Faith Baptist Church Snyder, TX.

NEW SERMON

BACK TO BETHAL

Ge 35:1 ¶ And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS THIS MORNING WE ARE IN NEED TO GO BACK TO BETHAL. BETHAL, MEANS HOUSE OF GOD. THERE MAY BE SOME OF US HERE TODAY THAT HAS STRAYED FROM BETHAL. I KNOW THERE ARE SOME THAT AREN’T HERE TODAY THAT HAVE STRAYED FROM BETHAL! TODAY LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT:

BACK TO BETHAL

I. NEED TO BE A LISTENER- Ge 35:1 ¶ And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel

A. BE A DOER OF THE WORD- Ge 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

1. Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

2. Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

II. NEED TO BE A LOSER OF IDOLS: Ge 35:4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

A. LAYING IDOLS DOWN: Heb 12:1 ¶ 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,

B. LEAVING, OF SINS- Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

III. NEED FOR THE WHOLE LAND TO BE THERE: Ge 35:6 ¶ So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him.

IV. BLESSINGS OF GOD LOOSENED- Ge 35:9 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. 10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. 11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins 12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.

NOTE: BLESSINGS GURANTEED: 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

THIS MORNING WE THE PEOPLE OF FAITH BAPTIST, HAVE A NEED TO: LISTEN, AND LET GO, FOR GOD TO BE ABLE TO BLESS. WE NEED THE FULL BLESSINGS OF GOD! NOT PARTIAL.

LET MY PEOPLE GO!

Ex 8:1 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

PHARAOH, IS A TYPE OF SATAN, EGYPT IS THE TYPE OF THE WORLD.

THIS MORNING BROTHERS AND SISTERS, WE HAVE A NEED TO CONTINUE OUR PILGRAMIAGE TO BETHAL, NOW THAT WE ARE CONFESSING AND FORSAKING. NOW LET’S GO TO THEM AND TELL, SATAN TO: LET GOD’S PEOPLE GO!

Ro 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

I. LET MY PEOPLE GO, BECAUSE THEIR CHRIST’S:

1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1Co 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

NOTE: WE HAVE A SAVIOUR, WHO KNOWS OUR NEEDS, AND SATAN, HE DOESN’T HAVE LOVE FOR US, MANKIND, JUST CONTEMP, AND HATE, BECAUSE WE, MANKIND IS MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD!

II. LET MY PEOPLE GO, SINCE, THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME: Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Re 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

III. LET MY PEOPLE GO, FOR CHRIST LOVETH THE SINNER BUT HATES THE SIN: Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

NOTE: EVEN JESUS HIMSELF LOVES THOSE TO MOST THAT MANY WOULD CONSIDER UNLOVEABLE: Mt 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Mt 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

THIS MORNING JESUS LOVES US, HE LOVES THOSE WHO AREN’T HERE YET, AND HE LOVES THOSE WHO DOES KNOW HIM YET, LET’S GO TELL, LET OUR PEOPLE GO:

LET THEM GO FROM THE BONDAGE OF THE WORLD.

LET THEM GO FROM THE BONDAGE OF SATAN, AND HIS DIVICESES!

PERSISTENT PEOPLE

THE LAST FEW WEEKS, WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT A THEME: BACK TO BETHAL, FIRST WITH JACOB AND ISRAEL PUTTING AWAY OF SINS AND GETTING BACK TO BETHAL, “GOD”.

SECOND, WITH MOSES, AS HE TOLD PHAROH TO LET MY PEOPLE GO, WE AS CHILDREN OF GOD MAY INTERVIEN ON THEIR BEHALF TO TELL SATAN TO LET GOD’S PEOPLE GO.

TODAY, WITH JOSHUA, WHO HAD NO SMALL JOB, HE WAS TO CONQUER JERICHO, BUT HE DIDN’T DO IT ALONE. IT WAS A PEOLE THAT MARCHED! LET’S LOOK AT PERSISTENT PEOPLE!

Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days

I. JOSHUA WAS PERSISTENT- Jos 6:2 And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.

3 And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.

A. PERSISTENT IN DEVOTION TO GOD

B. PERSISTENT IN DEVOTION TO PEOPLE

II. PRIEST, WERE PERSISTENT- Jos 6:6 ¶ And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.

A. PERSISTENT IN FOLLOWTUDE

B. PERSISTENT IN FELLOWSHIP

III. PEOPLE, WERE PERSISTENT- Jos 6:7 And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD.

8 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.

Jos 6:10 And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout.

A. PERSISTENT IN ORDERS

B. PERSISTENT IN OBSTACLES- NOT ONLY WAS THE WALL AN OBSTACLE BUT THEIR FAITH THAT IT WOULD COME DOWN, AFTER ALL THAT MARCHING.

THIS MORNING: Jos 6:16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.

Jos 6:20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

SHOUT

LETS BE PERSISTENT PEOPLE,

WE HAVE THE VICTORY!

MESS UPS

DRESS UPS

Lu 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

BROTHERS AND SISTERS, TODAY, WHAT TYPE OF MESS UPS WERE YOU BEFORE JESUS FOUND YOU? SOME OF YOU TODAY, MAY BE STILL MESS UPS, LETS LOOK AT WHAT IS A MESS UPS:

I. U- UNITED WITH THE WORLD- Mt 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

A. SATAN TEMPS US WITH WORLDLY PLEASURES- 1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

B. SATAN TRICKS US WITH MESS UPS DREAMS- 1Ti 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

NOTE: HAVING MONEY, OR POCESSIONS IS NOT EVIL, BUT, IF YOU ALLOW SATAN TO MESS YOU UP, HE WILL SNARE YOU INTO THE THOUGHT THAT THIS IS ALL IT TAKES! JUST AS HE DID IN MAT.4:8 WITH CHRIST

II. P- PURSUING DIFFERENT LUSTS - Mr 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

A. LUST OF THE FLESH- 1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

B. LUST OF THE EYES

C. PRIDE OF LIFE

III. S- SITTING WITH THE SCOURNFUL - Ps 1:1 ¶ Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

A. WHEN YOU SIT - YOU AREN'T BUSY, YOU BECOME A BUSY BODY.

B. WHEN YOU BECOME SCORNFUL- YOU HAVE SOAKED, AND YOU HAVE SOURED.

SO THIS MORNING ARE YOU IN THE MESS UPS? ARE YOU LIKE MARY MAGDALENE, FROM MESS UPS TO DRESS UPS:

I. U- MARY WAS DRESS UP, IN CHRIST- Lu 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

NOTE: WE MAY THINK OF MARY AS A PROSTITUTE, BUT NO WHERE IN THE WORD OF GOD, DOES IT SAY THAT SHE WAS. SHE MAY HAVE CARRIED ON, BUT THE WORLD WOULD DISCREDIT MARY, BECAUSE, HER LIFE WAS DRESSED UP, BECAUSE CHRIST FOUND HER, AND SAVED HER SOUL, AND SHE FOLLOWED CHRIST ALL THE WAY TO THE CROSS!!

II. P- PERFECT WILL- Ro 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

III. S- SITTING WITH CHRIST- Jas 2:5 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?

Ro 8:17 ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

LET'S BE LIKE MARY MAGDALENE, LET'S BE DRESS UP LIKE CHRIST, DON'T BE A MESS UP, AND IF YOU ARE, JESUS CAN CHANGE YOU, JUST AS HE DID MARY MAGDALENE!

FROM MESS UPS, TO DRESS UPS

**NEW SERMON**

In God We Trust:

I. TRUST HIS DEFENDING POWER- Ps 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. {defendest...: Heb. coverest over, or, protectest them}

II. TRUST HIS DEFEATING POWER- {Ps. 9:10 & Ps. 17:7 & Ps. 25:2} Ps 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Ps 17:7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. {by thy...: or, them which trust in thee from those that rise up against thy right hand} Ps 25:2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

III. TRUST HIS DELIVERING POWER- {Ps. 25:20 & Ps. 31:19}Ps 25:20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Ps 31:19 ¶ Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

IV. TRUST HIS DESTRUCTION POWER- {Ps. 55:23 & Ps. 56:3} Ps 55:23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee. Ps 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

In God we Trust

THE ROAD TO DISASTER

THE ROAD TO DISASTER

LUKE 15:
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

THIS IS THE STORY OF THE PRODICAL SON, WE KNOW THE STORY WELL, BUT MANY TIMES WE DO, NOT HEAR THE STORY OF THE ROAD THAT LED HIM TO DISASTER!
TODAY WE SHALL LOOK AT THIS YOUNG MAN’S ROAD:

I.                   ROAD WAS FULL OF DESIRE- 2 PETER 2: "13": And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; "14": Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: "15": Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
A.             LEAVE GOD’S PEOPLE- HEB. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
B.             LEAVE GOD’S PRESENCE- {THE FATHER HERE IS THE TYPE OF GOD THE FATHER, AND WE ARE LIKE THE PRODICAL, TRYING TO GET AWAY}         1 COR. 6: 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
II.                ROAD WAS FULL OF DETOURS- 1 COR. 9: 24": Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
A.      DETOURS OF FLESHLY DESIRES- 2 TIM. 2: 22": Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
B.      DETOURS OF FAMILY DESIRES- LUKE 15: 12: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
{THIS MAN LEFT HIS FAMILY TO JOURNEY A ROAD WITHOUT HIS FAMILY, AND LEFT HIS VALUES HE WAS TOUGHT FOR THE WORLD}
III.           ROAD OF RETURN WAS FULL OF DWELLING-   LUKE 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18: I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19: And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20: And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
A.      DWELLED WITH SWINE- LUKE 15: 15: And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16: And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
B.      DWELLED WITH SURENESS OF FORGIVENESS: LUKE 15: 20: And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
SO TODAY, WILL YOU TAKE ALL THAT JESUS HAS GIVEN YOU AND SPEND IT ALL AWAY OF YOUR FAR AWAY JOURNEY, DON’T TAKE THAT JOURNEY!

IF YOUR ARE ON THE JOURNEY, IT’S NOT TO LATE, TO DETOUR BACK TO WHERE YOU LEFT THE FATHER, COME BACK TO THE FATHER’S HOUSE, TO THE FATHER, WHO LOVES YOU, THE FATHER, WHO PROVIDES A WAY!!!

DON’T GO ON: THE ROAD OF DISASTER!!!!

SATAN'S BEATITUDES

SATAN'S BEATITUDES

IF THE DEVIL WERE TO WRITE HIS BEATITUDES, THEY WOULD PROBABLY GO SOMETHING LIKE THIS:

1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians -- they are my best workers.

2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked -- I can use them.

3. Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church -- they are my missionaries.

4. Blessed are the trouble makers -- they shall be called my children.

5. Blessed are the complainers -- I'm all ears to them.

6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes -- for they get nothing out of his sermons

7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church -- for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.

8. Blessed are those who gossip -- for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me.

9. Blessed are those who are easily offended -- for they will soon get angry and quit.

10. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God's work -- for they are my helpers.

11. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister --for he shall be with me forever.

12. Blessed are you who, when you read this think it is about other people and not yourself -- I've got you too!

How to handle whats handling you

HOW TO HANDLE WHAT’S HANDLING YOU--Matthew 11:28

God will allow things to enter our lives that nearly devastate us. But, He does it to grow us and teach us more about Him.

Now, we all know that trouble and trials are part and parcel of the human life. After all, Job said it, Job 14:1; Job 5:7.

And so did Jesus, John 16:33. Burdens, troubles, trials and difficulties are going to come our way!.

In this little, simple, short verses, Jesus gives us clear teaching on what to do with our burdens. He teaches us How To Handle What’s Handling You.

Let’s look into this verse for just a few minutes this evening and think on that thought:

HOW TO HANDLE WHAT’S HANDLING YOU.

I. TAKE YOUR BURDENS TO THE RIGHT PLACE

A. Fretting Won’t Help You - (Ill. Most people take their burdens here, but it is the wrong place to take them. After all, we are forbidden from worry by the Word, Phil. 4:6; John 14:1. (Ill. Lot’s of people are just like Martha, Luke 10:38-42.)

B. Friends Won’t Help You - Job tried to tell his friends about his burdens, but he found that they were “physicians of no value”, Job 13:4. (Ill. The problem with friends is that they will lie to you! They will allow you to wallow in self-pity and tell you that you have a right to do so. They may even sympathize with you, but they can’t really help you with the real burdens of life!)

C. Fleeing Won’t Help You - You will never be able to run away from the problems and trials of life.

D. Fighting Won’t Help You - A lot of people try to live in denial and fight what they are called to face. Fighting against what the Lord brings into your life is dangerous! If you aren’t careful, you might find yourself fighting against God.

E. The Father Will Help You - Notice the invitation - “Come!” The Lord throws open the door and invites all who are in need to come to Him for help, Heb. 4:16.

II. TRANSFER YOUR BURDENS TO THE RIGHT PERSON

A. There Is One Who Cares About Your Situation - 1 Pet. 5:7 - Jesus has walked through loneliness, need, and death. He knows what you’re going through and He cares about you, Heb. 4:15.

B. There Is One Who Can Do Something About Your Situation - Not only does He know what we face, He can change what we face and how we face it! (Ill. His power is beyond imagination - Eph. 3:20; Job 42:2; Luke 1:38.) (Ill. Isa. 40:12 - If He can place the stars in heaven with a spreading of the fingers, then your problems and mine pose no problem at all to Him! If He can.... for..., then He can.. For you!)

III. TRUST YOUR BURDENS TO THE RIGHT PROVISIONS

A. Sometimes He Will Remove Your Burden - There are times when the Lord changes your situation in an instant, removing your burden. (Ill. The Widow of Zarepath - 1 Kings 18!)

B. Sometimes He Will Relieve Your Burden - There are times when the Lord will leave the burden on your shoulders, but He will lighten the burden a little bit. He did this for Ruth when He allowed her path to cross that of Boaz, Ruth 2-3!

C. Sometimes He Will Rest You In Your Burden - This is the most common aid we receive from Him. He gives us grace to carry the load we have been assigned, 2 Cor. 12:9. (Ill. The glory of Him changing us in our situation instead of Him just changing our situation.)

Conclusion:

However He decides to handle your situation, you can be sure that He will always do that which is right for your life, Rom. 8:28.

And, you can rest on His promise that He will meet your need, Phil. 4:19!

Ill He is still Jehovah-Jireh - Gen. 22:14.)

What’s handling you today? Why don’t you just bring it to Him? He knows how to handle what’s handling you!

GRAFFED IN!

GRAFFED IN!

ROM. 11: 13: For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15: For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16: For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17: And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18: Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19: Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20: Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22: Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23: And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24: For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? 25: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel , until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.

NOTE: THE FIRST THING THAT I SEE, IS THE WORD GRAFFED, IS IN THE TEXT SIX TIMES= MAN’S NUMBER. WE HAVE TO BE GRAFFED INTO THE HOLY BRANCH IN ORDER, TO KEEP OUR WALK FRESH!!!!

I.                    GRAFTED BY AN HOLY ROOT- WE SHOULD STRIVE TO BE HOLY-          ROM. 11: 16: For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
·        2 COR. 6: "17": Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, "18": And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
A.     SEPARATE FROM THE WILD UNTRAINED ROOT- ROM. 16: 17: And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
B.     SEPARATE FROM THE WEEK, TO INCOURAGE GROWTH- “NOTE: IF WE ACT LIKE THE WEEK, THEN HOW ARE THEY GOING TO SEE HOW TO GROW”

II.                 GRAFTED BY LOVE NOT SPITE- ROM. 16: 18: Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19: Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20: Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
A.     GOD LOVES US- 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 EVERLATING LIFE.
B.     WE ARE TO DO THE WILL OF HIM, WHO SAVED US-       1 COR. 6: 20": For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
NOTE: BE NOT HIGHMINDED, BUT FEAR:= PRV. 1: 7": The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

III.               GRAFTED IN, NOT TO BE IGNORANT- ROM. 11: 22: Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23: And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24: For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? 25: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery…
A.     NOT IGNORANT OF THE GRACE OF GOD: 2 PETER 3: 5": For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: "6": Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: "7": But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. "8": But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. "9": The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. "10": But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. "11": Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

New Sermon, BACKSLIDING THE WAY OF THE CHURCH

****NEW SERMON****

BACKSLIDING, THE WAY OF THE CHURCH

Jer 3:21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God. 22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.

THIS MORNING I WOULD LIKE TO PREACH A SERMON ON THE MOST COMMON SICKNESS WE HAVE IN OUR CHURCH, AND THAT IS BACKSLIDING! WE HAVE A NEED TO GET TO THE GREAT PHYSICIAN AND GET A NEW DOSE OF HIS PRECIOUS OIL, FOR THE CURE:

I. BACKSLIDING IS IN THE PULLPITT: HIGH PLACES:

“A voice was heard upon the high places”

A. PREACHERS AREN’T SOUL WINNING ANYMORE.

B. PREACHERS AREN’T SOUL STIRRING ANYMORE.

C. PREACHERS AREN’T SOUL HUNGRY ANYMORE.

II. BACKSLIDING IS IN THE PEW: “weeping and supplications of the children of Israel”

A. PEOPLE AREN’T CONCERNED FOR THEIR NEIGHBORS ANYMORE.

B. PEOPLE AREN’T READING THEIR BIBLES ANYMORE.

C. PEOPLE AREN’T HUNGRY FOR THE MEAL OF THE WEEK, ANY MORE.

III. BACKSLIDING CAUSES PERVERTEDNESS- “for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.”

A. WE PERVERT THE BIBLE FOR OUR OWN GOOD

“ WE DON’T HAVE TO ATTEND CHURCH IT IS FULL OF HIPROCRITES ANYWAY”

B. WE PERVERT OUR CALLING FOR OUR OWN GOOD: “I’VE SERVED THE LORD, LET SOMEONE ELSE DO IT NOW”

C. WE PERVERT OUR MISSION: “PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT CHRIST ANY MORE, LET’S JUST HAVE CHURCH, AND DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE REST”

IV. THE CURE FOR BACKSLIDING IS: PENITENCE- “22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.” Re 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

A. WE BACKSLIDERS NEED TO REPENT

B. WE BACKSLIDERS NEED TO RETURN

NOTE: IF NOT, WE ARE NO GOOD TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST, AND WE HAVE LOST OF SAVOUR, AND WE ARE GOOD FOR NOTHING.

“Mt 5:13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

LET’S GET THE CURE, IT CAN ONLY BE APPLIED IF YOU AND I ARE WILLING TO REPENT, LET’S GET BACK TO WHERE WE NEED TO BE!

DON’T FALL AWAY!

LUKE 8: 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

THIS MORNING THERE IS SOME WHO WILL FALL AWAY FROM JESUS.

I. F- FOLD UP- John 13: 2": And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

A. Fix your heart on Jesus- Ps. 57: 7": My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

B. Follow Christ- Matt. 16: "24": Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

II. A- Abasement- Is. 14: "11": Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. "12": How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! "13": For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: "14": I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. "15": Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. {Luke 14: "11": For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.}

A. Allow yourself to become entangled in this world- Gal 5: "1": Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

B. Align yourself with Christ- James 1: "27": Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

III. L- Lapse of dedication- 2 Sam. 11: 1": And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. "2": And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. "3": And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? "4": And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.

{David should have been in the battle, instead he was on top of the house, thinking “I am the man”}

A. Look to Jesus for our redemption- Luke 21: "28": And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

B. Leap into action- Mark 1: 17": And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. "18": And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

IV. L- Lay Hold- 1 Tim. 6: 12": Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

A. Listen to the call- 1 Samuel 3: 1": And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. "2": And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; "3": And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; "4": That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

HIS MYSTERIOUS WAYS

HIS MYSTERIOUS WAYS

1 COR. 4: 1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 COR. 12: 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

THIS MORNING FAITH BAPTIST IS CELEBRATEING JESUS’ MYSTERIOUS WAYS. HE CHOSE TO START THIS WORK 38 YEARS AGO WITH BRO. BUCK HATFIELD, WHO LIKE TO GAMBEL, AND DO OTHER THINGS. HE RECEIVED CHRIST AS HIS LORD AS SAVIOUR, AND HE SURRENDED TO THE MYSTERIOUS WAYS OF THE LORD.

I.                   THE MYSTERIOUS WAY OF PREACHING- 1 COR. 1: "21": For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
A.      JESUS CAN USE ANYONE- SAUL BECAME PAUL- ACTS 9: "1": And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, "2": And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. "3": And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: "4": And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? "5": And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. "6": And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
NOTE: BRO. BUCK FLED, BUT JESUS SPOKE AND BRO. BUCK WAS ELIGHTENED BY THE PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD.
B.      THROUGH THE ACTS OF PAUL AND BRO. BUCK, WE WHO WERE SICK WERE HEALED: ACTS 28: "7": In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. "8": And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. "9": So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

II.                MYSTERIOUS WAY OF THE POWERHOUSE:
A.      THE BIBLE NEVER GOES OUT WITHOUT CATCHING SOMEONE- IS. 55: "11": So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
1.      THE WORD OF JESUS HAS GONE OUT FROM FAITH BAPTIST FOR 38 YEARS NOW, IT HAS BROUGHT IN A GREAT HARVEST OF SOULS THROUGH THE YEARS.
2.      THE WORD CAUGHT BRO. BUCK, AND HAS COUGHT YOU THAT ARE BORN AGAIN!!!
B.       THE BIBLE {KJV} IS: HEB. 4: "12": For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

III.             THE MYSTERIOUS WAY OF SALVATION BEING PERMANENT!
A.      THE HAND OF GOD HOLDS YOU! JOHN 10: 28": And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. "29": My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
B.      THE LOVE OF GOD KNOWS NO END!         MATT. 28: 20": Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

TODAY, FAITH IS CELEBRATING 38 MYSTERIOUS YEARS, OF PEOPLE BEING BORN AGAIN, AND BEING ROOTED IN THE WORD OF GOD! DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU KNOW, DO YOU THINK SO, OR HOPE SO, IF SO, LET’S GET IT DOWN TO KNOW SO!!! DON’T LET 38 YEARS GO BY, AND YOU NOT KNOW FOR SURE WHERE YOU SOUL WILL SPEND ETERNITY.

TAKE A DIP!!!

TAKE A DIP!!!

2 Kings 5: 9So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. 11But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.    12Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. 13And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? 14Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

TONIGHT WE MAY NEED TO TAKE A DIP! NAAMAN HAD A OBVIOUS PROBLEM, BUT HIS PROBLEM THAT COULD NOT BE SEEN WAS WHAT ELISHA WAS CONCERNED ABOUT!!!

I.                   NAAMAN WAS AFRAID TO KNOCK- at the door of the house of Elisha.
A.      WE ARE LIKE THAT, WE COME TO THE DOOR, AND DON’T ASK FOR WHAT WE NEED.
B.      THE BIBLE SAYS, {JAMES 4: "3": Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.}

II.                NAAMAN WAS KVETCHING- {A CHRONIC COMPLAINER} 11But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.    12Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? ? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
A.      JESUS TELLS US, BUT WE THINK THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENTLY, BUT, “HIS WAY’S ARE MYSTERIOUS, AND NOT OURS”.
B.      THE BIBLE ENCOURAGES US, TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST, NOT OUR MIND! 1 COR. 2: 16": For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

III.             NAAMAN KNUCKLED UNDER- his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? 14Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
A.      SUBMIT TO HIS WILL- JAMES 4: "7": Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
B.      SUBMIT TO THE MAN OF GOD- HEB. 13: "17": Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

TONIGHT, LET’S TAKE A DIP IN THE LOVE OF JESUS AND FORGET, WHAT WE THINK, AND LET JESUS USE US, NOT US USE JESUS!!!!

WILL YOU OR WANT YOU?

WILL YOU OR WANT YOU?

MATT. 21: 28But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31Whether of them twain did the will of his father?

TONIGHT WILL YOU OR WANT YOU, DO WHAT JESUS HAS TOLD US TO DO, THAT IS THE QUESTION? WE NEED TO MAKE UP OUR MINDS TO WHAT WILL BE OUR LEGACY HERE ON THIS EARTH!

I.                   JESUS WORKS WITH A REPENTED HEART! 29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
A.      HE WAS HARDENED BY HIS CIRCUMSTANCE.
B.      HE WAS HARDENED BY HIS SURROUNDINGS.
C.      HE WAS HYPERSENSITIVE TO HIS CALLING.

II.                JESUS WORKS WITH A RIPENED HEART! but afterward he repented, and went.
A.      HE WAS HONORING HIS FATHER- OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN…
B.      HE WAS HARMONIOUS WITH HIS HEAVENLY FATHER- …THINE WILL BE DONE…

III.             JESUS REFUSES LIARS- 1 JOHN 2: 22": Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
A.      WHEN WE SAY ONE THING, AND DO THE OPOSITE! 30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
B.      JESUS HAS TOLD US TO GO, WHEN WE RECEIVED CHRIST, WE SAID WE MAKE HIM LORD:
L- LEAD YOU
O- ORDER YOUR STEPS
R- READER OF THE WORD
D- DEVOTED TO HIS CAUSE (WINNING SOULS)

THIS YOUNG MAN SAID HE WOULD GO, BUT HE LIED! TONIGHT, WHEN YOU RECEIVED JESUS AS YOUR LORD, YOU SAID YOU WOULD GO, WILL YOU LIE, LIKE HE DID, OR HAVE YOU SAID NO, BUT JESUS IS DEALING WITH YOU. WILL YOU REPENT, HAS YOUR HEART RIPENED WITH THE WORD OF GOD, HAS IT MATURED? REPENT, AND GO TO THE FIELD!!!!

WILL YOU OR WANT YOU?

Bow the Knee!

BOW THE KNEE!

Eph 3:14 ¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

TONIGHT, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, THERE IS A GREAT FALLING AWAY FROM THE HOUSE OF GOD, AND EVEN JESUS HIMSELF. PAUL WAS ENCOURAGING THE CHURCH THEN TO STAND FIRM, IF HE COULD SO COULD THEY! YOU SEE PAUL WAS IN PRISON IN ROME, AND HAD BEEN BEATEN, AND TESTED, SO HOW ABOUT IT CHILD OF JESUS CHRIST, WILL YOU BOW YOU KNEE TO JESUS CHRIST?

I. ENDURE HARDNESS: Eph 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

A. DON’T BE PUSHED AROUND BY SATAN! 2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

B. DON’T BE MOVED IN YOUR DEDICATON: 1Th 3:3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

II. BOW DOWN TO THE HEAVENLY FATHER! Eph 3:14A ¶ For this cause… WHAT IS THE CAUSE? 1Sa 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? DAVID LEFT THE SHEEP, TO GO TAKE FOOD TO HIS BROTHERS, THERE HE FOUND A FALLING AWAY BY THE ARMY, "IS IT NOT AN CAUSE" CAUSE TO FIGHT, FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE IN.

1. KJB

2. GOSPEL: DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

3. VIRGIN BIRTH

4. ETERNAL SALVATION

5. SALVATION- BY IT’S SELF

A. THE CAUSE IS WORTHY OF OUR DIEING FOR! 1Co 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

WILL YOU SAY NO TO THE WORLD, AND YES TO JESUS? WILL YOU SEE THAT THERE IS A CAUSE!!!

III. BOW YOUR KNEES! EPH. 3:14B…I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

A. PAUL DID: Ac 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

36 ¶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

B. STEPHEN DID: Ac 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

C. PETER DID: Ac 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

D. SOLOMON DID: 2Ch 6:13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

1. WHEN SOLOMON KNEELED, JESUS CAME DOWN! 2Ch 7:1 ¶ Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the 2Ch 7:1 ¶ Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house. 2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.

2. JESUS WILL FILL YOUR HOUSE, IF YOU BUT BEND A KNEE!!!! the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.

WILL YOU BEND YOUR KNEE, FOR YOUR HOUSE? WILL YOU BEND YOUR KNEE FOR GOD’S HOUSE!!!!