I Will Come Again

There is no audio recording for this message, but a video recording can be viewed on YouTube here.

This is a sermon that was given on April 26, 2020. The service was conducted in our church parking lot because of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings. Attendees were able to hear the speaking and music via FM radio in their individual vehicles. The sermon was based on John 14:1-3 regarding the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Written Excerpts:
John 14:3 ^(NKJV) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Introduction:

The Japanese invaded [the Philippines] soon after the Pearl Harbor attack. By early March 1942, they had bottled up the U.S. and Filipino [forces] on the Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor.

President Roosevelt, fearful of one of America’s most successful and well-known generals being taken captive by the Japanese if Corregidor fell was too bitter a conclusion to contemplate. He ordered [General Douglas] MacArthur to escape to Australia to take charge of Allied forces there. He left the Philippines on March 11.

The General and his entourage traveled from Corregidor to Australia first by PT boat, then B-17 Flying Fortress. Because of an air raid in Australia by the Japanese, his plane was diverted to a different airfield which necessitated additional trips by DC-3 plane and a train.

It was while traveling on the train to Melbourne, Australia, that General MacArthur issued his famous statement about the Philippines: “I came through and I shall return.”

After months and months of fierce fighting in the islands of the Pacific, the General was finally able to fulfill his promise 2 ½ years later in October of 1944. (Sources: https://sofrep.com/specialoperations/on-this-day-in-1942-gen-douglas-macarthur-gives-the-i-shall-return-speech/ and https://www.historynet.com/ shore-party-macarthur-photo.htm)

In the Gospel of John, chapter 14, Jesus is in the middle of a discourse in the upper room where he finished sharing the Passover meal with His disciples. He has drawn direct parallels between the elements of the Passover meal and His own pending sacrifice. He has also predicted His own betrayal by a member of the group. Now, in chapter 14 He is reminding them of more things that He has previously spoken – He is going to be leaving them. 

He is going away to prepare a place for them. By implication, this is going to be a permanent place. It is something very different from their current place or home. And then, He makes this promise: “If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself so that where I am, there you may be also.”

If you think the words of General Douglas MacArthur stirred hope and anticipation in the hearts of the remaining US and Filipino armed forces in the Philippines, let me say it is nothing in comparison to the hope and anticipation in the hearts of the disciples of Jesus when they think of His words, “I will come again!”

On the sign in the front yard of our church we have this message: “Christ didn’t stay dead, and He won’t stay gone.” The return of Jesus is just as certain as His resurrection. So, for the next several minutes I want to speak to you about the promise of Jesus, “I Will Come Again.”

Friends, it is a fact that Jesus is coming again and there are several important truths about that fact which I would like to review with you today.

I.             His coming is Sure.

A. The surety of his coming is founded in his identity.

John 14:1 ^(NKJV) "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

Jesus very clearly makes the connection between the Father and himself. He urges them to believe in him since they already believe in God the Father. The Bible tells us it is impossible for God to lie. Jesus is equal with God, so he cannot lie. His promise to return is as sure as God Himself.

B. The surety of his coming is founded in his word.

John 14:2-3 ^(NKJV) In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

He had said he was going away, and he did. This was only one of the many promises Jesus made in his life to his disciples. He said he was going, and he went. So, if he says he is coming back, he will.

There is also his word of promise about his resurrection. He said he would rise from the dead and he did. If he carried out that promise, then he certainly can be trusted to carry out this one.

There is another promise of sending the Holy Spirit. Obviously, this promise hadn’t been fulfilled yet when He was speaking to His disciples in this setting. But, He did send the Holy Spirit, which the disciples received a short time later on the day of Pentecost. It is one more reason we can trust his word.

His return is as sure as anything God ever said. If any of God’s words can be trusted, then we can trust Christ’s promise to return.

II.           His coming will be surprising.

Matthew 24:44 ^(NKJV) Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Mark 13:32-35 ^(NKJV) "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³  Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. ³⁴  It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. ³⁵  Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning--

1 Thessalonians 5:2 ^(NKJV) For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

Revelation 16:15 ^(NKJV) "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."

All of these scriptures emphasize the fact that the return of Jesus will not be expected. No one knows when it will be, so whenever it is there will be an element of surprise. Let us not be like the various groups that Jesus described: Like those in the “days of Noah, ” eating and drinking and totally consumed with hedonistic partying; or those like the “foolish virgins” who ran out of oil for their lamps just before the bridegroom arrived; or any others that miss His return because of being preoccupied with purely earthly values and pursuits. We are urged to watch and be prepared.

III.          His coming will be sudden.

Mark 13:36-37 ^(NKJV) lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. ³⁷ And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"

Matthew 25:6 ^(NKJV) And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'

Matthew 24:27 ^(NKJV) For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

These and many other references all point to the fact that the coming of the Lord will be sudden. There will not be time then to get ready. There will not be time to pray, and repent. His coming will be a sudden event. We must be ready before it occurs.

IV.          His coming will be superb.

I’m not sure that the word “superb” conveys all that I wanted to communicate, but at least it conforms to the alliteration I have been using for my outline: sure, surprising, sudden and superb! 

Some other synonyms for the word superb are: outstanding, fantastic, marvelous, and tremendous.

A. It is superb because of his triumph over evil.

Revelation 19:11-16 ^(NKJV) Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. ¹³ He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵ Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶ And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

B. It is superb because it ushers in the eternal joy and bliss prepared for his disciples/followers.

Revelation 21:3-4 ^(NKJV) And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Conclusion:

I have tried to share various Scriptures to help us understand important truths about the return of Jesus. I especially want to emphasize the need to be ready and prepared. The teachings of Jesus clearly indicate that there will not be time to get ready at His coming. We must be ready at all times, but how?

Various parables and messages given by Jesus can be summed up like this:

1) We first of all need to be a child of the Kingdom. The only way that happens is if we seek and receive the salvation of God that only comes through faith in Jesus. Nothing else will or can save you except the blood of Jesus that was shed for the sins of the whole world.

2) Jesus repeatedly emphasized that the Lord’s servants must be busy doing their Lord’s will when He returns. Get busy and stay busy doing the work He gave us to do. Obedience is an essential part of being ready. It is a key ingredient of being prepared.

Closing Song: Jesus Is Coming Again

God Is Not Dead

There is no audio recording for this message, but a video recording can be viewed on YouTube here.

This is a sermon that was given on April 19, 2020. The service was conducted in our church parking lot because of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings. Attendees were able to hear the speaking and music via FM radio in their individual vehicles. The sermon is intended to continue the theme of resurrection and presents three logical conclusions to the truth: God is not dead!

Written Excerpts:

Rev. 1:18 ^(NKJV)  I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Introduction:

In a theology & public policy journal, Matthew Rose wrote these words over three years ago (Aug. 2016):

On April 8, 1966, a … cover story appeared in Time magazine, sending the country into a panic over a group of theologians few had heard of then and nobody remembers now. [The theologians] are forgotten. The cover, however, remains memorable. The first [cover] in the magazine’s history not to feature a photograph or illustration, it shocked readers by asking, “Is God Dead?”

The author, John Elson, worked on the story for more than a year…. He introduced the nation to a school of thought that would come to be known as “Death of God theology.” Although its proponents differed on matters of substance and style, they shared an idea that was easily sensationalized: Christianity can and must dispense with belief in the divine….

What does it mean to say that God is dead? The phrase unsettles, even menaces, and much of the antipathy directed at Death of God ­theology reflected a misunderstanding. The phrase was not a call to action. It announced a historical event. Something has happened in Western culture over the last three centuries, altering the conditions of human experience. Man has learned to understand the world and to order his life apart from God. 

(https://www.firstthings.com/article/2016/08/death-of-god-fifty-years-on)

William E. Hordern says, “The term ‘God is dead’ was originally coined by the [German] philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. It has been used frequently by theologians to describe the fact that, for many in our age, God seems to be unreal and thus is dead.” (A Layman’s Guide to Protestant Theology, p.235)

From what I have read and understand, it appears that some of these theologians had not become true atheists, but they simply believed that traditional views of God and theology had become irrelevant and certainly unconnected to the way people lived their lives.

Well, the purpose of my sermon today is not to give a lengthy presentation about modern trends in theology. In fact, I’m hoping not to give a “lengthy” presentation at all, for which I assume many of you are happy! I do want to speak to you today on the subject: “God is NOT dead!”

Last Sunday we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. We sang and spoke about His victory over death, hell and the grave. 

When we talk about the death and resurrection of Jesus, we do not mean that the eternal God died and then rose again, but the man Jesus died and proved His own divinity by rising from the dead. He is not just a man, but He is also truly God in His nature.

For the rest of our time this morning I want to ask you a question and then offer a few answers to that question. The question is this: “What does it mean to say, ‘God is not dead’?”

I.     If God is not dead, then He is still sovereign.

As I stated a few moments ago, some of the theologians were not true atheists, but they merely expounded the implications of modern thought and practices. Mankind had simply arrived at the point that old ideas about God were no longer relevant, and because of science and education, man could live life and order his world just dandy without God.

This seems to mesh with the concept I’ve heard expressed before – some people may not be atheists in doctrine, but they are in practice, i.e. they live their lives as if God is nowhere in the picture. They succumb to anxiety and fear as if God is AWOL. They make choices and decisions as if they are autonomous and God is absent or non-existent.

However, if God is not dead, then He is still sovereign. He is still in control of the affairs of this world.

It is, and always will be a mystery concerning the relationship between the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. But the Bible is very clear about the fact that God orders the affairs of this world and we are all moving toward the climax of earthly existence.

I just read in my devotional reading yesterday, Daniel 4:17 ^(NIV) ‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’

This specific passage is talking about the Lord humiliating King Nebuchadnezzar and decreed that he would become like an animal for seven years. There has never been a time in the history of the world when world events got out of God’s control.

I remind you again today, as I have done before, the events of our world that we are living through right now are not out of God’s control. The disease is not out of His control, and the over-reaching arm of Government is not out of His control. I have legitimate concerns about both the disease and the strong-armed policies of government, but I can rest in the knowledge that none of it surprises God nor prevents His ultimate will for mankind. No disastrous events in history have ever thwarted His plan of redemption and none will stop the final fulfillment of it.

II.    If God is not dead, then biblical revelation is still authoritative.

If the theologians and philosophers are wrong about mankind getting along very well on his own without God, then we must come back to the reality that the living God has revealed himself and his purposes to humanity. If God is not dead, then we can rely on His Word and trust in it for every area of life.

2 Pet. 1:20-21 ^(NKJV) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, ²¹ for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

The revelation of God through His Word teaches us many, many things, but there are two I want to emphasize today.

A. Revelation tell us that Redemption is still necessary.

We may reach the point where we think we can live our lives however we please, and just keep God “in His place” right over there on the shelf where we can find Him if we ever need Him. However, the revelation of God clearly explains that we are desperately in need of redemption and tremendously incapable of redeeming ourselves.

B. Revelation tells us that Human accountability is still applicable.

If God is not dead, then it is He to whom we all must give account after this life is done. Every atheist that has ever lived and died found out at the moment of death that he/she was still accountable to the very One they had insisted did not exist.

Heb. 4:13 ^(KJV)  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

III.  If God is not dead, then biblical ethics are still necessary.

If God is not dead, not only does it mean He is still sovereign and His Word is still authoritative, but it also means biblical ethics are still binding. The Bible is full of ethical requirements for creatures made in the image of God.

I have mentioned several times in the past that I am on a mailing list that allows me to receive an email devotional every week from Dr. John Oswalt, an OT scholar and author. In the devotional he sent out just yesterday, Dr. Oswalt quotes from a French political scientist who wrote that during the 1960’s and ‘70s ethical values in Europe and America changed radically. “The Christian vision was replaced with another in which the desires of the individual became the basis of all ethics and all political legitimacy. What humans desire, they have an inalienable right, and even duty, to do.”

Oswalt continues, “The Bible tells us that desire is tyrannical, and that Jesus has come to set us free from that tyranny. Our enemy whispers that if we can just do whatever we want, we will be free. But that is a lie.”

He had much more to say in the devotional, but it is just an example of the fact many people have moved away from ethical conduct based on the values of Scripture to embrace an ethical system based on satisfying fleshly desires. But God’s Word calls us to ethical behavior rooted in the nature of God Himself.

Micah 6:8 sums up the ethical duty of man.

Micah 6:8 ^(NKJV)  He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

As we walk humbly with God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are to pursue justice and mercy, or holiness and love. We must allow His Spirit to cleanse us from all manifestations of ungodliness so that our conduct reflects His holiness.

That is the negative aspect of ethics – removing sin from our lives. But there is also a positive aspect to ethics. It is our responsibility, or privilege to demonstrate the love of God in our conduct toward others. It is a privilege to show people around us what the love of God looks like in human experience.

Maintaining the balance between justice and mercy (love) is not always easy but that is our calling. It is our ethical standard. May the Lord help us to adjust our conduct to His standard and not ours.

Conclusion:

As we close today, I want to remind each of you that the resurrection of Christ is a reminder that God Is Not Dead! He is just as real as ever and He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power and love. Our God is an awesome God! Hallelujah!

Let us finish the service today with another great hymn that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Christ Arose!

Resurrection Power

There is no audio recording for this message, but a video recording can be viewed on YouTube here.

This is a sermon that was given on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. The service was conducted in our church parking lot because of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings. Attendees were able to hear the speaking and music via FM radio in their individual vehicles. The Easter message is based on the Apostle Paul's words "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection..." that are recorded in Philippians 3:10.

Written Excerpts:

Philippians 3:10 (NKJV)  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Introduction:

It’s Easter! We celebrate a risen Savior! We worship a risen Lord!

We have never done a service like this before. I have attended and/ or participated in outdoor sunrise services before, but the reason for meeting like we are today is a completely new and unusual situation.

There are many people living in fear these days. I do not want to minimize or make light of legitimate concerns that people have, but I do have a couple of “fears” of my own that are related to our current circumstances. I fear that, after watching worship on YouTube videos and after these parking lot services, all of you are going to get used to these 15-minute sermons! I might have to gradually build back up to 30-40 minutes once we get back to having regular services! 

And another fear applies particularly to the use of FM radio. Anyone listening over the radio who doesn’t like what I’m saying can just reach up and turn to another station, or turn the radio off. I remember hearing radio commercials years ago where the person giving the advertisement would start off by saying, “Don’t touch that radio dial!” So, here are my beginning words to you today, “Don’t touch that dial!” Seriously, I am glad we have the privilege of coming together like this today.

I want to speak to you for a little while about a verse that is found in the 3^rd chapter of Paul’s letter to Philippians.

Philippians 3:10 (NKJV)  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

The book of Philippians was a short letter that the Apostle wrote while in confinement in Rome. Bible historians believe that there were at least 2 separate imprisonments for Paul, and possibly 3. Four of his letters were presumed to have been written during his first imprisonment – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Earlier in the third chapter of Philippians Paul had warned against those who would attempt to lead them astray and back into some of the requirements of the OT laws. He brings up the fact that some of these false teachers might boast about their religious pedigree (we might say). So, for a few verses, Paul describes his own “credentials” in regard to the things that some people thought were important.

Then he makes an unusual yet profound statement. He says, “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹  and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;” (Philippians 3:8-9)

He considered those details about his life and accomplishments as absolutely worthless. His only desire was to gain Christ and the righteousness that is through faith in Him. He then immediately continues with the verse that I read first (verse 10). “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”

Paul plainly expresses his desire to know Christ more than anything. He not only wants to know Christ, but he wants to know the power of His resurrection. The word “know” usually included the knowledge gained by experience. So Paul wanted to know Christ intellectually and experientially, and to know the power of the resurrection in the same extent.

There are three thoughts that I want you to remember about this resurrection power that Paul wants to know.

I.    Resurrection power is God’s power.

Eph. 1:19-20 ^(NKJV) and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power  ²⁰ which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

Eph. 1:19-20 ^(AMP) And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, ²⁰  Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],

This power, that Paul is speaking of, is supernatural and divine. He uses multiple descriptive words in an attempt to truly convey the kind of power he is talking about (exceeding, great, mighty).

He is talking about the power of God, who is infinite in power. We use terms like “almighty” and “omnipotent” to describe God’s power. It is a power that knows no limits. It is a power that can do whatever He pleases to do. It is a power that doesn’t understand the word, “impossible.”

I’ve said this many times in the past, but when the writers in the OT wanted to illustrate the almighty power of God, they would often refer to the crossing of the Red Sea. In the NT, the writers would refer to the resurrection of Jesus when they wanted to illustrate God’s almighty power.

Another thing I’d say about God’s resurrection power – since Jesus is God, this resurrection power was inherent in himself. Yes, the Scriptures often speak of God’s power that raised up Christ, but Jesus clearly taught He and the Father were one. There is no separation. So, Jesus rose from the dead under his own power. He didn’t require some mighty superhero to come and deliver him from the tomb – He delivered himself!

Rom. 1:4 ^(NKJV)  [Jesus was] declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

His resurrection was proof that he was the Son of God with power.

Hallelujah!

II.    Resurrection power is power for daily life.

The next point I want you to remember is this: this same almighty, exceedingly great power is available for us to draw from as we contend with the various experiences of life.

In the Philippians text (3:10), Paul expresses a desire to know Christ now, not some unknown time in the future. “And the power of his resurrection.” Again, it is something that Paul wants to know now, in the present, not some future time, or only at the end of life. He wants the resurrection power that is necessary for victory over all the challenges of daily life.

Rom. 8:11 ^(NKJV)  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

At first this passage appears to be referring to the promise of our own resurrection after this life is over. However, if it is taken in the context of the earlier portion of the chapter, we see that Paul had been talking about living in the Spirit and having the power of the Spirit to deliver us from the power of sin which had been described in the previous chapter.

Rom. 7:24 ^(NKJV)  O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Here, bondage to the power of sin is described as a “body of death.” Therefore, 8:11 can be understood as a quickening or giving of life to one who is dead in sin. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power that will enable us to live pleasing to the Lord in our daily lives.

Many other references in the NT that may not refer directly to the resurrection, but they certainly describe the power of God through the Spirit that is able to keep us through the hardest trials and deliver us from them.

III.    Resurrection power for Christ is resurrection power for us.

Jesus raises the widow’s son… (Lk. 7:12-15)

Jesus raised Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

These are just two examples of Jesus raising the dead to life. As I stated earlier, Jesus has the resurrection power in Himself because He is one with the Father, and He proved it by raising others from the dead.

John 6:40 ^(NKJV)  And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

1 Cor. 6:14 ^(NKJV)  And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

It can’t be stated much clearer – God will also raise us up by His power

1 Cor. 15:20 ^(NKJV)  But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

2 Cor. 4:14 ^(NKJV)  knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.

1 Thess. 4:14 ^(NKJV)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

John 5:^{28 (NKJV)}  Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice

I know that probably all of us have heard this over and over, but it is a wonderful message of hope. It is the truth that comforts us when a loved one dies in faith, or even our own final hours of life. So many people who do not believe in Jesus think that death is the end, but no! It is really the beginning!

Conclusion:

Oh, how thankful I am for the victorious resurrection of Jesus! It gives every one of us joy for the present and hope for the future.

For our closing song today, we are going to play a recording of a new Easter song that our church choir was practicing and had planned to sing today. We just might sing it next year, the Lord willing.

The song is titled: Out of the Grave

Let us listen to the inspiring message of this song.

A Remembrance

There is no audio recording for this message, but a video recording can be viewed on YouTube here.

This is a brief meditation that was given on Good Friday, April 10, 2020. The service was recorded with no congregation present because of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings. "Participants" were instructed beforehand to prepare the bread and cup prior to watching the service. The message is based on the words of Jesus, "... do this in remembrance of me" that are recorded in Luke 22:19.

Written Excerpts:

Luke 22:19-20 ^{(NKJV) 19}  And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." ²⁰  Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Introduction:

Once again, we are recording this video for you since we are trying to comply with state officials and keep physically isolated during this virus crisis.

I’m glad that we still have various means to stay connected, even while physically apart. I also regret the fact that some of our people do not have the capability to see this video and join in.

For our short time together on this Good Friday, I want to draw attention to a word that Jesus used in Luke 22:19 which I read a moment ago. The word is, “remembrance.”

Jesus said that he wanted his disciples to keep on doing what he was doing, and to do it in remembrance of him.

NT language scholars tell us that the word “remembrance” is an old word meaning to remind or to recall. In regard to the Lord’s Supper, it is used only here in Luke and again in 1 Cor. 11.

There is another place in the NT where this word appears.

Hebrews 10:3 ^(NKJV)  But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.

In that verse the author is explaining that the sacrifices brought to the OT priests were a remembrance of their sins. It was a reminder that their sins made it necessary to offer the sacrifices.

So again, today I want to urge you to join in this time of communion in order to remember Jesus.

What are we to remember?

1. In similar fashion to the point made in Hebrews, we remember that our sins were the reason for His death.

Whenever the people of Israel brought a calf or a lamb to be sacrificed, they were reminded that the death of this animal was required because of their sins.

When we partake of the communion emblems, we remember that the death of Jesus was required because of our sins.

He didn’t die for his own wrongs. He had no sin, but “he was made sin for us.”

The second thing we remember is closely related to this first point. We not only remember that our sins were the reason for His death, but…

2. We remember that His sacrifice once-for-all [provides] for the full and final remission of sins.” (Jam. Fau. Bro.)

Yes, Communion reminds us that our sins cost our Lord his life. But it also reminds us that our sins have been forgiven, atoned for and wiped from the record.

We do not carry the burden of guilt continually. We’ve been pardoned; declared righteous because of the blood.

Shame may linger, and it may take awhile to work through the scars of past wrongs, but guilt (a legal term) is gone. There is no longer any record “on the books.”

Oh, hallelujah for the remission of sins.

3. We remember his willingness to be our substitute sacrifice.

The animals sacrificed in the OT obviously had no control over the matter. They were literally, “lambs led to the slaughter.”

But Jesus is a person, not an animal. More than that, he is not just any person, but he is the eternal Son of God. He had the power to overcome the executioners.

“He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set him free… but he died alone for you and me.”

That old song is a firm reminder of what he could have done to save his own life, but he willingly surrendered his power of self-preservation in order to provide universal atonement.

It was love that prompted his willing sacrifice.

That Christ should join so freely in the scheme,

Although it meant his death on Calvary

Did ever human tongue find nobler theme

Than love divine that ransomed me?

Such love, such wondrous love!

Such love, such wondrous love!

That God should love a sinner such as I,

How wonderful is love like this!

Amen. Amen.

As you can see here on the table beside me, we have especially prepared our own communion elements that we will share. If each of you watching will get yours ready, we will proceed.

Let us pray.

Breaking of the bread.

“Jesus took the bread and gave thanks and brake it and gave it to his disciples, and he said take, eat, this is my body which is given for you.”

Eat this bread remembering that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your spirit, by faith, and be thankful.

“Then Jesus took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Drink this remembering that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.

Let us pray.

Benediction: And now, may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, remain with you always. Amen.

The King of Glory

There is no audio recording for this message, but a video recording can be viewed on YouTube here.

This is a sermon that was preached on April 5, 2020. The service was recorded with no audience / congregation present because of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings. The message is based on Ps. 24:7-10 and is applied to the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday.

Written Excerpts:

Psalm 24:7-10 ^(NKJV) Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. ⁸ Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. ⁹ Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. ¹⁰ Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory.

Introduction:

Well, here we are on Palm Sunday, and I’m sure that none of us are doing exactly what we thought we would be doing today.

I know that I had been thinking about this service for awhile and just a couple of weeks ago I thought we would still be able to meet together, but things have changed.

Since we cannot meet together, I am grateful for the technology that allows us to at least record this service on video and you can have a little taste of our home church, even if it’s not completely like the real thing.

These circumstances serve as a reminder to me that there are thousands of believers around the world who face worse hardships than this every single week of the year, yet they remain strong in their faith and in their service to Jesus.

So, let’s not be discouraged. God will see us through.

The passage of Scripture I want to draw your attention to today is Psalm 24, verses 7-10. (Read verses above.)

Bible scholars are not in agreement about what the original scenario is for this Psalm. One view is…

(Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) – Psalm 24 is a hymn of praise to God, who is celebrated as the King of glory (vv. 7-10) in what appears to be a liturgical interchange between two priests. … the final stanza (vv. 7-10) describes a dialogue between a priest attending the ark of the covenant at the head of the victorious Israelite army as it returns to the sanctuary in Jerusalem and a priest at the gates of Jerusalem …. Thus, the psalm praises God the Warrior who has given his people victory over their enemies.

Another author didn’t make any reference to possible liturgical responses between two priests or even attempt to define what the specific occasion was, but simply describes how “both the city and the people were called on to receive with joy and anticipation the Great King.” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Revised)

Regardless whether the passage was written originally to celebrate the Ark of the Covenant, or the army of Israel returning from victory, or some other setting, the point is clear that God is the One to be honored and celebrated.

That is the same message that clearly comes into focus when we read the account of Jesus riding into the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Jesus deserves to be honored, celebrated and glorified.

I want to take a little while this morning to look at these verses more closely and apply their message to the privilege we have of honoring the Lord.

Expositor’s Bible Commentary says this in regards to verse 7, “The sense of v.7 would be [this]: “Rejoice greatly, O you people [who live within the gates]”... On the other hand, the psalmist may be literally addressing the gates of the temple to open up. Or since the temple itself was not yet erected in David’s time, the psalmist may be referring to the “ancient doors” of Jerusalem. Regardless of the referent, the point remains that Jerusalem … became the city of God because God chose to dwell in it. Consequently, both the city and the people were called on to receive with joy and anticipation the Great King.”

Based on these comments and the comments of others, I would like to make these three simple observations.

I.          God Was Israel’s Warrior King.

It seems that this Psalm could have been written as a celebration poem for the victory God had provided to the army of Israel.

Just like stories I’ve read from history, I can imagine it was a genuine cause of celebration when a victorious army came home. 

They celebrated the troops, they celebrated the commanders, and they celebrated their gods.

We read in the OT that King Saul became jealous of David because of the kinds of celebration and accolades the people were bestowing upon David, more so than they were for Saul.

We also read how the kings and nations who were defeated by Israel would sometimes give credit to Israel’s God.

The OT books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles and Isaiah record events during the reign of King Hezekiah. During his reign, the king of Assyria was threatening the people of Judah and warned, “Don’t let your God deceive you into thinking you won’t be defeated by my army.”

This provides an example how people, including kings, credited their God or gods with producing victory in battle. And the king of Assyria was essentially saying my god is greater than yours.

As we read that account, we find out that the God of Israel did deliver His people from the king of Assyria, just like He had done many times in the past.

The battles won by Israel throughout her history demonstrated over and over the mighty power of her great God. I don’t have the time to relate all of the supernatural interventions by God to give victory to the armies of Israel; they’re too many to mention.

But the point is this, God deserved all the glory and the praise for His role in defending His people. And this Psalm is a poetic way of urging the city and its residents to exalt and praise the God of Israel – The victorious, warrior King!

II.        Jesus Is Our Warrior King.

Jumping ahead hundreds of years, we come to the NT account of Palm Sunday. The Bible describes the crowds of people laying their garments and branches in the road for Jesus to ride over on His way to the city of Jerusalem.

They’re shouting and praising God. They are referencing OT passages that clearly predict God’s Messiah King.

Undoubtedly, they had deep aspirations that this miracle-working wonder from Nazareth would rise to power, throw off the oppressive rule of Rome and conquer all of Israel’s enemies once-and-for-all.

Their short-sightedness caused them to only seek an earthly king.

Because of that, they soon succumbed to the incitement of religious leaders and began to call for His crucifixion.

Apparently, they quickly began to see Him as a weakling rather than a conqueror. He “couldn’t even save Himself!” But little did they realize what battles Jesus fought and impressively won.

All through His earthly life, Jesus engaged in conflict with Satan through temptations, the opposition of wicked opponents, and attempts on His life.

But even more importantly, He overcame every opposition from hell to derail His work of redemption! He paid the ultimate price, sacrificed Himself as the perfect Lamb of God, and “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high!”

Hallelujah!

I’m thankful today for the victory Jesus Christ has won for your redemption and my redemption! He truly is our warrior King! He is the champion of our salvation!

My third point is in the form of an admonition.

III.       Give It Up for Jesus.

You know, when I listen to conversations around me from day to day I often hear words and phrases that remind me I’m out of touch with some of the modern jargon.

One phrase I’ve heard many times in recent years is this, “Give it up for Sam (or George, or whomever).” Being as sharp as I am, I quickly learned that I wasn’t being asked to give up anything but rather to simply applaud for the one being recognized.

Well, in my feeble attempt to be as relevant as possible, let me say this, “GIVE IT UP FOR JESUS!”

I want to re-read verses 7-8 of Psalm 24 and I want you to imagine we are admonishing everyone around us to exalt Jesus Christ as the great King of Glory.

Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. ⁸ Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.

Jesus is worthy of your adoration and mine. Jesus is worthy to be glorified and praised for He alone is the “captain of our salvation.” (See Heb. 2:10)

But let me remind you that He deserves much more than mere accolades and shouts of praise.

He deserves our obedience and service.

To the religious people of His day Jesus posed this question:

Luke 6:46 (NKJV)  "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?

It’s really a legitimate question. How is it appropriate for me shout words of admiration, praise, and honor, then fail to heed His words and directives for my life?

The old adage is correct, “my actions speak so loudly people can’t hear what I’m saying.”

So, when I say, “Give it up for Jesus!” I do mean: give Him glory, give Him honor, give Him genuine applause.

But… don’t stop there. Give Him your obedience. Give Him your service. Give Him whatever He asks. Will you?

Closing Song: Crown Him with Many Crowns

Things I Know for Sure

There is no audio recording for this message, but a video recording can be viewed on YouTube here.

This is a sermon that was preached on March 29, 2020. The service was recorded with no audience / congregation present because of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings. The message shares a few brief truths that we can know for certain from God's Word regardless of the uncertain circumstances in our world.

Written Excerpts:
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.

Introduction:

Today we are experiencing something entirely new for our congregation. Rather than coming together in one place and enjoying the benefits of corporate worship, we are joining together by online video from the safety of our homes or other personal spaces.

We are living in uncertain days, facing many situations that daily remind us there are many things we do not know for certain. We hear so many different messages and sometimes we really don’t know what the truth is.

I found a verse in 1 Cor. 8 that I think accurately describes how many of us probably feel right about now.

1 Cor. 8:2 ^(NKJV) And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

As I thought and prayed about what the Lord wanted me to speak about today, my mind went to a familiar passage of Scripture – verse 3 in the 11^th chapter of Hebrews.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God…

Several years ago, I gave a series of messages on this whole chapter. In commenting about that verse, I said “faith will provide knowledge I would not otherwise have.”

By faith we understand…

In these days when there is so much uncertainty; unrest; and anxiety about the future it is good to have faith that enables us to know some things for sure even if we are perplexed about the things happening in our world.

So I want to share some Scriptures with you that remind us of things we know for sure because of our faith. These are all things you have already heard many times before, but I share them today to help us stay focused on these truths.

Remember what Paul said to the Philippians?

Philippians 4:8 ^(NKJV)  … whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report… think on these things.

Whether we are filled with anxiety or serenity will often be determined by what we allow our minds to dwell on and think about.

I know there have been times when I’ve had to quit reading the news because of all the negative information that was getting me too discouraged (this was even before this current crisis).

Let’s think about some biblical truths that we know for sure.

1. I know for sure that God is sovereign.

That means He is still on the throne and in control of the entire universe including our health and wellbeing.

1 Chronicles 29:11 ^(NKJV)  Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all. [David blessing Israel before Solomon becomes king.]

Psalm 10:16 ^(NKJV)  The LORD is King forever and ever; The nations have perished out of His land.

Psalm 22:28 ^(NKJV)  For the kingdom is the LORD'S, And He rules over the nations.

Hebrews 13:8 ^(NKJV)  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

None of the current circumstances have taken Him by surprise. Nothing about this current situation in our nation and our world has diminished His power or His governance over His creation.

2. I know for sure that I am a child of God.

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

1 John 5:13 (NKJV)  These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

John repeatedly states in his letter that believers can “know some things for certain” also. He uses the word “know” over thirty times in the 5 chapters of this letter.

The Apostle declares that we can know we are His children and because of that, we know we have eternal life.

When we surrender to Christ through repentance and faith, the Bible declares we are born again, and we become children of God.

2 Corinthians 5:1 ^(NKJV)  For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

3. I know for sure that God cares for His people.

Psalm 34:7 ^(NKJV)  The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.

Psalm 121:4 ^(NKJV)  Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Isaiah 40:28-31 ^(NKJV) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. ²⁹  He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. ³⁰  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, ³¹  But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 43:2 ^(NKJV)  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

One NT example of God’s divine protection and care for His child is found in the book of Acts with the story of Peter’s deliverance. Listen to the words of the Apostle Peter as he declares what he knew for sure.

Acts 12:11 ^(NKJV)  And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."

God’s care comes in various ways and forms. He not only provides deliverance like he did for Peter, but He provides protection, He provides peace for the anxious heart and He provides direction and guidance to the perplexed and confused.

We all know that sometimes He doesn’t respond exactly in the way we wish, but we also know that He is always faithful.

Conclusion:

We have talked about a number of Scriptures today that inform us about the nature of God, our relationship with Him, and His care for us.

Because of our faith in Him and His Word, we have assurance and knowledge that we wouldn’t have otherwise.

I hope that each of us will have a renewed confidence in God and know for certain He is in control.

I trust that we will hope in and rely on His divine care for each one of us, and rest assured that He will bring us through each and every trial we face.

I know many of you are facing difficult circumstances that are far more serious to you right now than a pandemic. Staying isolated may protect you from the virus, but it won’t change any of the ongoing circumstances you face daily.

But God hasn’t forgotten about you. Keep leaning on Him and He will give you what He sees is best.

(Today's Best Illustrations – Volumes 1-4) Several months ago our family went to a swimming pool. I was down in the deep end by the diving board swimming around, and my four-year-old, Savannah, came tottering into the shallow end of the pool. She can't swim yet, but she wears these big orange "floaties." She can't sink with these huge orange floaties on.

Savannah came down the steps, and as soon as she got out there in the water, she said "Daddy, I'm scared. I want to come where you are."

I chuckled at her [innocence] and said, "Savannah, it's a lot deeper down here."

She said, "I don't care. I want to be where you are."

"Okay, come on," I said.

She began dog-paddling across the pool... three-foot... six-foot... nine-foot... 12-foot-deep water. When she came up to me she grabbed my neck, and her look of panic gave way to relief. Next to her father she felt secure, and it made very little difference how deep or how dangerous the water was. — Dave Stone, "Keep the Dust Off the Highchair," Preaching Today, Tape No. 143.

If you are scared because of the uncertainty related to the current national crisis, or because of any other dreadful circumstances in your life right now, I admonish you to get up next to your heavenly Father. He can change your feelings of fear to security and confidence.

Closing Song: He Giveth More Grace