E.P.I.C. Word of Truth
Eternal Power In Christ – Relevant Life Changing Truth (John 1:12)
RACISM, THE WORLD & THE BIBLE: Part – 1
***This is part 1 of a 6 part blog series on Racism, the World & the Bible***
I Samuel 16:7 – “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
Notice what the Lord is saying in this verse. God does not judge us based on our outward appearance, He does not look down on us for being too short or too tall; He does not judge us based on our skin color. God looks at the heart and judges us according to our heart condition. To God all lives matter, no matter your skin color. If your heart is full of racism or hate how do you think the Lord sees it? What is the condition of your heart today? Do you judge others, maybe not on their race, but do you judge them on other outward characteristics? Do you think all lives matter?
Racism is a deeply held belief that one’s ethnicity or racial heritage makes them superior over those of other ethnic backgrounds; this usually results in discrimination and can and has resulted in segregation and unjust treatment by those who consider themselves superior to those who they consider inferior. What everyone needs to understand is that all of mankind was equally created in the image and likeness of God. (Genesis 1:26-27 – And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.)
God loved all of mankind, not just the Jews, not just the Caucasians, not just the Asians or Africans, but He loved all of mankind so much that He sent His only begotten Son down to earth to equally die for all of mankind no matter what color his skin may be. (John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.) The Lord also has given us a commandment to love all men and all ethnicities as ourselves. (James 2:8 – If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:). There are people in the world that may try to say the Bible contains racism and will try to give you a few examples. This is why we need to know what the Bible teaches about racism, verses what the world may try to say it teaches. We need to be ready to defend our faith on this front. Like I Peter 3:15 says we need to be ready to give that answer.
New Book “BIBLE CHARACTER” coming soon!
This book came about as a result of a study on Bible characters. Abraham Lincoln said, “Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree.” Our character is much more than just our reputation, what we try to display for others to see. It is who we are even when no one is watching. Having a 
Good Character means doing the right thing just because it is right to do what is right. What better way to learn Biblical character principles then from the life of Bible characters, their examples and the right and wrong actions and decisions they made; we can learn from them Biblical truths and traits to apply to our life. We can develop Godly character to use and guide us throughout our life from the examples they have left us in the written record of God’s Word.
MANIFESTATIONS OF HUMILITY
MANIFESTATIONS OF HUMILITY – A humble person lives his life differently than a proud person. How does your life measure up to what the Bible tells us about humility? Below is a sample list of some characteristics or manifestations of humility to evaluate your life by. This will help you determine just how humble or proud you are. May the Holy Spirit convict you of the areas you need work in and may you determine to follow His leading and do the work necessary in your life to weed out the pride and sow humility in its place.
- Trusting and recognizing the character of God. – A humble person realizes and acknowledges who God is, and how high he is, and how low they are in comparison. A humble person will trust God more than a proud person. A humble person will thank God for what he is learning in a trial and the demonstration of how much he needs God in his life. (Psalm 119:66 – Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.)
- Focusing on Christ. – A humble person focuses on Christ. They see Him as their life and strive to make and keep Him the center of their life. They will talk about His goodness to them. They will praise Him and seek to honor Him. (Hebrews 12:1-2 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.)
- Praying Biblically and consistently. – Humble people see themselves as dependant on God. Because they see themselves as needy, they pray often to God trusting in His provision for their life. (I Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.)
- Have an attitude of thankfulness and gratefulness toward others. – Humble people say thank you often. They thank God and others often. They do not expect anything, so when they receive something, they are truly grateful. (I Thessalonians 5:18 – In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.) ***Can this be said of you – that you expect nothing and that you are truly and sincerely grateful for all you get and all the blessings you receive?***
- They have an accurate view of their gifts and abilities. – Humble people do not get upset or complain that they are not as gifted as others in certain areas. They have an accurate view of themselves. They also do not brag about the gifts they do posses or exaggerate them. (Romans 12:3 – For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.)
- Humble people are good listeners. – Self is not the primary focus of a humble person. They consider what others say as very important and take an interest. (James 1:19 – Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath)
- They talk about others only if it is good or for their good. – A humble person will speak well of others and not negative. He will only convey negative things about someone if he must do so to help that person. (Proverbs 11:13 – A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. & Proverbs 27:6 – Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.)
- They have an eager, cheerful submissive attitude toward those in authority over them. – Humble people are first obedient to God, then obedient to man. (Romans 13:1-2 – Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.)
- Humble people have a teachable spirit. – They realize they do not know everything. They know they are not right all the time. They are willing to consider they may be wrong on the matter. They also know God can use anyone or any circumstance to teach them something they need to learn. (I Corinthians 4:7 – For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?)
- Humble people are on the lookout for ways to serve. They will take the duties no one else wants, and serve in that capacity with joy in their hearts. Because they are not doing it for themselves, or for man, but they are doing it as unto the Lord. (Galatians 5:13 – For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.)
- A willingness to admit when they were wrong. – They are willing to admit when they were wrong and they will not delay this admittance any longer than circumstances permit. (Proverbs 29:23 – A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.)
- They are quick and ready to grant forgiveness, they will not hold a grudge against someone. – They are eager to forgive because they know how much they have been forgiven. Humble people want to be peacemakers. (Colossians 3:12-15 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.)
IN CONCLUSION: We read in James 4:6 how “God resisteth the proud,” this is telling us that our God is actively fighting against pride. Why? – Because a prideful heart can lead to all sorts of other destructive sins in our life and lead us to influence those around us into a destructive downward spiral in their life. God is actively fighting against pride so he can capture us, or win us for himself (Ezekiel 14). Think on this, God will deal with the sin of your pride or you will deal with it, but in the end one way or the other it will get dealt with. I would much rather deal with my sin of my pride myself, than let it go until God has to deal with it. Charles Spurgeon said “Every Christian has a choice between being humble or being humbled.” To those that are humble, God promises grace- “giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6. Thomas Brooks said this about humbleness, “Get humble and keep humble!”
God tells us in Isaiah 57:15 – “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” God tells us He will dwell with those that are humble. He will be with them, helping them along the way. This verse also tells us He will revive those of a humble spirit, or in other words He will make alive our spirits He will invigorate us to live humbly. He will energize us for the continuous application of ourselves to live humbly.
The mindset of pride is “self is the master” and the mindset of humility is “Jesus Christ is the master and we are the servant”. The source of pride is self, and the source of humility is God. Pride works to honor self, and humility works to honor God and others. Pride is self-sufficient, and humility is Christ dependent. Determine in your mind that humility is to be your way of life. Make it a conviction that you will not be shaken from. Decide, determine, and then execute humility as a way of life. (Philippians 2:3) A humble person lives his life differently than a proud person. A humble person lives his life God minded and others minded and a prideful person sadly lives his life self centered and self minded.
*** Which one are you? ***
*** Which one do you want to be? ***
If this blog post was an encouragement to you, please consider visiting our other site: Faithfoundations.church – a place for doctrinal teaching with audio messages and full notes of teachings. Also please consider our two podcast ministries: EPIC Word of Truth and Faith & Life Together.
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BALAAM & GOD’S WILL
BALAAM & GOD’S WILL
BALAAM AND GOD’S WILL – In the book of Numbers we find the account of a mysterious soothsayer named Balaam had a reputation for having success in divination (receiving hidden knowledge, especially about the future) and incantation (the use of occult demonic power to grant blessing’s or curses) and he was willing to sell his services for all who could pay him his fee.
Request of the King – The Moabites and Midianites were very frightened when they saw the size and scope of the Israelite people encamped near them and heard all the stories about Israel’s military victories thus far. (Numbers 22:4 – And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.) – So King Balak looks to hire Balaam to place a curse on the people of God encamped near him to protect him from their supposed threat; at this point Balak did not realize that God had told Israel not to attack Moab because the Moabites were relatives of the Jews, descended through Lot, Abraham’s nephew. (Deuteronomy 2:9 – And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.)·
Balaam must have had a wide reputation of his abilities in successfully practicing the occult arts for a King to have searched him out in spite of the distance and the price. We all have a reputation. What is your reputation like? What are you know for?
King Balak was hoping to influence Balaam into cursing the children of Israel, and by such a curse protect him and his kingdom from their attack. He hoped to convince Balaam to help him by the impressive dignitaries he sent calling on him and the price he was willing to pay him for his services. This shows us a great weakness of character on Balaam’s part. Balaam loved money and he was willing to do just about anything to get it. What about you? Is money or financial gain your God? (I Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.)
Balak had Balaam figured right. Balaam was a hireling of the worst kind. Interested mainly in money. Balaam used deception to try to get his way around issues and problems to fulfill his ultimate goal of self enrichment. Balaam would use pious Godly sounding talk; all the while in his heart he was coveting material gain.·
Balaam was determined to do his own will and not God’s will. (Numbers 22:20 – And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.) – Notice what God said here “If the men come to call thee” then Balaam was to go. Now look at verse 21 what Balaam actually did “And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.” – He took it upon himself to get up and go. He did not do as the Lord instructed, he did not wait on the Lord, and he took the situation into his own hand and by his own wisdom determined it was in his own best monetary interests to not wait on the Lord but to act on his own. Now examine yourself. Are you more interested in God’s will or your own will?
Resistance of a donkey – God was angry at Balaam for defying His will and direction and allowing his love of money to be the controlling factor in his life. You may sometimes hear the phrase “dumb animals” – but in this case it was the human who was “dumb” and the animal was the smart and wise one. (Numbers 22:22 – And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.)·
His donkey saw something that Balaam did not and turned aside to save Balaam’s life. Balaam’s anger was kindled against the donkey and the Bible says he struck him over it. (Numbers 22:23 – And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.)·
Two more times the donkey sees the Angel of the Lord with his sword drawn and two more times the donkey does what it can to avoid him and saves Balaam’s life. Two more times Balaam gets enraged at the donkey because of it. One of the times by the donkey avoiding the angel, Balaam’s leg gets crushed, when the donkey swerved out of the way. (Numbers 22:24-27 – But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.) Balaam was so angry with the donkey at this point, had he been armed he would have killed his faithful animal. The Apostle Peter called it madness. (II Peter 2:16 – But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.)· Sin in our life has a way of blinding us to other things in our life. Sin can keep us from seeing the efforts of others, motivated by their love for us, to keep us from harm or to keep us from harming ourselves as a result of that sin.
A unique conversation takes place. (Numbers 22:28-31 – And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.) So why wasn’t Balaam shocked when his donkey spoke to him? – Perhaps Satan had used Demons to speak to Balaam in the past through animals speaking to him. In any case a person has reached a very low point in his life when God has to use an animal like a donkey to communicate His mind to him.
Revelation of an angel (Numbers 22:32-33 – And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.) – As God opened the Donkey’s mouth to speak to Balaam He now opens Balaam’s eyes so he too can see the Angel of the Lord standing there with his sword drawn. Balaam fell on his face when he saw the angel and the angel told him how is donkey saved his life.·
The angel warned Balaam that he was rushing headlong and recklessly onto the wrong path that would only lead to his destruction and ruin. Many people today are on a similar path in their life. If we see people on this path it is our responsibility to shout out a warning to them; because it is only the truth of God that can free them and save them from destruction and ruin. (John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. & John 8:32 – And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.)·
“I have sinned” – Just saying these words do not repentance make. Balaam said these words to the angel in Numbers 22:34 “And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.” – Pharaoh, King Saul and Judas Iscariot all uttered the same words but did not truly repent and turn to God with their life. Pharaoh in Exodus 9:27 “I have sinned “, King Saul in I Samuel 15:24 “I have sinned” and Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27:4 “I have sinned” – but they did not repent, they did not accept God by faith. ·
MAKE SURE YOU ARE REALLY SAVED – Don’t be guilty of saying the right sounding words but not really meaning them in your heart. It is possible to acknowledge you are a sinner but not repent and turn from your sins and turn to God. We need to acknowledge the fact we are a sinner but true salvation is more than that; it is also a turning from our sin and a turning to God by faith in the saving power of Jesus blood. Salvation comes by trusting in the fact that the shed blood of Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and accepting His free gift of a payment in full on our behalf. Salvation is getting something for nothing; it is getting eternal life, that you can never lose, in exchange for nothing from us but our child like faith in Jesus. (Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. & Romans 10:9,10 & 13 – That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.) – If you have more questions about salvation please click on this link: KNOW FOR SURE YOU ARE ON YOU WAY TO HEAVEN
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“WHAT IS MAN”?
Psalm 8:4 – “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
INTRODUCTION: We need to get a Biblical perspective of man. We need to get a Biblical perspective of ourselves in the grand design of things. We need to get a Biblical perspective of pride and humility.
We need to learn to see pride in our life for what it is and to repent of it as soon as we find it. Self-centeredness is in direct opposition of the Biblical perspectives of lowliness and others-mindedness.
Christians, as well as non-Christians, are deceived by the wicked one and his devices in this area of pride. We need to get a proper view of ourselves in relation to others and God.
This proper view involves what is quite contrary to our old sin nature. This proper view involves voluntary humility toward both God, and man, and doing so with the right motives and reasons. If done with the wrong motives, we are right back to wrong thinking again.
**“WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM?” – A great question to keep in your mind; considering yourself in light of God and His greatness.**
WE NEED TO HAVE AN APPROPRIATE VIEW OF SELF – A proper view would be to recognize that we are so totally below God and unworthy before Him.
- We are desperately wicked, and totally incapable of anything worthwhile in God’s eyes or our own apart from Him. (John 15:5-6 – I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.)
- There is nothing you have accomplished or anything you possess that you can take credit for on your own. (I Corinthians 4:7 – For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?)
- We basically have no worth in ourselves apart from God; but God has given us, as believers, a standing we did not earn, and He has given us His love we do not deserve. (Ephesians 2:4-7 – But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.)
WE NEED TO HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF HUMBLENESS – WE NEED TO SERVE GOD WITH A LOWLY MINDSET. – We need to see how low we are in comparison to God. This is why we need to serve Him with this in mind. Don’t forget how much greater God is than you. Remember it is an honor and a privilege to serve the King of Heaven. We need to voluntarily place ourselves lower than others and serve with a lowly mindset. (Psalm 8:4 – What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?)
- In order to get this proper mindset and attitude, you will need to recognize and repent of any and all pride in your life and have a proper view of yourself in comparison to God and others. (I Peter 5:5-6 – Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time)
- We must say the same thing God says about our sin, about our sin of pride. We must confess it, and we must truly repent of it in order to get this true Biblical lowly mindset we need to be living our lives with. (Job 42:1-6 – Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.)
- You cannot not simply acknowledge your sin of pride and think that is enough. You must truly and sincerely see it for what it is and repent of it and forsake it.
- George Whitefield speaking about sin and pride in our life said “Before ye speak peace to your hearts, ye must be made to see, made to feel, made to weep over, made to bewail your actual transgressions against the law of God”
WE NEED TO STRIVE TO ATTAIN AND RETAIN THE ATTRIBUTE OF HUMILITY IN OUR LIFE – As much as pride could be considered an epidemic, humility could be considered an endangered species. True humility is rare because it is not natural to man. Pride is so abundant because it is natural to man. Only a Christian can learn true genuine humility and live it with any success. The more we learn humility and the more humble we become the better our life will be. You can say, just as pride is the root of every evil, humility if the root of every virtue. (Proverbs 29:23 – A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.)
- Thomas Brooks (an old Puritan preacher in the 1600’s) speaking on pride and humility said “Here is a wonder! God is on high; and yet the higher a man lifts up himself, the farther he is from God; and the lower a man humbles himself, the nearer he is to God.”
- There are several Old Testament terms translated humility or humble. They mostly refer to the action of bowing low or crouching down. This is what we should do in our hearts in reference to God and others.
- In the New Testament there are two words used; one meaning servile, base or groveling and the other meaning gentle, meek or yielding. You can get an idea from these meanings what the attitude of our heart needs to be. We need to make ourselves low in comparison to God and others, and we need to do it with a meek and to God a submissive spirit.
**“WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM?” – Do you have a proper attitude of yourself compared to God? Do you have New Testament humbleness about yourself toward God and others?**
THE ACTION & DEFINITION OF HUMILITY – Humble people are focused on God and others and not themselves. They have no need to elevate themselves above others. A humble person’s goal is to elevate God and encourage others. They have a servant’s mindset a mindset of Christ. They have a pursuit for the recognition and the exaltation of God and not themselves. They desire to please God in all things and by all the things He has seen fit to bless them with.
ADMIRABLE EXAMPLES OF HUMILITY
Abram gave Lot the first choice of land when they needed to part company (Genesis 13:8-9 – And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.)
Moses – It was said of him “(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3.
John the Baptist acknowledge his position of lowliness before Jesus in Luke 3:16 – “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:”.
Mary the mother of Jesus submitted herself completely to God (Luke 1:38 – And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. & 46,48).
The great Apostle Paul was perhaps one of the greatest New Testament examples of humility. Paul told the Ephesians elders in Acts 20:18d-19a – “I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears,”
The Apostle Paul also referred to himself as chief of sinners in I Timothy 1:15 “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” and as the “least of all saints” in Ephesians 3:8. We all need to have the same perspective of ourselves as Paul had in Romans 11:33-36 – “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen”
**“WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM?” – How about you? Are you an example of humility to others? Or perhaps are you an example of a prideful person to others?**
OUR ABSOLUTE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY – Of all the Biblical examples of humility the greatest example of humility by far is Jesus Christ our Savior. The very act of Christ coming to earth was an incredible act of humility.
- Try to think of all Christ had to forsake in Heaven – the glory, honor, power, pure worship and majesty to come down to be born a babe in a manger. Born to suffer, to be mocked, falsely accused, tortured, and suffer the humiliating death on the cross all for our sins. What an incredible act and example of humility we have in Christ. (Philippians 2:6-8 – Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.)
- Jesus said of himself “I am meek and lowly in heart” Matthew 11:29. But he also knew how to be firm and rebuke others as found in the account of when he drove people out of the temple in Matthew 23. Just because you are humble does not mean you are a pushover or that you are timid.
- Christ was in complete submission to His Fathers will. (John 8:28-29 – Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.) Oh that we could say the same thing Jesus said at the end of verse 29, that we always do the things that please God.
- In today’s world we are taught that the person who is first is the greatest but Jesus taught us that the least is the greatest. (Mark 10:43-44 – But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.) This means the humble person is first in God’s eyes and the proud person is last in God’s eyes.
- One of Christ’s greatest examples of humility was in the washing of the disciple’s feet. Picture what he did, He put on the servants towel, got the bowl of water and washed all the disciples feet one by one, He washed off the dirt and the sweat of the day. The great Creator God washing the dirty feet of the creation. What an incredible example of humility found in John 13:1-17. We find that Christ became a servant of men and taught his disciples to do the same. (John 13:14-17 – If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.)
- Christ truly is the greatest example of humility there ever was or will be. He humbled Himself to be born a babe in a manger. Almighty God was willing to stoop so low for us as to wash the feet of the disciples to set an example of servitude and humility; but this was not His greatest act of humility. His greatest act of humility was yet to come. His crucifixion and death on the cross was his greatest act of love and humility, all for the benefit of man. Just because He loved us not because of anything we did or could do, but just because He loved us.
- It has been said about Christianity – “Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central event the humiliation of its God.”
ANSWERING “WHAT IS MAN?” (Hebrews 2:6 – But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?) What is man any way? What are we in comparison to all of creation? – We are just a tiny spec on a tiny spec (earth) in a tiny galaxy in a tiny part of space. When you think on how seemingly insignificant man is in comparison to all of creation you can understand this question, “What is man”?
- God was mindful of man before He ever created Adam. God knew He was going to create Adam; God knew every single person who would ever be conceived long before He created man and was mindful of them and loved them already.
- God loves us very much. All the times He has been with us through trials and tough times, encouraging us, working circumstances out for us, calming our nerves when needed, giving us courage when needed, all the ways He demonstrates that love for us is hard to comprehend.
- Christ came down to earth and became a man because He loved us and was “mindful of “us. Christ when He lived on earth showed us what life was meant to be, how humility and subjection to God was the best way to live and best path to glory and honor.
- Andrew Murray said speaking of this passage “His Humanity is the revelation of what we can be; His divinity is the pledge that we can be it.” – a great thought to dwell on.
IN CONCLUSION: “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” – It has been said that if you broke man down into the base elements he is made of he would only be worth a few dollars at best. So what is man that God loves us so much and thinks so much of us?
Jesus left heavens glory came down to earth and became a man; He did not become an angel. Man is God’s favored creation. Man is who God made with His hands, He did not speak us into existence, Man was made in God’s own image, and God breathed into the nostrils of man the breath of life. God took special care and love in the making of man. Man is God’s cherished creation.
Man is of himself nothing. But because of God we are something; He loved so much that He was willing to send His own Son down to earth to die for our sins as a gift of love for us. All we have to do is accept that free gift of sacrificial love in order to be saved from our sins and on our way to heaven.
**WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM? (John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.) – Man is loved by God. Man is God’s special and cherished creation. Man is who Christ came and sacrificed himself to save. Man is the object of God’s infinite love. We need to therefore live in a state of humbleness knowing what we are in comparison to God and others and knowing what God did for us.**
GOD, GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
GOD, GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.”
Romans 13:1-2 – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
INTRODUCTION: Christians are commanded to willingly submit themselves to the higher powers. We should be an example of some of the best citizens around. We should love our country; honor our country and those who have fought to preserve its freedom. We should give honor to whom honor is due as the Scripture commands us. We should also remember that our true citizenship is not on earth if we are believers. If we have been born again our true citizenship is in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So our ultimate allegiance is to God who is on the throne in Heaven and not to a man that rules on earth.
Alexis de Tocquiville came to America in the 1800’s to study our nation; to try to find out what made America so great and what made Americans tic so to speak. In his long study he came to this conclusion as to what truly made America great – “Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret to her genius and power. America is great because America is good and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” Alexis de Tocquiville. – He concluded that America’s greatness was based on the righteousness and boldness of the preaching in which the majority of Americans sat under. America was great because of her fear and reverence of God. Would he come to the same conclusion today?
Look at what the congress of the United States used to say was the central and most important element to America – “The great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” United States Congress 1854
REMEMBER OUR COMMAND FROM CHRIST (Matthew 28:19-20 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.)
Remember our command from Christ. We should be more concerned with winning and discipling souls for Christ than with the temporal things of this world. The Great Commission is not a suggestion from the King of Kings, but a command from the King of Kings, and we can fulfill it in many ways; such as inviting friends to church, speaking up on a hot topic and politely yet bolding giving the Biblical stance on the issue. We can fulfill in part the Great Commission by witnessing for Christ with our social media accounts. We also need to go out and compel the lost to come in. (Luke 14:23 – And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.)
Remember our citizenship is in Heaven with our King. As Christians here on earth we are his Ambassadors to this world. We are his representatives to the Lost. As His Ambassadors we are to follow His commands and do our best to live by His word. We are to live by His commands and His Word not our concerns. As a good Ambassador our priority should be representing our King to the best of our ability. As Ambassadors for the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, we should be striving to follow His orders in every detail and in every way we can. (II Corinthians 5:20 – Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.)
How do we get our orders from our Commander, from our Captain, from our King? ….. By reading His Holy Word. By searching the Scriptures, by meditating on His Word. The Bible is how God talks to us. The Bible is to be our guide for our life. The Bible will guide our life. The Bible will give us comfort in the storm. The Bible will teach us how to live a Holy life. The Bible is all we need. The Bible is what we need. How much time do you spend in the Bible every day? Do you spend any time in the Bible every day? (Joshua 1:8 – This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. & Matthew 4:4 – But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.)
President John Quincy Adams said “Let us, then, search the Scriptures ….The Bible contains the revelation of the will of God. It contains the history of the creation of the world, and of mankind”
REMEMBER IN WHO WE TRUST (Psalm 20:7 – Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.) We should not put our faith and trust in political parties or political leaders. We need to be putting our trust in God. Men and political parties will let you down but God never will. Trust God to meet the needs of your life don’t trust government to meet your needs.
“IN GOD WE TRUST” – If the motto of our country were only true. We find this on our currency and etched on courtroom walls throughout our land. But is this just a slogan of a by-gone era in our county or is it something you live by? As a Christian this should be your motto not just your countries motto.
We can trust God with national and foreign affairs. No matter who is in The Whitehouse, the Congress, or on the Supreme Court, God is on the throne. (I Timothy 6:15-16 – Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.)
God is Sovereign over all the affairs of this world. He is Sovereign over:
- Satan and sin – Job 1:12 & 2:6 – “And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life”
- Over governments and powers – II Chronicles 20:6 – “And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?”
- Over nature and natural disasters – Psalm 107:29 – “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.”
- Over sickness and disease – Revelation 21:4 – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
- Over every human being and leader – Romans 9:17-18 – “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.”
God is in control. So why not go through life trusting in Him instead of yourself or others or government. God is sovereign over all anyway so just trust in Him. (Ephesians 1:11 – In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:)
Christians need to focus on what we are called and commanded to do, and trust in God to enable us to do it, instead of being focused on the disaster that our government is, or trusting in it. (I Timothy 1:12 – And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;) – If you are a Christian you have a ministry God is preparing you for. You have your orders given to you by the King of Kings. Put your trust in God and go about following His orders.
“If we ever forget that we are one Nation under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.” – President Ronald Reagan
REMEMBER OUR RESPONSIBILITIES (I Peter 2:12-15 – Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:)
We have a responsibility of living out our Christian faith and letting our faith in God and His word guide our political stance.
Remember our first responsibility is to God and the principles laid out in His word and if our government runs contrary to God and His word we must obey the King of Kings and trust He will take care of us according to His will. (Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.)
If our government has laws that run against God and His word, we should work to repeal those laws. (James 4:17 – Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.)
- What are some laws you can think of that run against God’s word?
- Are you working and doing your best to get those laws repealed?
We should however respect the authority over us. We may not respect the man in that position or office, but we need to respect the office and the authority of the office. Remember, government is ordained of God, and we are commanded to submit to it and honor those in the position of authority over us. (Matthew 22:20-22 – And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.)
We are called to boldly denounce immorality and unrighteousness but we must do it in a respectful manner. (I Peter 2:17 – Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.)
If our government and its laws are ever in direct contradiction to God and His commands – what is a Christian to do? – A Christian should do what a Christian should always do and that is to follow God and what He says no matter what. (Acts 5:29 – Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.)
Our country is in the midst of a great decline in morals; it is suffering from a self inflicted, through legislation and court rulings and the backsliding of Christians, quick decent into a great moral decay. Is there hope for America? Is there hope for another Alexis de Tocquiville to come to America and find our greatness as a result of the righteousness of God lived out by her citizens? – Yes with God there is always hope; but we as Christians need to get on fire for Him, we need to get busy for Him and start taking the country by storm with our bold statements of our beliefs, we need to start taking stands, drawing lines in the sand, planting a flag and not being moved no matter the hatred and visceral reactions we get from the world. (Acts 4:13 – Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.) – Pray for boldness and take your stand for Christ.
“History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline.” – General Douglass MacArthur
REMEMBER WE ARE TO PRAY FOR OUR NATION AND ITS LEADERS (I Timothy 2:1-2 -I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.) We have no right to complain about the government we have, or its leaders, if we are not praying for them.
In addition to submitting to the laws of our country and having respect for those in authority over us we are also commanded to pray for them too. Paul wrote these words during Nero’s reign. Paul prayed for the king who eventually authorized his execution. Are you praying for your country? Are you praying for its leaders? Are you praying for your President?
Christians should pray for those in authority over us, so that we may lead a peaceful, free and quiet life. Pray we get to keep the freedoms we already have. Pray for the safety of our country and the brave men who are charged with keeping us safe and free. What is your first response when our leaders do something you don’t like? Is it frustration? Is it anger? Is it disgust? Our first reaction should be to pray for them.
Christians should be praying for the salvation of our leaders. We should be praying for their eternal souls. Pray they will get saved if they are not, and one day be in Heaven, and not faced with an eternity in hell. (I Timothy 2:3-6, 8 – For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.)
Remember true “Change” begins from the inside out. It starts in the heart and then it manifests itself in actions. If we want our government to change, we need to pray for the salvation of the souls of the leaders of our government. Christ living in their heart will change their actions and their priorities and their stances on the issues. (Philippians 4:6-7 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
We also need to remember true change and revival in a nation also starts with Christians not with the world. We as Christians need to get ourselves right with God and then God promises revival in our land as a result of Christians collectively humbling ourselves and getting right with God as a whole. (II Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.)
“It behooves us then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness …” President Abraham Lincoln
IN CONCLUSION: Remember our citizenship is in Heaven. Though we currently dwell here in America our true home is in Heaven. We are to be in the world but not of the world. We are to influence the world for Christ and not allow the world to influence us. We are Ambassadors for Christ we represent Him here on earth. We are to follow His directions, His commandments, and live by His standards and laws. When earthly laws contradict God’s, we are to follow His as supreme over all earthly laws because He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Our identity is not defined by being an American. Our identity should be defined by being a Christian first and an American second. If we are saved we are citizens of Heaven here on earth representing our Heavenly King and doing His work and following His commandments. The Great Commission should be a top priority of ours. Heaven is where our fellow countrymen dwell, it is where our names are recorded, it is where our King is at and it is where our Savior sits at His right hand.
President George Washington at his first Inaugural Address had this to say about our earthly country verses our Heavenly home. “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.”
Philippians 3:20-21 says “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Our life is in Heaven. Our Lord’s concerns should be our concerns and He is concerned about the souls of men. We need to “Go ye” and fulfill His command. We as Christians should boldly proclaim the truth in love. We should stand up for right. We should maintain respect for those in authority over us. We should “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s“. We need to pray for our leaders and remember real “change” starts in the heart. If we want change in our country pray for the salvation of our leader’s souls. Remember God is Sovereign over the affairs of men. (James 4:13-17 – Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.) Spend your life concerned about the eternal priorities of your Lord instead of the temporal concerns of men.
Heaven
John 14:1-4 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”
“It becomes us to spend this life only as a journey toward heaven… to which we should subordinate all other concerns of life. Why should we labor for or set our hearts on anything else, but that which is our proper end and true happiness? – Jonathan Edwards
The Doctrine of Balaam & Worldly Christians
THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM
“the doctrine of Balaam” (Revelation 2:14) – Balaam enticed the Israelites to attend an idolatrous feast and into committing immorality with the Midianites in Numbers chapter 25. (Revelation 2:14 – But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.) – The doctrine of Balaam is the lie that it is permissible for saved people to live like unsaved and that God’s grace gives us the right to disobey God’s law.
The church is the bride of Christ. If you are a Christian you are part of the church and make up part of the bride of Christ. If you are a Christian living in sin and living like an unsaved person you are in effect playing the harlot to the bridegroom of the Church which is Christ. (Revelation 19:6-9 – And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.)·
Why as a Christian would you want to see how worldly you can live; you should instead be striving to live as Christ like as you can! Any teaching that makes it easy and permissible to sin is false doctrine. The Word of God was given to us to help enable us to live holy and sanctified lives. (Titus 1:1 – Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;)
We as Christians should not be seeking to see how far we can push the envelop into a sinful lifestyle. We should not be sinning freely just because we are under grace. We should not think we can do what we want since we have fire insurance now. We should be doing the exact opposite! We should be living for Christ and seeking to be living a sanctified and separated life unto Him; and not seeking to live just like the world and look just like the world. Some Christians need to grow up a little and just start showing some basic respect and reverence to the Lord of lords and the King of kings. (Colossians 3:1-2 – If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.)
God’s Enabling
I Timothy 1:12 “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”
God enables His servants and puts them into the ministry; but they have to be willing, faithful, and surrendered vessels. Be a willing vessel and don’t miss out on what God intended you to do with your life.
“Those whom He puts into the ministry He fits for it, whom He calls He qualifies” – Matthew Henry
What Could Have Been!
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN
Leviticus 9:23-10:2 “And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces. And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.”
THE TRAGEDY OF THEIR LIVES – One of the most tragic statements can ever be made about someone’s life is “What could have been” – This is what can be said about Nadab and Abihu. They could have done so much for the Lord, they could have set a great example, they could have been remembered in their family and history as great men and great men of God; but they are not. They became part of the long line of the “What could have been’s” – They had it all at one point, and then died an early death because of sinful mistakes. What remained of their lives was wasted. Let’s look at what they had going for them.·
- They were the two oldest sons of Aaron, nephews of Moses, they were among the privileged to see God and live to tell about it. (Exodus 24:9-11 – Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.)
- God called them out for appointment to the priesthood and ministry to Him. (Exodus 28:1 – And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.)·
- After this calling out by God, God Himself participated in their ordination service to the priesthood and His ministry. (Leviticus 9:23-24 – And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.)
ONE SEEMINGLY SMALL ACT (OR SIN) RUINED EVERYTHING – Don’t make the same mistakes that Nadab and Abihu did in throwing away a promising future for one moment, for one act, for one lapse of judgment. Always, always, always do things God’s way. Always put God first in your life and in your decision making. Establish convictions on what you will and will not do in certain situations based on God’s word and stick with those convictions. There is a famous song that states “I did it my way”; what a horrible statement this is that can lead to a life of ruin. We should hopefully never be able to say that about our lives. We should always strive to always do things God’s way and never our own way. (Galatians 6:7-8 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.)
No sooner had they enjoyed the great blessing of God consecrating them for His service in a glorious moment in front of the whole nation of Israel, that then Nadab and Abihu ruin everything. Just as Adam and Eve had it all in the Garden of Eden, and chose to disobey God in their pride, so too Nadab and Abihu ruin their lives and bring great grief upon countless other lives by their sin.
THE EFFECT OF YOUR SIN – Your sin does not just effect you, it also effect’s everyone else in your life too. Psalm 119:136 was spoken in reference to the sins of others “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” – Doing things your way, your mistakes, your sins don’t just effect you, they affect everyone that loves and cares about you; they also affect all those who in the future you could have ministered too if it were not for those mistakes. Just as fire from God had consumed the animal sacrifice, it now fell upon Nadab and Abihu and consumed them because of their tragic sin and mistake.
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- Be Thou an Example (1 Timothy 4:12-16)
- The Mystery of the Church (1 Timothy 3:14-16)
- Until Shiloh Comes (Genesis 49:10)
- The Siege, the Spirit, & the Savior (Revelation 19:10-11; Daniel 9:24)
- Prisoner of Hope (Zecheriah 9:12)
- Godliness, Grit & the Gospel (1 Timothy 4:8-11)
- A Good Minister of Jesus Christ? (1 Timothy 4.6)
- Long-Form Repentance (Ezra 9, Nehemiah 9, Daniel 9)
- Why He Comes, Where He Comes, For Whom He Comes (Revelation 19:11)
- The Supper That Changes Everything (Revelation 19:4-10)
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