Blog

We are Kept by His power, Not our Own

I Peter 1:3-7

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,   To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,   Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:   That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus

During this time in which we live it is important that we find our strength and hope in God’s word, not man’s. It has amazed me how all the experts keep changing their mind. First, we must close everything down so people will not die.  Then we must close hospitals down to many sick patients because they will be overrun with covid-19 patients. Then we are told that we can expect a new outbreak and that it is mutating into 33 different stands (CDC)  Now these same experts are saying it could be 18 months or more before we can reopen America and things will never return to normal  We have to accept a new normal. These experts have been wrong again and again and again, yet people still put their trust in them.  My God has never been wrong, not one time–yet people refuse to trust Him. With that said, I choose to find my hope in the words of the never wrong God over those of the always guessing and changing their minds experts that man chooses to put out there. Who will you choose to trust?

My God will always keep me

God is greater than any other

John 10:28-30

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.

No foe can stand against us

Romans 8:31-39

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord

What God starts in you He will finish

Philippians 1:3-6

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,   For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;   Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

Satan is not strong enough to take you from Him –

He will try

Luke 22:31-32

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

He is a strong foe

Ephesians 6:10-12

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

We are not strong enough under our own power to defeat Him

2 Corinthians 12:10 

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Christ has already defeated Him for us

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:10-11 

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

I will suffer in this life

2 Timothy 3:10-12 

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in diBut thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. stresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

One day these sufferings will all be forgotten

Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

One day our sufferings will give way to eternal joy

1 Peter 4:13

  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

The suffering will be turned into praise and honor and glory

  1 Peter 5:1 

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

I Peter 3: 7 

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus

  • You will stand before Him faultless 
 Jude 24-25 - 24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,25  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
  • He will keep you; you need not worry about keeping yourself
  • God will even the score –
II Thessalonians 1:7-12   And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,   In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:   Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;   When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.  Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:  That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him,
  • Rest in Him
  • We will experience all His goodness
  • He will be glorified in us and we in Him

Does Our Community Miss Our Church During This Time Of Lockdown?

Acts 2:42-47

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.   And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.   And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

This is a good time for us to access our relevancy within our community.  I contend that if the community would not, does not even notice that we are not here, then something is wrong within. Ask your self this question?  If every member were just like me what kind of church would your church be? Years ago, “The Mullins” recorded a song by this title.

The song is full of great questions.  Many people have sent me messages during the past month that I am putting too much importance on the church meeting, claiming they don’t need the church to worship God. Well let me ask you some questions then.

  1. If the local church was not important, why out of the 116 times the term is used in the NT, over 110 of these times it refers to a local called out assembly of believers meeting in a particular locality?
  2. Why in Hebrews 10 are we instructed to meet together often?
  3. Why in Acts did they bring their offerings into the church to be distributed as needed?
  4. Why is the term “churches” used by Paul so often?
1 Corinthians 16:1 

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

1 Corinthians 16:19

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

2 Corinthians 8:1 

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

  • The church needs to teach biblical doctrine
  • The church needs to come together
Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works;  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

  • The church needs to fellowship
I John 1:3-7

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.  And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  • The church needs to meet “material needs” of people who are unable to.
Acts 4:34-35

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

I Corinthians 16:1-3

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.  Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.  And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

  • The church needs to evangelize.
Acts 4:33

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.   And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

  • The church needs unity in doctrine and practice
Acts 1:13-15

  And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

  • The church needs to be growing in number
Acts 2:38-41

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

  • The church needs to be growing spiritually together
Galatians 6:1 

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • The church needs elders called by God to lead the flock
ACTS 16:21-23

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Hebrews 13: 7 

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Hebrews 13:17-18

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

2 Timothy 4:2 

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

He came, He died, He arose, He is alive and He is coming again

  Acts 1:11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

We are living in exciting days.  What an awesome privilege we have to be living in the last days. I always wondered what it would take for the whole world to come together as one.  In order for this to happen, America must surrender her rights and submit to another  In the past few weeks, we, as Americans have willingly given over our constitutional rights to a select few without so much as a whimper.  In fact, we have done it for our own good.  Now the world knows that we value living more then we value our freedom.  I rejoice in this after this manner.  My freedom does not come from man.  It comes from God. 

John 8:32 

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 17:17 

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

He came, just as we were told

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (God with us)

 

Luke 1:26-31   

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,  To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

He lived

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him

 

He died as He predicted

Matthew 16:18-26 

 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.  From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.  Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.  But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

  • He told His disciples that He must die
  • He told them His church would always stand
  • He told Peter He would be used of God to start the greatest movement ever known to man – The Church
  • He rebuked Peter as He would Satan – Satan knew what was coming.
  • Jesus said we must lose our life to live

Jesus predicted he would rise from the death just three days after His death

When He rose, His own followers doubted He was alive

Mark 16:1-11

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.  And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.  And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?  And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.  And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.  And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.  But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.  And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.  Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.  And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.  And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

  • It was a shock to see someone who had died alive
  • It was not the first time they saw a dead man alive – Lazarus
  • It would not be the last time either
John 14:19 

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

I Thessalonians 4:16-18

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

He is coming again, Praise God

Acts 1:11 

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Revelation 1:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 6:2 

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Revelation 19:11

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

  • He is
  • He was
  • He is to come
  • He is the almighty

The conclusion

  • History reveals that He came
  • History reveals that He lived
  • History reveals that He died
  • History reveals that He arose
  • Prophecy reveals that He is coming again
  • ARE YOU READY?

Yes, times are hard, but my God is greater than all my difficulties

Ephesians 6:10-12

 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Today, I want to call your attention to verse 12.    For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

It is easy to blame people when difficult times come.  It is easy to make excuses and try to figure out why me.  The fact of the matter is “why not me”.  You see, this life is a war against a very strong enemy.  Satan and all his demons are hard at work to defeat you and to ultimately destroy you.  So today we will look at three things.

  1. Who is this enemy we face?
  2. Who is this God that we serve?
  3. What will be the conclusion of this matter?

The Enemy

1 Peter 5:8-9 –  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:   Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

He is very powerful

II Thessalonians 2:7-11  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Note: Satan in the last day will display power, signs and lying wonders

Man will take credit when this ordeal is past (only God can remove this from us)

Satan deceives men into believing that they have power

God will permit men to believe Satan’s lies

As true believers we must hold on to the hope that is within us

  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:  1 Peter 3:15 (kjv)

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Colossians 1:3-5 l

The God that we serve

He is the God of all Gods

Deuteronomy 10:17  For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Psalms 136:3  O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

1 Timothy 6:15  Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Revelation 17:14  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Revelation 19:16  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.He is the true healer of all disease – Psalms 103:3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

He is the Great Physician
  1. He is the true healer of all disease – Psalms 103:3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
  2. He is the healer of the broken hearted – Psalms 147:3  He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

He gives us Grace

 II. Corinthians 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 – 8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Hear Pastor Tilly’s personal testimony and message of grace

A.  This grace is always enough – 2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Humility brings about an abundance of this Grace (more and enough to share –

Proverbs 3:34  Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. 

James 4:6  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 

1 Peter 5:5  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. 

I Timothy 1:14-17 –  14  And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  Grace produces mercy

Grace is made possible by the longsuffering of God

True Grace always leads to praise on the part of the one who has received that grace

%d bloggers like this: