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CURRENT SERMONS
KNOWING OURSELVES
One of the important pieces of knowledge that each person needs to possess is to know themselves. Now, knowing oneself is not as easy as one might think. There are many problems that the individual must overcome before they will be able to objectively examine themselves and come up with the accurate knowledge – to really know self. As we contemplate an examination of self we must be completely honest with ourselves about many things, a list follows:
Our feelings toward those that disagree with us – do I dislike them for that?
Our feelings about our sexuality – am I doing the right thing?
Our feelings about other races and the nationality of other people Our feelings about our current role in our chosen field of employment
Our feelings about our own health – why do I feel bad?
Our feelings about death – is there really a hell and heaven
Our honest feelings about God and the things HE expects of me – I know I should but I won’t.
The truth of the matter is; if we want to really know ourselves we must do an examination of ourselves with complete honesty about every thought process in our mind and body.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT:
A personal examination of self is extremely important for the purpose of happiness and assurance of heaven someday. Indeed, God wants us to know ourselves for through knowledge of ourselves we can compare ourselves honestly with God’s Written Instructions and know if our faith is secure – cf.
2 Cor. 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” KJV
2 John 7-11
“7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” KJV
Garreth L. Clair - 2007
ANOTHER LESSON ON WORSHIP
Compiler: Garreth L. Clair
INTRODUCTION:
The Bible discusses several kinds of worship. In this study we will examine those references in the Bible that discuss worship, we will find that there are two kinds of worship, "false worship" and "true worship."
BODY:
I. FALSE WORSHIP:
1. There is "vain worship": This is empty worship.
Matt 15:8-9,
8 These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.
9 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (NKJ)
2. There is "will worship":
This is voluntary worship.
1479 ethelothreskeia (eth-el-oth-race-ki'-ah);
from 2309 and 2356; voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, i.e. sanctimony:
KJV-- will worship. (Vine's Expository Dictionary - CD ROM)
Col 2:20-23,
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and
humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. (KJV)
3. There is "worship in ignorance":
50 agnoeo (ag-no-eh'-o);
from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3539; not to know (through lack of information or
Intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination):
KJV-- (be) ignorant (-ly), not know, not understand, unknown.
Acts 17:23,
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this
inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. (KJV)
4. Consequently, one must know about true worship - [following discussion].
II. TRUE WORSHIP:
John 4:23-24,
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the
Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (NKJ)
1. The object of true worship: "GOD"
A. The character of God is set forth for us by Paul,
Acts 17:22-29,
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;
23 "for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:
24 "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
25 "Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
26 "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
27 "so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
28 "for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'
29 "Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to
think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. (NKJ)
B. A failure to recognize God in His true character, and to render proper respect and awe toward him, plunged the world into idolatry, moral, and spiritual bankruptcy,
Rom 1:18-25,
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 herefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to
dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (NKJ)
2. Character of true worship, "IN SPIRIT"
3. Standard of true worship, "AND TRUTH"
(All worship is to be offered according to Divine instruction"
See transparency, "THE FIVE ACTS OF WORSHIP"
III. THE PLACE WHERE MEN OUGHT TO WORSHIP:
John 4:20-21,
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall
neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (KJV)
III. THE DISPOSITION OF THE WORSHIPPER WHENEVER HE COMES TO WORSHIP:
1. He must have been cleansed by the blood of Christ that he may offer a clean and acceptable worship unto God, he must be faithful.
2. The worshipper ought to come before Him with reverence and awe.
Heb 12:28-29,
28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
29 For our God is a consuming fire. (KJV)
3. The worshipper ought to come before God with thanksgiving, with rejoicing, and with gladness in his heart.
Heb 13:15-17,
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they
watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (KJV)
CONCLUSION:
When man knows the difference between false worship and true worship he is capable of choosing to worship God correctly when he worships. The person that worships God ought to worship him correctly always.
glc, Oct 2007
IS SOUND DOCTRINE IMPORTANT TODAY?
Sermon by: Garreth L. Clair
1 Timothy 1:9-10,
9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
INTRODUCTION:
It is important to study the subject, "sound doctrine" because of the many conflicting religious doctrines now being taught. If "sound doctrine" is important, we need to know it.
1 DOES IT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE WHAT WE BELIEVE?
Titus 2:1
1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in `patience.
2. THE MODERN RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY, “UNITY IN
DIVERSITY” IS ERROR.
To subscribe to the "unity in diversity" concept means that those of us who seek a Divine Pattern for our religious activities will not be allowed to bind the Biblical patter on others. Those of us who seek a Biblical answer will simple have to accept diverse religious philosophies over the same questions. Those of us who seek the "old paths" must be satisfied with our understanding of the Bible and allow others to deviate from our understanding and still accept them on their good intentions. To accept this concept we would have to take the position that it makes no difference what one believes so long as he is sincere?
3. WE CAN ACCEPT NOTHING BUT A "THUS SAITH THE LORD"
IN ADDITION, PLEASE THE GOD OF HEAVEN.
BODY;
I. PAUL'S WARNING TO ALL GENERATIONS
2 Tim 4:3-4,
1. MANY PEOPLE TODAY ARE TURNING FROM TRUTH
BECAUSE THE TRUTH CONDEMNS THEM;
2 Tim 3:15-17
2. MANY PEOPLE TODAY SEEK A RELIGION THAT THEY
CAN ADAPT TO THEIR LIFE STYLE’ MOST PEOPLE
TODAY DO NOT WANT A RELIGION THAT REQUIRES
A CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE
3. THE TEACHING OF HUMANISM HAS HAD ITS AFFECT
ON HUMANKIND, MANY PEOPLE TODAY WANT
MATERIAL THINGS, PLEASURE SELF GRATIFICATION
4. MANY PEOPLE TODAY HAVE NO INTEREST IN SUCH
THINGS AS "SELF SACRIFICE", "THE BEST FOR THE
GREATEST GOOD", "COLLECTIVE EFFORT FOR A
COMMON CAUSE, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY" ETC.
II. WHAT WILL BE THE RESULTS IF WE DO NOT TEACH SOUND
DOCTRINE?
1. WE WILL BE ACCURSED; Gal 1:7-9,
2. WE WILL LEAD OTHERS INTO SIN
Matt 15:14,
14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
3. WE WILL BE DEPRIVED OF HEAVEN;
2 Pet 2:13-19,
4. WE WILL SUFFER THE ETERNAL TORMENT OF
"Gehenna" (i.e., Hell Fire -- The lake of fire);
Jude 1:7,
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorra, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
III. WE MUST ABIDE IN SOUND DOCTRINE IN ALL WE DO:
CONSIDER THIS:
Sound doctrine is doing all things according to Scriptural directions. to follow sound doctrine is to follow whatever the Bible teaches us on all subjects. To always be right with God we must always remain within the Biblical guidelines;
2 John 1:9-11,
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV)
1. Become a Christian on God's terms.
2. Worship God according to the Divine pattern;
A. Lord's Supper each Sunday, Acts 20:7.
B. Lay by in store each week, 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2.
C. Sing vocal music only, 1 Timothy 2:11.
D. Teach/preach, the "truth", Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 2:2.
E. Pray, 1 Timothy 2:1.
3. Assemble regularly with the church, Hebrews 10:25.
4. Insist upon sound organization for the congregation;
A. Elders and Deacons, 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
CONCLUDING REMARKS:
There is never a time when we can teach other than "sound doctrine."
Whenever opportunities are presented to us to teach the truth, we ought to do that as expeditiously as possible.
REMEMBER THIS; John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (KJV)
SEARCHING FOR LASTING HAPPINESS
Garreth L. Clair
INTRODUCTION:
In all areas of our society today, most people are looking for lasting happiness. Lasting happiness is elusive today, especially in this troubled modern world. There are many people caught in the social circles of money, sex, fame, and drugs. The greatest numbers of people in the world that have no lasting happiness fall into this group of modern social climbers. In this sermon, let us seek the age-old answer to the question, "Where can we find lasting happiness today?"
BODY:
I. WHERE LASTING HAPPINESS CANNOT BE FOUND:
A. Not in conquest or military accomplishment:
Example --- Alexander the Great conquered the world of his day, having accomplished this great military campaign, he then wept, because there were no other peoples to conquer.
B. Not in unbelief (i.e., atheism):
Examples --- Excerpts from "Dying Testimonies of Saved and Unsaved."
Last words of Charles IX of France, "I am lost; I see it well."
Last words of Voltaire, "I must die, abandoned by God and men."
C. Not in pleasures:
Each week we read of some famous person in television, movies, music, sports, or politics that have lived in pleasure and suddenly died a tragic death in misery and unhappiness.
D. Not in the acquiring of wealth:
Example --- Lazarus and the rich man,
Luke 16:19-31,
“19 Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day:
20 and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 and desiring to be fed with the (crumbs) that fell from the rich man's table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham's bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried.
23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish.
26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us.
27 And he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house;
28 for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.” ASV
E. Not in pursuit of political office, modeling, music, acting, etc.:
The people who climb the ladder of success to the peak do not find lasting happiness. Once a person has reached the top of their profession he finds no where else to go, only empty palaces, no peace of mind, passing joy, and no end to longings for something that satisfies.
II. WHERE, IS LASTING HAPPINESS FOUND:
A. In Jesus Christ:
John 16:22,
22 And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. ASV
B. In Jehovah:
Ecclesiastes 12:12-13,
12 And furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 (This is) the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty) of man. ASV
Psalms 144:15, “Happy is the people that is in such a case; (yea), happy is the people whose God is Jehovah.” ASV
Psalms 37:37, “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for there is a (happy ) end to the man of peace.” ASV
Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” ASV
C. Paul says that he is happy to defend the faith:
Acts 26:2, “I think myself happy , king Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before thee this day touching all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews:” ASV
CONCLUSION:
Seek the true happiness, that lasting happiness that is found in having a right relationship with God.
THE REALITIES OF YOUTH AND GROWING OLD
By Garreth L. Clair
TEXT:
Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:7
7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.
8 Yea, if a man live many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.
9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
2 before the sun, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain;
3 in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows shall be darkened,
4 and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;
5 yea, they shall be afraid of (that which is) high, and terrors (shall be) in the way; and the almond-tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:
6 before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,
7 and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.” ASV
1. BEGIN TO SERVE GOD EARLY IN LIFE --- Ecclesiastes 11:7-8:
7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.
8 Yea, if a man live many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.” ASV
A. Know that youth is fleeting
B. Know that we age with each passing day
C. Know that you will eventually die
2. YOUTH IS GOOD --- Ecclesiastes 11:9-10:
9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.” ASV
A. During youth we are strong in mind and body
B. In youth man’s appetites are stronger to follow fleshly desires
C. In youth man’s influence is keener felt by his peers
D. In youth one should enjoy life but only within the boundaries that God allows
E. In youth one MUST be conscious of the coming judgment of Almighty God
3. THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION --- Ecclesiastes 12:1:
1 Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;” ASV
A. Be considerate of God while young, SERVE HIM!
B. Serve Him while strength of mind of body is present
C. When old-age comes the desire, the memory, strength, and zeal are swallowed up in pain, loss of memory, lack of appetite, etc. [“when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them {in life itself}]
4. THE REALITIES OF AGING ARE DESCRIBED BY SOLOMON ---
Ecclesiastes 12:2-5:
2 before the sun, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain;
3 in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows shall be darkened,
4 and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;
5 yea, they shall be afraid of (that which is) high, and terrors (shall be) in the way; and the almond-tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:” ASV
A. The appreciation of the heavenly host and the cycles of rain and seasons are no longer felt because of changes in the memory and thought patters – 12:2
B. The declining strength of the body and mind --- 12:3-5:
1) The hands begin to tremble
2) The legs and joints become weaker and weaker
3) The teeth become few
4) The eyesight becomes dim
5) The mouth closes, shrinks as teeth are missing
6) Sleep is fleeting and comes in short sessions the smallest distraction disturbs ones sleep
7) The ability to distinguish musical notes and tones will cease
8) Going down steps or descending any height becomes a fearful experience
9) Aging causes one to fear things that were simple to accomplish during youth
10) The smallest of and simplest of activities becomes burdensome
11) Desires cease
12) It is seen by others that age and infirmity is ready to take the life away [i.e. “because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets --- 12:5b].
5. DEATH EVENTUALLY COMES --- Ecclesiastes 12:6:
6 before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,” ASV
6. “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.” --- Ecc. 12:7
CONCLUSION:
This lesson teaches us that youth is a wonderful time in life. Indeed, youth can be a wonderful and exiting time of life if we will remember some guidelines:
A. Begin to serve God early in life
B. Never sin against God
C. Never forget that life is short
D. Remember that as dad and mom grandpa and grandma are old/older, you too, will be after awhile!
E. And always remember:
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
13(This is) the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty) of man.
14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” ASV
Garreth L. Clair
May 15,2007
IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD
Jeremiah 32:27 - "Behold, I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" ASV
INTRODUCTION:
Today, we will see that there is nothing too hard for God. We will confirm the inspiration of the scriptures, demonstrate the righteousness of God and examine the history of the people of God.
JEREMIAH'S GREATNESS AS A PROPHET
Jeremiah teaches God's word and prophesies during the days of the last 5 kings of Judah. This is a period of about 39 years. This is the period from about 626 B.C. until 612 B.C. Jeremiah 1:1-5 - >1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: >2 to whom the word of Jehovah came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. >3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. >4 Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, >5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations. ASV
- Jeremiah was from a priestly family from Anathoth. This city is about 2 and ½ miles from Jerusalem.
- He comes on the scene during the last religious revival before captivity. His call comes directly from God. God needed a real man, and Jeremiah was that man.
- He faced remarkable persecution including being imprisoned, being placed in a slimy well, and being taken captive by his own people to Egypt.
The message of Jeremiah was initially a message of repentance. The people refused to repent and God promised captivity. Jeremiah also was given a great message of hope, which would take place in the kingdom of God. Jeremiah 11:4 - "which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God;" ASV
Jeremiah 25:1-11 - > 1 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (the same was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon,) > 2 which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying: > 3 From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even unto this day, these three and twenty years, the word of Jehovah hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising up early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened. > 4 And Jehovah hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, (but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear,) > 5 saying, Return ye now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that Jehovah hath given unto you and to your fathers, from of old and even for evermore: > 6 and go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the work of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. > 7 Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith Jehovah; that ye may provoke me to anger with the work of your hands to your own hurt. > 8 Therefore thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Because ye have not heard my words,> 9 behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith Jehovah, and (I will send) unto Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about; and I will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and a hissing, and perpetual desolations. > 10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. > 11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
Jeremiah 31:31-34 -
Jeremiah 32:38-40 -
These passages without doubt confirm the inspiration of scripture, the foreknowledge of God, and the nature of God's new covenant with man.
The book of Jeremiah gives exact dates, times, and people. He names the Babylonian ruler, Nebuchadnezzar who would destroy the land Jeremiah 27:6-7 - > 6 And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field also have I given him to serve him. > 7 And all the nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the time of his own land come: and then many nations and great kings shall make him their bondman. ASVLESSONS FROM JEREMIAH
Nothing is too hard for God - Jeremiah 32:27 - "Behold, I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" ASV
- God demands complete repentance - Acts 17:30-31 - > 30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent: > 31 inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. ASV
- God will punish his people as well as those in the world for sin - John 5:28-28 - > 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, > 29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment. ASV
- God will forgive sins - Acts 22:16 - "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name." Colossians 2:11-14 - > 11 in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; > 12 having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. > 13 And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, (I say), did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses; > 14 having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out that way, nailing it to the cross; ASVE. God does exactly what He says.
CONCLUSION
Do we have faith in God? God has promised to judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 4:1). God has given us many warnings. Have we listened to Him? What would God have to do to get us to repent? ...glc
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair
Garreth has over 46 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH. http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/
Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.)
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