Calvary Baptist Church

In most of his epistles Paul asserts his position as an apostle of Jesus Christ as he writes with apostolic authority. However, as he writes to the beleaguered Philippians, he writes as a friend. His purpose is to encourage the Philippians in their walk with Christ in a cruel world. Although Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he wrote with joyful optimism. "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (1:6). He prayed that their love would abound and that they would be "filled with the fruits of righteous which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (1:11). What are "the fruits of righteousness"?

History is often determined by the counsel a leader was given. The long account of Absalom's rebellion turned on a single verse. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of King David.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith...." Paul has presented to us the gospel of Christ (1:16). He has made clear two revelations: "the righteousness of God" (1:17), and the "wrath of God" against all ungodliness (1:18). He has shown all the world is guilty before God (3:19) and "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (3:23). But he has also revealed "the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe" (3:22). He has introduced to us some very blessed words: Grace: God's unmerited favor Righteousness: God's standard of perfection Redemption: a price that is paid Justification: a judicial act in declaring debts forgiven Propitiation: satisfaction that a debt is paid Imputation: an accounting term meaning something was given Reconciliation: a change in relationship from enemy to friend

As Jeremiah prophesied Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. Jeremiah watched as the city was starved into submission and then burned. The inhabitants were treated mercilessly--many were slaughtered, the rest taken captive back to Babylonia. Jeremiah surveys the city and is inspired of God to write. Lamentations (which means "loud cryings") is a set of five poems or elegies. It can be called "an elegy written in a graveyard." The chapters, except the middle one (chapter 3) have the same number of verses, that is, twenty-two, and the third chapter has three times the number of the others, that is, sixty-six. This is because there are twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. In chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4, each verse begins with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The third chapter runs in triplets and the first verse of each triplet begins with the corresponding Hebrew letter. The fifth chapter has 22 verses but does not follow the same pattern.

Intro to Lamentations

In war, many times it is difficult to distinguish friend from enemy. Passion and deception can rule the day. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of King David. Scripture Reading: II Samuel 16

In chapters one through four the Apostle Paul revealed the Gospel of Christ. The two great revelations Paul made in Romans 1:16-18. First, the righteousness of God can only be attained through faith. Second, the wrath of God is revealed on all ungodliness and unrighteousness. A vivid picture is painted of man's ungodliness and how he is a slave of sin. We are taken to the courtroom of the Almighty where everyone is guilty before God. Beginning in chapter 3, verse 21, we are introduced to the righteousness of God. This righteousness can only be attained through faith in the provision God has made. We are introduced to several legal terms: Grace: God's unmerited favor Righteousness: God's standard of perfection Redemption: a price that is paid Justification: a judicial act of declaring debts forgiven Propitiation: satisfaction that a debt is paid Imputation: an accounting term meaning something was given Chapters five through eight introduce us to what God does in and through the believer once he is saved. A key word is RECONCILIATION. The believer is no longer an enemy of God but has begun a new relationship with his Savior. "Therefore, having being justified by faith...." We now see the great blessings that come from this justification.

"You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended (purpose) by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (James 5:11). The frustrating fact in the book of Job is that his counselors were not wrong in what they said. The problem was that they did not present God in the proper manner. To them, God was a mean-spirited Being who exacted punishment. Not once do we see them present God's whole counsel, "...that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." Not once did they pray with or for Job. They had a head knowledge but lacked the spiritual insights that an ambassador of the Lord needs to bring God's healing to the soul. Four times in two verses (42:7,8), God reveals Job's relationship with Himself. In identifying Job as "My servant," our Lord vindicates and rewards His servant.

Please note: The 1st seven minutes and 55 seconds sufferer from an unidentified interference. It may be difficult to understand. We apologize. "You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended (purpose) by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (James 5:11). The frustrating fact in the book of Job is that his counselors were not wrong in what they said. The problem was that they did not present God in the proper manner. To them, God was a mean-spirited Being who exacted punishment. Not once do we see them present God's whole counsel, "...that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." Not once did they pray with or for Job. They had a head knowledge but lacked the spiritual insights that an ambassador of the Lord needs to bring God's healing to the soul. Four times in two verses (42:7,8), God reveals Job's relationship with Himself. In identifying Job as "My servant," our Lord vindicates and rewards His servant.

Absalom's rebellion cast a dark cloud on David's reign as king of Israel. Be with us tonight as we examine how it had a lasting effect on so many.

There will be no unrighteousness in heaven. Therefore, only those who are righteous will go there. Paul has established the fact that "the is none righteous, no, not one" (3:10). All the world is guilty before God (3:19). Beginning in Romans 3:21, Paul introduced to us the way a person can be declared righteous. He has introduced several terms: Grace: God's unmerited favor Righteousness: God's standard of perfection Redemption: a price that is paid Justification: a judicial act of declaring debts forgiven Propitiation: satisfaction that a debt has been paid

Can God create something that He Himself cannot destroy? The answer is, absolutely not! Job was humbled by the myriad of questions God had asked about His creation. God ends His questions with two animals He created which would bring terror to anyone who would be confronted by them. The behemoth (40:15-24) was (now extinct) a land animal which was practically indestructible by man. It was part of God's creation. God now brings His questioning to a climax with an animal which takes on supernatural proportions. Leviathan!

From Romans 1:1 to 3:20 Paul reveals the wrath of God upon all ungodliness. It is firmly established that we are all ungodly. Beginning in 3:21, and through the rest of the epistle, Paul expounds on the remedy, the good news of redemption in Christ Jesus. This good news is proclaimed to all, both Jew and Gentile, who believe. "But now" (3:21) God reveals His righteousness and how it can be attained by all who believe. There are several terms Paul introduces and expands upon in the following chapters: Grace: God's unmerited favor Righteousness: God's standard of perfection Redemption: a price that is paid Justification: a judicial act of declaring debts forgiven Propitiation: satisfaction that a debt was paid There is one more important word that Paul will introduce. Forgiveness of sin has been paid through the shed blood of our Savior. A child of God is forgiven, but he is not innocent. Then, how does one become "righteous?" The answer is IMPUTATION! "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted (imputed) to him for righteousness" (4:3).

Whirlwinds and Dinosaurs Job 40 In chapter 39, our Lord questioned Job about twelve animals He had created. These animals were common animals which roamed the earth in Job's day. In God's second discourse (chapters 40 and 41), two other mysterious animals are described. Behemoth and Leviathan have more verses (forty-four) devoted to them than the other twelve combined. The obvious question is why God gave so much attention to these fearsome animals in this climactic portion of His message to Job.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than the sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31). In God's questions to Job, eight verses deal with the creation week, twenty-seven with the physical world and its functions, and thirty-three with the nature of animals. These thirty-three verses give clear testimony of God's providential care for all His creation (Morris). The questions God asks Job imply a care for His creation which is far beyond man's comprehension. Job had noted that one could learn about the reality of our Creator by the study of animals (12:7-10). God now mentions twelve animals.

Absalom's exile left David with a dilemma. His indecision left the king vulnerable to manipulation. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the tragedy that consumed the last years of David's reign. Message: Reading Scripture: 2 Samuel 14

"But now...." What a turning point! Paul has stated two revelations of God in Romans 1: 16-18. In verse 16, the righteousness of God has been revealed. In verse 18, the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness. God will judge all of us according to truth, according to our deeds, and according to the Gospel (2:1-16). The Jew has no advantage over the Gentile. "There is none righteous, no not one (2:17-3:18). Paul's conclusion is that the law merely sets a standard that no one can reach (3:19-20). "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (3:23). God's hatred of sin demands justice. "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed." How does one become righteous in the court room of God?

Job 38: 12-38 God interrogated Job with a list of seventy-seven questions. In doing so, God invited Job to explore His creation. His opening questions are calls to examine the earth He created (vs.3-11). His next series of questions deal with the functions of the "cosmos" (vs.12-38).

Job's three "friends" had spent themselves trying to convince Job that his sufferings were a result of hidden sin. The young Elihu had droned on in an academic discourse in theology. Now, after months of suffering, God speaks. "The four-chapter message direct from God that climaxes the book of Job is unparalleled by anything else in the Bible. Even unbelieving scholars acknowledge it is one of the world's greatest masterpieces in literature" (Henry Morris). Amazingly, God says nothing concerning the problem of human suffering. His discourses cover 123 verses and ask 77 questions. God's subject is creation! He reveals His power in and loving care of His creation. "To everything there is a season, a time and purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This remarkable conclusion of Job reveals the answers for a hurting world are found in the One who created it. It is the fear (holding in awe) of the Lord which marks the beginning of our wisdom and understanding (Job 28:28).

The rift in David's family would grow to full-blown civil war due to David's tolerance of Amnon's horrible injustice. The rift would dominate the second half of David's reign.

Paul has presented the case that all humans are slaves to sin in chapter one. In chapter two, Paul sets forth the case that the Jew is as guilty as the Gentile of sin and unbelief. A person's heritage, indoctrination, religious rituals, or education cannot make him righteous before God. A person is a child of God "from the heart" (2:29) and not by the letter of the law. The Jew would ask, "What is the advantage of circumcision?" A good lawyer knows the answer to a question before he asks it. Paul sets forth a series of questions and answers them. Then he lays out a fourteen-count indictment to all mankind "that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God" (3:20). "It cannot escape notice how completely the doctrine of the Jews has been transferred by ritualists to Christianity." (Charles Hodge). If, by any means, anyone escapes the verdict of guilty, "he will never truly rely upon the shed blood of the Guilt-Bearer, Christ!" (William R. Newell).

The younger Elihu listened to the conversations of Job and his three "friends" and was convinced he had the answer to Job's sufferings. He used Job's own words to condemn Job. He also castigates all the older men for not knowing God as he knew Him.

The younger Elihu listened to the conversations of Job and his three "friends" and was convinced he had the answer to Job's sufferings. He used Job's own words to condemn Job. He also castigates all the older men for not knowing God as he knew Him.

King David was never the same after his fateful fall into sin. He seemed to become more indecisive in dealing with his problems. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of this great but flawed man.

The gospel of Christ "is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (1:16). For the righteousness of God is revealed to man through salvation (1:17). One must realize that the wrath of God is revealed "against all ungodliness" (1:18). Paul, the lawyer, takes us to the courtroom to declare we are inexcusable. If a person is truly "saved," what is he "saved" from? The answer: the wrath of God! Paul declared the gospel "to the Jew first." Therefore, Paul takes the Jew to task. His conclusion: "There is none righteous (Jew or Gentile), no, not one" (3:10). He drives home that point in the second half of chapter two. The specific application is to the Jew, but the practical application is to Jew and Gentile alike.

Chapters 29-31 form Job's closing monologue. In chapter 29, he recounts the good old days "when God watched over me." In chapter 30, Job cries out to God in his present misery. In chapter 31, Job seeks vindication from God. Chapter 31 is a checklist of "blameless and upright man" (1:8).

Chapters 29-31 form Job's closing monologue. In chapter 29, he recounts the good old days "when God watched over me." In chapter 30, Job cries out to God in his present misery. In chapter 31, Job seeks vindication from God. Chapter 31 is a checklist of "blameless and upright man" (1:8).

The death of an infant is always an emotionally tragic event. Does an infant go to heaven? Be with us tonight as we continue our study of II Samuel.

The The book of Romans is the most comprehensive book of the Gospel in the entire Bible. It forms the basis of true Christianity. How can unrighteous man be reconciled to God? That has been a question over the ages: "It may be that deity may forgive sin, but I do not know how." (Socrates, 500 B.C.) How can a just God forgive sin without compromising His own righteousness? How can the unjust be declared righteous? Romans 2:1-16 is an expansion of the principle found in 1:18. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...." Then, Paul describes the path of depravity societies follow when they "suppress the truth" (1:19-32). Sodom's depravity was caused by her suppression of the truth.

Job's three counselors have exhausted their arguments. They had tried to convince Job that he had some hidden sin that was causing his misery. Job steadfastly maintained his innocence. Job closes the argument with an extended discourse (chapters 27-31) of his perception of the ways of God. To Bildad, he stated that he had examined "the mere edges of His ways" (26:14). Before reviewing his life (chapter 29-31), he refutes the wisdom of men and seeks the wisdom of God.

Bildad's short speech is the last from Job's "counselors." Again, he does not bother to answer Job's last challenge for his counselors to prove him wrong as to the ways of God (24:25). Bildad sums up the whole conversation by repeating Eliphaz's original charge that Job was in rebellion against God (4:17-21). Job's three friends saw God as transcendent, but impersonal. To them, God's sovereignty over His creation brought order, but was brutal to those who disobeyed Him. They voiced no relationship with the living God.

When approaching a king, even a prophet had to be careful how he addressed a king's crimes. Nathan was that prophet, and God gave him a wonderful story which caused King David to convict himself. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in II Samuel (chapter 12).

Paul has stated that the righteousness of God is revealed to all those who believe (1:16,17). The Gospel delivers a believer from sin. He breaks the power of cancelled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood availed for me. (Charles Wesley) There is another revelation in the Gospel. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness..." (1:18).

God never moves without purpose or plan When trying His servant and molding a man. Give thanks to the Lord though His testing seems long; In darkness He giveth a song. (Ron Hamilton) Job's comforters have turned into debaters. The first two rounds of speeches had become increasingly acrimonious and decreasingly beneficial. Eliphaz's gentleness had turned to stern rebuke. Bildad became more accusatory, and Zophar finished his case in a huff. Now, Eliphaz calls one last time for Job's repentance. Meanwhile, Job's flashes of confidence rise to new heights as he seems to realize that his duress was a test of faith and not a punishment for evil.

"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.