Calvary Baptist Church

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation" (II Corinthians 5:17-20). The goal of the Christian's ministry is to be reconciled to God and to help others find peace with God also. There are three ways of approaching one in need: 1. Condemnation: judging a person (Romans 8:31-37) 2. Accommodation: making light of sin (Romans 6:1-4) 3. Reconciliation: helping a person in their walk with God (Titus 3:1-7)

King David has reached the height of his reign when moral disaster struck, a moral lapse which would plague the rest of his life. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in II Samuel.

The Epistle of Romans is Paul's magnum opus. Martin Luther called it, "The chief book of the New Testament....It deserves to be known by heart, word for word, by every Christian." Paul wrote the epistle on his third visit to the city of Corinth.

With increasing acrimony Job's "miserable comforters" drive home the point that God punishes the wicked. They see God as a dispenser of vengeance, totally lacking in love and grace. They echo the developing cults of angry gods who demand personal sacrifice, even child sacrifice, to assuage the penalty for sin. They concentrate on the present situation with no idea of a future and eternal judgment. Job, in his suffering, begins to see the future. In his darkness, his faith shines. His statement, "For I know my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth..." (18:25) resounds through the ages as future believers have found hope in their Redeemer.

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they be of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (I John 4:1). Job's three "counselors" have been anything but comforters. Their narrative that God always blesses the righteous and punishes evil doers has led to their judging Job as a hypocrite hiding some personal sin. They have not prayed for him or with him. Eliphaz is convinced he has spiritual authority because of the "vision" he described in his first speech (4:12-16). His spiritual experience had convinced him he knew the mind of God.

Whereas King David's kindness was joyfully accepted by Mephibosheth, it was rejected by the people of Ammon. Their rejection proved disastrous. Be with us tonight as we continue out study in II Samuel, chapter 10.

A very good reason to praise our Lord is because He considers praise "beautiful" (v. 1). This psalm is a call to worship. The people are led in a song of praise and affirmation of faith (vs. 20-22).

Job has endured the discouragement of a spiritist philosopher and a know-it-all traditionalist. Now he faced the most brutal of them all, a bigoted dogmatist. These men show no empathy to Job's plight. They have not listened to his questions (9:2,4,14;10:20). Zophar showed the least amount of patience and got the strongest reaction from Job.

Like bunker buster bombs, Job's friends drive the issue of Job's sufferings deeper and deeper. Eliphaz, in his hyper spiritualism, saw Job's sufferings as Job's punishment for unconfessed sin. His words contained elements of truth but were filled with ignorance of God's ways. Now, Bildad drives the dagger deeper. Not only does he call Job a blow-hard (8:2), but he said Job's children died because of unconfessed sin. He showed no sympathy for Job's sorrow.

The story of David and Mephibosheth is one of the most beautiful examples of God's grace in the entire Old Testament. Be with us this evening as we continue our study in the book of II Samuel.

Adam was created on the sixth day of creation. Consequently, his first full day of existence was God's day of rest. What a day that must have been for Adam to observe the beautiful world God had made! Unfortunately, sin soon entered the picture, and the world has been restless ever since. "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt" (Isaiah 57:20). Paul paints a sad picture of man in his rebellion against God. He tells Timothy, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying its power" (II Timothy 4:1-5). In his pursuit of happiness, man becomes a slave of sin filled with all kinds of psychological problems. Jesus asks, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul" (Matthew 16:26)? Counselors tell us that there are five major problems that plague a person's soul: emptiness, loneliness, guilt, fear of death, and insecurity. Jesus offers rest for the restless.

In chapter 3, Job had unleashed his emotions to his three friends. This gave them the opportunity to voice their opinions as to why Job suffered. Eliphaz, the oldest and wisest, is first to offer his analysis.

Satan, the accuser of the brethren, had challenged God to destroy Job "without cause" (2:4). Satan, unknowingly to Job, had been defeated by Job's blessing the Lord rather than cursing Him (1:21;2:10). Now, Satan's challenge was that Job would curse God if Job's own physical life was tormented. There are other instances in the Bible where God allowed Satan certain liberties with His servants. Peter would have been sifted like wheat if Jesus allowed it (Luke 22:31). Paul had a "messenger of Satan" buffet him (II Corinthians 12:7). Hymenaeus and Alexander were delivered to Satan "that they may learn not to blaspheme" (I Timothy 1:20). However, Satan can do no more than God allows. In this sense, Satan is just a tool in God's ultimate will. Job's three friends wept when they saw Job's physical condition. They silently supported him with their presence for seven days. Finally, Job unleashes his feelings in an emotional rant. This sets in motion a series of dialogues, set in poetry, which examine the depths of human suffering.

God gave King David great victories over enemies which surrounded Israel. However, the severity in which David treated his enemies raises questions about his tactics. Be with us tonight as we continue our study of King David. Message: David Made a Name For Himself Reading Scripture: 2 Samuel 8: 1-18

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities; against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:13). Job was a wealthy man. He was a good father. He loved the Lord. He taught his family to love the Lord. He was the epitome of godly success. Yet, he lost it all. He had no idea that there was a spiritual war going on, and he was the focus. He was a victim of Satan's rage. Yet, what did he do when he was viciously attacked? He worshiped!

His names reveal his character 1. Satan: one who opposes; Matthew 4:10 2. Devil: "diabolos" accuser, slanderer; Ephesians 4:26-27 3. Lucifer: light bearer; Isaiah 14:12 4. Beelzebub: lord of the flies; Matthew 12:24 5. Belial: worthlessness or wickedness; Deuteronomy 13:13 6. Abaddon: destroyer; Revelation 9:11 7. The Serpent; II Corinthians 11:3 8. The evil one; I John 5:19 9. The prince of the power of the air; Ephesians 6:12 10.The god of this age; I Corinthians 4:4 11.Father of lies: John 8:44 12.The tempter; Matthew 4:3 13.Accuser of the brethren; Revelation 12:10 14.The dragon; Revelation 12:9

Have You Considered My Servant Job? Job 1 The book of Job is a masterpiece of Literature. Its depth and thoroughness in dealing with human suffering and divine justice has intrigued generations of readers. Although Genesis comes first in our Bibles, the internal evidence in Job indicates the book may be the oldest extant book in the world. The book reveals the gigantic gap between God's perspective and man's perspective. The angelic warfare which occurs in "the heavenlies" (Ephesians 1:3;6;10) is visualized for us. Man's wisdom and Satan's power are shown to be limited by God's sovereignty.

Then and Now II Samuel 7: 18-29 "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)"

When God Says No 2 Samuel 7: 1-17 David's great desire was to build a temple to house the ark of God. Our Lord had other plans. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in II Samuel.

The last vision of Daniel (chapters 10-12) prophesies the fate of Israel from Daniel and Darius' time (11:1) to the "end of days" as we know them. Daniel 12 has been called the climax of world history. Beginning in Daniel 11:36 through chapter 12 seven major factors are revealed: 1. There will be a world ruler. 2. There will be a world religion. 3. There will be a world war. 4. There will be a time of great tribulation for Israel. 5. God will deliver His people at the end of the tribulation. 6. There will be resurrection and judgment. 7. There will be reward for the righteous. Daniel 11: 36-45 reveals the first three of these factors. Now comes the climax.

The Conclusion of the Whole Matter Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 "When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?" "The answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind." Three thousand years before these songs were written, a famous "Preacher" said, "I have seen the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind" (1:14). As it has been said, "One thing we learn from history is that man does not learn from history." One thing that Solomon has learned in life "under the sun" is that "all is vanity" (1:2,14;2:11,17;3:19;11:8;12:8). Solomon has used the word "all" over seventy times in Ecclesiastes. There is life with God (the Shepherd,12:11), or there is life without Him "under the sun." A life of purpose, or a life of emptiness, it is all or nothingness (vanity).

Wars and Providence Daniel 11 Chapters 10-12 of the book of Daniel form the last great vision of the aged prophet. Chapter 10 reveals the great spiritual war that goes on between the forces of Satan and the God of heaven. In chapter 11 we are given a detailed prophecy of the wars of Persians, Greeks, and Romans. This prophecy is so accurate in its fulfillment that skeptics try to discredit as being written hundreds of years later. This prophecy was given to Daniel in 534 B.C..

Rejoicing and Remembering Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8 "The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." (Westminster Shorter Catechism) "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). The old man is now summing up his lectures to his students. He has experienced the joys of life with God and the emptiness of life without Him. He is now coming to his conclusion. Life under the sun is fleeting. True meaning and purpose in life can only be found in knowing the One who created life.

Solomon has made the transition from a morbid pessimism of life "under the sun" (chapter 1-4) to the didactic approach of giving common sense advice to a younger generation. He is now coming to some basic conclusions about life. There are principles of business which are true to Christians and to non-Christians alike.

David had pure motives in his desire to bring the ark to Jerusalem, but he failed to seek God for instructions which led to tragedy. Be with us tonight as we continue our systematic study of the Word of God.

What Are These Stones? Joshua 4:1-7, 19-24 "And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So, He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord" (Deuteronomy 8:2,3). "Remember" is commanded 15 times in the book of Deuteronomy.

Solomon continues his observations of life with some pithy sayings concerning day to day "evils" he has seen "under the sun." Wisdom and folly have no social barriers. "Folly is set in great dignity" (v.6). Many a great person has been brought down by his own foolishness. There are certain laws of nature that apply to all no matter one's position in life.

Be with us tonight as we continue our study of King David. Immediately after David was established as king over all Israel, he faced a challenge which would determine the fate of two nations for generations to come. Message: Defining Moments Reading Scripture: 2 Samuel 5: 17-25

When God Answers Our Prayers Daniel 10: 1-21 "Prayer is an art, and as in all art, there is achievement in a full measure of dedication" (W.A Criswell). The last three chapters of the book of Daniel record the prophetic future of Israel which is without parallel anywhere else in Scripture. This fourth great prophecy is again set in the venue of Daniel's prayer life.

Things I Have Seen Under the Sun Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:7 The old man has told us of the emptiness of living "under the sun." As he has come out of the doldrums, he now gives objective observations of the rat race life can be. In preceding verses, he has surmised that "time and chance" (v.11) happens to us all. There are no guarantees in life under the sun. Human ability does not guarantee genuine success (9:11,12). Therefore, we should make the most of the time and the circumstances in which we find ourselves (9:7,8). Now, Solomon's observations and proverbial language dominate the rest of the book.

Authority, Mystery, and Mortality Ecclesiastes 8:2-9:12 Solomon continues his musings on life and meaning. Beginning in chapter 5, he has written of the wisdom he had gained from his experiences "under the sun." As he progresses, he becomes more and more convinced that the meaning of life can only be found in the Person who gives life. "Life under the sun" is filled with contradictions, complexities and certainties. Only when we realize there is a "time for every purpose under heaven" under God's sovereign control can find true meaning and purpose in life.

When David finally became king, one of the first actions he took was to capture Jerusalem. This is a very important event that reverberates through the rest of the Bible. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life and times of King David.

At times, we meet people who have walked with God, but go off on a tangent and defy all reason and experience. They have allowed the ways of the world to become dominant in their lives, and revolt against the wisdom of God (Proverbs 8:1-9:6). Solomon was such a man. The time he spent "chasing the wind" could never be made up. He had suffered bitter experiences "under the sun." He hated life (2:17). Beginning in chapter 6, Solomon begins thinking in a more God-centered way. The terms "wise" and "wisdom" become much more prevalent in his thinking. He has learned the hard way about the nasty facts of life. He now speaks from experience. True meaning and joy in life can only come from a walk with God.

King Solomon has shared his disillusionment in seeking satisfaction in life apart from the presence of God. He has explored nature, philosophy, pleasure, materialism and religion. He has found all these pursuits to be empty of meaning and lacking in satisfaction. Beginning in chapter 5, Solomon gives earthy advice from an old sinner's observations. His lessons are brutally honest.

The Handwriting on the WallScripture Reading: Daniel 5

General Counselling Principles Part IIIPsalm 139

The church in Ephesus was in many ways the apex of Paul's ministry. The letter Paul wrote to the church sets forth God's revelation of the church as an organism and the part churches would play in the accomplishment of God's purposes for the earth. God has blessed all believers "with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ" (1:3). The believers' opportunity and obligation are to discover "what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (1:18). In verses 1-14 of the first chapter, Paul sets forth the riches of God's grace. In verses 13-15, Paul prays that we will discover them.

The Lord Was With HimScripture: I Samuel 18: 1-16