Is There a God? Intro: 1. Why are you here today? I think that you are here today because you believe there is a God. In this lesson I will be speaking to the existence of God. I know that most, if not everyone here believe that God is real and he exists. 2. I am however preparing you to present the arguments for God and his existence. In today’s society there is a real problem, people due to their freedoms here are making themselves God. By denying that there is a Creator, people are the highest level of existence. 3. Since so many atheists exist in the world, and are trying to present cases to courts that deny our rights to freely exercise our religion, I thought it worth your time and mine to prepare a sermon that will help all of us to present the idea of a Creator. 4. There are a few arguments that I will use. The Cosmological Argument, The Teleological Argument, and the Moral Argument. I. The Cosmological Argument A. Cause and effect 1. This argument would state that everything has a cause and effect. a. Because the world is in a state of regression or decay then there must be a cause b. Have you ever heard of the idea of perpetual motion? 1. Perpetual motion is defined as eternal motion 2. For years scientist have been trying to figure out a way to have perpetual motion 3. The problem with this ideal is in science you have to put more energy into something to get an output. The ratio of energy in and energy out is call efficiency. 4. The higher the efficiency the better the output 5. Could you imagine an engine that never quits, we all know things like friction and heat keep it from running without end. 6. Because of these types of things we all have to put oil in our cars and trucks c. The law of entropy, or the law of chaos 1. The law of entropy is a law of physics that has just been generated in the last century. It states that the unbalanced forces in the universe will work, through this law, to balance all other forces. That since there is always an unbalance, then this constant balancing of forces is the reason for creation and not God. Like temperature heat and cold mix until they are the same potential. 2. If this were true, the universe would still have to have an original beginning of forces that balance themselves out and makes the universe eternal. 3. Every bit of matter we know does decay and is not eternal: plants, animals, and humans 4. We know that all matter is finite or has a beginning and an end. d. Logic says that nothing can create nothing. That something does not come from nothing 1. These scientist have created this idea so it will agree with the evolution theory. 2. For it to be true the forces have to be eternal in order to be in the beginning. In other words there was no starting point or ending point for these forces that balance themselves out. Since nothing can create nothing this view is out of reasoning with common sense. e. Since the world is here there must be something that created it. B. Alternatives to this view 1. It is an Illusion a. Some philosophers state that we really are some where else and this is what we dream or experience as a result of being elsewhere. b. It is similar to the ideas portrayed by the movie Matrix 2. It sporadically arose out of nothing a. As I spoke of earlier this defies any form of logic b. It basically says that out of nothing came something. c. This is what some people of the big bang theory suggest that out of nothing came this big explosion in which everything was put into motion. 3. It had no existence but has existed for eternity a. This is the idea of perpetual motion b. Since we can not even come close to creating perpetual motion it must not be true 4. A Creator created the world. C. Assessment of these ideas 1. The ideas that the world is an illusion is not within reason 2. The idea that nothing created something also defies reason. 3. The idea that the world is decaying is fact. However the idea that the world has forever and will forever continue to decay is not within reason. The stars that die out, the earth and its wealth of life, are evidences that everything started at a fixed time and place. a. The law of entropy says if everything was hot and cold then in time due to mixtures there would be a perfect balance called warm. The idea is that there is an eternal amount of hot and cold. So the forces behind creation is the mixing of cold and hot to get warm. However the world has always and will continue to decay, until the Lord comes back. 4. The only other assessment left is that there is a creator that created everything. a. He was the one who gave us the starting point of time and place b. God is the Creator. Someone may say well who created God? 1. There is something we must understand about God. Jesus said “God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship him in spirit and truth” John 4:24 2. God is a spirit; he is what we call self-existing. He needs nothing other than Himself to exist. He relies only on Himself for His existence, He is eternal. 3. We are humans we are finite, meaning we have a beginning and an end, We depend on our environment to sustain our lives. In essence we depend on God to live. II. The Teleological Argument A. The design and purpose 1. Have you ever just thought about the chances of us being here? 2. Odds for this happening by chance a. What are the odds of the earth being the exact distance from the sun that we neither burn up nor freeze to death? b. That everything is beneficial to everything else? B. Evolution idea 1. The odds of a chemical soup existing in which some amino acids come together to form the first 1 cell organism of life happening by chance. 2. The odds of this 1 cell organism evolving into a 2 celled organism a. Invertebrates b. Fish or vertebrates c. Reptiles d. Birds e. Mammals 3. The very odds of this happening says that we did not evolve 4. They have never found the missing links, which bridge the gap between the species. 5. There are other proofs as well. They have found trees that are upright and pass through several layers of the geological strata. Thus proving the strata did not happen over billions of year because for that to happen; the tree would have to be billions of years old. In fact it actually suggest that there was a great flood. C. The ecosystem 1. The human waste product of carbon dioxide is actually one of the substances needed for the plants to survive. 2. The idea that the plants support the animals, and the animals and plants sustain us. 3. The idea that the earth is 2/3rds water, and evaporates in such a way that produces clouds that carry this water to the land so that crops or vegetation can grow for the benefit of the animals, and humans. a. The water collects and then is distributed to the land or earth b. The extra is then collected into rivers, streams, and lakes then returned to the seas D. It is no accident 1. These things did not happen by accident 2. Each item has a purpose and a plan in the environment. 3. The watchmaker a. Someone has given me an illustration of a watch b. The idea is that for all of this world to happen by accident or mere chance is like me taking the parts of a pocket watch, putting them into a bag, shaking the bag and its contents up, then reaching my hand into the bag and pulling out a put together, complete and working pocket watch. c. You and I both know you can not put the right parts in a bag shake it up and have a complete product. You see each part of a pocket watch has a design and a purpose. d. Each gear, piece, bearings, and shafts all depend on the others for it proper working order. e. The watch would never work unless an intelligent being put each piece in its proper place so that it would run correctly. 4. God the watchmaker a. God is the one who put each part of this universe together b. He is the source of all things. c. He is the intelligent being that put everything in its place. III. Moral Code A. If men are only smart animals then what? 1. Supposing we are here just by accident, then why do we consider some things to be wrong? a. If we are upright animals, then what is wrong with me eating a baby for lunch? b. You and I both know that eating humans and especially babies is wrong c. If we are just animals, then only the strong survive d. So on animal instincts, anything that could be food is considered food. 2. All people have an inherent sense of right and wrong called a conscience a. Everybody has there idea of right and wrong 3. Some say we legislate morality for the preservation of humans a. Then why are we do we consider it wrong when people like Geoffrey Dahlmer eat humans b. We get so mad at people for killing other people we make their punishment so severe that others will never do or else they also will be punished severely as well. 4. For us to be smart animals means we had to evolve a. Why are the apes still not evolving? b. Why are the apes not speaking in a human language? c. What will we evolve into in the future? B. Men are moral because God is moral 1. You and I have a sense of good and evil because we are not just animals a. We are not just physical beings we are spiritual beings b. We have a conscience and an ability to reason unlike the animals c. We are able to reason right and wrong 2. God because he is our creator wants us to know how to behave a. He gives us the Bible so that we see what his standard of morality is b. By reading His standard our standard is changed to be like His. 3. For there to be a moral law there most be a moral law giver Conclusion: 1. So with the idea of a God being established by anyone of these arguments we know there is something greater than ourselves out there. In every single society since the dawn of man has worshipped something. Man is hard wired to believe in something greater than himself. 2. The Aztecs, Indians, the Aborigines, Greeks, man has always since the need for a divine aid. In some societies they went about to create their own God. That is why there is so much idolatry in the world today. We do not see it very much today here in America but there are many gods of the Hindu’s, Buddha, etc 3. The problem with all of these other gods is most are presumed to be mean or evil and have to be appeased by sacrifices. Most people who are idolatrous believe they must give to the god or else harm will come unto them. 4. The God that we see in the Bible is a loving, caring, forgiving, just, fair God, who only punishes those that directly disobey Him. God knows that man is not perfect and can not measure up to his standard of living. If man could be as good as God then God would not be God. Because of our predicament we need help in obtaining this moral perfection in the eyes of the life giver. 5. God made a way for us to be saved. He gave us a way to be saved or forgiven in His eyes. That way is Jesus Christ. Jesus said “ I am the way the truth and the life no man comes to the father but through me. John 14:6 6. There is only one way to Heaven and that my friend is through Jesus Christ. 7. The five finger Gospel: 8. Hear (Rom 10:17) So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 9. Believe (Heb 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him. (Joh 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.(Joh 3:17) For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. 10. Repent (Act 17:30)The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:(Act 17:31)inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Luk 13:3) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. 11. Confess (Rom 10:9)because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved:(Rom 10:10)for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Mat 10:32)Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.(Mat 10:33)But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. 12. Baptism (Act 2:38)And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(Act 2:39)For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. (1Pe 3:21)which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; (Mar 16:16)He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.

Three Crosses of Calvary Introduction: 1. Luke 23:32-43 KJV, [32] 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. [34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots. [35] And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided Him, saying, He saved others; let him save Himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. [36] And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him, and offering him vinegar, [37] And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. [38] And a superscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. [39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. [40] But the other answering rebuked Him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. [42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise. 2. You are on one of these three crosses. You are the first thief and condemned when death crosses your door, knowing you will face hell fire and judgement for your crimes against God and mankind, regretting that he got caught not that he sinned. OR you are the second thief on the cross, You crimes have found you out and you wishing you listened to Jesus and done what He said, you knowing you facing death and judgement in the electric chair, but you decide to reconcile with God in your remaining seconds of life. OR you are on the cross with Jesus already, baptized into Christ, knowing that Jesus took care of your burdens needed to reconcile you to God, so that in the judgement when you die God sees you clothed in the likeness of His sinless son, Jesus of Nazareth. 3. Which are you? If you were to die today, then would you rejoice in Heaven knowing you have done all to obey Jesus, or would you die never knowing the forgiveness of God, or would you die reconciling your ways to Christ for salvation? I. Jesus View of the three Crosses A. Jesus realizes there is a chance for salvation with the second thief 1. Jesus is the Author of salvation; He saved the thief (Heb 5:9) a. Jesus had power to forgive sins (Matt 9:6) b. Jesus preached message: repent for the kingdom of God is near. (Matt 4:17) c. Jesus taught obedience is better than sacrifice (Matt 12:29-34) 2. Jesus is looking for those that are obeying God and reconciling their ways a. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:8-10) b. Jesus did not come to seek the righteous (Matt 9:12-13) c. Jesus looks for those seeking God in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23-24) 3. Jesus message He preached before the cross a. Luke 7:22, when reminding John the Baptist, Jesus answering, “Go your way and tell John what things you have seen and heard, how that the blond see, the lame walk, the lepers cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.” b. Matthew 4:17, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand”. c. Matthew 13:15, “for this people’s heart have waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and should understand with their heart and should be converted and I should heal them”. B. Jesus suffocating because of sin gives opportunity to a sinner 1. Jesus knowing, He must die and be raised, is bearing His cross a. Foretold: Matthew 20:18-19, Jesus said…, “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 and shall deliver Him to the gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him and the third day He shall rise again” b. Jesus as a Jewish man sought God and asked if there was another way. c. Matthew 26:42, “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.” 2. Jesus had never chosen evil and lived under the law of the knowledge of good and evil a. Hebrews 5:8-9, “though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect, He became the Author of Salvation to all them that obey Him”. b. Matthew 5:17-18, “think not that I come to destroy the Law and the prophets, I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall in no way pass from the law until all be fulfilled” c. 1 Timothy 2:5-6, “for there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time” 3. Jesus greatest deliverance prayer ever was forgive them they know not a. Jesus being bruised by satan and suffocated for our sins, prayed forgive them b. Jesus taught us to bless our enemies c. Jesus said do good to those that do you wrong. Do you obey Him? C. Jesus suffers the railing and snatches a thief out of hell fire 1. Jesus hears the railing against Him a. Jesus responded last time the same action from satan, with a it is written, you shall not put your God to the test, but remains silent before this railed sinner. b. When you pray, do you give God instructions or report for duty? This thief wanted God to exercise a powerful miracle for his own desires. The thief expected God to obey him rather than trusting in Jesus to do what is best. c. Jesus knows this thief needs forgiveness, but he asks for extended life without reconciling with God, no remorse for his crimes. 2. Jesus sees the second thief’s actions a. Jesus, I imagine, is hearing the second thief’s heart as it says, I wish I had listened to you before I got judged and nailed to the cross. b. Jesus sees the second thief speak up and defend Him when He is literally without help. c. Jesus recognizes that the repenting thief obeyed His message…to repent or change for the kingdom of God is near. 3. Jesus pronounced judgment on the obedient repenting thief a. Luke 23:40-43, [40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. [42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. b. Jesus savior looking at the wise actions of the thief, says that’s what I am looking for and blesses him. c. None to comfort Jesus, forsaken, yet He manages to work salvation hung to a tree. II. The first thief A. He is convicted and tried according to man law and has death sentence 1. When your deeds have brought you to death sentence (hopeless) a. “for godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow of the world works death.” 2 Cor 7:10. b. Worldly sorrow is sorry I got caught and will have to face punishment c. Godly sorrow causes self-reflection saying sorry God I will not do it again because you say it is wrong. 2. The world is saying: “the world is better with you not in it”. a. 1 Cor 15:32, “if after the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? if the dead be not raised, let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die” b. Have you ever faced the electric chair? 3. He is filled with indignation that he got caught and must own up to his deeds. a. Ephesians 4:18, “…having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the Life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart” B. He realizes judgement, but instead schemes a way to live his previous life 1. Facing death, a grave, hell and judgement, he schemes a way of living a. He is facing his electric chair and there is no escape b. He is worrying about how to avoid death and judgement 2. He realizes Jesus has done great things and dares…tests Him to prove his Godship a. He committed crimes in or around Jerusalem, and wanted free to live again b. Being from around here, he heard about Jesus and instead of obeying Him… c. He rails or testing God 3. He does not believe and trust in Christ words, but rails against Jesus a. Jesus being tempted by the devil, when faced with same temptation, said, it is written, you shall not put the Lord your God to the test (Matt 4:7). b. He is not looking for a chance to never sin again, instead he is looking for a longer life of days. c. Do you want to be free from sin? Yes or No? C. He tests God as if daring Him to prove His existence 1. His heart is so wrong he thinks God will obey his wish to save him a. Who tells God what to do? b. Either Jesus knows He is God and is willingly in this circumstance or Jesus is insane. 2. He asked for freedom to live longer, to believe a. He did not ask for forgiveness but for another day free of condemnation. b. Another day, to do as he pleased 3. He failed to realize we must come to Jesus of Nazareth on His terms not our own a. Jesus of Nazareth is the author of salvation to all those that obey Him Heb 5:9 b. The thief failed to see Jesus Greatness or see His purpose c. Jesus was fulfilling the righteous demands of the law having never sinned and offering His life in place of our own, purchased a new agreement between God and mankind called the New Testament of Jesus Christ. III. The second thief A. He too Convicted and tried and found worthy of death sentence 1. He is facing a hopeless situation too, facing death and judgement a. His crimes had landed him in the electric chair, and he was about to die and face God in judgement. b. He knew his crimes deserving of death was being administered. c. He feared God and repented. 2. He is fearing God judgement and wanting a chance at salvation a. He facing judgement has a moment of clarity and remembers the message that Jesus preached, what was his message? Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. b. This thief is thinking how I can repent because I am facing judgement and death. c. He is looking for a way to reconcile with God… 3. He decided to trust in God to provide a way if possible (1 Cor 10:13) a. About to die he thinks: if I could, get right with God I would. b. About to die, he thinks: If I could obey what Jesus preached, I would… c. About to die, thinking if I would die repenting, then I would… B. He is remembering the messages he heard from Jesus (godly sorrow) 1. He is nailed to a cross dying next to Jesus and remembers what Jesus preached a. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is very near… b. He about to die saying yes very near for me… c. Wonders how to repent nailed to a cross… 2. He is looking to reconcile and has godly sorrow in his heart a. An opportunity presents itself and the repenting thief capitalizes. He defends Jesus and His righteous cause and then says remember me when you come into your kingdom, remembering what Jesus had preached earlier... b. His faith rewarded, repentance and reconciliation were His last dying act that resulted in heavenly treasure. c. Jesus the Author of salvation and remission of sins made a way through the repenting thief’s obedience to the word of God, for salvation. 3. He has a hope of redemption and mercy, trusting God a. The thief nailed to the cross, does not doubt the Lord’s words, but was like be it so… b. Today you shall be with me in paradise, c. Jesus rewarded the thief’s actions of faith and obedience to His preached word. C. He is given an opportunity to repent and in one deed of repentance obeys God 1. He is hoping within himself, hoping a chance to obey Jesus a. Are you filled with godly sorrow for your sinful conditions? b. Are you wanting to be spared like the first thief? c. Are you wanting to be reconciled to God and taken to heaven today? 2. Seeing the door of opportunity as a sinful man rails against God a. If God asked you today, then would you go? b. When the railed charged prove yourself as God save yourself and us… c. Are you going to repent and obey or rebel? 3. He repents like a champ in full obedience to Jesus a. The second thief repents like a champ. He is granted an opportunity for salvation and defends Jesus and His cause. b. He is also rewarded and accepted his reward by faith… today you will be with me in paradise… c. It is never to late to repent and reconcile with God. Conclusion: 1. Jesus is the Author of salvation to all those that obey Him (Heb 5:9) a. Have you heard the good news that Jesus became a man and was born of a virgin and lived under the law of good and evil and never once choose to do evil. He then laid down his life as a perfect sinless sacrifice in our place and purchased a new agreement between God and mankind called the New Testament of Christ. b. Matt 11:28-30 c. Mark 16:16 2. There were two thieves only one obeyed Jesus while the other railed Him a. Which cross are you on? Jesus’ cross? 1st thief cross? Or the second thief cross? b. Either you already crucified with Jesus and are sanctified through the redeeming work of Jesus cross, or you are on one of the other crosses. c. Which thief are you? The one that is bitter and rails against God? Or the one that trusts even in certain death there is a way of salvation if man could only obey? 3. If Jesus came back right now where would you spend eternity? a. DO you believe yes or no? b. Are you right with God? Yes or No? c. If God came back right now. Then would you Go? Or run away?

Warning to the church which thinks because it has no needs it is right with God… Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eye salve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent...Revelation 3:17-19.   The clothing we are clothed in comes from righteous deeds… And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints...Revelation 19:8.   Here are some righteous deeds to gain gold tried in a fire… Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels...Matthew 25:37-41.   Prayer Father please meet our soul’s deepest needs and open our eyes to gain gold refined in a fire…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend   #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Incarnation of Jesus Introduction: 1. What is the Bible about? How would you answer this question? a. It is about man’s redemption from sin, which means it is about Jesus our redeemer b. A person could reason that the Bible’s theme is Jesus Christ 2. A general outline of the Bible: Old Testament point to Jesus coming, the New says Jesus came and Is coming back to take us home 3. Jesus Christ is the very center of Christianity, obviously there can not be Christianity without Christ 4. I want to talk about the incarnation of Jesus Christ with 3 major points: a. Jesus is God b. Jesus is Man c. Jesus purpose for becoming a man I. Jesus is God A. The Inspired Word of God says Jesus is God 1. The bible declares that Jesus is God a. Rom 9:5, “whose are of the fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all, God blessed forever amen” 2. Thomas and his good confession (John 20:19-29) a. Thomas was not with the other disciples, when Jesus showed Himself to them b. Thomas said he would not believe unless he put his fingers into the nail prints and into His side. Some because of this event call Thomas doubting Thomas. c. Jesus came again and showed Himself to Thomas, when Jesus asked Thomas to put his fingers into His nail pierced hands, Thomas said My Lord and My God. d. If Jesus was just a man then He could never be called God without someone sinning. e. Jesus accepted Thomas and his worship, so Jesus was God. Peter in Cornelius’s house would not allow a man to worship him and declared to Cornelius that he too was just a man. Jesus however is more than just a man. f. It is idolatry to worship anything other than God Himself. It is idolatry to worship the created. 3. Jesus equated Himself equal to God a. John 10:30, Jesus said my Father and I are one. b. No man could ever say that he and God are one 4. John the Apostle witness concerning Jesus (John 1:1-14) a. Jesus is inferred to be the word in verse 14 b. In verse 2, He was with God. In verse 1, He is God c. He created all things, John was originally a Jew and believed in one God Deut 6:4. No Jew would say that there were two God’s unless they knew Jesus was indeed God. 5. General epistles concerning Jesus a. Col 1:15-18, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature for by Him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in the earth, visible, invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, principalities, powers, all things are created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and by Him all things consist. He is the head of the church the firstborn from the dead that in all things He might have preeminence. b. Heb 1:8, with the Father speaking, it says “thy throne O’ God is forever and ever a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom” B. The 3 in 1 Trinity 1. Father is God a. 1 Cor 8:6, but to us there is but one God, the Father of whom are all things and we in Him b. Gal 1:1, Paul an apostle (not of men, neither by man) but by Jesus Christ and God the Father c. Paul references the Father as being God 2. Holy Spirit is God a. Acts 5:1-4, b. Anannias had predetermined to lie about how much money they were giving. Probably did this in order to receive prestige, prominence, and inflated pride c. Peter says in vs 3, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit? You have not lied unto men but unto God. d. Rom 8:9, “You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if so be the Spirit of God dwells in you” 3. Summary of the Trinity a. Jesus is said to be God. The Father is said to be God. The Holy Spirit is said to be God b. Scripture clearly says that anyone of them can be called God. These are inter-dependent on each other, co-equal, co-eternal and inseparable. They are united in oneness by their essence or substance or what they are made out of. You and I are both flesh, they are God. God is One Authority. c. Mat 3:13-17, Jesus baptism is a picture of the Trinity. Jesus being baptized, the Spirit descending and the Father speaking II. Jesus was human A. The Scripture Says He was a man 1. John 1:14, the word was made flesh. a. The eternal Word that had existed from the beginning, was made flesh b. God decided to make Himself flesh. Like me putting on a glove. 2. Phil 2:5-8 a. Jesus laid aside the glory of Heaven, so He could become a slave to the Law He ordained b. He was God and was being worshipped in Heaven. Jesus laid aside His throne and became a servant. The Creator became the created, instead of being served He began to serve. God can never stop being God, He just laid aside His will and submitted to the predetermined will of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that was decided before the world was formed. 3. John 8:40 a. Jesus said, but now you seek to kill me a man that told you the truth. b. Jesus said he was a man 4. Acts 2:22 a. Ye men of Israel, hear these words Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God among you by miracles, signs, and wonders… b. Peter says, the Jesus was also a man c. We all know that Jesus was a man B. As a Man he felt our weakness 1. He was tempted a. In Mat 4:1-11, Jesus was tempted by the devil. Jesus responded with the word of God b. Jesus due to flesh was tempted, but His will, and the power of the Holy Spirit that lighted upon Him at his baptism, was stronger than the flesh c. Heb 4:15, for we have not a high priest that can not be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted as we were yet without sin” d. Jesus felt the pull of the flesh in the direction that leads away from God but did not succumb to it e. Heb 2:15, in that He Himself suffered temptation He is able to succor (comfort) them that are tempted. 2. He was tired a. When dealing with the woman in Samaria at the well, He sat down because He was tired b. John 4:6, “Now Jacob’s well was there and Jesus being wearied from His journey sat thus on the wall” 3. Jesus also was thirsty a. John 19:28, Jesus was on the cross about to die and says I thirst 4. Jesus went to sleep a. Luke 8:23, as He sailed He fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake b. He woke up and rebuked the wind and the storm settled down. In this example, we see Jesus Divinity and his humanity C. He had human emotions 1. Sorrow a. John 11:33-36 Raising of Lazarus 2. Compassion a. Mat 9:36, “but when Jesus saw the multitudes He was moved with compassion” 3. Strong Crying a. Heb 5:7, “who in the day of temptation offered prayers and supplications with strong tears and crying unto Him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that He feared” b. Jesus became a man and as such he submitted to doing the predetermined will ordained before the foundation of the world. 4. Anger a. John 2:13-17, Cleansing of the temple b. In this scene of Jesus life, Jesus took a cord and threw out the moneychangers. He called it a den of thieves. c. Then the disciples remembered that it was written the zeal of Thine house has eaten me up Ps 69:9. d. Anger is not sin, it is an emotion. However any emotion left uncontrolled can cause a person to sin. Be angry and sin not Eph 4:26 III. The Role of Jesus A. Each Member of the Trinity has a role or function to perform 1. The father a. He plays the role of the designer or authority b. He is the one with the plan 2. The Son a. He plays the role of the provider b. He provided a way for all mankind’s needs to be met 3. The Holy Spirit a. The Spirit plays the role of the doer b. He takes the plan and the provision and works it to completion B. The Son 1. Jesus referred to Himself as God the son of Man a. Think about that literally. He is the God that became the son of mankind 2. His Humanity a. We can identify with Jesus because He became like us b. We can see ourselves in His shoes doing what He did according to our ability c. We all have heard of the phrase wwjd have we not? d. Jesus also had vulnerability because of His human side. He was hungry, thirsty, sleepy, suffering in pain e. Emotional vulnerability could also worked to undo Jesus. He was betrayed, lied about, rejected, the very people he trusted betrayed him, the people He tried to save plotted to kill Him, Jesus took it all for us though, because He loves us. C. Jesus Purpose of the incarnation 1. Jesus put on humanity to kill sin a. 1 John 3:5, and you know He was manifested to take away sin and in Him there is no sin b. Jesus Role was to provide a way for mankind’s sin to be taken out of the picture c. Jesus said I will become like the man that I created so I can impart my perfection and righteousness to them that believe and obey my will 2. Jesus was sinless a. 1 Pet 2:21-24, 1Pe 2:20-25 ESV For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. (21) For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. (22) He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. (23) When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly. (24) He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. (25) For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. b. We are healed by the stripes that Jesus took for us on His back to save us from our punishment. c. 2 Cor 5:21, for He has made Jesus to be sin for us, who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him d. We cannot be righteous by our own merits, so we trust in Jesus promises to impart that righteousness to us through faith in obeying His words. e. Jesus role revealed to us was to pay for infinite amount of sin, and to absorb an infinite amount of wrath. Conclusion: 1. Jesus is God and was involved in the creation of Man and even planned to save mankind before man was ever created. Nothing was or has been done without His knowing about it. Jesus knew every detail of the life He was going to live before He chose to come down to earth and live it (Jn 1:1-18, Col 1:15-18, Eph 1:1-8) 2. God can never stop being God, Jesus simply decided before He became a man what He was going to do and then when He became a man submitted to the predetermined will He and the rest of the God head had decided to do before the creation of the world. 3. Jesus was fully human, he felt human emotions, human limitations, human temptations, but was still fully God just did not use His Godhood but relied upon the God Holy Spirit to do the miracles and inspire Him to teach the will of the Father. 4. The Holy Spirit was the reason for His inspiration and the miracles. Listen: John 6:28-29, “then they said unto Him, what shall we do that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God that you believe on Him whom He has sent”. The miracles were never the point but the pointer, that pointed to Jesus being the savior of mankind to all those that believe and obey His New Agreement between God and Mankind the New Testament of Christ, which He is the only Mediator of.

Basic Doctrines Crucifixion Mat 27:32-50 Introduction: 1. There is a God. It does not take a rocket scientist to see this fact. We see the stars, moon, sun, and ecosystem, etc… 2. All of these things have order and since out of chaos comes more chaos, then order must come from somewhere. 3. God is the reason for the order in the world because he designed it to have order. We can read about how God made man in Gen 1. When He did he gave us free will and this is the ability to reject him or love him. He also knew that before he created man we would reject him. This rejection of His will is called sin and sin results in punishment from God Eph 1:1-6. 4. He also seen a way to reconcile our punishment from sin. He planned to bring in a sacrifice for our sin. John 3:16 5. Today I want to talk about the greatest thing we should be thankful for and that is the love offering made for us on the Cross-of Calvary, The Crucifixion of Christ. I. The Problem of Sin A. What is sin? 1. Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. (1Jo 3:4 ESV) 2. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. (1Jo 5:17 ESV) 3. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (Jam 4:17 ESV) 4. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Rom 14:23 ESV) B. The Beginning of Sin 1. Gen. 3:1-7 2. God had planned for this event a. It was not a surprise b. Jesus Christ was coming into the picture from before the beginning of Creation: “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (Eph 1:4-5) c. There is a prophecy in Gen. 3:15” I will put enmity (hostility) between you and the woman, between your seed and her. He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise His heal.” d. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (Joh 3:16-17) C. Jesus Died Because of Sin 1. As foretold he died for our sins. a. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (1Co 15:3) b. Isa 53:5-6 “But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” 2. He gave himself for our sin: “who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, (Gal 1:4) 3. He bore all of man’s sin on the cross a. 1 Pet 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” 4. The thoughts of the Christ offering himself on the cross remind us of the seriousness of sin and the redemption of mankind. a. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1Jo 1:8-10 ESV) D. Jesus Killed Sin 1. He condemned sin in his flesh through his death a. Rom 8:13 “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” 2. Through baptism we die to our selves and are born of the Spirit a. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his (Rom 6:5) 3. The crucifixion needs to remind us to crucify our fleshly lusts and pleasures. a. Gal 5:24-25 b. Col 3:5-11 I. Revelation of Love A. Jesus died because of His love for us 1. The love of the Father for a lost world. a. John 3:16 b. but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8) 2. The love of the Son a. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph 5:2) 3. The abundant love of God may we never forget it a. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1Jo 4:9-10) b. Propitiation- An eternal or forever atoning sacrifice B. Jesus demonstrated what true love costs 1. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. (1Jo 3:16) a. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. (Joh 15:13 ESV) 2. His love serves as a pattern for our love a. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (Joh 13:34-35 ESV) b. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (Joh 15:12 ESV) 3. May the love of Christ that was shown on the cross compel us to love. a. Greatest Commandment: Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mar 12:29-31 ESV) II. Jesus Died for All Mankind. A. Jesus died for all 1. God wants all men to be saved a. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2Pe 3:9 ESV) b. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Ti 2:4 ESV) 2. Jesus is our Propitiation a. 1 Jn 1:6-10 b. 1 John 2:1-2 B. Jesus is our only hope 1. JN 14:6 He is the way the truth and the light no man comes to the father but through Him. 2. Acts 4:12” There is no other name… 3. Deny the son, and one has not the Father a. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also(1Jo 2:23) b. if you abide in Christ teaching then you have both the Father and the Son 2 John 9 4. May the love Christ showed us on the cross compel us to accept His free gift of salvation. a. The whole idea of Christianity is “I know how to go to Heaven I tell you and then we both can go.” b. Church growth formula to double in size every year : If each Christian converts 1 person every year then the church will double in size every year. 5. The death of Jesus should cause us to examine our own lives a. We can see the seriousness of our sins b. We are told to examine ourselves, Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2Co 13:5 ESV). Not only do we need to take a look in the mirror according to our spiritual needs, but we can help others see their need of salvation from the Saviour. C. The Agony of Sin 1. MAT 27:32-50 2. “The wages of sin is death” Rom 6:23 a. God’s righteousness must punish sin. That punishment is death. If you are in your sins then you will suffer wrath of GOD. The good news is Jesus paid your debt. 3. As a process of Love offering and a propitiation of sin Jesus was scourged. a. Every sin you have committed was the reason for Christ suffering. b. Jesus died because of His love for you. He died because He loves you so much and He wants you to go to Heaven to live with Him forever. 4. Was Crucified. a. They would put nails through the hands of the victim. b. I seen on T.V where people were being suspended by fish hooks in a case. If they can be held up by that then Jesus could be held up by those nails. c. They then would have the person carry the cross tot he places to the crucifixion. d. Then they (Roman Soldiers) would fasten the beam onto the pole those forming a cross. e. Then they would nail the victims feet to the tree Conclusion: 1. Certainly more could be said about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 2. Perhaps this sermon will increase our appreciation of this great event. 3. Jesus death condemned sin a. His death revealed the love of God b. His death is for the ransom of many c. His death is caused by my sin 4. Christ is the way for Salvation. You will never know happiness and peace until you know Jesus Christ Your Lord. 5. Rom 6:23 “The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 6. The way to accept the free salvation is : a. Believe John 3:16 Heb 11:6 b. Repent Luke 13:3 Acts 17:30-31 c. Confess Mat 10:32-33 d. Baptism Mark 16:16 Acts 2?:38 e. Be Faithful Heb 10:26 Rev 2:10

Predestination Fact or Fiction?                       Ephesians 1:3-14   Introduction: 1.      How many of you think you have a destiny? Or have a certain predetermined fate? Have you ever said it must be fate? Well if you have then I want you to pay special attention to this lesson. This lesson is about predestination. Some may say that doctrines like predestination in the churches of Christ are taboo or should not be spoke about, but how can we reveal any truth on the matter unless we study about those issues? 2.      Why is predestination a big topic? Well there is a guy that wrote a book called a “Purposed Driven Life”, his name is Rick Warren. He had followed that book up with a “Purposed Driven Church”. The theme of these is that man has a destiny in God. Truly the idea of having a plan for our lives makes us realize there is a higher purpose in ourselves. That there is reason for the bad that happens or for the good that happens. I believe that is why the topic of predestination is largely believed. 3.      Some of our religious neighbors believe that everyone is predestined. In fact it is part of their basic doctrine or teaching. They believe that unless God picks you and enlightens you to believe in Jesus you will never become a Christian. A fair warning, most people in the pew do not realize this or believe this to be true but their pastors do believe it and are taught it in their seminary schools. 4.      So today I want to examine the truth on the matter. Are you predestined? Is your life planned right down to this very second? Or Is God so knowledgeable He allows us to chose whatever we want but knows what we will chose? I am here to tell you beyond the shadow of a doubt that we are predestined. Before you cast stones at me and say we do not believe that; here me out. I will show you from scripture we are predestined and not only that but that we still have free choice.   I.                    Why Is There a Heaven or a Hell for Everyone? A.    How Sin Entered Into The World (Gen 3:1-7) 1.      God gave mankind a command (Gen 2:16-17) a.       God told them they could eat anything they wanted, except for the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He said that if you eat from this tree you will surely die. b.      When God gives a direct command all other things are excluded. Means it was clear they could not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It also means they could eat from every other tree out there. Please notice the command though, he specified tree of the garden. c.       If it was not a tree or if it was not in the garden they could not eat of it. 2.      The devil came along and became the tempter a.       The devil decided to tempt Eve by adding to what God said. Notice the devil did not change God’s word but added a three-letter word, NOT. b.      We do not know why the devil had it in for us humans; the Bible is silent on the exact reason. However some say it was because he was jealous of us because God made us in His own image. Some say it was because of his pride that he got kicked out and because he was kicked out he thought he would mess up everything else he could that was God’s. Heaven only knows the truth on that matter. 3.      Eve was beguiled or tricked a.       1 John 2:16, says “for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride in possessions is not from the Father but from the world” b.      She was tempted with all three elements: (1) The lust of the flesh- “saw it was good for food” (2) The lust of the eyes- “She saw it was ” She seen the fruit as the devil held it up and was eating it. (3) The pride in possessions- She thought if she possessed the knowledge the fruit would give her she would be like God himself. c.       She also gave unto her husband. Notice he was not caught up in the deception, he just said okay I’ll eat it because you gave it to me Eve. d.      Sin entered into the world through trickery by the devil and free choice. B.     The Problem and Advantages of Free Choice 1.      What is free choice? a.       Freedom to chose whatever we want even if it is harmful or helpful to ourselves. b.      Have you ever been with a child and see free choice work? I am sure you have you tell the children please do not do this and what do they do? You have to correct them after that. c.       Maybe you have seen free choice in a cat or dog, they do not have the ability to reason, but none the less you tell your cat here kitty-kitty and they don’t move. Or you tell you dog after you throw the stick go fetch and they just look at you and lick you your hand as you point to the stick you just threw. 2.      Why do we have free choice? a.       It boils down to love. Can you make your spouse love you? You can do nice things to try to win them over but can you make them love you? b.      Since God created man to have someone to love then he can not make us like robots can he? c.       You and I have remote control cars and let us say we actually built a robot from scratch. We made it talk and tell us it loves us, we made it do back flips, drive a car, clean house, you made this robot do everything we wanted to, could you love it like you do your wife or husband? Of course not. It does those things, not because it wants to but because we made it to be our puppet on a string. d.      God wants us to love Him above all other things (Mark 12:29-31). If we are to love Him we must do it out of our free choice. We must freely choose to lay down my personal desires to do what I want to do and obey what God wants me to do. e.       You can not have love unless you have free choice. 3.      Advantages of free choice a.       Love rejoices in free choice. We show our love by freely choosing to obey God and not our own desires that we would rather do. I could be fishing right now out there on the Tennessee River catching some fish, but I freely chose to come here and worship God. b.      Our actions show us what we love. If all we ever do in life is fish and hunt then it shows us that we truly love to fish and hunt more than anything else in the world. c.       If our actions show that we love God first and foremost everyday then we will surely gain the Lord’s favor in our life. By gaining God as a friend we have help that surpasses any that we could get from humans. 4.      The disadvantages of free choice are sin and death. a.       God and his promise to Adam and Eve, in the day you eat of it you shall surely die b.      It was not a physical immediate death, the tree was not full of poison that would kill their physical bodies but their disobedience would inflame God and cause separation with His love and fellowship. c.       We can chose to love by obeying or we can chose to not obey and show dis-contempt or hate. II.                 The Solution To The Problem of Sin and Death A.    Debt Requires Payment 1.      Sin requires payment of wrong doing a.       Little Johnny went out and was hitting the baseball around and he knocked it through his neighbor’s window. Little Johnny’s dad paid to fix the window but made Johnny save up his own money to pay him back. b.      It would not be right for little Johnny not to fix the things he broke. The same is true for sin. c.       When you and I sin there is a punishment to be had, in Johnny’s case it was the price of the window, in our case it is the cost of our souls. 2.      We have more debt than we can pay a.       Our most valuable possession is our soul. It is worth more than any amount of money or thing. When we sin against God the cost of that window is our soul. b.      None of us has more than one soul; so obviously we cannot give our soul to pay the debt and still have a soul left over can we? B.     The One Who Can Pay Off Our Debts 1.      There is One who is rich enough a.       Jesus was made in the likeness of humans and he was sinless. He never ever sinned. He took our punishment as a sinner. b.      Because Jesus never broke a window in His entire life, and he gave his soul in place of ours. God allows him to pay for our broken window. Jesus offers to pay off anyone’s soul debt most people call sin debt. C.     How He Paid Off Our Debts 1.      Jesus was so righteous by never sinning he is able to pay off everyone’s debt. a.       Everyone here is like little Johnny we all have broken a window that we can not fix, but Jesus has enough money to pay for all of our broken windows. 2.      In terms of a checking account a.       Each act of disobedience adds to our total debt that must be paid one day. b.      When we steal from the store, or when we lie at work, or when we cheat on our spouse we acquire a certain amount of debt called sin. c.       You and I are not and will never be rich enough to pay off this debt called sin. Because the price to pay it off is your soul and you only have one soul not two. d.      Jesus is like the richest man in the world. He offers to pay all of your debt if you will do what He teaches or says. So Jesus takes our account balance in our checking account and pays of the debt. III.              The Truth About Predestination A.    Problems Associated With Predestination 1.      Jesus will pay anyone’s debt or Jesus will fix anyone’s broken window. a.       2 Pet 3:9, “the Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness but is long suffering towards us-ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” b.      1 Tim 2:3-4, “this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” c.       Jesus does not care how many people you have killed, how many lies you have told, each of these debts called sin He can pay off. 2.      Those that believe in predestination have to wonder why there is a hell a.       If God chose specific individuals to become Christians, then why is there a hell? b.      Those that hold this view have to believe that God chose some to burn in eternity and others He chose to live in peace with Him in Heaven. c.       Some that hold this view will say that God chose a path for each one us when we were born and if we live long enough we would become Christians. The problem with this view is that makes God unable to perform His own plan! B.     We Are Predestined Without a Doubt 1.      We are absolutely predestined without a doubt. a.       Earlier I mentioned I would show that we are predestined and still have free choice, this is the time I want you to pay close attention because here is the heart of the matter. b.      Eph 1:3-15…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say, in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,--in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God's own possession, unto the praise of his glory. For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints...Ephesians 1:3-15. c.       Notice the words in this text; according as He has chosen us- God chose us we did not chose Him right? That is what some of our religious friends say is predestination or predetermined. d.      Notice also in him before the foundation of the world: Paul told the Ephesians that they were chosen to be adopted in Christ before the world was formed! e.       It absolutely clear that we are beyond a doubt predestined to be Christians. Don’t cast stones yet, let me make a few more points then I will wrap it up where it makes good sense. 2.      Clearly the text in 1 Pet say Christ was planned before the world began a.       1 Pet 1:19-20, “but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without a blemish and without spot, who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in these last times for you” b.      Notice 1 Pet 1:19-20, Jesus was foreordained   before the world, - as in before God decided to make dry land and before he made man Jesus and his death, burial, and resurrection had been planned to redeem man before he ever created man. c.       This answers some people’s question of why did God make a mistake when Eve and Adam sinned. God knew when He gave us the ability to freely choose we would sin. So He made a way for us to be reconciled. Jesus was not a backup plan to sin and mankind. He was the plan. C.     Freedom To Chose Our Predetermined Destination 1.      We all have been chosen before the world began a.       Ephesians chapter 1 says that clearly. 2.      Jesus was predetermined to die, be buried, and be resurrected in order to save from sin a.       1 Peter chapter 1 clearly says that Jesus was not an after thought but that had been planned before God ever created even dry land. b.      Jesus was the Saviour of mankind the day God formed man out of the earth and blew in life. 3.      What does it mean to be predestined in Christ according to the scriptures? a.       Think about the time period. With the book of Ephesians Paul was writing about AD 60. This is about 27 years after Jesus had ascended to Heaven. This was not before Jesus came to earth but after the cross of Jesus. b.      Paul was simply saying that because the sacrifice of Jesus causes us to be reconciled to God,  if we are going to become right in God’s sight we have to come through Christ. c.       Paul was not teaching individual election, but that all of mankind has been predetermined to be Christians if they want to go to Heaven. d.      It is not a matter of God choosing the individuals at Ephesus, but that because of the time period in which they lived, i.e. after the death of Christ and establishment of the church, they were predestined to be Christians. God did not predestine individuals but mankind to become Christians if they are to be saved or reconciled with God. 4.      These scriptures do not teach individual election, but teach individual choice. a.       We still can chose to follow God or not to follow God. We still can choose to believe the saving message or not to believe it. It is our free choice. b.      If we choose to give ourselves over to God to be saved then we are predestined to be followers of His son Jesus, because Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the truth the way and the life no man comes to the Father but through me” c.       There is only one way to be saved and that my friend is through the precious blood of Jesus. Conclusion: 1.      We all have the same choice that Adam and Eve had in the Garden of Eden. We can chose to obey what God has said, or we can chose to do what we want to do. It is our choice. If we hear the message of how to be saved and do nothing we will be lost if we die or if Jesus comes back before we repent.. 2.      However, we can exercise our free choice and become a Christian. If we chose to do so then Jesus will pay for all of our debts that have been made. Jesus is the only One who has enough money to pay for your sin. The cost of sin is our soul and we don’t have two souls, so Jesus is the only way. By becoming a Christian today you will make the same choice the Ephesians did when they chose to follow Jesus and not to follow sin. Will you as everyone else in heaven has; choose to be predestined to be a Christian? Yes or no?   3.      In order to become a Christian you must: Hear the message of salvation (Rom 10:17) Believe the message (Heb 11:6, John 3:16-17) Repent of sin (Luke 13:3,5, Act 17:30-31) Confess Jesus as Lord (Mat 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10) Be Baptized (Acts 2:38-39; 1 Pet 3:21; Gal 3:27)

Warning about false teaching and teachers… I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from Him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel; which is not another gospel: only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema. As we have said before, so say I now again, If any man preaches unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema. For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ...Galatians 1:6-10. neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questionings, rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now. But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned: from which things some having swerved have turned aside unto vain talking; desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully...1 Timothy 1:4-8. But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction...2 Peter 2:1. For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries...Hebrews 10:26-27. And the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will...2 Timothy 2:24-26. Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…...Ephesians 6:10-18.   Prayer Father please grant me repentance and mercy…I renounce satan, sin and self…please meet my soul’s deepest needs for salvation and grace…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend   #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Faithful is as faithful does… And he called unto Him the multitude with His disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself (Have a Jesus first attitude), and take up his cross (burden to become a Christian), and follow me (faithfulness to practice the truth)… For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's (good news of Jesus death, burial and resurrection) shall save it. For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? For what should a man give in exchange for his life? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels...Mark 8:34-38. You faithful with the truth of Jesus’s death burial and resurrection…you are faithful to the practice the truth Jesus teaches too…you have never denied being a follower of Jesus or do you wish this was true of you? Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked Him trying to enforce his will on Jesus after Jesus told Peter He was going to suffer and die. Are we truly handling the word of God right…or are we twisting up the word of God to fit our own will? Prayer Father please meet our soul’s deepest needs for mercy and forgiveness…giving us a light and easy burden to bear and help us to live faithfully and never deny Your Only Human Fathered Son Jesus…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Stinking thinking… And He called to Him the multitude again, and said unto them, Hear me all of you, and understand: there is nothing from without the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when He was entered into the house from the multitude, His disciples asked of Him the parable. And He saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Perceive ye not, that whatsoever from without goes into the man, it cannot defile him; because it goes not into his heart, but into his belly, and goes out into the draught? This He said, making all meats clean. And He said, That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, coveting, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, railing, pride, foolishness: all these evil things proceed from within, and defile the man...Mark 7:14-23.   Do you plan or think evil…or sex…or stealing…or murdering…or another person’s spouse…wanting what God has not given you…? Do you oppose God’s word with wickedness…or through deceit…bad lusts…or just see evil being done instead of good will…do you rail against God and His people? Do you think you are a self made man (pride)? Jesus is tell us that these are heart issues if these are present then we need to purify our hearts and be conscience of the presence of such. Sin is lurking at the door when thoughts of these are present. Jesus said these defile a person these make one commit a sin. Stinking thinking makes one stink. Sinful thoughts lead to sin. Instead we are to think on Holy things listen…   In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things...Philippians 4:6-8. Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall exalt you...James 4:7-10.   Prayer Father please clean our hearts and minds so we can think on Your will and meet our soul’s deepest needs help us not to sin in our hearts or actions against You and Your only Son…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend   #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

God is faithful to supply all our needs…   Money should be your servant not your boss… And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now unto our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever. Amen...Philippians 4:19-20. For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopes for that which he sees? But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it...Romans 8:24-25. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof...Matthew 6:30-34.   Do you love God or money… It is written…But godliness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows...1 Timothy 6:6-10.   How many people settle for a blessing on earth instead of a treasure in Heaven… Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also. The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon...Matthew 6:19-24.   Prayer Father please show us mercy and cleanse us from any form of strange fire…please meet our soul’s deepest needs and remove anything hindering us from obeying the truth…please meet our soul’s deepest needs and we renounce satan and his kingdom…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend   #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Have you heard the good news about Jesus…short message of good news…   Have you heard the good news of Jesus Christ, becoming born of a virgin living under the law the good and evil…The Ten Commandments...taught to us by the Jewish people…the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?   Jesus Christ, being born into the tribe of Judah had only never break one of the 10 Commandments to remain sinless and Holy. Jesus, being the only Fathered human of our Creator was made perfect and never chose to do the wrong thing. He never broke one of the 10 Commandments and he offered his own life as a sacrifice to be punished as if he had broken the commandments so he could forgive you and me for having done the wrong thing…having broken one of the commandments.   Jesus will teach us the truth and all we have to do is what is right by our Creator. This sound like good news? That a man named Jesus died and was raised from the dead for you so that you could choose to right over a wrong thing…yes or no? Jesus already paid the penalty for your sin, but you have to trust Him to reveal the truth to you so that you can do what is right by your Creator. Is this sound like good news?   Jesus said, unless you’re born on the water in the spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven. Jesus said he believes in his baptized will be saved... He who doesn’t believe he died so you never have to choose wrong again will be damned. Have you been baptized in Christ yes or no? Will you be baptized in the Christ yes or no?   Jesus died and was raised from the dead on the first day of the week as proof He can save you from your sins…He’ll teach you the truth show you right and all you have to do is right by God and creation Sound like good news…then please render obedience to the Author of salvation…   Joh 3:16-17 ASV  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten (Fathered) Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.  17  For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him…though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation; Heb 5:8-9 ASV Jesus said…He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieves shall be condemned...Mark 16:16.   Will you obey Jesus and be saved by surrendering all to Jesus in baptism…yes or no?     Prayer Father please remove anything hindering us from obeying the truth so we can be right with fellow man and You our Creator in Jesus of Nazareth’s name (Acts 22:8) Amen.   Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend   #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing…false prophets... But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them (you ever heard someone say Jesus did not do something the bible said He did do?), bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their lascivious (bad lusts) doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of...2 Peter 2:1-2. even he, whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness...2 Thessalonians 2:9-12. But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strife. And the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure (perhaps) God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will...2 Timothy 2:23-26.   We have to have a love of the truth in order to discern a liar’s teaching. Jesus promised Christians we will know the truth and the truth will set us free…John 8:32. Jesus said He is the way the truth and the life…John 14:6. Jesus said the devil is the first liar…listen…You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stands not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof. But because I say the truth, ye believe me not...John 8:44-45. Having a love of the truth and practicing the truth is the only way to survive a lie and a liar.   We must have a thus it is written for all we do. We must have a Jesus said so we can practice the truth without error in judgement. Jesus said we have to love Him the spirit of Truth more than our family or our friends. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my words: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me...John 14:23-24. Do you have an unquenchable thirst for the truth…Jesus said blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be filled.     Prayer Father please increase our love of the truth and help us be filled with the love of what is good right and true please meet our soul’s deepest needs and we renounce satan and sin please grant us repentance in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.   Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend ...   #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography