His Name Is Emmanuel

 This is a Christmas Advent sermon based on Matthew 1:23 and presents some answers to the question, "What does it mean to say, 'God is with us.'?" The message presents three answers that are explained. The phrase represents God's self-revelation, His abiding presence, and the promise of His Holy Spirit. A video recording of the worship service in which this message was preached can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

It isn’t very easy to come up with new Christmas messages year after year! As I was looking through some old notes, I felt impressed to rework a sermon I had done years ago in my previous church. As I continued to look, I discovered that I had preached a similar message for my first Christmas here at Wayside in 2009. (Just in case you didn’t remember!) The title of that message was, “Is God Still with Us?” In both of those messages I asked the question, “What does it mean to say, ‘God is with us?’” Eleven years ago I gave four answers to the question by looking at various Scripture passages that included the phrase “God with us” in some form or variation. Today, I want to provide some additional answers to the same question by looking at more passages of Scripture which include some form of the phrase, “God with us.”

I.          “God with Us” refers to His special revelation.

Exodus 3:18 ^(NKJV)  … you shall come, … to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, 'The LORD God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.'

The context of this verse includes Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. God revealed himself to Moses and revealed his name, “Yahweh.” God tells Moses that He has seen the affliction of the people of Israel and has come to deliver them.

(v. 16) He also tells Moses to go to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, "I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt;

So in this passage in Exodus, we read about God revealing Himself to Moses. “I Am Who I Am.” We read about Moses telling the people “God appeared to me.” And, we read what he is instructed to tell Pharaoh, “God has met with us.” All of these aspects together emphasize the fact that God was revealing Himself. When “God is with us,” He is revealing Himself to humanity.

One of the foundational truths of the Bible which I have mentioned many times is this: God is a self-revealing God. He doesn’t leave us to stumble and grope in the dark hoping against hope to discover Him by some random miracle. The Bible repeatedly describes how that God reveals more and more of Himself to humanity.

Hebrews 1:1-2 (NKJV) ¹  God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ²  has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

The writer of Hebrews begins his letter by affirming the process of revelation that has taken place. God spoke by prophets, and finally by His Son whom He sent into the world. The God of the Bible is not like the pagan deities, shrouded in darkness, unknown and unreliable, but He willingly reveals Himself so we can know Him and know His desires for us.

II.        “God with us” refers to His abiding presence.

A. He is present in the journey of life.

Exodus 33:16 (NKJV)  For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth."

This is much later in the Exodus story. God has brought the Israelites out of Egypt and they have been at Mount Sinai to receive the Covenant of Law. The people have sinned by making and worshiping the golden calf. God has told Moses to take the people up to the land He had promised them, but He would not go with them. They are a “stiff-necked” people and the Lord may consume them if He is to come into the midst of them.

But, in verse 15, Moses says to the Lord, “If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” In v. 16 he continues by asking, “How will anyone know we have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us?”

God had earlier promised He would send an angel with them. But Moses knows that isn’t enough. He insists, if God isn’t with them, they might as well stay where they are. Moses also knows that it is the supernatural presence of God that sets His people apart from everyone else on the face of the earth. Look at the second half of verse 16. “So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth." There is no substitute for the presence of God.

B. He is present in times of battle, and adversity.

Numbers 14:9 (NKJV)  Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them."

The context of this verse includes the sending of the 12 spies into the land of Canaan when the Israelites were ready to enter the land promised to them. 10 spies gave an evil report of gloom and doom, while 2 of them (Caleb and Joshua) gave a good report. This passage in 14:9 is part of the response by Caleb and Joshua as they tried to convince the rest of the people that they should and could conquer the land because God was with them.

It doesn’t matter how big the foe, when God is with us, we are greater than any enemy! It doesn’t matter how bad the circumstance or adversity, if God is with us, we can make it.

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

There is no substitute for the presence of God when we find ourselves in the middle of adversity, tragedy and even sorrow.

C. He is present when His people obey His commands.

The abiding presence is not just for the children of Israel when they are facing battles with the enemy. His presence is also promised to His people when they obey His commands.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

How important it is for us to be obedient to the Lord if we truly want His presence to be with us.

III.       “God with us” refers to the promise of the Holy Spirit.

All of the references we have used so far, have been promises and statements made to men long ago in different times and cultures. We certainly have the right to read those promises and apply them to our current circumstances, but there is one promise of God’s presence that specifically includes all of us today. It comes from the words of Jesus, but it refers to a promise He was making for believers of all ages until His return.

John 14:16-17 (NKJV) ¹⁶  And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- ¹⁷  the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

Conclusion:

In the Scripture passages we have looked at today we have learned that the phrase “God with us” speaks about His self-revelation to mankind, and it speaks about His abiding presence in all kinds of circumstances and situations. God has used prophets and scribes to record promise after promise of His abiding presence in all sorts of life’s situations. His presence always included every provision necessary for the fulfillment of God’s purposes in that situation. God also gave His own Son as an additional revelation of Himself in human form in order that we might experience the physical presence and know what it is like to have Him with us. We obviously did not experience that physical human interaction with God in the flesh, but we are living in the era of the Spirit – the One Jesus promised before leaving this earth, who would be “with us and in us.”

If I understand Scripture correctly, we will be facing darker days in the future than we’ve ever faced before. It is comforting to know that GOD IS STILL WITH US!

I want to close with this interesting little story I came across.

Many of you know the name Karl Barth, who was a well-known theologian from Switzerland who lived from 1886 to 1968.

(Today's Best Illustrations – Volumes 1-4) Karl Barth, the famous theologian, was on a streetcar one day in Basel, Switzerland, where he lectured. A tourist to the city climbed on and sat down next to Barth. The two men started chatting with each other. "Are you new to the city?" Barth inquired. "Yes," said the tourist. "Is there anything you would particularly like to see in this city?" asked Barth. "Yes," he said, "I'd love to meet the famous theologian Karl Barth. Do you know him?" Barth replied, "Well as a matter of fact, I do. I give him a shave every morning." The tourist got off the streetcar quite delighted. He went back to his hotel saying to himself, "I met Karl Barth's barber today."

The question I ask myself and each of you today is this. Do I know God well enough to recognize His presence in my daily circumstances?

Our closing song today is a very short chorus, but it conveys the message of His name, Emmanuel.

We will sing it twice.

Emmanuel

The Blood that Speaks

This sermon is based on Hebrews 12:24, which mentions that the blood of sprinkling "speaks better things than that of Abel." This message was provided for a worship service in which the Sacrament of Communion was administered following the sermon. It discusses what it means to say that the blood speaks of better things. To view a video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was given, please click here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I decided to break away from the series of messages I was doing on Renewing the Mind so we could focus our thoughts on the sacrament of communion today. More than likely, we will return to the series after the holidays.

Here is a question for you to ponder: “Who is one person you would love to hear give a message or a speech?”

It’s quite possible that many different individuals will come to your mind. There are plenty of well-known people that have impressive abilities for speaking. If I asked you to not only think of people who are living today, but also include anyone in the world who has lived in the past, that would bring many more people to our minds. In fact, it might be hard to narrow it down to one or even a few.

In trying to make up our minds, we might not only consider the relative popularity of the speaker, but we might want to focus on those who have a particular kind of authority or power. Maybe wealth and “success” would be a major factor in our choice.

I recently finished reading about King Solomon in my personal Bible reading. Wouldn’t it have been awesome to have the privilege of listening to King Solomon – a man declared by God to be the wisest man who ever lived? Some people might choose Moses. On and on we could go, suggesting the famous people of history we would have liked to hear.

The passage Scripture we are looking at today does not describe a person speaking great eloquent words, but it describes something else that is speaking. In verse 24, the Scripture tells us that the blood “speaks better things than that of Abel.”

For our message from God’s Word today, I want to speak to you about the “Blood that Speaks.”

I.          The blood speaks about Jesus.

Jesus – Mediator; The person is Jesus and the role is Mediator.

In verse 24, immediately before the phrase about the blood that speaks, the author writes about Jesus and identifies Him as “the mediator of a better covenant.” It is written in such a way that we can clearly assume that the “blood of sprinkling that speaks” (v.24b), is the blood of Jesus.

In Heb. 8, the writer mentioned the mediatorial work of Jesus.

Hebrews 8:6 ^(NKJV) But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

In this verse, the pronoun “He” refers back to the term, “High Priest,” found in verse 1. Again, it is obviously referring to Jesus. Jesus’ role as Mediator requires the sprinkling of blood, which is the very next phrase in 12:24. The purpose is to show the comparison between what Jesus does and what Moses did in the Old Covenant, and it helps define His role as mediator.

Hebrews 9:15, 19-22 ^{(NKJV) 15} And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. ¹⁹ For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, ²⁰  saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you." ²¹ Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. ²² And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

1 Timothy 2:5 ^(KJV) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

You already know that a mediator acts as an arbitrator between two enemies to bring peace and reconciliation. I am so grateful for the fact that Jesus is my personal Mediator with God because of His blood that was shed.

II.        The blood speaks a welcome.

“You have not come … You have come.” (vv. 18, 22)

When I began to look at the other verses leading up to verse 24, I was struck by the contrast that the author is trying to portray for us.

Hebrews 12:18 ^(NKJV) For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest,

(Compare with Exodus 19:16-19) I’m not going to read it, but it gives the physical descriptions of what took place at Mount Sinai. The original mountain (Sinai) was a physical mountain that could be touched, but they were ordered not to touch. It symbolized the awesome distance that existed between a holy God and a sinful people.

Hebrews 12:22-23 ^(NKJV) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, ²³  to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

In stark contrast to that OT scenario, they now have come to Mount Zion. “Have Come” (KJV, “are come”) – perf. tense; gives idea of completed action. It is portrayed as though they have already arrived at the heavenly Jerusalem. It is established, but not yet. Mt. Zion was the term used in the OT for Jerusalem, but it is used here to speak of “the New Jerusalem” or “The City of God.” I couldn’t help but feel the contrast between the mountain they weren’t allowed to approach and the new mountain they not only can approach, but are welcomed, or invited. It is an invitation not only to the city of God, but all of the other blessings that go along with that city.

(Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) – …a series of nine descriptive phrases identifying the place and the people that represent the Christian’s true destination.

“innumerable company of angels”

Revelation 5:11 ^(NKJV) Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,

“general assembly and church of firstborn”

(Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) – Elsewhere in the NT, “firstborn” is used as a title of Christ himself (see in this letter 1:6), not of his people, but it recalls the OT description of Israel collectively as God’s “firstborn son” (Ex. 4:22; Jer. 31:9). Here it may well be intended to include God’s true people of both OT and NT eras.

“God – the Judge of all”

(Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) – The reference to God as judge then prompts a second mention of the redeemed, now described as “the spirits of the righteous made perfect”—a phrase probably to be understood especially (but not exclusively) of the OT saints ….

“spirits of just men made perfect”

(Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) – …redeemed human beings in heaven … They have been “made perfect” in the sense that we have so often seen in this letter … in that their salvation is now complete.

III.       The blood speaks of better things.

“speaks better than that of Abel” (KJV, “better things than that of Abel”)

It is interesting that the writer brings up the OT character of Abel in this setting. Why? The reference to Abel, who was killed by his brother Cain (both sons of Adam & Eve), is probably the only other time in the Bible where the blood is characterized as speaking. In the case of Cain and Abel, the Lord told Cain that his brother’s blood “cries out to me from the ground.”

Commentary writers have suggested that the blood of Abel was speaking “condemnation” and “vengeance.” But, the blood of Jesus speaks of “better things.” That is, redemption, forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation.

Colossians 1:14 ^(KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Colossians 1:20a ^(KJV) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself….

Conclusion:

Whenever we talk about something inanimate that is speaking, we obviously are talking in figurative terms.

Today we have been considering the ways that the blood of Jesus speaks and what it could be saying to us. The author of Hebrews is giving us a lesson about what the blood has to say to us and it is a message of joy because it speaks to us of our mediator, it speaks to invite us and welcome us to join the company of the redeemed, and it speaks a better message than the blood of Abel who was murdered. Rather than condemnation and vengeance, the blood of Jesus speaks of forgiveness, peace and reconciliation.

Before we share the sacrament of communion today, let us sing a very familiar song: The Old Rugged Cross

Renewing the Mind - #3

This is the third sermon in a series of messages focusing on the importance of having a Christian/biblical worldview of life. We are bombarded every day with the philosophies and values of the secular, godless world in which we live. Far too often, Christians have accepted the views and assumptions of the secular world rather than applying biblical truth to every area of life. This sermon addresses the topics of science, psychology and sociology. You may view a video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was delivered by clicking here. 

Written excerpts:

Colossians 2:8 ^(NKJV) Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Introduction:

I have given a couple of messages so far on the topic of “Renewing the Mind,” which addresses the matter of being transformed away from a worldly pattern of thinking to a biblical pattern of thinking. We have been using the term “worldview” to represent the lens through which we look to interpret the world we live in.

I shared a few definitions of “worldview” with you last Sunday, and I want to share some additional descriptions today.

(The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity) Worldviews are both visions of life and visions for life. They are both descriptive of the world… and prescriptive for the world…. worldviews tell us both what the world is and what it ought to be….

A Christian worldview is only Christian in so far as it is biblical. The Bible answers for us the ultimate worldview questions: (1) Where are we? We live in the creation that God calls into being, wisely structures and lovingly guides by his creative Word. (2) Who are we? We are special creatures called to love, worship and image God in our faithful stewardship of this creation. (3) What’s wrong? We are broken in our relationships with God, each other and the creation because we have fallen into sin and now serve false idols rather than the true God. (4) What’s the remedy? God has lovingly chosen to redeem us and the whole creation by making a covenant with Israel and fulfilling that covenant in the incarnation, cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the message last week, I mentioned that I would be using a list of disciplines or categories of study in order to show how a Christian worldview impacts each area. I tried to cover the disciplines of theology, philosophy, and ethics last week. Today, I will continue using that same list provided by an organization called, “All About God Ministries,” in order to discuss three more disciplines.

One of the observations I would make before considering the next three disciplines is this: All of these areas of study are intricately interconnected. It seems impossible to consider any one area very deeply without bringing up questions that are related to the other disciplines.

I.          Science

Science – The search for truth regarding the material universe.

There are separate fields of study that fall under the general discipline of science, such as: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and many others.

The scientific method is a series of steps used by scientific investigators to answer specific questions about the natural world… The steps of the scientific method are as follows: Observation, Question (I wonder if, how, why…), Hypothesis (I think it is, will, ...), Experiment, Results, & Conclusion; repeat.

The scientific revolution began with the assumption that the world had been divinely created in an orderly way and therefore could be studied (The Truth Project, Focus on the Family). Some pioneer scientists such as Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton and others truly believed they were discovering truths about the world that God had designed and created. To them, facts about nature and the universe provided reasons to praise the Creator.

There are a number of questions that the scientific method cannot answer, namely any questions about the earth’s history. That is because any phenomena that has already occurred cannot be subjected to repeated experiments, testing and observations. When it comes to science (the study of our material universe), there are various times when some assumptions must be made in order to proceed. Secularists and atheists naturally bring assumptions that are antagonistic toward any idea of a Creator. Christians hold assumptions that presume the existence of a Creator/Designer. The one area where that distinction is the most pronounced is the question of the earth’s origin. The beginning is something that only happened once and cannot be repeated like a scientific experiment to be observed and recorded. Therefore, scientists look at the evidence available (or we might even call it the testimony of nature) and draw their conclusions from the testimony/evidence.

The atheist looks at the evidence and declares, “It’s obvious, this proves that everything evolved from nothing.” The creationist looks at the evidence and declares, “It’s obvious, this proves that everything was designed by a Master Designer for a purpose. Each of them has interpreted the evidence through the lens of his worldview.

One evolutionist was quoted as saying, “Biologists must constantly keep in mind that what they see was not designed, but rather evolved.” (Francis Crick in The Truth Project). Crick is essentially admitting that biologists must remember that they are always interpreting what they observe through the lens of a secular worldview, and must not allow themselves to fall prey to any ideas inconsistent with that worldview.

Conservative Christians trust the Bible in matters related to science even though the Bible is not a science textbook. In other words, the Bible doesn’t use scientific terms or vocabulary when describing various phenomena in the world of nature. Professing Christians who are more liberal in their view of Scripture would claim that the Bible is certainly reliable whenever it speaks about the nature of God and the matters of salvation, but contains errors when it speaks about matters of history or science. Their willingness to make this concession seems to be a result of their acceptance of evolutionary theory and a desire to blend it with the Bible.

Before we move on, let me simply share a few of the verses that give us a biblical view of our natural world.

Colossians 1:16 (NKJV) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Amos 5:8 (NKJV)  He made the Pleiades and Orion; He turns the shadow of death into morning And makes the day dark as night; He calls for the waters of the sea And pours them out on the face of the earth; The LORD is His name.

Psalm 19:1-4a (NLT2) ¹ The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. ² Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. ³ They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. ⁴ Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world…

If we truly possess a biblical worldview of science, then the more we understand about the material universe, the greater our adoration of the Creator will be.

II.        Psychology

Psychology – The search for truth regarding human nature.

The word “psychology” comes from the Greek word for soul (ψυχή, psyche).

Understanding human beings and human nature through a non-Christian worldview has produced claims that people are merely a higher form of animal. Any reference to a soul or spirit is to be understood in the same manner that any other animal has soul and spirit. The mind is nothing more than chemical processes in the physical brain. In this secular understanding, humans and human behavior is defined in the same way as animal behavior. (stimulus/response)

In the Christian view of human nature, we understand that human beings are clearly distinct in many ways from the animal world. Yes, there are some similarities, but there are some extremely critical differences.

 Genesis 1:27 (NKJV) So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

The Christian view accepts the Bible’s description of soul, spirit, mind and body. The Christian understands human beings to be a combination of physical (material, natural) and spiritual (supernational) qualities. The Apostle Paul asserts that humans are more than just a material body when writing to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

One example of the difference between secular and Christian approach to psychology is observed in regards to guilt. The usual secular/non-Christian viewpoint would define guilt simply in terms of “feelings” and point to outdated standards of church, family, or society as the cause. The remedy is to change the oppressive standards to set the guilt feelings free.

The Bible view, on the other hand, recognizes both “feelings of guilt” and actual/real guilt. According to the Bible, human beings have an inherited problem with sin that began with Adam and Eve. We refer to the condition as inherited depravity or original sin.

Romans 5:19 (NKJV) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.

Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV) “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

While there may actually be times when over-active guilt feelings are generated by the unbiblical expectations of a particular social group, not all guilt feelings can be dismissed as such. There are clearly times when we feel guilty because we are guilty. We feel guilt because we have violated the moral law of God and insisted on having our own will. The Bible’s remedy for guilt is confession, repentance, and faith. The result of such steps will be peace.

Romans 5:1 (NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

III.       Sociology

The final area of consideration for today is the field of sociology.

Sociology – The search for truth regarding social structures.

Dr. Del Tackett, in The Truth Project, identifies six social structures or social relationships as family, labor, church, state, community and the human-divine. Christian and non-Christian worldviews acknowledge the existence of such structures, but differ on their origin, purpose, and authority.

The Bible teaches us in the very beginning chapters of Genesis that human beings are social beings and not meant to be alone.

Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."

Atheistic worldviews that propose evolution as the explanation for human life also accept evolution as the explanation of social structures. If all of these structures just evolved by time and chance, then none of them are sacred. The Bible clearly teaches that each one of these relationships were designed by God and are given specific roles and responsibilities by God.

In this verse in Hebrews, obligations and responsibilities are identified for those in submission and those in authority.

Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

If human beings are created by God with an eternal soul and intrinsic worth, then it matters whether any of the social structures tend to destroy the individual for the “benefit” of the whole. On the other hand, from a biblical point of view, each individual has certain responsibilities for the benefit of the social structures of which he/she is a part. However, if every person and every social structure just evolved by chance, then nothing is sacred, and everything is dispensable.

Conclusion:

We should be getting a picture by now of how important it is for Christians to acquire a biblical view not only about how life is, but also how life should be. Truth affects every area of life. It really matters whether we believe God is the author of truth or if truth can be whatever we say it is.

Finally, I would remind us again that being a Christian and living as a Christian is more than praying a prayer of faith in Jesus, but it includes adjusting our lives and our world to come into alignment with God’s eternal truth as revealed in His Word. It really is imperative to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Closing Song: I Then Shall Live

Renewing the Mind - #2

This is the second sermon in a series of messages focusing on the importance of having a Christian/biblical worldview of life. We are bombarded every day with the philosophies and values of the secular, godless world in which we live. Far too often, Christians have accepted the views and assumptions of the secular world rather than applying biblical truth to every area of life. This sermon addresses the topics of theology, philosophy and ethics. You may view a video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was delivered by clicking here. 

Written Excerpts:

Isaiah 55:8-9 ^(NKJV) "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. ⁹ "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Introduction:

Many years ago, Attorney David Gibbs, founder of the Christian Law Association, spoke for a special service at the Wesleyan Methodist Camp in Stoneboro. In that service he spoke about the legal battles that parents and Christian schools were facing back in the 1970’s. He particularly spoke about Rev. Levi Whisner who was battling for the right to run a Christian school in Ohio. When he met with Rev. Whisner, he asked him several hypothetical questions: If we put chapel services in the public school will you send your kids there? Prayer? Bible?  Finally, he asked, “What makes a Christian school a Christian school?” As he got ready to write Rev. Whisner’s answer, he instructed him to describe it slowly so he could get it all down.

Rev. Whisner replied with one word, “Philosophy.”

Attorney Gibbs was incredulous. “You mean you want your school to teach philosophy?”

Rev. Whisner explained that every subject in the curriculum is taught with an underlying philosophy. In the state-run schools, the underlying philosophy is secularism and contrary to Scripture. So, the real problem is not just that prayer was removed from the school, but any references to knowledge as revealed in Scripture must also be scrubbed if it conflicts with the state approved curriculum. In any subject, when the state-approved curriculum conflicts with Scripture, the curriculum wins. It will be taught as the truth even though it conflicts with the Bible.

Rev. Whisner: “When you studied world history in school, did you learn about Adam and Eve?”

Attorney Gibbs then said to the audience at Stoneboro Camp, “Imagine, studying the history of the whole world and missing the very first man and woman!”

He had just received a short lesson regarding the necessity of having a biblical worldview and understanding all subjects through the lens of God’s truth. This is the reason many Christian parents choose to either home-school their children or enroll them in Christian schools – so they will learn about our world and all about life from a Christian philosophy or worldview. Secular educators claim that Scripture knowledge should only be taught at church/Sunday school, not in institutions of education. This view presents a dualistic worldview – life is divided into two camps, religious and secular. And, ne’er the two shall meet!

Last Sunday I spoke to you on the topic of truth and I tried to lay a foundation for believing that God is the source of truth and He has revealed truth to humanity through His world, through His Word and through His Son. Today I want to begin by playing two short videos that help us understand what a worldview is. These videos are borrowed from a ministry called, “Impact 360 Institute.”

Two general definitions of “worldview” presented in the videos were:

1.      A worldview is a web of habit-forming beliefs about the biggest questions of life that helps you make sense of all your experiences.

2.      A worldview is a set of lenses through which you see the world around you. It affects how you think, how you feel, and how you live.

So, what would be a Christian/biblical worldview?

Here are definitions from two other sources I consulted.

A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW - A Christian worldview is a comprehensive view of the world from a biblical standpoint. ("Christian Worldview" All About GOD Ministries, Inc, n.d. Web. Accessed 11/14/29.)

A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW - A worldview based on the infallible Word of God and is the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world. (Del Tackett; https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/whats-a-christian-worldview/)

This series of messages is called, “Renewing the Mind,” and is based on Rom. 12:2 “Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Having a renewed mind includes developing a Christian or biblical worldview, which will enable us to look at all aspects of life differently than individuals who possess a secular or godless worldview.

What impact or effect does one’s worldview have on life? Here is a chart I saw online offered by a church called Watermark Church.

Worldview = What is real
Beliefs = What is true
Values = What is good
Behavior = What we do

So we see that our worldview, or the lens through which we view life, determines our beliefs, which will determine our values, which will ultimately determine our behavior.

Why does a biblical worldview matter?

If we don’t really believe the truth of God and live it, then our witness will be confusing and misleading. Most of us go through life not recognizing that our personal worldviews have been deeply affected by the world. Through the media and other influences, the secularized American view of history, law, politics, science, God and man affects our thinking more than we realize….

If we capture and embrace more of God’s worldview and trust it with unwavering faith, then we begin to make the right decisions and form the appropriate responses to questions on abortion, same- sex marriage, cloning, stem-cell research and even media choices. Because, in the end, it is our decisions and actions that reveal what we really believe. (Del Tackett; www.focusonthefamily.com/ faith/whats-a-christian-worldview/)

I found a source online called, “All About God Ministries,” that provides a list of disciplines or fields of study and how each one may be understood through the lens of a Christian worldview. For the remainder of our series I want to borrow their list to help us organize our discussion.

I.          Theology

Theology is the study of God.

In my first message last Sunday I already addressed the matter of a belief in God as part of the foundation for a biblical worldview. I also mentioned last week that the subject of Apologetics (defense of the faith) includes the various arguments for the existence of God. Apologetics is sometimes viewed as a sub-topic under the general study of philosophy. Theology examines the nature of God and the attributes of God.

The Bible really doesn’t provide any arguments for the existence of God, it presupposes the existence of God. Genesis 1:1 simply states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

There have always been those who rejected the truth about God.

Romans 1:21 (NKJV)  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.

A Christian worldview not only accepts the existence of God (Theism), but accepts the true nature of God as revealed in His Word. It really does matter what we believe about the nature or character of God.

About 10 years ago, I did a series of messages on the attributes of God & having a proper concept of God. A number of you weren’t attending here when I did that, but it is well worth your time and effort to dig into the Word and learn about who God is.

A.W. Tozer said, “No people has ever risen above its religion and no religion rises higher than its concept of God.”

Our views of God will determine our values and our values will determine our behavior.

II.        Philosophy

Philosophy may be described as the pursuit of knowledge through reason. 

The study of philosophy includes many sub-topics. Some of those sub-topics include: Is there a God? What is truth? Who am I? Where did I come from? What is my purpose? Where am I headed? Are miracles possible? What is the nature of faith? Secular philosophy proposes answers to these important questions without considering the Bible as the authority for answers. But a Christian worldview certainly considers the Bible to the source of truth for all of those questions.

The Bible encourages reason and the pursuit of knowledge. The book of Proverbs is filled with admonitions to seek wisdom.

Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)  "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.

It is important to understand that every philosophy is ultimately based on faith.

One writer states it like this: All knowing requires faith. Faith precedes reason… In other words, every worldview begins with a basic assumption about the nature of reality that cannot be proven by using the scientific method or logical deduction. This becomes the starting point from which to build a total view of life. ("Christian Philosophy" All About GOD Ministries, Inc, n.d. Web. Accessed 11/14/29.)

Hebrews 11:3 (NKJV)  By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

But there are warnings about the wrong kind of philosophy.

Colossians 2:8 (NKJV)  Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

If we consider the context of verse 8 we understand that Paul is saying the Colossian believers need to orient their lives completely according to their faith in Christ and not in the wise-sounding words of either pagans or Jews who only emphasized a system of outward conformity to rules and rituals. We need to be alert and make sure our basis for reasoning through the big questions in life is grounded in our faith in God’s Word.

III.       Ethics

The study of ethics involves questions of right vs. wrong or standards of morality. It brings up the question of “ought.” That is, it addresses human conduct and behavior not a matter of what a person can do, but what he/she ought to do. 

A non-Christian worldview considers other sources to be the standard for moral conduct and right behavior, such as: whatever is accepted by society or whatever is good according to the situation. A Christian worldview considers morality to be subject to the absolute standards of right and wrong as defined in God’s written revelation. From the very beginning of time God gave moral and ethical directives to humans and incorporated consequences for failure to obey His commands.

The Ten Commandments: “Thou shalt…”            “Thou shalt not…”

Every reference in the Bible regarding “righteousness” and “holiness” is really about living with holy motives and morally pure conduct as defined by God, who is the source of holiness.

1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV) ¹⁵  but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶  because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

The secular world tells us that biblical standards of morality have no place in public society. We do whatever we feel is right according to our own values or according to the values of society. Christians are expected to adjust their values to conform to the standards of the world, and sadly, many professing Christians have adopted that same worldview.

Conclusion:

If you wonder how our society has gotten in the mess we’re in now, it is because too many believers thought that being a Christian was only about trusting in Christ to forgive their sins and getting them to heaven. They failed to have their minds renewed to a different pattern of thinking and have become conformed to the world’s pattern of thinking and behavior. We need God’s help today just as He has miraculously intervened in world situations in the past.

Our closing hymn is: O God, Our Help in Ages Past

A hymn written by Isaac Watts. It was played over the airwaves by the BBC as soon as World War II was declared. It was also sung later at the funeral of Winston Churchill. (Then Sings My Soul, Robert J. Morgan)

Renewing the Mind - #1 (Nov. 8, 2020)

This is the first sermon in a series of messages focusing on the importance of having a Christian/biblical worldview of life. We are bombarded every day with the philosophies and values of the secular, godless world in which we live. Far too often, Christians have accepted the views and assumptions of the secular world rather than applying biblical truth to every area of life. This first sermon addresses the topic of truth as a necessary foundation for beliefs. You may view a video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was delivered by clicking here.

Written excerpts:

Romans 12:2 ^(NKJV)  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Introduction:

Last year we started a series of video lessons on Sunday evenings called “The Truth Project.” We suspended the series for the holidays and winter months with the intention of resuming in the spring. As you know, when spring rolled around, we were forced to contend with COVID-19, which changed the way we planned and carried out many of our church functions. I remember thinking when we were watching those videos that the material being presented really needed to be heard by all of our congregation, not just the small group that was coming each week.

I don’t know about you, but I am concerned more than ever regarding the ongoing changes in our nation and culture. I am alarmed at the failure of even prominent “Christian” leaders to take a stand against the cultural trends in our nation. Many appear to be willing to compromise the clear teaching of God’s Word in order to appease and accommodate the opinions of the secular world. 

While thinking about the cultural changes in society and in the church world, I am reminded again of the video series “The Truth Project” and how important it is for Christians to have an accurate view of life and our world. It is so important for us to know the truth and allow the truth to shape our understanding of the world and our own role in it.

I have preached on Romans 12:2 before. But it is so important for us to be reminded that we must not allow ourselves to be pressed into the mold of the world or the age we live in. I’ve been deeply saddened to hear more and more frequently about popular evangelical preachers/teachers and leaders who are abandoning the biblical view of culturally acceptable sins in order to be more compatible with the culture.

Paul states that we must be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Both verbs, conformed and transformed, are in the present tense which denotes continuous action in the Greek language. So “do not keep on being conformed… but keep on being transformed.” The fact that the transformation takes place by the renewing of the mind would indicate that we avoid being pressured into the mold of a secular, godless world by continually allowing our thinking to be shaped and informed by the Word of God.

What is involved in being renewed in our minds? That is what I want to explore for a few weeks together. If we are going to avoid being continually shaped by the secular and godless culture, then we need to have our minds renewed and change the ways we think. We need to have a view of the world and a view of life that is consistent and compatible with the Bible.

There are several themes that are connected to this idea of renewing the mind, but I think a good place to start is where “The Truth Project” video series started – with the theme of truth.

I.          What is truth?

What is truth?  Ronald Nash in his philosophy textbook, Life's Ultimate Questions, says truth is, “a property of propositions [claims] that correspond to the way things are.” A similar point is made by someone else who said, “Truth is the best explanation of the facts that exist.” Or, we could also say, “Truth is what is actually real.”

Is there any such thing as absolute truth? (Absolute truth = something that is true for all people, in all places, for all time.) It was reported that a college professor boldly proclaimed to his class “There is no such thing as absolute truth!” One student raised his hand and meekly asked, “Are you absolutely sure?”

Someone said, “You shouldn’t think anything is true unless it has been scientifically proven.” However, that statement has never been scientifically proven, so I guess we shouldn’t think it is true either.

We might also need to explain that there is subjective truth and objective truth. Subjective truth – based on personal experience/opinion, changes – e.g. “It is hot!” Objective truth – based on objective standard of reality, doesn’t change – e.g. “It is 95 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Subjective truth – church is boring. Objective truth – church is the body of Christ.

From a more spiritual perspective, we know that the Bible has many things to say about truth. I want to emphasize two of those points right here.

A. God’s Word is truth.

John 17:17 – “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy Word is truth.”

In his high-priestly prayer, Jesus affirms that the word of God is truth. Everything that agrees with the Word is truth. Everything that does not agree with the Word is not truth.

B. Jesus Christ is truth.

John 14: 6 – Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father, but by me.”

Jesus is making a claim of being the personal revelation of truth to the world. He is claiming to be the personification of truth. He is the standard by which everything else can be judged for validity. Jesus defines truth for us as it relates to love, compassion, purity, justice, and a whole host of other virtues. If we want to know what each of these virtues really mean, just take a look at Jesus.

John 18:37 ^(NKJV)  Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." 

II.        The Truth about Revelation

I have stated in a previous sermon or two that it seems like truth in the absolute sense is something that is infinite. Our knowledge of what is true about all areas of life keeps on expanding. We have this inner sense that even if we had an entire world filled with brilliant geniuses such as Einstein, we still wouldn’t ever come to know all the truth.

An agnostic by the name of Herbert Spencer maintained that “no man has ever been known to penetrate with his finite mind the veil which hides the mind of the infinite. The Infinite cannot be known and agnosticism is secure.”

If Truth cannot be known, then we can never know what really matters. We can never really know what is right or good and we are eventually left with only cynicism, hopelessness and despair. However, Spencer and others like him have omitted one possibility. What if the Infinite Mind chose to reveal Himself to finite minds?

That is the only way absolute truth can be known. It is the only security we have that this truth will never change because it has been revealed to us by the infinite God who is the source of all truth and He does know everything there is to know. This is exactly what the Bible claims – God has revealed His truth to us, and we can know the truth. We don’t have to flounder in darkness and despair. We can have the assurance that only comes by knowing the truth.

This is revelation. The Bible is nothing less than the revelation of truth from the Infinite Mind to finite minds. It is the reliable communication of information that we cannot know any other way, especially by our own efforts and pursuits. It tells us what we need to know about God, our world, human nature, sin, salvation, etc., etc. God’s Word is the final authority for truth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ^{(NKJV) 16}  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

III.       The Truth about God

We need to know the truth about God.

There are different approaches that people have used to argue for the existence of God. The study of apologetics gets into that subject more deeply than I have the time or ability to discuss today. For right now, let me just simply say that I have come to the conclusion that it takes less faith to believe there is a God than the amount of faith it takes to believe there isn’t a God.

If there is a God – a being that is infinitely supreme in every way – it makes sense to accept the fact that finite human beings could never truly discover Him or know Him unless He chose to reveal Himself to them. It goes back to what we said a little while ago about revelation. So, we believe the Infinite Mind (God) has revealed Himself to us and He has done so through creation, through His Word, and through His Son. All three of these sources (creation, Word, and Son) have not only revealed His existence, but they have revealed His nature and character.

There are a lot of people who claim to believe in God, but after talking with them for some length of time, you will discover that the god they believe in is not the God of the Bible.

Psalm 50:21 ^(NKJV)  These things [a whole list of sins that were described in previous verses] you have done, and I kept silent; You thought that I was altogether like you; But I will rebuke you, And set them in order before your eyes.

I heard a preacher a few years ago who said, “Whenever I meet someone who claims they do not believe in God, I ask them to tell me about the God they do not believe in, because I may not believe in that kind of God either!” The truth about God matters!

Conclusion:

There are other areas of truth that we could talk about such as the truth about ourselves, the truth about life and the truth about death. I may do that next week.

I want to end today by sharing a brief illustration that I shared many years ago. I heard about a school bus driver that once had a little girl board his bus thinking she was on the right bus, but it really wasn’t her bus. As she watched other children boarding the bus, she would laugh and point out to them that they were on the wrong bus. Then she suddenly became aware of the truth that it wasn’t the others who were on the wrong bus, but she was. She immediately jumped up and ran off the bus to go find her bus. If she hadn’t discovered her error and discovered the truth, she would not have arrived at the intended destination, no matter how sincere she had been.

It really doesn’t matter what I think or what you think. Sincerity is not sufficient. If we do not know the truth, we are not going to get to the right destination. I am truly grateful that God has provided the revelation of truth, which will give us everything we need to know in order to successfully make it through life.

As we think again about Paul’s command in Romans to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds” it reminds us of what a solemn charge we have to fulfill. We must take the steps necessary to renew our minds, and teach our children the same thing.

Closing Song: A Charge to Keep I Have

Daily Dealing with Death

This is a sermon that was delivered on Nov. 1, 2020. The theme of the message focused on the reality of persecution for believers in biblical times, as well as the present. This message was given in recognition of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, as well as All Saints Day. Millions of Christian believers have lived out their faith being confronted daily with the possibility of suffering and death. You may view a video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was delivered by clicking here.

Written excerpts of the sermon follow below.

Psalm 44:22 (NKJV)  Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Introduction:

Annie Johnson Flint was born on Christmas Eve in 1866 to Mr. & Mrs. Eldon Johnson. Three years later she was joined by a baby sister, but her mother died while giving birth. Her father had an incurable disease, so before his death, he willed the girls to a couple by the name of Flint.

Annie gave her heart to the Lord at the age of 8 and joined her church 10 years later, having never doubted that she was truly converted. She was generally disposed to be cheerful and optimistic. She looked on the bright side of life and was able to get much enjoyment out of life. 

After high school, Annie eventually became a schoolteacher. In her second year of teaching, arthritis began to show itself. She grew steadily worse until it became difficult for her to walk at all, and she was soon obliged to give up her work, followed by three years of increasing helplessness. The death of both of her adoptive parents within a few months of each other left Annie and her sister alone again. There was little money in the bank, and the twice-orphaned children had come to a real “Red Sea place” in their lives. (https://hymnary.org/person/Flint_Annie)

These limited details about Annie’s life help us understand how she could write a poem like this:

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow’r has no boundary known unto men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

The words of this hymn are appropriate for anyone that is going through difficult times of adversity, especially persecution.

Today has been designated by the Voice of the Martyrs organization as “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.” Today is also “All Saints Day” on the Christian Church calendar. For those two reasons, I chose the passage of Scripture from Hebrews, which was read earlier and the title of today’s message: “Daily Dealing with Death.”

All Saints Day was celebrated long before the Protestant Reformation but continued to be observed by many protestant denominations. Initially it seems to be a time to remember all those who were martyred for their faith but later included honoring both living and dead. Some churches stress the strong connection between the believers who have died (the Church Triumphant) and those yet living (the Church Militant), and give thanks to God for the lives of all saints (believers) whether famous or obscure. Protestant Christians have resisted the practice of praying to saints or worshiping them, but we certainly honor their testimony.

I would like to take the rest of our time this morning to look into various Scriptures and speak about the plight of Christians who serve the Lord in spite of great danger and threat to their lives.

Psalm 44:22 (NKJV)  Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

(Pulpit Commentaries) Verse 22. - Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; or, continually, as the phrase is often translated. Not only are the Israelites not suffering on account of any previous desertion of God, or other misconduct, but they are suffering for their fidelity to God. The heathen hate them, and make war upon them, as worshippers of one exclusive God, Jehovah, and condemners of their many gods, whom they hold to be "no-gods."

They are martyrs, like the Christians of the early Church (see Romans 8:36). We are counted as sheep for the slaughter (compare v. 11).

Psalm 44:11 (NKJV)  You have given us up like sheep intended for food, And have scattered us among the nations.

(Barnes Notes) The meaning is [this], It is on thy account; it is in thy cause; it is because we are thy friends, and because we worship thee. It is not on account of our national sins; it is not because there is any prevalent idolatry, but it is because we are the worshippers of the true God, and we are, therefore, martyrs. All these calamities have come upon us in consequence of our attachment to thee. There is no evidence that there was any self-glorying in this, or any intention to blame God as if he were unjust or severe, but it is the feeling of martyrs as suffering in the cause of religion. 

The Psalmist is revealing the fact that the people of Israel were objects of hatred and violence / attacks because of their devotion to Jehovah. In some parts of the world that has always been true even to this day.

Revelation 12:11 (KJV)  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

(Lenski New Testament Commentary) – … "and did not love their life up to death" (John 12:25). They would rather suffer martyrdom than deny that blood and the Word and their testimony. We have an example in Paul, Acts 20:24."

John 12:25 (NKJV)  He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Acts 20:24 (NKJV)  But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

(Leon Morris, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) – To give way in the face of persecution is to fall away from Christ and to lose everything, but to stand firm means final victory over Satan. That John has the martyrs in mind is clear from the words they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. But the same quality of devotion is required from all the followers of the Lamb (cf. Luke 14:26; John 12:25).

As John writes these words in The Revelation, again we are reminded that followers of Jesus Christ were targeted for harm and even death, but that didn’t deter them nor change them.

Let’s take a look at the passage in Hebrews we heard earlier.

Hebrews 11:36-38 (NKJV) Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented-- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

Here are some observations based on these passages of Scripture:

1. True people of faith see what others cannot see.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

All of these examples we have read about in both the OT and the NT were people who could “see” what was invisible because of their faith.

That still holds true today.

2. True people of faith possess strength that others do not have.

Because faith enables people to “see” the invisible, what they see – the fulfillment of God’s promise – provides an inner strength that others do not have.

I cannot read about the suffering and persecution and even death that believers endured in the Bible and in modern times without being amazed at their strength to hold up in such horrible treatment. That strength obviously comes from their intimate connection to the Lord through His Holy Spirit, Who is faithful to provide the grace that is needed and when it is needed.

Romans 8:35-37 (NKJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

The personal, loving relationship with Christ sustains us and there is nothing that can take it away.

3. True people of faith will win the prize they seek.

Hebrews 11:39 (NKJV) And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,

The word “promise” is singular in the original language and is defined by Lenski in his commentary like this: (Lenski New Testament Commentary) – It is the final and supreme fulfillment, the consummation at the last day, the ultimate of all that we are hoping for, of all that is not seen (v. 1).

(R.T. France, Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) – This general comment looks back over the whole list of heroes of faith and puts them all, even men of the stature of Abraham and Moses, into perspective within the whole scope of God’s plan of salvation. None of them had reached the ultimate goal to which they were looking forward, whether consciously or not. They may have received the fulfillment of many “promises” (see vv.11-12, 17, 33; 6:15) and seen God’s power spectacularly at work in their behalf, but there still remained “the promise” (singular; NIV, “what had been promised”), which for our author denotes something beyond all these temporary blessings: the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purpose for his people.

This fulfillment, verse 40 indicates, will be realized when all of God’s people are finally and completely redeemed.

Conclusion:

It really doesn’t matter whether you’re speaking about the believers who lived in Bible times, or the millions of believers since then up to the present, they all need to be recognized for their stalwart faith. They need to be honored for their willingness to stay true to their faith and their Lord in spite of tremendous opposition and suffering. For many of them, the possibility of death was a reality they had to reckon with every single day, just like the Scripture we quoted earlier,

Psalm 44:22 (NKJV)  Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

In Uganda, Anna came to Christ from a Muslim background, and her family did not accept her choice. She fled to a pastor’s home in earlier August, but by then she was already ill and rapidly losing weight. After several days, she was struggling to walk and in great pain. Her family knew she was ill, and her father sent a message to her saying she would not survive. After a month in the hospital, she succumbed to the illness and passed away. Doctors found damage to her internal organs from poison, which her family likely administered to her while she still lived at home. Anna is survived by two children, ages 12 and 6, who are being cared for by the pastor.

A Bru community in rural Laos was so determined to drive out a group of Christian families that they resorted to drastic measures. “They were so resistant to their faith, they were trying to scare them out of the village or to renounce their faith,” a VOM field worker said. Persecution began in 2018 when the villagers killed the livestock and crops of the three families. They even planted a bomb in their cooking fire, hoping to scare or injure them. The Christian families are also banned from using the village well. Even so, the believers are determined to stay in their village as a testimony to God’s power, so they requested that VOM drill a well for them. Pray that the firm bravery of these families will cause many in their village to turn to God.

The real threats of persecution and death that thousands and perhaps millions of Christians face every day cause us to realize how strong and courageous they are for continuing to practice their faith. All the while these believers continue gathering for worship and prayers in the face of such threats, here in America we have been making it easier and easier for people to stay home. If we do not soon experience a spiritual awakening in our nation, Christians in our nation will also face the reality of dying for their faith. Prayer is absolutely crucial.

One thing we know for certain. Regardless of all that the enemies of God try to do, God’s kingdom and God’s truth will prevail and will keep marching on! The closing song I’ve chosen for today is a great reminder of that fact.

The Battle Hymn of the Republic