Category: Sermons

Standing strong: Spiritual or Political?

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.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.

Much is happening in our country that should alarm each one of us.

Consider

Isaiah 5:18-24
Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Woes we see here
  • Those who are vain in their conceit of sin. Brag about it, are open about it and seemingly have no conviction.
  • Those who call evil good.
  • Those who call good evil.
  • Those who call darkness light.
  • Those who call light darkness.
  • Those who call bitter Sweet.
  • Those who call sweet bitter.
  • Those are wise in their own eyes. (Sinful pride)
  • Those who drink wine and strong drink.
  • Those who reward others for their evil works.
  • Those who condemn others for their righteous works.

    NOTE: God will bring judgement upon His own people.

              WHY? Because they have made mockery out of the word of God. 

                          They have forsaken His way for the ways of the world.

    The only cure

    1. MY PEOPLE!
    2. Humble themselves.
    3. Pray.
    4. Seek the face of God.
    5. Turn from their sin – repent!
    6. THEN
      a. God will hear.
      b. God will forgive.
      c. God will heal.

    Recent events of our day

    1. Disney decided to introduce gay and transgender characters both in new movie remakes and in their theme parks. CEO fired.
    2. Major retailers have decided to push transgender issues.
      a. Target – Target has donated $2.1 million to LGBTQ group that pushes school districts to allow children to secretly change gender dailymail.com; Target customers shocked after company features pride items by Satanist partner: Devil is ‘hope’ and ‘love’ Fox News – Target has lost 9 billion dollars this week after people rebelled against the stores stand.
      b. Budweiser – featured transgender on their cans – lost 16 billion dollars since.
      c. Major news media. CBS, NBC, ABC, MSNBC, CNN, FOX
      d. Many popular tv shows. NCIS Hawaii, FBI most wanted, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu. (Wikipedia) Netflix and Disney+ lead the trend.
      e. Even Hallmark TV. Good news is a new Hallmark type network that has promises to have Christian theme programs called “The Great American Family Network” (founded by Candice Cameron Burr”)
      f. School systems – More than 3.2 million US public school students are covered by guidance that blocks parents from knowing whether their child identifies as a different gender in the classroom — which could become federal policy if President Biden’s Title IX proposals are approved in May. – New York Post March 8, 2023
      g. Some huge churches. Ohio, New York, California, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Nevada, Florida, North Carolina (Durham, Raleigh, Charlotte area) Wilmington has over 2 dozen LGBTQ affirming churches, over half gay affirming and most affirming unmarried same sex couple unions. Several big churches refuse to give their stance publicly – you would know them if I mentioned their name)

    Where do I as a pastor stand

    • Totally upon the word of God
    • I will openly oppose the evil of our day regardless of what other may do or say.

    I would rather have a dozen people in my living room on a Sunday.
    morning then a church of thousands and NOT STAND AGAINST SIN AND SPIRITUAL WICKNESS IN OUR CHURCHES AND IN OUR COUNTRY.

    I CONTEND THAT THESE THINGS ARE NOT POLITICAL ISSUES, BUT SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES BOTH IN OUR POLICAL LEADERS AND CHURCH LEADERS.

    But they Just Kept on Going

    Joseph

    Genesis 37:23-27 –  And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;24  And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.25  And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.26  And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?27  Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.

    1. He was sold by his brothers but he just kept on going.

    Genesis 39:16-20 –  And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.17  And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:18  And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.19   And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.20  And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

    • He was sold again to Potiphar and was lied about, but he just kept on going.
    • He was Put in prison, but he just kept on going – (Head up the prison)

    Genesis 39:21-23 –   But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22  And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23  The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

    Job

    1. He lost all His kids, his servants, and his cattle but he kept on going.

    Job 1: 21-22 – And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.22  In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

    B He lost his health but he kept on going –

    Job 2:6-10 –  And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. 7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. 8  And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. 9  Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. 10  But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

    C Even his wife told Him to curse God and die but he kept on going.

    1. His friends blamed Him but He kept on going.
    2. God rebuked Him to keep him going Job 38-41

    F Jobs response – He decided to keep on going in spite of it all –

    Job 39:1-6 – Then Job answered the LORD, and said,2  I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.3  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.4  Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.5  I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.6  Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

    • The result – Blessed of God more than before,

    Job 42:12-13 – So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.13  He had also seven sons and three daughters.

    Paul

    1. He was stoned and left for dead but he kept on going.

    Acts 14:19-20 –   And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.20  Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

    • He was imprisoned but he kept on going.

    Acts 16:20-25 –   And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,21  And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.22  And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.23  And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:24  Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.25   And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

    • He was shipwrecked but kept on going.

    Acts 27:41-44 – And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.42  And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.43  But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:44  And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

    • He knew he was going to be killed but he kept on going.

    II Timothy 4:3-8 –   For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.6  For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord

    Stephen

    Acts 7:51-60 –  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52  Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 54   When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55  But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

    1. He was being stoned but he kept on going.
    2. He was facing death but he did not change the message.
    3. He looked toward heaven and preached a message of forgiveness to those who were angry with him.
    4. He kept his eyes on Jesus, and just kept on going.

    What about us?

    1. We are to endure and keep on going – II Timothy 2:3  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
    2. This is a marathon and we must be patient and keep on going. – Hebrews 12:1-3 –  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, 2  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. 3  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
    3. Forgiveness, not bitterness will keep us going – Matthew 6:14-15 – For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
    4. Isn’t it time to press on in spite of the hardships along the way? Colossians 1:3-11 –   We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4  Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5  For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6  Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: 7  As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8  Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. 9   For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

    But He Just Kept on Going

    Today’s message is quite simple. It really tells the story of easter from a vastly distinct perspective. It just how far reaching His love for us really is. Why in the world would He keep on going when even those closes to Him would forsake Him in His greatest hour of need?

    John 13:26-30 – Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27  And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. 28  Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. 29  For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.30  He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

    He knew Judas would betray Him, but He kept on going anyway!

    John 13:36-38 –  Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.37  Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.38  Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. Mark 14: 54  And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

    He knew Peter would betray Him, but He kept on going anyway!

    Luke 22: 40-43 – And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.41  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

    He knew He was going to be arrested, but He kept on going anyway!

    Mark 15: 1   And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

    He knew He would be bound and delivered unto Pilate, but He kept on going anyway!

    Mark 15:16-19 – 16  And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. 17  And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, 18  And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! 19  And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

    Jesus knew they would mock Him and mistreat Him but he Kept on going anyway.

    Mark 15:20-22 – And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. 21  And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. 22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

    Jesus knew the load would be heavy but He Kept on going anyway.

    Luke 23:32-33 – And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

    He knew He would be crucified with common thieves, but He kept on going anyway.

    Luke 23:34  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

    In spite of all that was happening, His prayer for those who hated Him was one of forgiveness.

    John 19:30  When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

    He knew He was going to die, but He kept on going anyway.

    Luke 23:50-53 – And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:51  (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.52  This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.53  And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

    He knew He was going to be laid in a grave, but He kept on going anyway.

    Luke 24:4-8  – And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5  And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 6  He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7  Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8  And they remembered his words,

    He knew he was going to resurrect, so He kept on going anyway. – He kept on going just for me and just for you!

    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.

    John 14:1-6 – Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

    Romans 3:10 – As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

    Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

    Romans 5:8 – But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

    Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

    This is why He kept on going. He knew we needed a way to the Father. HE IS THE ONLY WAY. PERIOD. AFTER ALL HE WENT THROUGH, AFTER ALL HE HAS DONE TO PURCHASE OUR SALVATION, DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU WILL MAKE IT ANY OTHER WAY. The answer my friend is no.  Without Jesus, you are everlastingly lost. With Jesus, you are everlastingly redeemed.

    YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO RESPOND TO THIS LOVE.

    Romans 10:9-13 – 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.10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12   For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

    The Trip to Gethsemane

    Today, I want us to stop and think of why the garden. Why not just stop, tell His disciples have a good day and just return Home. Why not just tell the Father I have had enough of this, I am coming Home. Why not just find another way. Have you ever stopped to think about it. Ever go to the store and decided not to buy something because the price was just too high? Maybe went looking for a car, but decided the price was just too much? We all have been there, and we all have decided not to pay the price.

    Let us look at this from a point of view we might all understand.

    Hebrews 9:19-28 – For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20  Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21  Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25  Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26  For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

    God set the price and it was non-negotiable.

    Isaiah 53:7-11 – He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8  He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9  And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10   Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

    Acts 17: 3  Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

    Jesus’ love for us is greater than the price that was required.

    John 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

    Romans 5:6-8 –  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

    Ephesians 5:2  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

    1 John 4:7-11 –  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

    Full payment must be made for one to be redeemed.

    Acts 4:8-13  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9  If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 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.

    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.

    One must accept the payment that has been made. No other payment is acceptable.

    Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

    John 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

    1 John 5:11-12  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

    Hebrews 2:1-3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.2  For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;3  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

    Drinking from His cup

    Matthew 26:36-45

    Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37  And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.38  Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.39  And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.40  And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.42  He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.43  And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.44  And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.45  Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

    Five Cups He Drank From Which We Must Drink.

    The cup of want

    • Sometimes we lack things that we need – finances, health, job, home, etc.
    • Sometimes we must totally trust in His provision – Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
    • Sometimes we confuse our wants with our needs. I Timothy 6:6-12 – But godliness with contentment is great gain.7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.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.11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

    The cup of betrayal – Judas

    Matthew 17:22  And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:

    Matthew 20:18  Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

    • Family betrayed Jesus. Only member of His family mentioned at the cross was His mother.
    • Jesus was betrayed by those around Him. Only four women and John are mentioned as being surrounding Him at the cross.
    • Jesus was betrayed by His closest friends. Not even Peter was mentioned at the cross and we know that Judas betrayed Him with a kiss.

    The cup of Pain

    Matthew 26:28-29;65-68 –  And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

    65  Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.66  What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.67  Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,68  Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

    Acts 16:20-25 –  20  And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21  And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22  And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23  And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24  Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25   And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

    • Sometimes it hurts to serve the Lord.
    • Sometimes it may mean prison.
    • Sometimes it may mean death.
    • Sometimes it may mean mistreatment.

    The cup of bereavement

    John 11:34-44 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.35 Jesus wept.36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

    • We have all been to the valley of bereavement.
    • Grieving is a natural part of this earthly life.
    • Grieving comes to all, even those who know Jesus.

    Cup of persecution

      Luke 21:8-15 – And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

      Acts 7:51-8:1 – Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

      • Have you ever experienced persecution for your faith?
      • Have you ever been quiet because you were afraid of what people would think, say, or do?
      • Persecution, not praise comes when one takes a bold stand for the truth of your Gospel.
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