More Earnest Heed!

Hebrews 2:1-4

Hebrews was mainly written to Jewish believers who were returning to Judaism to avoid persecution or ridicule by the friends, neighbors, and families. The writer exhorted them to go on in the Faith to perfection. The appeal of this book is based on the superiority of Christ over the Judaic system. He is better than the angels, for they worship Him. He is better than Abraham, for He created him. Better than the priesthood, for He paid the supreme sacrifice once for all. He is better than the Law for He mediates a better covenant. In short there is more to be gained in Christ than wherever you were before. By pressing on in Christ produces tested faith, self-discipline, and a visible love seen in good works.

The writer is trying to impress the necessity of applying this to the Christian walk. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”

How often do we let things slip? “It must have slipped my mind!” seems to be a popular phrase of many people. But it ought not to be that way with the Word and Doctrines of God. There have been countless times where Christians have stood before large audiences and not been able to give satisfactory answer for the hope that is within them. Not that they didn’t want to, they just don’t know or don’t remember. I know there have been times where I myself have had a hard time answering, or even couldn’t answer questions that I ought to have known or did know and then remember the answer later. Matthew Henry said Quote, “Our minds and memories are like a leaky vessel, they do not, without much care, retain what is poured into them.” Unquote

But God bears witness to His Word that it is steadfast and sure through all eternity!

1. The Concern Remonstrated.

We find that the writer is correct as he states, “We ought to give more earnest heed to the things we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip.”

The Greek word for slip here refers to water leaking through a crack in the pottery, the word means to flow or glide by. Only in this place is the word used as an unstoppable river. The words that were used to compose this phrase paint a vivid picture of peril in being swept past by a strong current just out of reach of safe anchorage. It is a warning and plea to give more earnest heed lest we fall away and destroy our lives and faith.

It is the great concern of every one under the gospel to give the most earnest heed to all that they find in the Scriptures, to all the directions that they realize in God’s Word. To prize them highly as matters of the greatest importance, to understand and obey them diligently in all the opportunities you have for that purpose, to read them frequently, to meditate on them closely, and to base your faith upon them. We must embrace them in our hearts, retain them in our memories, and regulate our words and actions according to them.

Jesus said; If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:15 Later on in the chapter, V23 If a man love me, he will keep my words:

Keep His very words! not just the commands.

A young farmer boy regularly attended the Sunday school in town. While the father let him go he hated him for it, and took every opportunity to ridicule the lad. It was a small farm and the father regularly milked cows, while the son’s main chore was to split and bring in firewood. One day the father fell sick, which was very unusual, unquestioningly the boy picked up the milk pails after the wood was in and went out to milk the cows. An hour later he set the heavy, brim full, buckets down with a clang on the kitchen floor. The fathers voice snarled from the other room, “Where ya been, choir boy? Quit making so much noise! I want you to go out and milk those cows before dark.”

“It’s already done dad.”

“What? I don’t understand, why’d you do it?”

“Because I love you.”

A seemingly simple thing, yet he let the love of Christ shine through his young life. Through the ridicule he not only kept the commands of his father but also what he knew needed done.

He knew what to do because he had taken heed, he understood the situation. That is what the book of Hebrews is saying; take heed to the Scriptures that you might be armed to face trials and temptations. Every disobedience will receive just recompense before the Lord.

Proverbs 3:3-4 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

What we find in the Scriptures gives good understanding in God’s sight. We are to keep them, bound about neck and written on your heart.

Peter also realized and exhorted the importance of this; 2Peter 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

Though you know them we can’t afford to forget. It has been said that if you slip when climbing it takes longer to regain the place you fell from than it took to get there in the first place. Keep truth always in remembrance, lest at any time you slip.

2. The Command Repeated.

This command is repeated many times over in the Bible if you take the time to look.

De 4:23 Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.

Josh 23:11 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.

The Lord said unto Joshua

Joshua 1:6-9

Charge of David to Solomon

1Chronicles 22:12-13

And then in the book of wisdom;

Proverbs 7:1-3 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

Not just to adults

Prov 4:1-4

Our lack of ability to remember comes from the corruption of our nature, temptations, worldly cares and pleasures. Sinning against the gospel is neglect of this great salvation; it is a contempt of the saving grace of God in Christ, making light of it, not caring for it, not regarding the worth of gospel grace, and our undone state without it. Later on in Hebrews says that to return to your old ways or to remake your salvation is to put Christ to open shame! The Lord's judgments under the gospel dispensation are chiefly spiritual, but are on that account the more to be dreaded. Even partial neglects will not escape rebukes; they often bring darkness on the souls they do not finally ruin. Even neglect can let you slip past that safe harbour. The setting forth the gospel was continued and confirmed by those who heard Christ, by the evangelists and apostles, who were witnesses of what Jesus Christ began both to do and to teach. And all this according to God's own will. It was the will of God that we should have sure ground for our faith, and a strong foundation for our hope in receiving the gospel. Let us understand this one needful thing, and attend to the Holy Scriptures, written by those who heard the words of our gracious Lord, and inspired by the Holy Spirit; then we shall be blessed with the good part that cannot be taken away.

3. The Conclusion Reached.

Well I’m not a bad person. I might not do all the things in the Bible, but I have not gone back to the world!

Let me tell you something.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed, because the message to us is spoken, not by angels or prophets, but by the Son of God. The message of the Gospel of Salvation through Jesus Christ, and to His words of instruction. The things which we have heard! Lest we should let them slip away from us because we drift away from them and refuse to heed them.

This consideration should be a strong motive both to our attention to the gospel and our retention of it; and indeed, if we are not attentive, we be able to retain the Word of God; inattentive hearers will soon be forgetful hearers.

Christ reprimanded the Disciples for their neglect.

Mark 8:14-21

Christ tried to warn them of things that would distract and they were already distracted!

It was the will of God that we should have sure footing for our faith, and a strong foundation for our hope in receiving the gospel. As at the giving forth of the law there were signs and wonders, by which God testified the authority and excellency of it, so he witnessed to the gospel by more and greater miracles, as to a more excellent and abiding dispensation.

Give more earnest heed to the Scriptures tomorrow, and all through this week, and more the next week, and more the coming month, and even more throughout this year, and more yet as your life goes on! Give More Earnest Heed means each day

Why because we ought to! God is bearing witness of your actions.

You will be surprised how much more you can realize and learn. Just remember it is not of ourselves“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

Coming Before God in Righteousness

Before you read this, and as you go along I would ask that you read through;

Isaiah 58

The Children of Israel are an interesting study at times. Because they had more power of God readily displayed to them than any other people in history. And yet they would not remain faithful to Him, or walk in His paths. In this chapter we find confusion in the hearts of Israel, they seem to be outwardly seeking to return to God but their ideas are all wrong.

We often will come to God in a similar manner as the Devil does his best to confuse us or turn us away. But let’s look today at the blessings of God that He bestows on those who worship Him truly with an acceptable fast.

A fast is, in a sense, any personal time or thing that you set aside to enable you to seek the Lord more closely.

1. Examine the Method. v.1-5

What are your motives? Some people were coming to the temple asking God to hear them when they would not give up their personal sins. We find an example in Jeremiah 7:3-10 Here the Israelites are going about all week doing their own thing, seeking selfish gain, and even worshiping idols. Then they return on the Sabbath, stand before God and say “We are delivered to do these abominations.” Of course they would not have said it in those words but that was their heart attitude. “Hey, God will forgive us so why bother going to all the trouble to live right?”

Sadly this is not only an Old Testament attitude, but was also found among the Christians at Rome Romans 6:1 ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

The Answer? V.2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

The Word of God repeatedly tells us to be seperate, be holy, live according to the righteousness which is found in faith, and so on. If we are only Sunday Christians then God is not pleased. If we get down and ask forgiveness of our sins and go out and do it again we have not repented.

There is an obvious problem that needs to be fixed.

But back in our text we find a people (v2) that delight to do God’s will, they want to know God more, they seek out His law, and delight to approach God in prayer. But there is still a problem. V3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?

They cry out; “Lord, look on us. We are praying, we are fasting, we are seeking you out, we are searching our souls, why don’t you answer?

Has that ever been the case with you? When you seek the Lord in earnest prayer and it seems as if you can’t get past the ceiling, or your words fall to the floor as they leave your lips. We know God always hears prayer, but have you been at the place where God will not answer.

Even great men of God have been there. Look at David Psalm 69:10 “When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.”

He poured out his heart to God but received no answer. He was weary in prayer, and the people around him began to make fun of him because he prayed so earnestly. Later in the psalm he writes that he even became the subject of ridiculous songs of drunkards. He couldn’t understand why God would not hear, and he became discouraged.

As Isaiah spoke the Words of the Lord to these discouraged Israelites God used him to give them the answer to their plea.

First God told them what they were doing. He said you are praying one of two ways and I cannot justly answer either.

One you are praying for your own benefit. V3b Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

You come to prayer ask the Lord for what you want, what will benefit you, what you would have done for others, and then you spend the rest of the Lords day doing what you want to, or what you need to do, fulfilling whatever pleases you at the moment. At the same time you cause other people to work. You don’t mind if the boy next door mows your lawn, it needs to be done and he wouldn’t come to church anyway. You go out for coffee after church, because the shop is open anyway and you can have a nice time visiting. You stop and buy something you need for the week because you are in town already.

Has anyone caught on yet? The Lords day, that you claim to set aside to worship and honour Him becomes, one filled with pleasure and your agenda. Just because you sat in church a few hours, maybe studied your Bible a little more, maybe prayed a little more it becomes a Holy day and you can do with the rest of it what you want. Something is wrong with that picture!

Ok so that subject gets a little touchy, what was the other reason? v4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness:

These people were gathering and praying for revenge, for debate, praying to actually cause problems. That does not please God.

Have you ever heard someone pray “Dear Lord, you must show Charlie that I’m right, why can’t he see things my way.” Or “Dear Lord, that man down the street snarls every time I walk past his house, I wish he would get sick and learn a lesson.”

God said “ye shall not fast as ye do this day,” He would not answer them because He was not pleased with their attitudes of daily living, which of course would be brought into the house of God.

Next a question is asked, v.5 “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?”

On the flip side there were those who came actually oppressing their soul with the weight of their guilt. Well that’s a good thing isn’t it? Then the Lord can lift the burden.

Not if you can’t look past your own burden to look on the blood of the Holy Lamb who brought remission of sin.

Jude 1:20-21 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

For although they were to build themselves up, and to pray in the Holy Ghost, and keep themselves in the love of God, yet this building, praying, and keeping, cannot merit heaven; for, after all their diligence, earnestness, self-denial, watching, obedience, they must look for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, to bring them to Eternal Life.

2. Learn God’s way. v.6-7

God’s way is then demonstrated in the next two verses.

In Verse 6 God explains that prayer is not to restrain you but to free you from every yoke of sin, from every burden of guilt, and free from temptations to seek harm on others.

Verse 7 the Lord also states that it is not to seek your own wealth but to ask to be led where you might be a blessing to others. Help them in need, strengthen them in faith, and point them to Christ.

This is an acceptable fast in the sight of the Lord.

3. Reap Results. v.8-10

Well what if I follow the pattern, is there anything in it for me? We are a selfish people aren’t we?

But the wonderful thing is God does promise blessings on those who follow the guidelines He has laid out in His word.

V8 Promises that the light of your life will break forth as the morning, the darkness will be pushed aside. And the Heavenly joy that fills your life will bring a thrill like nothing else.

Job 11:17 And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

All of your life that is lived for the glory of God will be clear and shining out the blessings of serving Him in a right spirit of truth. Thy righteousness shall go before thee. The testimony that you walk with God will be visible to others

“the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.” What is ‘rereward’ you might ask. Well it is not a spelling mistake. The Hebrew word means to gather for a purpose, to assemble all together. This simply means that the very glory of the Lord will be part of your life, and through you God’s name will also be glorified.

When you seek the Lord in an acceptable fast, putting away the things of self in every form, v9 gives the promise that God will answer your prayers, you will cry out to God and He will make His power visible in your life. If you put away that self oppression, that accusation of others, and uplifting of yourself.

And a third promise in v10 tells us if we seek to help others by meeting what earthly needs we can in grace, and pointing men to the Lord to satisfy the affliction of their souls, then shall thy light rise from obscurity. That doesn’t mean you’ll be some famous celebrity. It just means God can use you in a mighty way to fulfill His purpose. (which is far greater by the way)

Jonathan Goforth was an undereducated Canadian farm boy. He felt the call of God to preach and went to a bible College in Toronto. Because he was a country bumpkin he was shunned by the other students. But Goforth didn’t mind, he went to the lowest slums and preached Jesus Christ, and helped all those he could with their physical needs. God used him greatly to bring people from the darkness of their sins right across the world, because he sought the righteousness of the Lord.

Robert Sheffey, though he had name and money he lost both when he accepted Christ. He had education but was told he would never amount to a public speaker. But God showed him there was a need in the backwoods of the Appalachian Mountains and blessed his work because He was willing to serve where ever God led him.

These were not perfect men but their fast, what they gave God out of their lives and of themselves, was an acceptable offering and God blessed.

4. Blessings to pass on. v.11-12

In v.11 I find a precious promise, when we seek Him out the Lord will guide us continually! He will provide our needs, even if there is a great economic crash. Your life will be blessed and filled with blessings like a well that never runs dry because He will plant in you Springs of Living Water.

V.12 God can use such men and women to build old waste places! To restore their nations to God. To lay a foundation that their children and grand children and many generations may have the privilege of knowing the Lord! And you will be called “the restorer of paths to dwell in” All the great preachers and both men and women missionaries that we look back on who did mighty works for God were such people. And God is not slack concerning any of His promises. Five generations from now if the Lord tarries you can be remembered that way to.

How?

5. Honour God and He will honour you. v.13-14

In our day it is ingrained in us to do our own thing. And sometimes it’s hard to get out of that rut on Sunday. But we set apart Sunday to be the Lord’s Day in which we ought to seek to worship Him in all we do.

That’s the starting point. Even to straighten out your priorities there is an order. All through the Scripture by command, precept, promise, and example we are taught that when we honour the Lord God He will honour you.

How can we be sure? You have God’s word on it, and God cannot lie!

Just to stress the importance of the message the chapter ends with “The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” That particular statement is only made five times in the Bible.

Twice a promise, once a warning, once to provoke conviction, but this blessed time in both admonition and promise; The mouth of the Lord hath spoken these things.

An Accaptable Fast

Before you read this, and as you go along I would ask that you read through;

Isaiah 58

The Children of Israel are an interesting study at times. Because they had more power of God readily displayed to them than any other people in history. And yet they would not remain faithful to Him, or walk in His paths. In this chapter we find confusion in the hearts of Israel, they seem to be outwardly seeking to return to God but their ideas are all wrong.

We often will come to God in a similar manner as the Devil does his best to confuse us or turn us away. But let’s look today at the blessings of God that He bestows on those who worship Him truly with an acceptable fast.

A fast is, in a sense, any personal time or thing that you set aside to enable you to seek the Lord more closely.

1. Examine the Method. v.1-5

What are your motives? Some people were coming to the temple asking God to hear them when they would not give up their personal sins. We find an example in Jeremiah 7:3-10 Here the Israelites are going about all week doing their own thing, seeking selfish gain, and even worshiping idols. Then they return on the Sabbath, stand before God and say “We are delivered to do these abominations.” Of course they would not have said it in those words but that was their heart attitude. “Hey, God will forgive us so why bother going to all the trouble to live right?”

Sadly this is not only an Old Testament attitude, but was also found among the Christians at Rome Romans 6:1 ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

The Answer? V.2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

The Word of God repeatedly tells us to be seperate, be holy, live according to the righteousness which is found in faith, and so on. If we are only Sunday Christians then God is not pleased. If we get down and ask forgiveness of our sins and go out and do it again we have not repented.

There is an obvious problem that needs to be fixed.

But back in our text we find a people (v2) that delight to do God’s will, they want to know God more, they seek out His law, and delight to approach God in prayer. But there is still a problem. V3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?

They cry out; “Lord, look on us. We are praying, we are fasting, we are seeking you out, we are searching our souls, why don’t you answer?

Has that ever been the case with you? When you seek the Lord in earnest prayer and it seems as if you can’t get past the ceiling, or your words fall to the floor as they leave your lips. We know God always hears prayer, but have you been at the place where God will not answer.

Even great men of God have been there. Look at David Psalm 69:10 “When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.”

He poured out his heart to God but received no answer. He was weary in prayer, and the people around him began to make fun of him because he prayed so earnestly. Later in the psalm he writes that he even became the subject of ridiculous songs of drunkards. He couldn’t understand why God would not hear, and he became discouraged.

As Isaiah spoke the Words of the Lord to these discouraged Israelites God used him to give them the answer to their plea.

First God told them what they were doing. He said you are praying one of two ways and I cannot justly answer either.

One you are praying for your own benefit. V3b Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

You come to prayer ask the Lord for what you want, what will benefit you, what you would have done for others, and then you spend the rest of the Lords day doing what you want to, or what you need to do, fulfilling whatever pleases you at the moment. At the same time you cause other people to work. You don’t mind if the boy next door mows your lawn, it needs to be done and he wouldn’t come to church anyway. You go out for coffee after church, because the shop is open anyway and you can have a nice time visiting. You stop and buy something you need for the week because you are in town already.

Has anyone caught on yet? The Lords day, that you claim to set aside to worship and honour Him becomes, one filled with pleasure and your agenda. Just because you sat in church a few hours, maybe studied your Bible a little more, maybe prayed a little more it becomes a Holy day and you can do with the rest of it what you want. Something is wrong with that picture!

Ok so that subject gets a little touchy, what was the other reason? v4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness:

These people were gathering and praying for revenge, for debate, praying to actually cause problems. That does not please God.

Have you ever heard someone pray “Dear Lord, you must show Charlie that I’m right, why can’t he see things my way.” Or “Dear Lord, that man down the street snarls every time I walk past his house, I wish he would get sick and learn a lesson.”

God said “ye shall not fast as ye do this day,” He would not answer them because He was not pleased with their attitudes of daily living, which of course would be brought into the house of God.

Next a question is asked, v.5 “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?”

On the flip side there were those who came actually oppressing their soul with the weight of their guilt. Well that’s a good thing isn’t it? Then the Lord can lift the burden.

Not if you can’t look past your own burden to look on the blood of the Holy Lamb who brought remission of sin.

Jude 1:20-21 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

For although they were to build themselves up, and to pray in the Holy Ghost, and keep themselves in the love of God, yet this building, praying, and keeping, cannot merit heaven; for, after all their diligence, earnestness, self-denial, watching, obedience, they must look for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, to bring them to Eternal Life.

2. Learn God’s way. v.6-7

God’s way is then demonstrated in the next two verses.

In Verse 6 God explains that prayer is not to restrain you but to free you from every yoke of sin, from every burden of guilt, and free from temptations to seek harm on others.

Verse 7 the Lord also states that it is not to seek your own wealth but to ask to be led where you might be a blessing to others. Help them in need, strengthen them in faith, and point them to Christ.

This is an acceptable fast in the sight of the Lord.

3. Reap Results. v.8-10

Well what if I follow the pattern, is there anything in it for me? We are a selfish people aren’t we?

But the wonderful thing is God does promise blessings on those who follow the guidelines He has laid out in His word.

V8 Promises that the light of your life will break forth as the morning, the darkness will be pushed aside. And the Heavenly joy that fills your life will bring a thrill like nothing else.

Job 11:17 And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

All of your life that is lived for the glory of God will be clear and shining out the blessings of serving Him in a right spirit of truth. Thy righteousness shall go before thee. The testimony that you walk with God will be visible to others

“the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.” What is ‘rereward’ you might ask. Well it is not a spelling mistake. The Hebrew word means to gather for a purpose, to assemble all together. This simply means that the very glory of the Lord will be part of your life, and through you God’s name will also be glorified.

When you seek the Lord in an acceptable fast, putting away the things of self in every form, v9 gives the promise that God will answer your prayers, you will cry out to God and He will make His power visible in your life. If you put away that self oppression, that accusation of others, and uplifting of yourself.

And a third promise in v10 tells us if we seek to help others by meeting what earthly needs we can in grace, and pointing men to the Lord to satisfy the affliction of their souls, then shall thy light rise from obscurity. That doesn’t mean you’ll be some famous celebrity. It just means God can use you in a mighty way to fulfill His purpose. (which is far greater by the way)

Jonathan Goforth was an undereducated Canadian farm boy. He felt the call of God to preach and went to a bible College in Toronto. Because he was a country bumpkin he was shunned by the other students. But Goforth didn’t mind, he went to the lowest slums and preached Jesus Christ, and helped all those he could with their physical needs. God used him greatly to bring people from the darkness of their sins right across the world, because he sought the righteousness of the Lord.

Robert Sheffey, though he had name and money he lost both when he accepted Christ. He had education but was told he would never amount to a public speaker. But God showed him there was a need in the backwoods of the Appalachian Mountains and blessed his work because He was willing to serve where ever God led him.

These were not perfect men but their fast, what they gave God out of their lives and of themselves, was an acceptable offering and God blessed.

4. Blessings to pass on. v.11-12

In v.11 I find a precious promise, when we seek Him out the Lord will guide us continually! He will provide our needs, even if there is a great economic crash. Your life will be blessed and filled with blessings like a well that never runs dry because He will plant in you Springs of Living Water.

V.12 God can use such men and women to build old waste places! To restore their nations to God. To lay a foundation that their children and grand children and many generations may have the privilege of knowing the Lord! And you will be called “the restorer of paths to dwell in” All the great preachers and both men and women missionaries that we look back on who did mighty works for God were such people. And God is not slack concerning any of His promises. Five generations from now if the Lord tarries you can be remembered that way to.

How?

5. Honour God and He will honour you. v.13-14

In our day it is ingrained in us to do our own thing. And sometimes it’s hard to get out of that rut on Sunday. But we set apart Sunday to be the Lord’s Day in which we ought to seek to worship Him in all we do.

That’s the starting point. Even to straighten out your priorities there is an order. All through the Scripture by command, precept, promise, and example we are taught that when we honour the Lord God He will honour you.

How can we be sure? You have God’s word on it, and God cannot lie!

Just to stress the importance of the message the chapter ends with “The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” That particular statement is only made five times in the Bible.

Twice a promise, once a warning, once to provoke conviction, but this blessed time in both admonition and promise; The mouth of the Lord hath spoken these things.

Worship as seen in John 4:24

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

In John 4:24 the Bible tells us that because God is a Spirit we are to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Why are these two things specifically stated and separate? During that time Jews had the Law and practiced it to the letter, so they worshiped in truth. While the Samaritans who believed did not have the law, but they knew that the Messiah was promised to come, so they worshiped in spirit. We see the reason Christ said this was for His followers to realize true worship of Him must have these two aspects combined and not separated.
The fact that God is a Spirit is one of the greatest and most necessary truths in all of nature. God is the cause and controller of all things; He is eternal, governing, and all present for He is the infinite Spirit. Therefore He can only be pleased with those things that resemble Himself and His attributes. Because of His divine nature He abhors sin, only delighting in those who partake of His mercy and grace. Since all things were made by Him, all owe Him obedience and reverence. To achieve this spiritual worship it must come from the very depths of your heart, and the Holy Spirit must influence it. To worship in spirit is to bring your all before the throne of God and lay it at His feet. As it says in 1Timothy 1:17 we are to give honor and glory to our eternal King forever. God is all knowing and sees the condition of our heart, 1 Samuel 16:7. He values those who come to Him willing to submit to His power, Psalm 51:17. The legal ceremonies of Judaism do not bring peace to the heart because though it contains the truth, the Spirit is not in it. The emphasis on the truth becomes hypocrisy because they have no spiritual worship to fulfill the purpose. For this reason the ceremonial worship patterns of religion were abolished. Though, through that we were given liberty to worship freely, but not license to fulfill our own ways.
God is looking for truth in worship presented to Him, not just in sincerity but every purpose of the heart directed by Him. Matthew 15:8-9 shows that Christ was not pleased with those who spoke in honor while they erred in heart. Those who worship without being in truth will not only fall into judgment but lead others to destruction with them. Truth in worship will exude all our feelings, thoughts, words, and actions. In 2Corinthians 1:12 Paul exposes the fact that our conversation must be full of simplicity, Godly sincerity, void of fleshly wisdom, and by God’s grace. We conclude that God as a pure spiritual being, must be worship in spirit and in truth. So we are to worship Him in spiritual principles, men must offer a worship corresponding with the divine nature and attributes of God. When we can resemble Him in our worship then is He most honored.

Realize the Victory

We all have problems with the flesh, for we are born with the sin nature. Some of us may have more problems than others. While some may be relatively oblivious to the problems around. But the key thing is we all have problems that must be conquered. How can we have victory over the things that plague us? If you read on, understanding what is read and apply it to your own life, I believe that you can find victory.

1. Realize the Problem.
Sin is the main problem in the life of every human, we are born with it, and cannot escape the fact. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The Bible says that even if you never knew you sinned you will still be judged, because with our sin nature it is impossible to not sin. Romans 2:12 "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;"
So if you'll realize your stuck either way; you should be able to realize that victory over sin is vital. Because "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) and that is talking about eternal death in Hell. But the Victory I'm about to explain to you can conquer the eternal death, if you'll accept it.

2. Realize It’s Not Your Own Victory.
Romans 7:14-23 "14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."
We see in these verses that Paul (the writer) faced the same dilemma as every human who has ever walked the face of the earth. When he wanted to do good, turn over a new leaf, or something of that sort, he found that he couldn't do it. But worse when he knew something was wrong and didn't want to do it, he would find himself doing it. He knew in his mind that the Law of the Lord was the right thing to do, but he felt as all men the struggle in his body to want to do sin. Why is there this lust to do sin? Because our flesh is captive by the law of sin as we read in Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
How can we escape?

3. Realize God’s Provision.
Look how Paul continues in Romans 7:24 "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" He knew the problem, and he felt sick over the evilness of the flesh! But he says in verse 25 "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
He found that the provision of Jesus Christ coming to die on the cross, be buried, and rise the third day, was the only way to escape the chains of sin. He surrendered his mind to God to serve the law of God with all his heart.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
How can this be applied to your life? Read on...

4. Realize that the Victory of Christ can be brought into your life.
The first thing you must do is allow Jesus to come into your life. But not just added in, He must be put on, which means to give pre-eminence to God in your life.
Romans 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
How can you put on Christ? You must realize your a sinner and repent of your sin. Repent doesn't only mean to give up but to completely turn from all the wrong that you have done, and depend on Christ's shed blood to wash you clean.
John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
Many people have said, and you may be one of them, "I have done to much God would never accept, let alone forgive me." But read this next verse...
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Do you know that you have victory? Can you truthfully sing "Victory in Jesus, My Saviour forever!" Are you ready if you died today? Do you know that you would go to Heaven? Or are you of the number that must be punished? If so, there is a pardon available. Claim the victory of Jesus in your life, the Bible says as many as received Him. This includes you.
If you are a true Christian today pray about this issue and gain victory over the temptations which the Devil throws into your path.

Our Motto

2 Corinthians 12:19 "Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying."

I would like the readers to realize that none of these posts are personal bias or such like, but come from much study of both the Bible and other information related to the topic. As Paul said in this verse, I'm not trying to excuse myself or defend my own beliefs. But this blog is to honor God and so all I put on it I speak before God. If I am wrong I will be accountable to Him. Thirdly I want all that I put on this blog to be edifying to the brethren.
I pray that you might view this site through God's eyes, and don't be afraid to study matters out on your own. I just ask you do two things; approach each subject without personal bias, and compare everything to the Word of God.

Narnia - is it really an allegory?

There has been much controversy about the whole Narnia series thing. Is it really worth reading? I'm going to have to say no, but don't turn me off yet. If you don't mind I'll explain why, as I have done a lot of study on it. Why did I study it out? Partly because I wanted to know, and partly because friends of mine were also interested. I originally liked the series myself, but hearing all the controversy on it I decided to find the real answer.
First of all if you would simply read the Gospel message it is clearly not conducive to call Narnia an allegory. There are to many contradictory points plainly between them.
Now honestly we must realize that fantasy and Christianity don't mix. I myself like fantasy stories for their thrill and imagination, but it must stay fantasy. There are certain extents to which a Christian cannot go. Once a story brings in witchcraft and the such like it should be out of bounds. I will touch more on this a little farther on. In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 we're told "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
Originally the biggest problem I had with the Narnia series was that if Aslan is a picture of God why does he only have "deep magic." Magic is nowhere near the power of God and cannot be used to explain His might. This DIRECTLY CONTRADICTS the New Testament! How? Please read Romans 1:21-23 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."

Please Note: The following does contain what may be offensive content. But I assure you that this is truth and has been well studied out.

C. S. Lewis was a man of strange beliefs. He had no firm foundation and immersed himself in the study of all religions available. People claim that he was simply comparing them to the Bible, which may be true. But... he believed the Bible was mythical, look at this direct quote: "A man who disbelieved the Christian story as fact but continually fed on it as myth would, perhaps, be more spiritually alive than one who assented and did not think much about it." - CS Lewis.
He goes on to say that an intellectual firm in his atheism is better off than a man who only has faith and salvation to cling to. Now you tell me could a man with such ideas write something that would truly glorify God?

Everyone knows that the evil characters of the story represent evil. But what of those mythical characters that are on the side of Aslan? Let's take a look at a few:

Mr. Tumnus, a Faun: Fauns originated in Roman mysticism as the god of Lust. In the Bible Lust is repeatedly shown a most evil sin often causing other sin. How then can lust be an agent of God?

The Centaurs: The Centaurs earliest appearance seems to be the god of a pre-Hellenic cult. The symbolism was kept by the Greeks, but they were made subject to the other gods such as Zeus. They are said to have healing and seductive powers, as well as the ability to work magic. Again how can you have a "god" help God in an allegory.

The Griffins: Griffins came from the eastern religions as a messenger from the sun god. Those religions which include the sun god have him in control of all. God said we are to have none other before Him. Look in Deuteronomy 4:15-20 the Bible says we are not to worship creation but The Creator! So Griffins on the side of Aslan is clearly not biblical.

The Phoenix: Is a symbol directly from the Egyptians, used always in close association with the sun god Ra.

God is Holy therefore all things that are His must be holy. He cannot make use of that which is sin.

Another major problem is the fact that Aslan only dies for Edmund. What about Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
And how about when the mice have to chew the ropes off. God is all powerful He can break the chains of our sin, so would you think He couldn't loose a few ropes?

Former witch, David Meyer, writes the following concerning Narnia: "As a former witch, astrologer, and occultist who has been saved by the grace of God, I know that the works of C.S. Lewis are required reading by neophyte witches, especially in the United States and England. This includes The Chronicles of Narnia, because it teaches neophyte, or new witches, the basic mindset of the craft. Isn’t it strange, though, that many “Christian” churches and organizations have used The Chronicles of Narnia as Sunday School curriculum? When I saw the release date of this new movie, I was not surprised. December 9th is the 13th day before the witches’ quarter-sabat of Yule. The full cold moon is midway between the release date and the sabat of Yule. The waxing moon is also directly on the equinox on the release date of the movie. This is far too precisely occultic to be coincidental, and the producers of the movie no doubt consulted upper-level witches regarding the perfect day to have the “Chronicles of Narnia” open..."
www.lasttrumpetministries.org

I think we may have to describe the man, C S Lewis, with a couple verses found in 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

What C.S. Lewis has given the children is "another jesus" and "another gospel".

Remember this sure fire, Biblical test of anything that professes to be of God. Is the world accepting it? If so, then you need to be as far away as possible. John 15:19 "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."


Please carefully and prayerfully think this over.