sisters, gathering together for church worship is not an "option" or a mere suggestion; it is a clear commandment from our Lord that demonstrates our love for God (1 John 5:3: "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.").

By habitually missing the assembly, we show spiritual disinterest, we weaken our own faith, we deprive ourselves of vital spiritual blessings, and we despise the precious fellowship of believers.

Let us develop a holy habit of gathering together joyfully, eagerly, and consistently. Let us be those who encourage one another, especially as we see the Day of the Lord approaching.

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How Should a Christian's Relationship with the World Be?

How Should a Christian's Relationship with the World Be?

We live in this world; we cannot hide or isolate ourselves from it. We work in it, we interact with people in it, we shop in it, and we are surrounded by its culture. So, what is the right way for a Christian to relate to this world? Is it a place to be embraced, tolerated, or shunned?

The Bible gives us a clear and compelling answer, and it is a delicate balance that requires divine wisdom and spiritual discipline. We will see today that while we are in the world, we are not of it, and this distinction has eternal implications.

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I. The Correct Relationship with the World

Jesus and His apostles teach us that our relationship with the world is one of holy tension.

A. Christ Chose Us from the World (John 15:19; 17:16): Jesus makes this distinction clear to His disciples: "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19).

    • Later, in His high priestly prayer, Jesus reiterates this: "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." (John 17:16).

    • This does not mean we are to abandon the world. Jesus did not pray for us to be taken out of it, but to be kept from the evil one and sanctified in the truth (John 17:15, 17). We are to live in the world as ambassadors, but not be of the world, adopting its values or system.

B. Crucified to the World (Galatians 6:14): For the Christian, the world is a past reality that no longer has a hold on us. Paul says, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

    • The cross breaks the world's power over our lives. Our old self, which was in bondage to sin and the worldly system, was crucified with Christ.

    • Our lives, therefore, must show that the world no longer has power over us; its allure, its approval, and its promises no longer define us.

C. Separation from the World (2 Corinthians 6:14-18): The Bible calls for a holy separation from the world's sinful system.

    • Paul asks: "What fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? ... Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”"

    • This separation is not about physical isolation, but about spiritual and moral separation. We have no fellowship with darkness; we do not participate in its deeds or adopt its ungodly values.

D. Not to Be Conformed to the World (Romans 12:2): This is a direct command from Paul: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

    • We are not to conform or mold ourselves to the world's way of thinking, its philosophies, its moral standards, or its priorities.

    • Instead, we are to be transformed from the inside out by the renewing of our minds through God's Word.

E. Not to Love the World (1 John 2:15-17): John's warning is unequivocal: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them."

    • Loving the world—its lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is incompatible with loving the Father.

    • Love for the world corrupts the heart, displacing our affection for God and His kingdom.

II. Four Cautions – The Steps That Lead to Danger

While the world's influence may seem harmless in small doses, the Bible warns us that certain steps can lead to great danger, ultimately jeopardizing our fellowship with God and our eternal life.

1. Befriending the World (James 4:4): James gives a severe warning: "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."

    • You cannot be a friend of God and a friend of the world at the same time.

    • As Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, "You cannot serve both God and money." The same principle applies to the world.

    • Jesus said in Matthew 12:30: "Whoever is not with me is against me." To befriend the world is to side against Christ.

2. Loving the World (1 John 2:15): This is a deeper step than just befriending it. It is an internal affection.

    • John says, "If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them." A divided heart cannot fully love God.

    • John 15:19 reminds us that the world loves its own because they share the same spirit and values. But it hates those who are not of it.

    • Matthew 22:37 commands that our love should be directed toward God with all our being, leaving no room for a competing love for the things of the world.

3. Conforming to the World (Romans 12:1-2): This is the process of being molded by the world's system.

    • When we conform to the world, we become insensitive to its sin. We start to justify things that God's Word condemns.

    • We think and act like the world, and we lose our spiritual distinctiveness as a light in the darkness.

4. Setting Our Minds on Earthly Things (Matthew 6:19; Colossians 3:2): This is the heart's ultimate destination.

    • Jesus warns, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." Because "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

    • Paul commands in Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Any of these steps can lead us to spiritual destruction. Let us be very careful!

III. A Wrong Relationship with the World Has Eternal Consequences

This is not a message about losing temporal blessings; it is a message about losing our souls.

1. It chokes the Word of God (Matthew 13:22): In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes the seed that fell among thorns: "The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the seed, making it unfruitful."

    • The love and cares of the world can choke the life out of the Word of God in our hearts, making us spiritually barren and ineffective.

2. It distances us from God (2 Timothy 4:10): Paul gives a heartbreaking testimony of a fellow worker: "for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica."

    • The love of the world leads us to turn our backs on Christ and His mission.

3. The Lord catches us unawares (Luke 21:34): Jesus warned His disciples about the end times: "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap."

    • The cares and deceitful pleasures of the world can harden our hearts and cause us to be spiritually unprepared for the day of the Lord, catching us unawares.

1. What happens when we forget the things God has done for us?
2. Justice as a mark of Christian Life
3. 7 Benefits we will obtain from reading the Bible Psalm 119

Conclusion

What will it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose his soul? (Matthew 16:26). This is the ultimate question we must confront.

Our relationship with the world must be one of intentional separation and holy love. We are in the world to be a light, to be salt, to be ambassadors of Christ. But we must not let the world get into us.

Let us heed the warnings. Let us not befriend the world, love the world, conform to the world, or set our minds on its earthly treasures. Instead, let us love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. Let our treasure be in heaven, our minds set on things above, and our lives be a living testimony that we are not of this world, but citizens of a coming, eternal Kingdom.

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Preaching on Jairus's Daughter: Jesus Always Helps Us

 Preaching on Jairus's Daughter: Jesus Always Helps Us

Today, we are going to dive into a beautiful and powerful passage from the Gospel of Matthew and Mark, where we witness the compassion, power, and unwavering faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage, found in Matthew 9:18-26 and Mark 5:21-43, tells the story of two desperate individuals who found hope in Jesus.

We see a day in the life of Jesus when a synagogue official named Jairus approached him with a desperate plea. His daughter was very sick… and tragically died. But in the midst of his sorrow, Jesus performed a miracle and brought her back to life.

Jesus was not indifferent. He didn't turn away. When Jairus needed him most, Jesus acted. And He is still the same today. No one else in that time could bring that girl back to life. No one else today can bring true life to our souls. Only the Son of God could do that.

Let's look at this passage and discover the wonderful truth that Jesus Always Helps Us.

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I. Jesus Answers When Called

Our story begins with a desperate man who knew exactly where to go.

A. Jesus was preaching—his primary mission on earth—but Jairus interrupted him with an urgent plea (Matthew 9:18): "While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came and knelt before him, saying, 'My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.'"

    • Jairus, a man of authority and position, knelt before Jesus, a public act of humility and desperation. He was a man with nothing left to lose.

    • What impressive faith! He didn't say, "if you can," like the father of the demon-possessed boy in Mark 9:22. Jairus firmly believed. He had heard about Jesus' power, and his words were a testament to his confident faith.

B. Jesus got up and went with Jairus (Matthew 9:19). That's how our Lord is! He was not too busy to be interrupted. He was not indifferent to this father's pain.

    • He is compassionate, willing, and always attentive to our needs (Hebrews 4:15-16).

    • He doesn't get upset when we seek Him. On the contrary, He invites us to do so (Luke 11:5-13). The one who said, "Ask, and it will be given to you," welcomed this man's plea.

II. Jesus Is Available for Everyone

As Jesus walked toward Jairus's house, another desperate person, a woman, reached out to Him.

A. A woman with a flow of blood for 12 years touched him (Matthew 9:20-22). The woman was ceremonially unclean and socially ostracized. She had spent all she had on doctors and was still getting worse. For 12 years, she lived with this suffering. When she heard Jesus was passing by, she came behind Him, thinking, "If I only touch his garment, I will be made well."

    • She, too, needed a miracle.

B. Jesus could have walked on, but He stopped. He didn't ignore her. He felt the power go out from Him and He turned to her. He did not say, "I'm busy; I have an important appointment with a synagogue leader." He healed her and affirmed her faith, saying, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well."

    • No one is excluded from His love. Some may believe that God has forgotten them, but God doesn't forget any of His children!

    • Our God is omniscient and omnipresent. Jesus can hear millions of prayers at once and attend to them all! Isn't that wonderful? Let us trust in Him more every day!

III. Jesus Comforts When Hope Is Gone

As Jesus continued on to Jairus's house, the worst news arrived.

A. Jesus doesn't just answer; He comforts when all seems lost. In the midst of their journey, messengers came from Jairus's house with devastating news (Mark 5:35): "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?"

    • The funeral musicians were already at Jairus's house, weeping and wailing loudly. The people had given up hope.

    • But Jesus's response was immediate and filled with grace (Mark 5:36): "Do not be afraid, only believe."

    • When He arrived at the house and said the girl was not dead, but only sleeping, the people laughed at Him! (Matthew 9:24). But Jesus was there, and that changes everything!

Application: It doesn't matter what others say, or how much they laugh at your faith. Even when all seems lost and hope has vanished, Jesus can intervene. Cast your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

IV. Jesus Works Even When Everything Seems Impossible

Finally, Jesus enters the house where despair had taken over.

A. For men, it was the end. For Jesus, it was an opportunity to glorify God. He put everyone out, except for Peter, James, John, and the girl's parents. Then He went in, took the girl by the hand, and raised her up (Matthew 9:25).

    • In Mark's Gospel, we read the powerful words He spoke: "Talitha koum! (Little girl, I say to you, get up!)."

    • How easy it is in the Gospels to describe it! Because that's how easy it is for God to do the impossible. What seems like an absolute end for us is just the beginning of a miracle for Him.

    • The faith of Jairus, strengthened by Jesus's command—"Do not be afraid, only believe"—was rewarded with the life of his daughter.

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2. Preaching about prejudice and the Word of God
3. Preaching on Drunkenness: The truth about drunkenness from God's Word

Conclusion

Jesus does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

He remains willing to help us, as He did with Jairus, the sick woman, and countless others. He is never too busy to listen, never too far to reach, and never too late to act.

Whether you are in a moment of desperate need, silently suffering for years, or in a situation where all hope seems lost, remember the God who heard Jairus's plea and healed the woman with the flow of blood. Turn to Him, call on Him, and believe in His power.

May we all be encouraged to come to Jesus with a faith that says, "I believe you can," knowing that He is always there to help us.

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Preaching on The woman with the Alabaster Jar Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9

The woman with the Alabaster Jar  Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9

Today, we are going to contemplate one of the most beautiful and moving stories in the Gospels: the anointing of Jesus by a devout woman. In the account we find in Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9, we see a woman who performed an act of devotion so profound and sincere that it was criticized by some, but defended and praised by Jesus Himself.

Her action was not merely a good deed; it was a powerful act of worship that leaves us with valuable lessons about what genuine devotion, total surrender, and the true value of our works before God really mean.

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I. Jesus Is in Bethany (Matthew 26:6)

Our story begins in a place with a significant name.

A. Bethany, which means “House of Misery,” was a humble place, but it was there that Jesus received one of the greatest expressions of love and surrender. Jesus was in the home of Simón the leper. It is highly probable that Simón had been healed by Jesus, so he was hosting Him in gratitude. We know from the account in John 12:2 that Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, whom Jesus loved dearly, were also present.

B. Mary approaches with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume (Matthew 26:7). The perfume was made of pure nard, and as we learn in Mark 14:5, it was worth more than 300 days' wages—a year's salary! This was a precious possession, likely an inheritance, a security for the future.

    • The surrender of Mary did not calculate the cost, because she understood the incalculable value of the person of Christ. She did not see the flask, but the Savior. Her focus was not on the monetary value of the perfume, but on the immeasurable worth of the One she was anointing.

Application: We must ask ourselves: What value do we place on Christ? Are we willing to give our lives, our most precious possessions, our time, our talents for Him? Jesus said in Luke 14:26 that we must be willing to give up everything. And Paul said in Acts 20:24: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

II. The Criticism (Matthew 26:8)

As soon as Mary's act of devotion occurred, criticism arose.

A. Some disciples, including Judas (John 12:4-5), saw Mary's act as a waste. "But when the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, 'Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.'" They saw a monetary value, a missed opportunity for charity, and a foolish, extravagant act.

    • This attitude reveals a heart that does not truly appreciate the value of the Savior nor recognize the sincerity of a devoted worshiper. They were so focused on the earthly that they missed the eternal.

B. Just as the Pharisees criticized Jesus for doing good (Matthew 12:9-14), many today also belittle the good works of others. They are quick to point out flaws and find fault, rather than seeing the heart and the genuine desire to serve God.

Application: Let us reflect: Are we people who build up or who tear down with criticism? The Bible exhorts us not to grumble or murmur, but to praise good actions (Philippians 2:14: "Do all things without grumbling or questioning."). Let us be like Jesus, ready to defend and affirm true devotion, not criticize it.

III. The Excuses (Matthew 26:9)

The critics' argument was a deceptive one, cloaked in piety.

A. They used a pious excuse: "This could have been sold and given to the poor." But John reveals the truth: Judas said this because he was a thief (John 12:6). Judas's concern was not for the poor, but for his own pocket. He saw the money, not the act of worship.

    • We, too, often use excuses to mask our own lack of compassion and zeal for the things of God. We may say we are too busy, too poor, or too tired to serve, when in reality, our hearts are simply not committed.

    • The critics claimed to care for the needy, but in reality, they did not. Contrast their attitude with Jesus’s in Mark 6:34-36, where He had compassion on the hungry crowd and fed them.

B. Jesus rejects the hypocrisy and honors the sincere act of this woman (Matthew 26:11). He said to them, "For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me." This was not a dismissal of the poor, but a powerful statement of priority. This was a unique moment of intimate worship, and He wanted them to appreciate its profound significance.

Application: Let us not make excuses for not serving or for criticizing those who do. We will always have opportunities to do good and to serve the poor. As Jesus said, when we do it to the least of these, we do it to Him (Matthew 25:34-40).

IV. Our Works Will Speak of Us (Matthew 26:13)

Jesus' final word on the matter is a breathtaking promise and a powerful lesson for us all.

A. Jesus declares that the work of this woman would be remembered in every place where the Gospel is preached. "Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." What an incredible promise! This woman's act of humility and worship became a timeless sermon on genuine devotion.

    • Our works, both good and bad, will also speak of us. They are a testimony to our faith, or to our lack of it.

B. How do you want to be remembered? For your faithfulness to the Lord or for your indifference?

    • The woman's act of pouring out the expensive perfume, which could have been a forgotten moment, became a lasting legacy because Jesus noticed it.

Application: Let us not stop doing good, even when no one notices or when others criticize us. God sees it and will reward it. As Ephesians 2:10 says: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." We are called to be diligent in good works, not for human praise, but for God's glory (Titus 2:14; 3:8; Philippians 4:17).

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3. Preaching on Sons and Daughters: Relationship and the Family Unit

Conclusion

This woman did not hold back anything to honor her Lord. She gave her most precious possession, not to get attention, but to anoint the one she loved.

Let us ask ourselves: Are we holding anything back? Our time, our talents, our resources, our entire heart?

God does not look at the price of the perfume, but at the intention of the heart. May our lives be a beautiful, fragrant perfume poured out at the feet of Jesus, without reservations and without fear of criticism.

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What happens when we forget the things God has done for us?

Preaching on Forgetting the Things God Has Done for Us

Today, we confront a profound and often subtle problem that afflicts the human heart: Easily Forgetting Things of God. It’s a struggle as old as humanity itself, a tendency to let slip from our minds the good deeds, the faithfulness, and the saving acts of others, and most critically, of God Himself.

One of the greatest problems of the human being is his tendency to easily forget what others have done for him. And this forgetfulness is often directly related to ingratitude. When we forget the source of our blessings or the kindness shown to us, our hearts grow cold and unthankful.

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As Christians, we must diligently cultivate an attitude of grateful memory, especially towards God and towards others. Our base texts, Psalm 106:13, 21 and Deuteronomy 4:9, highlight this danger of forgetfulness in profound ways. Psalm 106 laments of Israel, "They soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plans... They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt." And Moses warns in Deuteronomy 4:9, "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."

In this message, we will look at powerful biblical examples of people who have forgotten God's works and His ways, and how this forgetfulness tragically affects our relationship with God, and indeed, our destiny.

I. Biblical Examples of the Danger of Forgetfulness

The pages of Scripture are filled with cautionary tales demonstrating the peril of forgetting.

A. Pharaoh's Worker Forgot Joseph (Genesis 40:23): Joseph, languishing in prison, interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's chief cupbearer, accurately predicting his restoration to Pharaoh's service. Joseph specifically asked him, "But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison."

    • Yet, Genesis 40:23 records: "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him."

    • Application: This is a common human failing. Sometimes, once we are out of trouble or our needs are met, we easily forget those who helped us when we were in dire need. This reflects a self-centeredness and ingratitude that is displeasing to God.

B. Israel Forgot the Wonders of God (Exodus 32:8; Psalms 106:13, 21): This is perhaps the most prominent example of collective forgetfulness in the Bible. Just a short time after witnessing the miraculous plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and receiving the Ten Commandments at Sinai, Israel fell into idolatry.

    • In Exodus 32:8, God tells Moses, "They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’"

    • Psalm 106:13 confirms: "They soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plans." And Psalm 106:21: "They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt."

    • Application: This warns us against modern idolatry. When we forget God's past deliverance and provision, we become susceptible to "golden calves" of our own making – materialism, pride, self-sufficiency, trusting in human efforts or possessions more than the living God. Forgetting what God has done now leads us to various forms of idolatry.

C. A Generation Neglected Teaching its Children (Deuteronomy 4:9; Judges 2:10): Moses passionately warned Israel about the danger of intergenerational spiritual amnesia.

    • Deuteronomy 4:9: "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."

    • Despite this warning, Judges 2:10 sadly states: "After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel."

    • Application: This is a grave warning for Christian families and the church. When we forget our spiritual roots, when we neglect to diligently teach the next generation about God's character, His Word, and His mighty acts, the succeeding generations will not know God. Spiritual forgetfulness is a generational curse if not actively countered.

D. Nine Lepers Did Not Return Giving Thanks (Luke 17:11-19): Jesus miraculously healed ten lepers, a profound act of compassion and power.

    • Yet, Luke 17:11-19 reveals: "One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, 'Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?'" Only one returned to be grateful.

    • Application: This poignant story highlights the common human tendency to receive blessings from God but offer little or no glory, gratitude, or praise in return. We can be so quick to enjoy the benefits without acknowledging the Benefactor.

E. Judas Forgot the Love of Christ (John 13:5; John 18:2-3): Judas Iscariot spent three years in intimate fellowship with Jesus, witnessing His miracles, hearing His teachings, and even participating in His ministry. He saw Jesus' love, exemplified even in the foot-washing described in John 13:5: "After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."

    • Yet, despite everything he lived with Jesus, John 18:2-3 records his ultimate betrayal: "Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew this place [Gethsemane] because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons."

    • Application: This is a terrifying example. We can have close communion with God, experience His love, hear His Word, and even serve in His name, and yet tragically forget it all if we do not cultivate constant gratitude, reverence, and faithful obedience. Judas's forgetfulness led to the ultimate act of betrayal.

F. Children Who Forget Their Parents (1 Timothy 5:4): Paul, in giving instructions for caring for widows, emphasizes the responsibility of children and grandchildren.

    • 1 Timothy 5:4: "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God." There are children who, tragically, mistreat or neglect their elderly parents, forgetting the sacrifices received.

    • Application: Family ingratitude, manifested in neglecting or dishonoring parents, reflects a profound forgetfulness of the love, care, and sacrifices received throughout life. This is not only a social failing but a spiritual one, dishonoring God's command to honor parents.

II. Warnings and Calls Not to Be Forgotten

God, in His mercy, provides warnings and calls us to actively remember, not to forget.

A. Let us not forget what God has done (Colossians 1:13; 2 Peter 1:9):

    • God has delivered us from the kingdom of darkness: Colossians 1:13: "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." To forget this monumental salvation is to despise His grace.

    • 2 Peter 1:9 warns against spiritual myopia: "But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins." Forgetting our cleansing from sin leads to a lack of diligence in growing in Christ.

B. God does not forget about us (Psalms 77:9; 2 Peter 3:9): Even though we may forget Him, God remains faithful to His promises and His people.

    • Psalm 77:9: "Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" The Psalmist wrestles with this, but the ultimate answer of Scripture is no, God does not forget.

    • 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God's patience is proof that He has not forgotten His ultimate purpose of salvation for humanity.

C. We must forget the bad of the past (Philippians 3:13): Paradoxically, while we must remember God's good deeds, we are called to forget certain things – specifically, past sins (once confessed and forgiven), failures, and pains that hinder our progress in Christ.

    • Philippians 3:13: "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." This is a call to press forward in faith, not to be shackled by past regrets or failures that God has already forgiven.

D. If we forget God, He will also forget us: This is a biblical principle implicit in several texts, a solemn warning about the eternal consequences of persistent spiritual forgetfulness and negligence toward God. While God's character is faithful, if we deliberately and continually forget Him, refusing to acknowledge His sovereignty and grace, there will be eternal consequences. To forget God is to reject Him, and He will reject those who reject Him (e.g., Matthew 10:33).

1. Justice as a mark of Christian Life
2. 7 Benefits we will obtain from reading the Bible Psalm 119
3. When God Speaks, How Will You Respond?

Conclusion

My beloved brothers and sisters, the human tendency to easily forget is a dangerous spiritual malady. It leads to ingratitude, idolatry, spiritual decline across generations, and ultimately, alienation from God.

Let us heed the warnings from Scripture. Let us diligently cultivate a grateful memory, constantly recalling God's mighty acts, His faithful provision, and His incomparable love in Christ Jesus. Let us teach our children and grandchildren so that they too may know and remember the Lord.

May we be a people characterized not by forgetfulness, but by a vibrant, active memory of all that God has done, is doing, and will do, to His glory.

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Justice as a mark of Christian Life

Justice as a mark of Christian life

Today, we delve into a critical aspect of genuine Christian living: Justice as a mark of Christian life. In His profound Sermon on the Mount, after setting forth the spiritual attitudes of true blessedness, Jesus makes a radical and startling declaration in our base text, Matthew 5:20: "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."

What did He mean by this? Are the scribes and Pharisees not considered the most religious people of their time? Weren't they meticulous in their observance of the Law, fasting, praying, and giving alms?

Indeed they were! On the surface, their righteousness seemed impeccable. Yet, Jesus declared that unless our righteousness surpassed theirs, we would not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This implies that their "justice" was deficient in some crucial way.

In this message, we will see what kind of justice characterized them, and more importantly, what is the true justice that God expects from us, the justice that truly marks a life dedicated to Christ.

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I. The Justice of the Scribes and Pharisees (A Deficient Justice)

The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, while outwardly impressive, was fundamentally flawed. It was a justice that failed to meet God's true standard.

1. External justice only (Matthew 23:27-28): Jesus condemned them, saying: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the dead bones of dead men and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." They seemed like saints on the outside, meticulously observing rituals and outward appearances, but inside they were full of hypocrisy and corruption.

2. Based on human traditions (Mark 7:7-9): They elevated their own interpretations and traditions above God's explicit commands. Jesus rebuked them: "They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions." And He added, "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!" They prioritized man-made rules over the divine will.

3. Professed but not practiced (Matthew 23:1-4; Romans 2:20-22): Jesus described them: "They preach, but do not practice." (Matthew 23:3). They taught the people the law, holding themselves up as examples, but they did not live what they preached. As Paul echoed in Romans 2:21-22: "You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?"

4. They justified themselves (Luke 18:9-12): The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates their self-righteousness. The Pharisee prayed: "God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." They felt more righteous than others because of what they "did," comparing themselves to others rather than to God's perfect standard.

5. Neglected the most important thing (Matthew 23:23): While meticulously tithing herbs, Jesus declared: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness." They focused on external rituals and forgotten the weightier matters of the law: true justice, mercy, and loyalty to God and neighbor.

6. Didn't help those in need (Luke 10:31-32): The parable of the Good Samaritan directly exposed this flaw. A priest and a Levite, despite knowing the law, ignored the injured man, demonstrating a lack of practical compassion. Their "righteousness" did not extend to genuine care for others.

7. Did not judge with justice (John 7:51): Nicodemus challenged his fellow Pharisees: "Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?" They often judged according to their biases or external appearances, rather than according to truth and justice.

II. The Justice That God Demands of Us (True Justice)

In stark contrast to the deficient righteousness of the Pharisees, Jesus calls us to a superior, transformative justice that springs from the heart and is manifested in authentic living.

1. It must be born from the heart and be sincere (John 4:24; Revelation 3:1): God desires genuine worship and righteousness that comes from within. Jesus told the Samaritan woman, "God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." (John 4:24). It's not about outward conformity but inward reality. Jesus also warns the church in Sardis: "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." (Revelation 3:1). True justice is spiritual and authentic, not just lip service.

2. Based on the Word of God, not on traditions (Galatians 2:16): True righteousness comes not from human effort or man-made rules, but from faith in Christ and obedience to His inspired Word. "Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified." (Galatians 2:16).

3. It must lead us to obey, not just listen (James 1:22-23): It's not enough to hear sermons or understand doctrine; we must live it out. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." True justice is demonstrated in practical obedience.

4. It must include fair judgment and without favoritism (1 Timothy 5:21): Paul instructs Timothy, "I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism." We are called to judge righteously, not by appearances or biases, but with justice and truth.

5. We must practice what we preach (Titus 1:16): Our lives must align with our profession of faith. Paul describes false teachers who "claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." The truth of our faith must be reflected in our conduct, not just in our words.

6. It must be humble, not proud (1 Peter 5:6): Unlike the self-justifying Pharisees, true justice leads to humility before God. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." We don't justify ourselves by believing we are better than others; we humbly submit ourselves before God, recognizing our dependence on His grace.

7. It must include love for your neighbor and help for those in need (James 2:14-16): True faith is active in love and compassion. "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?... Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?" Faith without works is dead. Justice is not merely avoiding evil; it is actively demonstrating love and service to those around us.

III. A Question to Reflect On

As we consider these two starkly different forms of "justice," let us ponder this critical question that Jesus Himself posed:

"Is our justice helping others to enter the Kingdom or, like the Pharisees, is it becoming an obstacle?" (Matthew 23:13: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.").

1. 7 Benefits we will obtain from reading the Bible Psalm 119
2. When God Speaks, How Will You Respond?
3. Ten examples for a life lived fully for God.

Conclusion

The justice of the scribes and Pharisees was incomplete, superficial, and hypocritical. It was a self-made righteousness that sought human applause and external conformity, ultimately shutting people out of the Kingdom.

Jesus calls us to a vastly superior justice, one that springs from a transformed heart, is rooted in faith in Him, and manifests itself in sincere obedience, humility, and genuine compassion in our daily lives. It's not about outward appearance; it's about pleasing God with sincerity, truth, and genuine love.

Only with this true, Christ-centered justice—a gift of God through faith, worked out in love—can we truly enter the Kingdom of Heaven and be the salt and light that God intends us to be in the midst of a dark world.

May God grant us the grace to pursue and live out this divine justice!

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Preaching about prejudice and the Word of God

Preaching about prejudice and the Word of God

Today, we confront a challenging but essential topic for every true follower of Christ: Prejudice. It's an attitude deeply ingrained in the human heart, leading us to form judgments about people before we truly know them.

This superficial judgment is often based on external factors: appearance, ethnic or national origin, socioeconomic status, educational background, or even differing beliefs. Prejudice, in all its forms, is destructive. It damages relationships, hinders the spread of the Gospel, and fundamentally contradicts the very character of God, who shows no partiality.

In this study, using our base texts, James 2:1-9 and Acts 10:34-35, we will explore what prejudice is, how it manifested itself in the Bible, why it is a profound sin in God's eyes, and, most importantly, how we, as Christians, can overcome it in our lives.

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I. Examples of Prejudice in the Bible

The Bible, in its raw honesty, presents numerous examples of prejudice, revealing its destructive nature and how it hindered God's purposes.

1. Prejudice in Social Distinctions (Exodus 23:3; Leviticus 19:15): Long before the New Testament, God commanded His people to judge fairly, without bias towards the rich or the poor.

    • Exodus 23:3: "Do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit."

    • Leviticus 19:15: "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly." These commands highlight that judging based on wealth or poverty, or any social status, is a perversion of justice and an act of prejudice. God demands impartial justice.

2. Prejudice between Jews and Samaritans (John 4:9; Luke 9:52-56): The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was deep-seated, stemming from historical, religious, and cultural differences.

    • John 4:9: When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink, her immediate response was, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)" This cultural hatred almost prevented the Samaritan woman from hearing the life-giving message of Jesus.

    • Luke 9:52-56: When some Samaritan villages rejected Jesus, the disciples James and John, filled with prejudice and anger, wanted to call down fire from heaven to punish them. Jesus rebuked them, showing that prejudice, even when cloaked in zeal, is contrary to His Spirit.

3. Prejudice toward Gentiles (Acts 10:28; 11:1-4): One of the greatest struggles in the early church was overcoming Jewish prejudice against Gentiles, particularly regarding their inclusion in the Gospel.

    • Acts 10:28: Peter himself, despite being an apostle, had to overcome deep-seated racial and cultural prejudice. He told Cornelius, a Gentile, "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean." God had to give Peter a vision to challenge his ingrained prejudice.

    • Acts 11:1-4: When Peter returned to Jerusalem, he faced criticism from other Jewish believers for associating with Gentiles: "So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, 'You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.'" Peter had to explain God's clear instruction. The gospel cannot be limited by human-made racial or cultural barriers.

4. Prejudice from Humble Origins (John 1:46): People often judge others based on where they come from, often with disdain.

    • John 1:46: When Philip told Nathanael about Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael's prejudiced response was instantaneous: "“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”" This prejudice, based on a town's humble reputation, blinds people to God's unexpected ways. Prejudice limits God’s work and our ability to recognize His chosen instruments.

5. Prejudice hinders God’s work: When we allow prejudice to dictate who we engage with, who we minister to, or who we share the gospel with, we essentially judge whether someone "deserves" the gospel or not. This directly disobeys the command to preach it to every creature (Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."). Prejudice becomes a roadblock to evangelization and a betrayal of the Great Commission.

II. Prejudice Is Forbidden by God

The Lord leaves no ambiguity regarding His stance on partiality and prejudice. It is a sin because it directly contradicts His nature.

1. God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11): Peter, after his transformative encounter with Cornelius, declared, in Acts 10:34: "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.'"

    • Romans 2:11 affirms this universal truth: "For God does not show favoritism." God judges by the heart, by righteousness, not by external appearance, social class, ethnic background, or any other superficial human distinction.

2. Our faith must be without favoritism (James 2:1): The Apostle James issues a strong warning to believers: "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." Our faith, anchored in a glorious Christ who embraced all, cannot tolerate favoritism or partiality based on worldly standards.

3. Favoritism is sin (James 2:9): James further clarifies the severity of this issue: "But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers." Prejudging people based on their economic status, cultural background, race, or any other external factor, and then treating them differently, makes us guilty before God and His royal law of love.

4. Let us imitate God in His impartial justice: If God, the ultimate Judge, shows no partiality, neither should we, His children. We are called to reflect His character in our interactions with everyone.

III. The Remedy for Prejudice

While prejudice is deeply ingrained, the good news is that God provides the powerful remedy through the transforming power of the Gospel and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

1. Love your neighbor sincerely (Luke 10:30-37; James 2:8): The parable of the Good Samaritan directly addresses prejudice through the command to love.

    • The priest and the Levite, representing religious establishment, did not help the wounded man, likely due to their prejudice against Samaritans and perhaps fear of ritual impurity.

    • Only the Samaritan, the one despised by Jewish society, acted with true compassion and went out of his way to help. Jesus concluded by saying, "Go and do likewise." This illustrates that Luke 10:27, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’” is the essence of fulfilling God's law.

    • James 2:8 calls this the "royal law": "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right." Sincere, compassionate love for our neighbor, regardless of their background, is the antidote to prejudice.

2. Obey God's command (Acts 10:28): Peter overcame his deep-seated resistance and prejudice by simply obeying God's direct command to go to Cornelius's house. His obedience led to a breakthrough in understanding and evangelism. Love and obedience to God's will are powerful forces that overcome ingrained prejudice.

3. See souls, not appearances: Ultimately, the most effective remedy for prejudice is to adopt God's perspective. He sees every individual as an eternal soul created in His image, desperately in need of salvation.

    • We are commanded to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15), without judging whether they are worthy or not, because all people, from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, need salvation.

    • When we truly see people through the eyes of Christ—as lost, yet infinitely valuable to God—the superficial distinctions that fuel prejudice melt away.

1. Preaching on Drunkenness: The truth about drunkenness from God's Word
2. Preaching on Sons and Daughters: Relationship and the Family Unit
3. Preaching on Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always

Conclusion

Prejudice is a silent sin, often justified by cultural norms or personal biases, but it profoundly hinders the advancement of God's Kingdom. It is a barrier to true fellowship, genuine love, and effective evangelism.

The Bible provides powerful examples of how Christ Himself overcame prejudice with the Samaritan woman, and how Peter, under the Holy Spirit's guidance, overcame it with Cornelius. We too must overcome it in our lives, allowing the Spirit to transform our hearts and minds.

Let us commit ourselves to seeing others as God sees them: not by their external labels, but as eternal souls, uniquely created, and in desperate need of His love, His truth, and His salvation.

Let us not judge by what we see with our natural eyes, but let us preach the gospel with genuine love and compassion, without distinction, for all humanity.

Amen.

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7 Benefits we will obtain from reading the Bible Psalm 119

 7 Benefits we will obtain from reading the Bible Psalm 119

In a world filled with endless information, fleeting trends, and constant distractions, it is easy to lose our way, to feel overwhelmed, or to drift from our spiritual moorings. Yet, in the midst of this, God has provided an unchanging, living, and powerful guide: His Holy Word. Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is a magnificent testament to the power and beauty of God's law, a passionate hymn to its life-transforming benefits. Today, we will look at seven profound benefits we obtain from diligently studying and living by the Bible, benefits that help us grow spiritually in our service to God.

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1. The Bible Will Keep Us From Sin (Psalm 119:11)

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

This verse reveals a crucial preventive benefit of engaging with Scripture. By hiding God's Word in our hearts – through memorization, meditation, and deep understanding – it becomes an internal compass and a powerful deterrent against sin. When temptation arises, the Spirit can bring to mind a relevant passage, reminding us of God's truth and leading us away from wrongdoing. The Bible acts as a spiritual vaccine, building our immunity to the lure of sin.

2. The Bible Strengthens Us (Psalm 119:28)

"My soul melts away from sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!"

Life is full of challenges, sorrows, and moments when our souls feel weak and depleted. In such times, the Bible serves as an incredible source of strength. When we turn to its pages, we find comfort, encouragement, and renewed resolve. God's Word infuses us with divine power, helping us to stand firm in adversity, to endure hardship, and to find resilience even when our spirits are at their lowest. It's spiritual sustenance for the weary soul.

3. The Bible Will Guide Our Steps (Psalm 119:105)

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Imagine walking through a dark, unfamiliar path. You would desperately need a light to see where to place your feet and to discern the way forward. The Bible serves precisely this purpose in our lives. It guides our steps through the moral and spiritual confusion of this world. In a society with shifting values and countless philosophies, God's Word provides the clear, unambiguous light we need to make wise decisions, avoid pitfalls, and walk in alignment with God's will.

4. The Bible Will Bring Us Joy (Psalm 119:111)

"Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart."

While joy can be elusive in a world full of sorrow, the psalmist declares that God's statutes – His Word – are the very joy of his heart. This isn't a superficial happiness, but a deep, abiding delight that comes from knowing God's truth, understanding His character, and living in obedience to His commands. The Bible fills us with a profound satisfaction that transcends circumstances, bringing an inner gladness that is a foretaste of heaven.

5. The Bible Will Guide Us to Wisdom (Psalm 119:130)

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."

True wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but the ability to apply truth effectively in life. The Bible promises that the unfolding of God's words gives light, imparting understanding even to the simple. It guides us beyond human reasoning, providing divine insight into complex situations, relationships, and decisions. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain God's perspective, equipping us to live wisely and make choices that honor Him.

6. The Bible Gives Us Peace (Psalm 119:165)

"Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing causes them to stumble."

In a world riddled with anxiety and turmoil, peace is a coveted treasure. Psalm 119:165 assures us that great peace belongs to those who love God's law. This is a tranquility that comes from living in alignment with His will, trusting in His promises, and finding security in His unchanging character. When our lives are anchored in His Word, external storms may rage, but our inner being remains calm, and nothing causes us to stumble from our faith.

7. The Bible Will Bring Us Back to God (Psalm 119:176)

"I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands."

This verse, the very last in Psalm 119, is a poignant admission of our human tendency to stray, like a lost sheep. Yet, even in wandering, the psalmist clings to the fact that he has "not forgotten your commands." The Bible, therefore, serves as a constant tether to our Creator. When we inevitably drift, it is the Holy Spirit, using God's Word, that draws us back to Him, reminds us of our covenant, and restores our fellowship. It is the ultimate means of repentance and reconnection with our Heavenly Father.

1. When God Speaks, How Will You Respond?
2. Ten examples for a life lived fully for God.
3. Can I Sin Just one More Time?

Conclusion:

Beloved brothers and sisters, the benefits of reading and diligently applying the Bible are immense and transformative. It keeps us from sin, strengthens us, guides our steps, brings us joy, leads us to wisdom, gives us peace, and ultimately brings us back to God when we stray.

In a world that desperately needs light and truth, let us commit ourselves afresh to the diligent study of God's Word. Let us hide it in our hearts, allow it to guide our lives, and experience the fullness of the spiritual blessings it provides. May we, like the psalmist, proclaim with joy: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path!" Amen.

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Preaching on Drunkenness: The truth about drunkenness from God's Word

 Preaching on Drunkenness: The truth about drunkenness from God's Word

Today, we turn our attention to a serious and pervasive issue that has plagued humanity throughout history and continues to inflict great harm in our society: Drunkenness. It’s a topic the Bible addresses with clarity and strong warnings, revealing its true nature and dire consequences.

In a world that often normalizes or even glorifies the excessive consumption of alcohol, it is vital for us as Christians to understand God's perspective on this matter. We must be sober-minded and vigilant, guarding our hearts and minds against the deceptive allure of this sin.

Let us examine the truth about drunkenness from God's Word.

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I. Drunkenness Is Sin

The Bible consistently and unequivocally identifies drunkenness as sin, directly contrary to God's will for His people.

A. Do not get drunk with wine (Ephesians 5:18): This is a direct command from the Apostle Paul: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." The contrast is clear: one leads to dissolute living, the other to spiritual vitality. 

B. It is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21): Paul lists drunkenness among the "works of the flesh," characteristics of a life lived apart from the Holy Spirit. He warns, "I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." 

C. It is the desire of the Gentiles who do not know God (1 Peter 4:3): Peter reminds believers that they have spent enough time living like those who don't know God: "For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry." Drunkenness is characteristic of a life lived without Christ. 

D. Drunkards will not enter the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10): This is a sobering warning. Paul is explicit: "nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." The practice of drunkenness, unrepented and unabandoned, places one outside the inheritance of God's kingdom. 

E. Drunkards cannot be elders of the church (1 Timothy 3:2, 8): When listing qualifications for church leaders, both elders and deacons, Paul specifies they must not be "given to much wine" (or, in modern translations, "not addicted to wine," "not a drunkard"). This underscores the serious nature of drunkenness as disqualifying for spiritual leadership. 

F. We should not engage in drunkenness (Romans 13:13): Paul urges believers to "walk properly, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy." It is a behavior unbecoming of a follower of Christ.

II. Drunkenness Leads to Other Sins

Beyond being a sin in itself, drunkenness acts as a gateway, weakening our self-control and judgment, thereby leading to a cascade of other destructive behaviors.

A. To losing one's mind (Hosea 4:11): "Whoring, wine and new wine take away the understanding." Excessive alcohol consumption dulls the mind, impairs judgment, and removes the ability to think clearly and make righteous decisions. 

B. Sorrows (Proverbs 21:17; 23:21): "Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich." And "for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Drunkenness leads to poverty, regret, and deep-seated sorrows. 

C. Disputes (Proverbs 23:29-30): "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, those who go to sample bowls of mixed wine." Alcohol often fuels arguments, anger, and contention. 

D. Pain and wounds (Proverbs 23:29): The same verse highlights that physical pain and unexplained wounds are often a result of drunken behavior, whether from falls, fights, or general recklessness. 

E. They do shameful things (Isaiah 28:8): The prophet Isaiah warns, "All the tables are covered with vomit and filth; there is not a spot without filth." Drunkenness leads to debauchery, loss of dignity, and engagement in morally degrading and shameful acts. 

F. They despise God's work (Isaiah 5:11-12): "Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till wine inflames them. They have harps and lyres, tambourines and pipes, choirs and wine at their feasts, but they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord, no respect for the work of his hands." Those consumed by drink often lose their spiritual sensitivity, becoming oblivious and indifferent to God's mighty acts and His divine purposes.

III. Examples of People Who Got Drunk

The Bible provides numerous sobering examples of individuals whose lives were negatively impacted by drunkenness, often leading to immediate and severe consequences.

A. Noah (Genesis 9:21): After the flood, righteous Noah "drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent." This led to shame and a curse upon his lineage through Ham. 

B. Lot's daughters got him drunk (Genesis 19:31-35): In a desperate attempt to preserve their family line, Lot's daughters repeatedly made their father drunk, leading to incestuous relationships and the birth of nations hostile to Israel (Moabites and Ammonites). 

C. Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36): David spared Nabal's life, but when Nabal's wife Abigail returned home, she found him "in the house holding a banquet like that of a king. He was in high spirits and very drunk." His drunken foolishness nearly led to his destruction. 

D. David got Uriah drunk (2 Samuel 11:13): In his attempt to cover up his sin with Bathsheba, David deliberately got Uriah drunk to manipulate him into sleeping with his wife. Drunkenness was a tool in the orchestration of murder. E. Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:16): The Aramean king Ben-hadad, overconfident and drunk during a siege, was caught off guard and defeated by Israel: "Ben-Hadad and the thirty-two kings with him were in their tents getting drunk." 

F. Elshazzar (Daniel 5:4): King Belshazzar, in his drunken revelry, committed blasphemy by drinking from the sacred temple goblets, leading to the infamous "writing on the wall" and his immediate demise: "They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone." 

G. Some of the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:21): Even within the early church, some members were abusing the Lord's Supper, to the point that "some of you go hungry and others get drunk." This earned them strong rebuke from Paul for despising the church of God.

IV. The Punishment of Drunken People

The Bible is clear about the severe consequences and divine judgment associated with drunkenness.

A. Woe to those who get others drunk (Habakkuk 2:15): "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their nakedness!" God pronounces a strong curse on those who intentionally lead others into drunkenness, often for their own perverse gratification. 

B. Wine ultimately leads to death like a snake (Proverbs 23:31-32): "Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper." While it may seem appealing at first, the long-term effects of excessive alcohol are destructive and ultimately lead to death. 

C. The church should not have fellowship with drunkards (1 Corinthians 5:11): Paul instructs the Corinthian church concerning those who claim to be brothers but persist in open sin: "But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people." This is a strong call for maintaining the purity of the church and not condoning open sin. 

D. They will not enter the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:21): These verses, already cited, stand as stark warnings. A life characterized by unrepentant drunkenness is incompatible with inheriting eternal life with God. 

E. They will be punished eternally in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8): In the ultimate list of those who will face eternal condemnation, John writes: "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." While "drunkards" are not explicitly listed here, their inclusion in lists of those who will not inherit the kingdom, and the categorization of drunkenness as a "work of the flesh" and a "detestable idolatry," place them among those whose unrepented lives lead to this eternal punishment.

1. Preaching on Sons and Daughters: Relationship and the Family Unit
2. Preaching on Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always
3. Preaching on Everything is New. II Corinthians 5:17

Conclusion

My beloved brothers and sisters, drunkenness is indeed a pervasive sin that has profoundly affected individuals, families, and our society throughout history. It is a trap that leads to the loss of self-control, dignity, spiritual awareness, and ultimately, eternal life.

We must heed the clear warnings from God's Word. We must take care not to fall into this devastating sin, or allow ourselves to be desensitized to its dangers. Let us be sober-minded, self-controlled, and filled with the Holy Spirit, not with wine.

May we live lives that honor God in all things, free from the enslavement of sin, and ever ready to inherit the glorious kingdom He has prepared for those who obey Him.

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Preaching on Sons and Daughters: Relationship and the Family Unit

Preaching on Sons and Daughters: Relationship and the Family Unit

 Today, our focus turns to one of the most fundamental and cherished relationships in human experience, a relationship at the heart of the family unit, which is the foundational block of society and the church: Our Sons and Daughters.

The family is a divine institution, designed by God, and the roles within it carry immense spiritual significance and responsibility. Understanding God's perspective on children, and the mutual obligations between parents and children, is crucial for building strong, godly families that honor Him.

Let's dive into God's Word to understand His beautiful design for our sons and daughters.

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I. The Bible Says That Children Are:

Before we talk about responsibilities, let's establish God's profound view of children. They are not burdens, accidents, or mere extensions of ourselves; they are precious gifts from God.

A. A gift from God (Genesis 33:5): When Jacob reunited with Esau, Esau asked, "Who are these with you?" Jacob answered, "The children God has graciously given your servant." Children are a direct act of God's grace and favor, entrusted to our care. 

B. They are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3): "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." The word "heritage" implies an inheritance, something valuable and enduring, passed down as a blessing. They are a precious trust from God. 

C. Grandchildren are the crown of the aged (Proverbs 17:6): "Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." This beautiful proverb illustrates the joy and honor that grandchildren bring to their elders, a testament to God's continued blessings through generations.

Children are a blessing, a gift, and a heritage. This understanding forms the foundation for how we approach our roles as parents and as children.

II. The Responsibility of Parents Toward Their Children

Given that children are such a precious gift from God, parents bear a solemn and sacred responsibility for their upbringing and spiritual formation. God gives us this profound responsibility so that we may raise them as He desires, for His glory.

A. Parents are responsible for the education of their children: This encompasses not just academic learning, but primarily moral and spiritual instruction. 

B. We must diligently teach them the word of God (Deuteronomy 6:6-7): Moses commands Israel, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Teaching God's Word must be an ongoing, intentional, and integral part of daily life. 

C. We must teach them to fear God (Deuteronomy 31:12-13): Moses also instructed Israel, "Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." True education begins with teaching reverence for God. 

D. We must teach them the Scriptures from a very young age (2 Timothy 3:15): Paul reminds Timothy, "and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." Early immersion in Scripture is vital for spiritual wisdom and salvation. 

E. We must instruct them in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6): "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." This proverb speaks of deliberate, consistent training and instruction, guiding them in righteousness. 

F. They should punish him when they are disobedient: While always done in love and for correction, discipline is a necessary aspect of training. * Proverbs 13:24 Proverbs 29:15-17 Hebrews 12:5-9: The ultimate example of loving discipline comes from God our Father, who disciplines us for our good, just as earthly fathers do their children. 

G. They should not provoke or discourage their children: While discipline is necessary, it must be balanced with grace and encouragement, avoiding harshness or favoritism. * Ephesians 6:4  Colossians 3:21:  

III. The Responsibility of Children

Children are not passive recipients; they also have clear responsibilities before God that they must fulfill. To neglect these is to be in rebellion against God and His design.

A. Children also have responsibilities that they must fulfill, otherwise they would be in rebellion against God. Just as parents are accountable, so are children. 

B. Remember their Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1): "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them.'" Youth is the prime time to seek and remember God before the challenges and regrets of later life set in. 

C. Obey God (Deuteronomy 30:2): The entire covenant of God with Israel was built on the principle of obedience. Children, as part of God's people, are called to obey Him. 

D. Hear their parents' instructions (Proverbs 1:8-9): "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." Wisdom begins with listening to and valuing the guidance of those who love you. 

E. Respect their parents (Ephesians 6:2; Hebrews 12:9)  Hebrews 12:9 emphasizes that we should even more readily submit to God, our spiritual Father, for discipline. 

F. Take care of their parents when they are traveling (1 Timothy 5:4): Paul instructs children and grandchildren to fulfill their duty to provide for their parents and grandparents in their old age or times of need: "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God." This demonstrates practical love and gratitude.

1. Preaching on Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always
2. Preaching on Everything is New. II Corinthians 5:17
3. Preaching on Selfishness: Living in Brotherly Love

Conclusion

The family is a sacred trust. Both parents and children have divinely appointed responsibilities that must be faithfully fulfilled. To neglect these duties is to invite spiritual and relational brokenness, and ultimately, to be found lacking before God.

As 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." This accountability extends to our roles within the family.

Let us strive, by God's grace and power, to be responsible parents who diligently train, instruct, and love our children in the Lord. And let our children respond with obedience, respect, and care, remembering their Creator and honoring those who raised them. When families live according to God's design, they become a powerful testimony to His goodness and grace in the world.

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