Outfitting the Saints

Whether people believe that heaven and hell are real or not, does not change the truth. God has told us in His word that heaven and hell are real places, final destinies for saved and the unsaved. We will examine this briefly again this morning. We have been preaching through a series on "Essential Truth". This is the last of the essential, foundational, non-negotiable truths that we believe. They find their root in the Word of God, as an anchor for our faith! From these truths we continue to build our faith upon! 1. Essential Truth About the Lord our God 2. Essential Truth About the Word of God 3. Essential Truth About Man 4. Essential Truth About the Devil 5. Essential Truth About Heaven and Hell

Whether people believe that heaven and hell are real or not, does not change the truth. God has told us in His word that heaven and hell are real places, final destinies for saved and the unsaved. We will examine this briefly again this morning. We have been preaching through a series on "Essential Truth". This is the last of the essential, foundational, non-negotiable truths that we believe. They find their root in the Word of God, as an anchor for our faith! From these truths we continue to build our faith upon! 1. Essential Truth About the Lord our God 2. Essential Truth About the Word of God 3. Essential Truth About Man 4. Essential Truth About the Devil 5. Essential Truth About Heaven and Hell

In the world today, very few people believe that the devil exists, however there are more people that believe the devil exists than believe that God exists! According to a survey done in 2009, there are about 40 percent of church goers that believe there is a devil! I might be able to understand why those who do not attend church would not believe the devil exists, but for church goers, it is baffling. All that a person must do is to read the Bible to see that the devil is real.

In the world today, very few people believe that the devil exists, however there are more people that believe the devil exists than believe that God exists! According to a survey done in 2009, there are about 40 percent of church goers that believe there is a devil! I might be able to understand why those who do not attend church would not believe the devil exists, but for church goers, it is baffling. All that a person must do is to read the Bible to see that the devil is real.

Some people today believe that we are advancing to a better form of society that will eventually lead to a utopian or heaven like existence. They make note of the advancements or progress in societies, technology, global communications, and so on. Their concept of man is that we were neandrathals, not able to form a cognitive thought and now we are the product of an evolutionary process. Boy, are they blinded by the world around them. It is interesting that man would rather believe the creation, than the Creator! This morning let's look at what the Word of God tells us about man and his purpose, condition and destiny. Last week we examined the Word of God. The absolute, unchangeable word of God. Before that we said that believing in God is of primary importance. It makes a difference between Almighty God and an imposter. Believing what His word tells us about Himself is deep and wide. We should be plummeting the depths of God and beholding the vast greatness of Who He is.

Some people today believe that we are advancing to a better form of society that will eventually lead to a utopian or heaven like existence. They make note of the advancements or progress in societies, technology, global communications, and so on. Their concept of man is that we were neandrathals, not able to form a cognitive thought and now we are the product of an evolutionary process. Boy, are they blinded by the world around them. It is interesting that man would rather believe the creation, than the Creator! This morning let's look at what the Word of God tells us about man and his purpose, condition and destiny. Last week we examined the Word of God. The absolute, unchangeable word of God. Before that we said that believing in God is of primary importance. It makes a difference between Almighty God and an imposter. Believing what His word tells us about Himself is deep and wide. We should be plummeting the depths of God and beholding the vast greatness of Who He is.

The Bible is the Book, or more correctly the Books, the Sacred Writings of God to man. In it, God has revealed Himself to us; He has told us what is truth and how to practice it in our lives. This great God we have, gave us an instruction manual, the Bible. It has 66 books which make up a single revelation of God (39 in the OT; 27 in the NT). It was penned by about 40 writers over a period of several centuries in three different languages; Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Bibles we have today are translations from these original texts. Listen to be reminded about the Bible.

The Bible is the Book, or more correctly the Books, the Sacred Writings of God to man. In it, God has revealed Himself to us; He has told us what is truth and how to practice it in our lives. This great God we have, gave us an instruction manual, the Bible. It has 66 books which make up a single revelation of God (39 in the OT; 27 in the NT). It was penned by about 40 writers over a period of several centuries in three different languages; Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Bibles we have today are translations from these original texts. Listen to be reminded about the Bible.

As the years pass by, we see that referring to God in our society has become muddied. There are those who have made their gods from that which comes from man's creation, or they have made the word god, a by word or swear word. Sadly, it is because people do not know God and maybe even His people do not know Him as they should. So, it is good for us to stop and listen to reminders or refreshers about our God. In preaching I am called to speak the truth of His Word, sometimes reminding His people over again about the simple, profound truths that we hold dear. This morning, we are going to do just that.

As the years pass by, we see that referring to God in our society has become muddied. There are those who have made their gods from that which comes from man's creation, or they have made the word god, a by word or swear word. Sadly, it is because people do not know God and maybe even His people do not know Him as they should. So, it is good for us to stop and listen to reminders or refreshers about our God. In preaching I am called to speak the truth of His Word, sometimes reminding His people over again about the simple, profound truths that we hold dear. This morning, we are going to do just that.

How will you react when the nation's monetary system collapses? Remember 1929. How will you respond when another nation takes over our country? Who will you go to if your house and possessions are confiscated? Remember Germany 1933. Who will be your strength when loved ones are plucked from you? September 11, 2001. We find ourselves today in the midst of calamity. Calamity comes and it strikes at the heart of a people who least expect it. If our faith has been exercised and been oiled by the Word of God, then we will be ready for whatever comes.

How will you react when the nation's monetary system collapses? Remember 1929. How will you respond when another nation takes over our country? Who will you go to if your house and possessions are confiscated? Remember Germany 1933. Who will be your strength when loved ones are plucked from you? September 11, 2001. We find ourselves today in the midst of calamity. Calamity comes and it strikes at the heart of a people who least expect it. If our faith has been exercised and been oiled by the Word of God, then we will be ready for whatever comes.

If you were presented with a life and death situation because of your faith in God, how would you respond. If a law came down from the government that you could not worship God, would you quote to me Romans 13, and say that it is ok, because we are to obey the government. Would you obey out of fear for your life? We haven't come to that point yet, or have we? We have already been primed for this by accepting something as OK from the government or society that the Bible says is wrong; abortion, homosexuality, divorce, affairs or living together, greed, lying, and so much more. There were three men who were presented with this situation, and yet did not bow to the pressure that was placed on them. Was it because they were extraordinary believers, or were they just stupid, or did they have a death wish? As we look at this situation, I believe we will see three young men who found out the way to stand fast in their faith. It provides us with an example to follow.

If you were presented with a life and death situation because of your faith in God, how would you respond. If a law came down from the government that you could not worship God, would you quote to me Romans 13, and say that it is ok, because we are to obey the government. Would you obey out of fear for your life? We haven't come to that point yet, or have we? We have already been primed for this by accepting something as OK from the government or society that the Bible says is wrong; abortion, homosexuality, divorce, affairs or living together, greed, lying, and so much more. There were three men who were presented with this situation, and yet did not bow to the pressure that was placed on them. Was it because they were extraordinary believers, or were they just stupid, or did they have a death wish? As we look at this situation, I believe we will see three young men who found out the way to stand fast in their faith. It provides us with an example to follow.

In a world that is void of the meaning of Christmas and openly defies the word of God, we need to rise up, lifted by Our God to bring joy and peace to a distraught world. So, it is fitting today to consider a wonderful Psalm, that was part of the Hallel which Jesus and His disciples would have sung together as they left the Passover meal. As we ponder His birth and His sacrifice for us, we should lift our hearts in song. Songs are a great way to remember some truths that the Lord gives us. It is a song; even though we do not know the melody. These are wonderful words that we can tuck away in our hearts!

In a world that is void of the meaning of Christmas and openly defies the word of God, we need to rise up, lifted by Our God to bring joy and peace to a distraught world. So, it is fitting today to consider a wonderful Psalm, that was part of the Hallel which Jesus and His disciples would have sung together as they left the Passover meal. As we ponder His birth and His sacrifice for us, we should lift our hearts in song. Songs are a great way to remember some truths that the Lord gives us. It is a song; even though we do not know the melody. These are wonderful words that we can tuck away in our hearts!

Giving thanks for our food and God's provisions for us each day should not be a tradition that is passed down from generation to generation, but a wonderful time to truly thank the Lord for His blessings. Last time we looked at the future to learn to give thanks for our life as it unfolds before us and eternal life with Jesus. Previously we looked at giving thanks for the past when Jesus came to die for the sin of the world, providing a way of salvation to all who believe. This time we are going to look at the present. Giving thanks for our food. After all we are going to celebrate thanksgiving this week. A time of God's provision for us.

Giving thanks for our food and God's provisions for us each day should not be a tradition that is passed down from generation to generation, but a wonderful time to truly thank the Lord for His blessings. Last time we looked at the future to learn to give thanks for our life as it unfolds before us and eternal life with Jesus. Previously we looked at giving thanks for the past when Jesus came to die for the sin of the world, providing a way of salvation to all who believe. This time we are going to look at the present. Giving thanks for our food. After all we are going to celebrate thanksgiving this week. A time of God's provision for us.

We have a common fear of the unknown. We worry about tomorrow and what may happen in the future. When things do happen that we do not understand, we wonder where God is in all of this. As we look forward to what lies ahead, we need to press on in Christ. Philippians 3:12b-14; but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Give thanks to God for what our life is and will be as we believe in Him who loved us and gave His life for us!

We have a common fear of the unknown. We worry about tomorrow and what may happen in the future. When things do happen that we do not understand, we wonder where God is in all of this. As we look forward to what lies ahead, we need to press on in Christ. Philippians 3:12b-14; but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Give thanks to God for what our life is and will be as we believe in Him who loved us and gave His life for us!

Thanks. A common phrase used in our day. Giving thanks. There are three ways that it is used in the scriptures. The present, the past, and the future. The present is when we say, “thanks” for something that we are currently given. The past is when we are thankful for something that happened in the past. The future is when we give thanks for what is to come. The Greek text is εὐχαριστέω which means giving thanks In an orthodox church setting they will use the term the Eucharist. The common term among the church is the Lord's Supper, or Communion. It is the remembering the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb, specifically the Lord Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. There is a lesson of giving thanks for us to learn from this wonderful time of remembrance. This is what happened in the past.

We began two weeks ago to lay out three messages that pertain to His people, Israel, and certainly to His people, the church. In this passage in Isaiah, He Exposes the coverup of His people, He Reproves His people, and then He declares His decision which He made before the foundation of the world for those who believe and those who do not! Now, The Lord God of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel declares!

Last week we examined how God exposed what His people were doing, and it was not a pretty sight. Did you gain victory this past week with blessings from the One who blesses, and did you strive to be like Him. Last week I encouraged you to go home, as God's people, and seek His forgiveness, confessing the things to Him that we spoke about from Isaiah 1:2-9. Not only for us, but for His people across this nation! And then look to the LORD to revive us again! This morning we pick up where we left off in Isaiah 1. This time it is a message of instruction by way of reproof!

We live in a society where coverups or hiding things are commonplace. Things are not what they appear to be. The only way to know the truth is when these things are exposed! In the book of Isaiah, there is a message to the church in America today! As His people, we need to pay attention. We need to listen to what He has said. And if we need to correct things in our life, then we need to do it now! If we want to see the coverups exposed in the nation, then God's people need to start first.

Throughout our life there are times when we mark events as significant or milestones. There are things such as getting a drivers license, or graduation, or getting married, or a new baby, a new job. As these are important, there are many other milestones you have in your walk with the Lord; the day you were saved, or the time the Lord directed your path differently than you thought, or the day you shared the gift of salvation with a friend; or maybe when you were baptized; or any number of significant events as you walk with the Lord in the light of His word. It is good to mark these events and remember them. It is showing us how God has been at work in our life for His good pleasure and our blessing.

The time has come. If we want to see God's hand at work in the world around us, then the time has come for us to consider our ways, show Him reverence, and then we will see His glory! We looked at the time has come to consider our ways. A Self-examination to make sure we are pursuing God and our own desires. A need for us to rebuild our lives around Him, allowing the Spirit to lead us, and we need to follow Him in every part of our life. And recognizing that God has allowed or even brought these things about so that we will admit it is us and repent. There is no one to blame but ourselves. We looked at the time has come to show reverence. This comes by obeying His voice, listening with understanding what He tells us, and working on our relationship with Him! It is knowing that He is with us. The presence of our Mighty God is with us, leading us in the way of victory. And we need to take Courage. Grow strong in your walk with the Lord. The last message in the book of Haggai is what He has declared to those who follow the lesson given in His word. The time has come to see His glory!

We spoke last time about an upheaval in this life and all the things that are going on to keep us from succeeding in our journey through life. We made the assumption that God would bless are pursuits, but He hasn't blessed them. We found out the reason for this dilemma. There is a famous quote that says, “we have met the enemy and it is us!” As God spoke to the people in Jerusalem through the prophet Haggai, they found out that their deliberate pursuits on their own was the problem. We need to rebuild our lives around Him, allowing the Spirit to lead us, and we need to follow Him in every part of our life. We must recognize that God has allowed or even brought these things about so that we will admit it is us and repent. There is no one to blame but ourselves.

We find ourselves in the middle of a chaotic life. Things we do, don't seem to produce what they think they should. We pursue different things only to find out there is no lasting benefit. We have spent most of our life trying to gain something or get ahead only to be disappointed. God's people have looked for the blessing of the Lord on their endeavors but have not seen His hand in what they do. There is a reason for this! We have seen fit to pursue our desires instead of God's. God dealt with Israel concerning this issue in Haggai. And even though He spoke to Israel, the principle still rings true for us today as His children.

As Paul continues to give his closing exhortation to Timothy we see some truths that we can apply to us today. The same conclusions that we came to last time are repeated here with more emphasis. Let's listen to Paul strongly urge Timothy regarding the faith, that is the work of faith, persevering in faith, wealth and faith, and guarding the faith.

Again Paul speaks to Timothy concerning the men teaching strange doctrines, myths and genealogies. This is the primary reason for the instructions that he gave to Timothy concerning the gathering of believers. The congregation at Ephesus was being enticed away from the truth and pursuing things that were not bringing about a godly character among the community but one that divides.We want to look at the possible problems that they were teaching and their motives along with the results of both godliness and false teaching. This is first part of Paul's plea to Timothy as he wraps up this all important letter to him.

The process of being a gathering of believers is not something that just happens by osmosis, but it is clearly defined in God's word for His people. He set certain things in order, to bring blessing upon His people. I am reminded of the people in Nehemiah's day when they wandered from what had been set up by Nehemiah according to the Word of God. Nehemiah scolded them and warned them about what they were doing and what God would do if they did not repent and do what was right. As we continue a little longer in this letter to Timothy, let's not forget what God has given us for our good.

Another important concern that Paul wanted Timothy to convey to the gathering of believers was the care and ministry of the Elders. He gave instruction about the qualifications of an elder and we even spoke concerning their work. Paul wants Timothy and the people to know what some specifics are concerning elders and he wants the elders to know the specifics about their office. This morning we want to look at honoring elders, reproving elders, leading of elders, and the laying on of hands by the elders.

The gathering of believers needs to give heed to the instructions that Paul gave to Timothy. We have already seen how believers should conduct themselves in the church, the gathering of God's people, and although this speaks to a practice within the church it can be added to the conduct of the church as well. The remaining instructions to Timothy in this letter relate to the practice of the church. We are dealing with the practice of honoring widows in the church. This morning we want to look at the widows in the church, the widows' work in the church, and the widows who can be on the list.

Paul spells out to Timothy how he should deal with the people within the gathering of believers. These two verses imply that there would be times of dealing with each group of people on a group or one-on-one basis. As a leader of the gathering of believers, Timothy needed to approach them in the proper manner with respect to his own age. Because Timothy was younger, maybe around 30 years of age, he would need to use wisdom beyond his years. Paul balances the approach to the believers with three references; no sharp rebuke, exhort them, and do so as fathers, brothers, mothers or sisters. We want to look at these this morning and draw from them what we, as a gathering of believers, should expect from our leaders and how we should relate to one another within the gathering.

After summarizing the charge that he has given to Timothy concerning the gathering of believers at Ephesus, Paul points out 7 things that Timothy, a servant (deacon) of the Lord Jesus Christ, should be doing. Even though they speak to Timothy's task as a leader in the church at Ephesus we can glean truth and practice for us today. Since Paul emphasizes the conduct of the believers, -whether individually or corporately, -and being grounded in the Truth to steer clear of being enticed with false teaching, -then it must be important for us today!

In writing this charge to Timothy concerning the gathering of believers, Paul reaches a point where he summarizes what he has said and puts it into perspective. Paul would have loved to get there with the letter to instruct Timothy and the gathering of believers at Ephesus in the behavior of the church, but instead sends this letter on ahead. He then goes on to say that a godly life comes from a profession of faith or a common confession, ending with the reason that there are so many problems arising to detract from the truth.

Because we are now of the same household, we become representatives of that household. Since we are the keepers of the truth and show others what truth is, then we had better follow the truth of Scripture. Today we want to look at the Deacon. What it is that they do, what characteristics should they have, and who can be a deacon. Sometimes we assign names to an office in the church because of tradition instead of examining the scriptures to see what the Lord says.

We have been examining the conduct of those who have received Salvation by faith in Christ; those that belong to the gathering of believers. There are things recorded for us in the Scripture that we should follow if we belong to Christ. Here in 1 Timothy we are looking at how believers are to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. Last time we saw that the work of the overseer/elder/pastor(s) consists of diligence in the word; stewardship of the word; teaching the word; preaching the word; equipping with the word; exhorting, reproving, correcting with the word; and instructing in the word. This is the job or task that has been given to them by God in His order of things. The second part of this is who are these leaders. Who can become a leader, and what should they be like. Hopefully we will paint a picture for you to see what an overseer/elder/pastor should be.

We are examining the scripture to see what the Lord says concerning believers, and now more specifically about when they gather together. Paul writes to Timothy in 3:15 that he is telling Timothy how individual believers should conduct themselves in the household of God or the gathering of believers. This morning we want to examine the first of two parts concerning leaders within the body of believers. What are they and who are they. You might ask the question this morning, why do I need to know this information. Well, since leaders are part of the gathering of believers, the whole group needs to know how to recognize what these leaders should be doing and who they should be.

In this setting, we again are looking at what Timothy needed to know and what he needed to share with the church at Ephesus. As we said last time, Paul gave a charge to Timothy that was of great importance to the workings of the church. Paul used his own life as an example of what God can do and will do in the life of those who believe. He wanted them and us to remember that they were, indeed, sinners saved by God's grace; that they could count on the fact that God was at work in them for His good pleasure; and that they had a charge to keep in the exercising of the gifts He has given to them and us in Christ according to God's order and purpose for the church. As we look into the first three of several points of the charge to Timothy concerning the church, we have to believe that they were having problems at the church in Ephesus in these particular areas. The church had existed in Ephesus for several years now and needed a little more direction since they were wandering from the truth. They had forgotten some things and were neglecting others. It would seem that the world was creeping into the church, and Timothy was there to admonish them in the way they should be going.

The Lord can take the vilest sinner and, by His grace and mercy, use them in His service. The continuation of God's things is seen in Paul's admonition to Timothy in his second letter, entrust these things to faithful men. The importance of what Paul shared with Timothy is of a high degree. If men reject the teachings of the apostles who laid the foundation of the church at the direction of the Lord Himself, then how will they follow and believe all that Jesus taught or did. Everything in the gathering of believers must point back to our relationship with Christ. This is the impact of this passage. Paul had given Timothy instruction on how to handle those in the gathering of believers who were teaching false doctrines, pointing out that the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith. This is what sets apart those who minister as God's servants. This is how we can know today who God has appointed to minister for Him, not just in the ranks of those who have been appointed to equip the saints for the work of service, but also for those who have been equipped for service.

The church today, which is supposed to be the gathering of believers as the body of Christ, has been found in a mess, rotten and smelly, and falling apart at the seams! Even the word “Church” brings disgusting feeling to our society. So, we are going to begin a journey that reminds us about this thing we call church! We want to look at the gathering of believers as the scripture has declared to us. This will encompass the letter to Timothy, the letter to the Ephesians, portions of Acts and Revelation. The first chapter sets the stage for what is going on in the church that needs to be addressed, what has already been addressed and encouragement for the minister to teach these things.

If you have ever been caught in a storm, you understand what you have to do. If you are in the snow, you prepare by carrying chains. If it is a downpour, you seek shelter. If it is on the ocean, you have a life vest and a life boat. There are all kinds of storms that we encounter and are caught in in our daily lives. We need to be prepared for them. If you want to be prepared for the storms of life, the physical, mental, and spiritual storms of life, then listen to the words of the LORD!

If someone does us wrong and then says, ‘I am sorry', the expected response is, ‘I forgive you'. We have become adept at this procedure, so that it is lost in semantics and loses its wonder. There is a saying that is circulating in society that says, ‘it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission' to do something that is wrong. These are such shallow responses that cheapen the meaning of forgiveness! There are two words that are used for forgiveness in scripture. The first one means to remit sin, to pardon sin, to remove sin and the second one is to extend grace. There is great depth in these words for us, so we want to examine them briefly and with pause this morning.

Almighty, Infinite God of all creation has restricted Himself so that there are things that He cannot do. He tells us in His word at least 6 things that He cannot do. Wait, isn't He the creator? The giver of life? The redeemer of mankind? The One who can help us in time of trouble? So how can there be things that God cannot do? Listen and see that these things, that God cannot do, are for our benefit!

Conversing with God should be a natural part of our life as a believer. Jesus broke down the barrier that kept us from going into the presence of the Father. Hebrews tells us to enter into His presence with boldness through the blood of Christ. Having a conversation with God is not a one way direction. You do not get to say your piece and hang up. You need to remember to let Him speak to you! Solomon also conversed with God. God had told him to build the temple for Him in Jerusalem. Solomon took on this endeavor with enthusiasm. At the completion of the temple, he had a conversation with God. We want to look at this conversation and what it means for us today. Hopefully you will be encouraged to have a conversation with the Lord Jesus because of it.

To have worth or value among men is a difficult road and not many seem to excel. Our value among men is based on the bottom line, how many letters are behind our name, or whether you beat someone in a competition. So, we have a lot of people running around with a worthless view of themselves and others. It is good to know that if you are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ unto salvation, this does not hold true. Those who believe and are saved have great worth to God, and that is what matters. Unfortunately, we would rather accept man's assessment than God's. Every believer not only has worth or value to God, but every believer can excel in that worth by following His word and ways!

There are two kinds of people idea people and the people that make the idea work. Idea people have great ideas that seem to sprout from deep within their mind. They are quite lofty in their presentation. However, they don't have a clue when it comes down to the nuts and bolts of how it is going to work. Then there are the those who can take the idea and make it function. Their minds are geared toward the product and the practice that makes the idea a reality. If it is not practical in its application, then it has no worth. Believers in God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things has, by His great power, accomplished both parts of the process. He created the worlds and all that is in them. He made man in His image and set them on the journey through life equipped with everything they need to have close fellowship with Him. Our life has a practical application that gives us worth. The problem is that we choose not to follow His plan and spend our life wandering from here to there with no apparent destination. This morning we want to take time to remind you of some simple and yet profound truths that will help you get back on track and stay on track.

We live in a day of watered down religion and confidence in man's accomplishments! We are 'me' centered and we have abandon our commitment to God! To mention that we walk with God by fearing Him is not accepted in our liberal minded world. That is old school and you don't need that religious stuff today, because you can stand on your own. However, the greatest blessing for man today is to fear Almighty God! To fear God is faith with great reward for those who do. Jesus told the disciples, in Matthew 10:28, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." As believers, we need to take this seriously. The greatest blessing is for those who fear God, and walk with Him. These things are synonymous. We want to look at fearing God according to His word.

Servants of God come in all shapes and sizes, many different places, and many different ages. Some are great leaders like Joseph or Daniel, while others are in some small and unknown place. Sometimes we are called to minister for God in obscure places. It seems as we walk with the Lord there doesn't seem to be a clear reason why we find ourselves in a particular place or circumstance. Today we want to look at what can happen when we are faithful where we are at.

We have just taken a journey to the most epoch event since the creation of man, the death burial and resurrection of Jesus! This is the most significant thing that has happened for all mankind and is precious to those who have received deliverance from sin! And even though these things give us victory, we are still struggling with sin. We are inundated with sights, sounds, and cravings in our day that draw us into sin. It is an ongoing battle. I John 2:16 tells us it is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. It used to be a secret battle, but now it has moved out into the open. Galatians 5:19-21 give us the run down.