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Be a Vessel God can use to bring them home.

II TIMOTHY 2:19-26 - Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.20  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.21  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.22   Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.23  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.24  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;26  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

If we are going to help others find their way home, we must first become a vessel of honor that God can use to help them find their way home.

  1. We must be clean – purge ourselves.
  2. Flee sinful desires.
  3. Seek after Holiness – 1 Peter 1:15-16 – 15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 2 Corinthians 7:1   Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
  4. We must be living a sanctified life – John 17:17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

1 Peter 1:22-23 – 22  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

  1. We must be committed to scriptural truth.
  2. We must have UNCONDITIONAL LOVE toward other believers.
  3. We must be obedient to the word of God which never changes.
  4. We must be meet – usable – ready to serve.
  5. Be sure we are not being used to hinder a weaker believer. 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.
  6. Be sure what you do is pleasing to the Lord, not just making a show before men. Colossians 3:22-24 –   Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:23  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
  7. God is keeping score. Do not worry about what man thinks. Hebrews 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
  8. We must be prepared to do the work necessary to help them.         I Thessalonians 5:14-16 –   Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.16 Rejoice evermore.
  9.  Be sure to treat others with patience.
  10.  Understand there are those believers who are weak.
  11.  Do good to those who may not be so kind to you.
  12. We must be ready for whatever the MASTER calls us to do.

II Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

  • We must eventually answer to the Lord.
  •  Are you more interested in what man thinks or what your Lord thinks?

But they Just Kept on Going Anyway Part Two!

Daniel, Haniniah, Mishael, Azariah

Daniel 1:6-8 – Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:7  Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.8   But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

A. They were asked to defile themselves but they kept on going anyway.
B. KEY THE DECISION TO DO RIGHT WAS MADE BEFORE THE TEMPTATION EVEN CAME.
C. They trusted the faith that they had. Daniel 1: 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
D. They were told to bow down to the image the King had made.
E. Others were jealous of them and plotted against them, but they kept on going anyway.
F. The three were threatened with fire, but they kept on going anyway.

RESULT: Daniel 3:25- 30 –  He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26  Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27  And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.28   Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.29  Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.30  Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

  • God was with them in the fire, He did not keep them from the fire.
  • The king recognized that God was with them.
  • The king declared that all the people should worship the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
  • Those who rose up against them would be destroyed. Not only them but all they had.
  • BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK, WRITE OR DO TO OTHER BELIEVERS WHO ARE HOLDING TO SOLID BIBLICAL TRUTHS.

G. They were thrown into the fire but they just kept on going.
H. Daniel was threatened with the lions because he prayed, but he just kept on going. – Daniel 6: 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

  1. Those who plotted against Daniel knew that He would not conform to the image of the world.
  2. Daniel was open with his faith regardless of the consequences.
  3. DANIEL DID NOT CHANGE EVEN IF IT MEANT HIS LIFE.

Daniel walked in the midst of the lions, but kept on going anyway.

  1. God delivered him even as the king stated He would – Daniel 6:16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
  2. Because of Daniels past testimony even the king knew.
  3. Daniel was relaxed in the midst of what was usually instant death –

Daniel 6:18-22 – Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

  1. Daniel knew he had only done that which was right.
  2. Those who accused him we were destroyed along with their families,
    Daniel 6: 24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

MORAL: IT DOES MATTER WHAT YOU TEACH YOUR CHILDREN. DON’T TEACH THEM HOW TO MAKE A LIVING, TEACH THEM HOW TO LIVE.

I Peter 4:12-16 – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 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. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

God’s Plan of Salvation:

GOD LOVES 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.

ALL ARE SINNERS –

Romans 3:10, 23

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

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

SIN HAS A PRICE –

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

TWO DEATHS – PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL –

Revelation 20: 14-15 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

JESUS ONLY DIED FOR SINNERS –

Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him

ONE CAN NOT EARN HEAVEN –

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.

ONE MUST BELIEVE JESUS DIED FOR THEIR SINS TO BE SAVED –

Romans 10:9-10 – 9 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.

CONFESS YOUR FAITH IN HIM –

Romans 10:13 – For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13

INVITE CHRIST TO LIVE IN YOUR –

I John 5:11-13 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. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

A Prayer Of Faith –
Dear Heavenly Father, I truly believe that Jesus died, was buried and rose from the dead for my sin. I confess that I am a sinner deserving of hell and I realize I can not save myself. I from this very moment on confess Christ as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for making it possible for me to be part of your family through Christ. Father, lead me through your Word to what you have me to do with my life. Help me turn from my sin and surrender everything I have to Jesus. I pray in Christ name, Amen.

CHRIST PROMISES TO NEVER LEAVE YOU –

Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

THE WIDOWS MITE

Luke 21:1-4

1   And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.2  And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.3  And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:4  For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

I. The common story – giving all you have!


A. She gave despite her great poverty.
B. Her giving acknowledged that all she had belonged to God.
C. There is no indication here or in Mark’s account that she had any reservations about giving it all.
D. All that you have belongs to God, what you keep is still His.
E. This passage is often used to encourage giving

II Corinthians 9:7-10

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;).

II. The story behind the story

Luke 19:39-47

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. 40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;47 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation

A. False piety of the false spiritual leaders.
B. Put a false religion on display for all to see.
C. Pride ruled in their hearts.


D. Neglected ministry to those in need. Rather than minister to her, they looked down at her.

James 2:1-20

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?


E. The widow became a prey for their wealth.

Matthew 23:1-15

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Celebrate Jesus 2020

Lamentations 3:21-26

  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22  It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.23  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.24  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.25  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.26  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

  1. God is always faithful
  2. His compassions never end
  3. He reminds us daily of His goodness
  4. He is still our hope in 2020 and we can still count on Him daily
  5. We need to learn to be quiet in His presence

Isaiah 40:28-31   Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29  He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

  1. God NEVER takes time off – He is always working in our lives
  2. All the powers of this world can not match the power of My God
  3. We must learn to wait in His presence

A. We will soar to new heights
B. We will run the race set before us

II Timothy 4:7-8 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, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.


Philippians 3:13-14 -13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

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,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.

C. We will never grow weary of serving Our Great God if we allow Him to be our strength

Isaiah 43: 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.


Joshua 1:7-9 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 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. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

  1. God is with us even in the midst of life’s strongest battles
  2. Our strength will come from being immersed in His Holy Word
  3. God is with us where ever we God
    A. He was in the furnace
    B. He was in the lion’s den
    C. He was in the red sea
    D. He was in the prison with Paul and Silas
    E. He was with the disciples in the strom
    F. He is with us all the time regardless our circumstances.


I Corinthians 15:51-58 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

A. We could still hear a trumpet in 2020
B. We will soon be over with the trials of this life’
C. We will soon be changed into His likeness
D. We will soon overcome death
E. We will be

  1. Steadfast
  2. Unmovable
  3. Unstoppable
    F. We will
  4. Complete the task given to us
  5. Abound (be greatly fruitful) in our work for Him
  6. We will be rewarded soon for our faithfulness
  7. Our labor is NOT IN VAIN

John 6:9-12 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

A. It does not take much for God to do great things
B. God is going to use us to do great things in a big world in a supernatural way
C. Little is much when God is in it.

In the harvest field now ripened
There’s a work for all to do
Hark! the Master’s voice is calling
To the harvest calling you
Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if a God is in it
For He’ll not forsake His own

Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame
There’s a crown, and you can win it
If you go in Jesus’ name

And when the conflict has ended
And our race on earth is run
He will say, if you’ve been faithful
“Welcome home, My child—well done!”

Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame
There’s a crown, and you can win it
If you go in Jesus’ name