FAITHFULNESS OR FORFEITURE Pergamum

#222                                    FAITHFULNESS OR FORFEITURE

            Pergamum

Scripture  Revelation 2:12-17, NIV                                                                             Orig. 9-14-1978

                                                                                                                                   Rewr. 3-6-1989

Passage: 12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Purpose: Leading a Bible study for adults in Church Training

Keywords:                    Bible Study                  Revelation

Timeline/Series:           Revelation Letters        Pergamum

Introduction

            An appropriate beginning place this evening is an overview of these seven letters.  All consist of the same seven units. (Turn to one, follow.)

1.       Superscription to the church. 1, 8, 12, 18, 1, 7, 14

2.       Description of the divine author. 

3.       Account of spiritual condition.  1

4.       Message of praise or censure.

5.       Exhortation of some special need.

6.       Promise to the one overcoming.  7, 11, 17, 26, 5, 12, 21

7.       Attention commanded to Spirit.

            With that we come to Pergamos, the sensual church, the church in the world.  Its name speaks of unholy union.  Name means “very thoroughly married.”  We encounter a church in a very worldly city more caught up in the city and its enterprises than in her Lord.

I.          Reminder of the Spirit’s Passion to Protect.  V12 “These things saith he that hath the sharp sword with two edges.”

            The knowledge of their Lord is complete.  He knows.  He wills to protect (faith/failure).  He does not hesitate to chide.

            His weapon is two-edged sword.  For care: to chasten.  One for war; one for wit.  Same blade to prune, to cut away the churlish undergrowth.

            He knows the circumstance in Pergamos.  Pliny: “The most famous city in Asia.”  Provincial capital for 400 years (from 133b).  Library of 200,000 parchment rolls, vellum invented here: Aristophanes [librarian of Alexandria was] enticed.  Ptolemy locked him up.  Religious center:  Acropolis; Altar-Zeus; Asclepios, god of healing; center for emperor worship.  “Where Satan’s seat.”

            One other thought on “sword”: proconsul had right of sword over lives of people.  They had protector.

II.         A Record of Those Who Are Faithful to Obey.  V13 “I know where thou dwellest, . . . and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith.”

            Word for “live” suggests permanent residency.  Believers often looked upon as sojourners, outsiders.  Smyrna—“I know you.”  Pergamos—“I know where you live.”

            In the midst of such surroundings they were faithful.  Works are seen as commitment under fire.  Some were making supreme sacrifice.

            Pergamum puts me in mind of New Orleans.  “The city that care forgot”—Mardi Gras—“Fat City.”  Twelve pastors in New Orleans still,  who were before me.  Nolan Johnson died at his desk.

III.       A Reaction Against Satanic Influence.  V14 “Thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, . . . So . . . also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.”

            Old Testament reference to Balaam.  Doctrine—“teaching about”; See Numbers 23: temptation of Israel to idol worship.

            Reference to Nicolaitans: prior in 2:6: compare Ephesians 4:14f, 5:11 “Have no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness.”

IV.       A Reminder of Individual Christian Duty.  V15 “Repent; or else I will come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

            As at Ephesus, they were to repent.  There, they were technically correct, but had an unloving spirit.  Here an error pervaded their witness, and went unchallenged.

            The weapon of discipline is the same as the weapon of defense.  1:16 “Out of his mouth . . . a sharp double-edged sword”;  19:15 “Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword; that with it he should smite the nations.”  The sword of Rome was in heavy use.  By His word Christ would win the war.

            Two promises for the overcomers.  The hidden manna: (Exodus 16:32f/Hebrews 9:4): secreted by Jeremiah (II Maccabees) to be restored to the Messiah.  The white stone: mined near, used extensively—Tried and acquitted of crime; freed from slavery; victor in the games; warrior home from wars.

***THE REMAINDER OF THIS SERMON HAS BEEN LOST***

THE UNVEILING OF JESUS CHRIST

#239                                   THE UNVEILING OF JESUS CHRIST

Scripture Revelation 1:1-8, NIV                                                                                    Orig. 2/5/1989

``                                                                                                                              Rev. 10/17/1999

                                                                             Attached: 10/17/1999 for Alabama Baptist Church

Passage: Prologue 1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Greetings and Doxology 4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”[b]
    and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
    and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”[c]
So shall it be! Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Purpose:   Continuing a Revelation study for adults in Church Training, here unveiling the Christ whom John has known.

Keywords:        Bible Study                  Parable             Christ the Lord            Revelation

Timeline/Series:           Revelation

Introduction

            We talked last week about our own comprehension of the importance of this book.  The little test was designed to fix a value quotient in your minds.  It was interesting that you assigned a much higher value than many believers would have done, and it was established that most of us have read through The Revelation on our own recently.

            You may not be aware, however, that the book itself encourages us.  Though many of its symbols seem strange to us, most are explained in the book or in some part of the Bible.

            Daniel, you recall, was told to “seal up” the words of his prophecy until the “time of the end”  (Daniel 12:4).  This was not the end of time, but the “time” of the end of the gentiles.  John, however, reverses that predilection.  He says that the words of this “prophecy” are not to be “sealed” for “the time is at hand” (Revelation 22:10).

            Herbert Lockyer1 (A36p359) makes an interesting point about the symbolism of this book.  He says that this symbolism in the early chapters is related to Christ and his church; in the middle chapters, to Israel; and in the concluding chapters, to the nations.

            The material is apocalyptic, meaning that veiled messages are being revealed.  It is prophetic, meaning that it deals with both the declaration of the unknown, and boldly proclaiming what is known.  And its symbolism suggests the parabolic.  And a parable, you remember, is a story with a  hidden meaning.

I.          The Outline of Chapter One May be Perceived as Follows: 

·         Seeing what John saw, a risen, glorious Lord.

o   Introduction   vv1-3

o   The Christ John knew   vv4-8  lo

o   The Christ John heard   vv9-11

o   The Christ John saw   vv12-18

o   Conclusion   vv19-20              

·         It is interesting that the chapter begins with a constitution and ends with a commission.

o   Constitution   v1—“The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to show to his servants.”

o   Commission  v19—“Write.”

·          We have reason to look at a brief overview of the book.

o   The things which thou hast seen 1:9-20

o   The things which are   [ch] 2,3

o   The things which shall come to pass   [ch] 4-22

II.         A Brief Look at Symbols Unveiled

            First, our Lord’s nature. Alpha and Omega, Lord, Word, Jesus, Christ, King, Master, Lamb, Lion, Bridegroom, Morning Star.

            Secondly, Jesus’ activities.  (1)He chastens the church.  (2)Restores the Jews.  (3)Judges the world.  (4)Judges Satan and his host.  (5)Judges the wicked.  (6)As King He reigns.

            Finally, His relations.  (1)To the Father.  (2)To the Holy Spirit.  (3)With angels, saints, sinners, heaven, earth, and hell.

III.       A  Further Look at the Constitution. “The Revelation . . . blessing the one reading, hearing, . . . and keeping these words for the time is at hand.”

            They are things shortly coming to pass.  Does John mean soon, quickly, in the near future, with speed?  He “must” John 4:4.  With “speed,” “suddenness” may be best.  The idea is “with little warning.”  Keep Peter’s scale (II Peter 3:8) in mind.

            The Revelation Beatitude of which there are 7.  “Blessed is he”—1:3, 16:15, 20:6, 22:7.  “Blessed are they”—19:9, 22:14.  “Blessed are the dead”—14:13.  We would do well to remember here that the blessing is for those who “read” and “hear,” that “keep these words.”

            Remember that the “time is at hand.”  Again, from 22:10.  Remember, this was first of all a message of hope for believers then.  Written during 90-95 in time of persecution.  Domitian died in 96 A.D., and persecutions would never be so bad again.

III.       The Christ John Knew,  Vv 4-8

            V4 “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: grace and peace unto you from the One who is, and was, and will be, and from the seven spirits before His throne; and from Jesus.”

            While John doesn’t talk about a “trinity,” he shows his perception of the godhead—the eternal One; the mediating One “seven spirits”; Jesus.

               His message to the seven churches is of grace and peace.  “Grace”—chári---unmerited favor.  “Peace”—eiríni—to rest in God.

               The seven spirits.  Remember that the number seven represents completeness.  Isaiah (11:2) describes such spirit: spirit of the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of Lord.

               He thus describes his Christ.  Faithful witness—martus.   First begotten of the dead.  Ruler of kings (archó̱n).   John’s doxology: unto him that loved/washed/loosed, whether washed or loosed through the blood.  We are kings, priests in him before God, to Jesus be glory/dominion forever.  Back to the kingship of Jesus, recall that the reason for persecution was the obligation to call Caesar “Lord.”  Only One, Jesus, could hold that title.

               Now a word of Jesus’ return.  Declared by Jesus” Matthew 10:23, 16:28, 24:27, 42.  Acts (1:11) so opens “This same Jesus.”  Paul (I Corinthians 3:4), I Peter 5:4, Jude 14, James 5:8, Hebrews 10:37.  John’s description of his coming.  Precision—“with clouds.”  Preparation—“every eye”: “joy”—they “pierced,” “judgment.”  Proclamation—“all will wail”: unbeliever—judgment; believer—reminded of cost, of things undone, of loved ones lost, of joy in fulfillment.

               As a reminder of whose revelation this is, then Christ speaks. “I am alpha and omega, the beginning and ending.”  First and last letters in Greek alphabet; a commonly used phrase for completeness; an acknowledgment of His eternality; a secondary reference to His coming; a reminder again of His place in the godhead.

            Refer to seven truths—Robinson (R30p152).  (1)Sovereignty of God. (2)Lordship of Jesus. (3)Centrality of a community of saints in mankind.  (4)Divine meaning of history, his-story.  (5) Crises: struggle between good and evil.  (6)Perennial: final judgment.  (7)Sure goal of history.

Conclusion

            We spoke briefly about the number seven as a reference to completeness.  Let’s look a little further.  Pythagoras (R30p150) the mathematician started a system of religion in which religious values were equated with numbers.  One (1) was for unity, wholeness, aloneness.  Two (2) meant companionship, courage, increased strength.  Three (3) was divine number (Judaism, eastern).  Four (4) cosmic number (N.E.W.S.) universe/world.  Seven (7) the number of completeness.  Add four/three.  Found 54 times in Revelation.  What would six be?  (less than perfection)=666.  Ten (10) human completeness (fingers/toes).  Twelve (12) organized religion (three times four) tribes, apostles.

For Alabama Baptist Church on 10/17/1999:  Revelation Letters

Superscription to the church—“To the angel of the church in Smyrna.”

            2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14

Description of the divine author—“These are the words of Him who is the first and the last.”

            2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14

Account of their spiritual conditions—“I know your afflictions and your poverty.”

            2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15

Message of praise or censure—“Do not be afraid.”

            2:2-4, 9-10, 13-14, 19-20; 3:1-2, 8, 15-16

Exhortation of some special need—“Do not be afraid.”

            2:4, 10, 16, 20-22; 3:3, 9, 16

Promise to the one overcoming—“Be faithful . . . and I will give you the crown of life.”

            2:7, 10, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 20

Attention commanded to the Spirit—“He who has an ear let  him  hear.”

            2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

1Lockyer, H.  (1980).  Revelation: Drama of the Ages. Eugene, OR: Harvest House.

SMYRNA, SAVED TO SUFFER

#219                                        SMYRNA, SAVED TO SUFFER                                                         

Scripture Revelation 2:8-11 NIV                                                                         Orig. Date 1/23/1966

                                                                                                                       Rewr. Dates 9/12/1986

                                                                             Attached: 10/17/1999 for Alabama Baptist Church

Passage: 8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Purpose: Continuing a series from the Revelation letters, showing how a church under severe persecution was secure in the care of God.

Keywords:        Church            Faithfulness                 Suffering

Timeline/Series:           Revelation Letters

Introduction

            Smyrna is the only one of the cities listed among these seven that still survives.  It is the modern Turkish city of Izmir.  It was near to Ephesus, about 35 miles north on the Aegean coast.  Documents survive that tell of Polycarp, an early pastor, and his martyrdom.

            The following account of Polycarp’s death is recorded in Bettenson’s Documents of the Christian Church1:

            Polycarp was brought before the proconsul in the stadium at Smyrna.  At the time it was filled with a mob, itching for a blood-letting.

Proconsul:       “Curse the Christ.”

Polycarp:        “Eighty-six years have I served Him and He hath done me no wrong; how can I blaspheme my king who saved me?”

Proconsul:       “Swear by the genius of Caesar.”

Polycarp:        “I am a Christian.”

Proconsul:       “I have wild beasts, repent or I will throw you to them.”

Polycarp:        “Send for them, for repentance from better to worse is not a change permitted us.”

Proconsul:       “I will make thee to be consumed by fire if thou repentest not.”

Polycarp:        “Thou threatenest the fire that burns for an hour and in a little while is quenched; for thou knowest not the fire of judgment to come, and the fire of eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly.”1

I.          The Text First Tells of Smyrna’s Saviour.

            The church needed to know that this message was from the Lord.  V8 “These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.”  To Ephesus—It had been the One walking “amidst . . . seven golden candlesticks.”  Ephesus needed to remember sovereignty.  Smyrna needed the message of  hope in face of tribulation.

            The message was with great clarity  The One dead for their sin.  The One alive to make intercession.

            We need to be reminded about this church.  The name Smyrna means myrrh.  Myrrh had to be crushed to emit its fragrance.  Not a church [in a] magnificent building but one gathering in caves and catacombs; hated, outlawed, persecuted.

            The Lord reminds them of His positional sovereignty.  He knows their works; tribulation, poverty, blasphemy of enemies.  He knows how to counsel their struggles.

II.         The Text Next Teaches of Smyrna’s Spirituality.

            The spirituality of work: actually, the word “works” does not appear.  The rendering is “I know you.”  In the Christian faith, there is no difference between us and our works.

            The spirituality of tribulation: literally, the pressure of crushing weight, used of woman in childbirth, city under siege.  2 Corinthians 1:6: “And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”  See 2 Corinthians 11;24-30.

            The spirituality of poverty: it is the term for  one destitute of wealth.  2 Corinthians 8:9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”  Luke 6:20 “Blessed are ye poor.”  They live in an antagonistic environment.  Think of the Jews during World War II. Blacks in South Africa today. Believers in Russia.

            Penia—one who has nothing extra.  Ptocheia—one who has nothing.  Christians were from lower classes, often were slaves.

III.       The Text Goes on to Describe Smyrna’s Satanic Surroundings.  V9 “I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan.”

            There were ex-church members who became Jews to prevent losing their few possessions. Their problems were brought on by Jews.  Antioch—Acts 13:50; Iconium—Acts 14:2,5; Lystra—Acts 14:19; Thessalonica—Acts 17:5.  The Christian does not have the option of anti-semitism: Christ was a Jew.

            These were, in reality, Jews who had sold out their religious heritage by worshiping the emperor.  Romans 2:28-29 “For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly. . . .  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter. . . .”

IV.       The Teaching Goes on to Include Smyrna’s Suffering.  V10 “The devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried, and ye shall have tribulation ten days.”

            Tribulation—same word as before.

            The significance of “Ten.”  Literal ten days; ten imperial persecutions—from Nero (64 AD to 312 AD) there were ten imperial persecutions; a  brief period; extreme, complete persecution.

            Remember significance of name—myrrh.  They would be cast into prison.  Prisons were to await execution.  Matthew 10:28 “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.”

            The futurists believe that Smyrna represented the church age between AD 170-312.

V.         Finally, the Text Declares Smyrna’s Salvation.  V10 “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.  Not the diadema (royal crown) but the stephanos (victor wreath).

            Smyrna was famous for its games (Olympic).  Location of Mt. Pagos—crown of Smyrna.

            The promise to the overcomer.  V11 “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”  Shall not, never.  “Second death”—Rabbinic term for death of wicked in next world.  Death in the sense of physical demise.  Romans 6:23 “Wages of sin is death.”  Death in the sense of final punishment.  Death in the sense of unpardonable sin.

Conclusion

            Here having our first encounter with numbers we are required to deal with what we may expect.  Later we will encounter 666, the number of the beast, the facilitation of evil.  It is so because it comes short of the perfect number 777.  When Nero Caesar was transposed into Hebrew from Greek, the number assignments totaled 666.  The name Jesus, totaled 888.  By contrast, we see the personification of evil in Nero; and the personification of good in Christ (888).  We will have much to learn from these number evaluations as they appear in Revelation.

For Alabama Baptist Church on 10/17/1999:  Revelation Letters

Superscription to the church—“To the angel of the church in Smyrna.”

            2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14

Description of the divine author—“These are the words of Him who is the first and the last.”

            2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14

Account of their spiritual conditions—“I know your afflictions and your poverty.”

            2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15

Message of praise or censure—“Do not be afraid.”

            2:2-4, 9-10, 13-14, 19-20; 3:1-2, 8, 15-16

Exhortation of some special need—“Do not be afraid.”

            2:4, 10, 16, 20-22; 3:3, 9, 16

Promise to the one overcoming—“Be faithful . . . and I will give you the crown of life.”

            2:7, 10, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 20

Attention commanded to the Spirit—“He who has an ear let  him  hear.”

            2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22

1 Bettenson, H. (Ed.), (1967)  Documents of the Christian Church (1st edition). Oxford: Oxford University.

EPHESUS: EAGER BUT INDIGENT

#215                                    EPHESUS: EAGER BUT INDIGENT                                                     

Scripture Revelation 2:1-7, NIV                                                                                  Orig. 1/16/1966

                                                                                                                                 Rewr. 8/30/1986

Passage: 1 “To the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Purpose:           Using a Sunday evening series on the seven letters, sharing with my people the need for the church to be faithful to God and His commands.

Keywords:        Faithfulness                 Obedience

Timeline/Series:           Revelation letters

Introduction

            The first concept of this book is declared by the name which the book bears, Apocalypsis Ioannis, the Revelation of John.  The text clarifies this for us.  It is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ . . . Unto His Servant John,”  The word “Revelation,” better defined means to “uncover,” “to lay bare,” “to expose what has been kept in secret.”  It is, then, a disclosure of truth.  Paul uses this very word in I Corinthians 2:9-10a, Phillips:  

“9-10a But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him’. But God has, through the Spirit, let us share his secret.”

            Here are main approaches to The Book of Revelation by those who seek to understand its message.  They are as follows:

·         (1) Historist.  The historical perspective—The entire book was written to all then-existent churches through these seven churches named in chapters 2 and 3.  Some go so far as to suggest that Revelation is without significance to us outside of affording us a possible history lesson.

·         (2) Futurist.  The prophetic perspective—The churches listed represent various epochs through all history.  Ephesus represented the apostolic times.  One of these latter ones represents the church today.

·         (3) Idealist.  The transcending perspective—Through these seven churches, God speaks to all churches through-out all time.

            A brief background of the city is that this was one of the chief cities of the day.  It was wealthy, cultured, and corrupt.  It stood nearest to Patmos, from which place John received his vision.  Paul seems to have been the one who organized the church.  On his second journey, he spent two years there.  John, before his present exile to an Aegean isle spent years in and around Ephesus as pastor and itinerant evangelist.

I.          First, it contains an introduction to the people.

            It is from the Lord.  Precedent is Revelation 1:17-20.  “I am the first and last: I am he that liveth . . . The seven stars are the angels . . . and the seven candlesticks . . . are the seven churches.”  He is the One who holds these “messengers” in His hand.  It is His message,  He is the guarantor of its delivery.  His presence among His people is assured.  Revelation 1:3, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: For the time is at hand.”

            John 10:28.   28 ”I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”  Kratein---holding, rather to “hold fast.”  He “walks” (in the sense of thoroughly).  This letter is to the church in Ephesus.  As already mentioned, John had been its pastor.  Because of its location, and link with both Paul and John. It was an important link.  However, the church is loosening this hold on “first love.”

II.         Secondly, it is a message of instruction.  V4 “. . . I have somewhat against thee . . . .  Remember therefore.”

            A  look at what has been. Diligence to duty: work—service rendered; labor—toil at the cost of pain; patience—unwavering endurance.   Chris Evert—16 years in the Open.  More important, people who have come back again and again to serve.  Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well-doing.”  They had been zealous against evil.  V2  “cannot bear (evil) ones.”     

            The Lord knows as well what they have left undone.  There are sins of commission. We do what ought to remain undone.  There are also sins of omission.  We leave undone what we clearly ought to do.  Jesus spoke of it thusly—“They have left their first love.”  It is not in the sense of deserting the cause, as in the case of Demas “hath forsaken us.”  But in the sense of neglect—the verb, by the way, is singular.  Here’s the rub—they were working their heads off, but not for Christ’s sake, but rather their own.  Remember the parable of seeds/soil.  Some sprang up quickly, but without roots going deep to nourishment they perished.

III.       In Addition to Words of Introduction and Instruction, there is an Injunction.  V5, “Remember . . . or else.”

            “Remember” the prodigal son—refer again to those glorious years you served out of love for Christ. When you were repulsed.  When you were maligned and jeered.  When the idea of the church was scorned.  When believers joined slowly, but they came in with redeemed hearts.  Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you scribes, Pharisees. You do what appeals to the flesh.  You leave undone judgment, mercy,  faith.”  Which you should have done with leaving others undone.

            “Repent”—Not mere intellectual enlightenment.  2 Corinthians 7:9f “I rejoiced, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed unto repentance: . . . godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of.”  Abhorrence over our sins.  Heartbreak over our inability to change.  It is interesting to consider the idea of the church symbolized by the candlestick where the light has gone out, a candlestick is just one more thing to stumble over in the dark.

            “Return”—to this prior love for Christ, to work done for His glory.  Hebrews 3:3 “For this man was counted worthy of more honor than Moses, inasmuch as he who has builded the house hath more honor than the house.”  Jeremiah 2:2 “Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.”

            Or, “Retribution”—2:5 “I will remove the candlestick.”  Ephesus is no more.  The ruins are there, and they are impressive.  Temple of Diana (7 wonders), stadium, market.  It was here, you remember, that Paul opposed the silversmiths.  Here was a Roman bath containing over 100,000 square feet.  A harbor city, called “the market of Asia.” But a place of pagan superstitions, and immorality was rampant.

IV.       We Must Be Especially Sure that We Grasp the Message to Churches for Our Day.

            Christ is Lord of every church.  His voice must be heard on determination of leadership.  Episkopos—overseer (to watch over);  presbuteros—elder, level of spiritual expertise; poimen—pastor/shepherd. He gives leadership to each church.  “Walketh in the midst.”  “I know  your works.”

            He is the One qualified to dispense rewards and punishments.  He judges all activities.  He judges on the basis of heart response and not lip service.  Ephesians 6:8  “Whatsoever good any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord whether he be bond or free.”  I Corinthians 5:10 “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, whether it be good or bad.”

            Love for Christ must be primary in the church. II Timothy 1:12, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him.”

            The church’s charter is temporary—valid only so long as we are faithful to our Lord.  Ephesus today is an archaeologist’s dream, nothing more.  A city passed by.  The Cayster silted in.  She is miles from the Aegean.

Conclusion

            Dr. F.D. Coggan, Archbishop of York, has a pertinent word for us in conclusion.  He says that fulfilling the command of the Lord is the prerequisite to church renewal:  “Obey, and you will be renewed.  It is as simple as that.”  He goes on to add, “I had rather, 10,000 times rather, incur the divine rebuke for error in method, or even in doctrine, in a task done in obedience to his command, than I would to hear Him say, ‘I told you to go and you never went.’”

THE TWO CHOICES OF THE CHURCH

#222                                THE TWO CHOICES OF THE CHURCH

Scripture  Revelation 2:12-17, NIV                                                                     Orig. Date 1/30/1966

                                                                                                           Rewr. Dates 1/1982; 9/15/1986

Passage: 12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Purpose: Continuing the series on the Revelation letters, sharing with my people the two choices (faithfulness/forfeiture) confronting the church at Pergamos, and, in reality, our own church.

Keywords:                    Disobedience               Faithfulness                 Revelation

Timeline/Series:           Revelation Letters       

Introduction

            This is the third of the letters forwarded by John of Patmos to the Asian churches.  They were from the Lord.  The churches would receive them, and then they would be circulated to other churches.  The first letter named John’s beloved church at Ephesus.  They were reminded that being a body of Christ was more than just starting well.  The Ephesian church was organized by Paul, pastored by the “beloved” apostle.  But she must also remain true to her Lord.  It was the Lord’s intent to “hold” them in His hand.  Only by His holding could they remain permanently fixed.  And, as a lampstand, they were to continue to shed light in the darkness around them. Ceasing to do so, the lampstand was just something else to stumble over in the darkness.

            Then came the letter to Smyrna, another city of great importance in the Roman world.  The city fathers were interested in becoming the “Rome” of Asia.  Persecution was the offing for anyone who did not understand that tenet, and work with it in their lives.  But the believers already had One who was Lord.  They could not, must not worship Caesar.  What was not said to the church at Smyrna is indicative of a people who have made their choice to be faithful.  We are told of the kind of poverty found there.  We are told that these people had nothing, but they committed it faithfully to their Lord.  Now, the church at Pergamos.

I.          A Reminder of the Spirit’s Passion to Protect.  V12 “These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword: I know.”

            The Christ has perfect knowledge of them.  He knows the condition of their lives.  He knows their faithfulness.  He knows their sacrifices.  He knows when they fail.

            It is His purpose to protect them in their faith and in their failure.  He is put forth as One having “the sharp, two-edged sword”—a weapon with which to defend those or whom He is responsible; a like weapon of discipline; and edge for war and one for witnessing.  The sword is for our care, but it may sometimes be used to chasten. 

            The same blade may be used in the garden to remove the churlish weed, or to prune the over-anxious seedling.

            So, the Spirit knows the circumstance of these struggling believers in Pergamos.  Theirs was a famous city, called by Pliny “By far the most famous city in Asia.”  A provincial capital for 400 years, formed on authority from Rome in 133 BC.  Not great commercially, but culturally: Library with 200,000 parchment rolls; vellum invented here; Aristophanes, librarian of Alexandria [was] enticed [here]—Ptolemy locked him up, placed embargo on papyrus.  Great religious center—site of Satan’s seat:  altar to Zeus—high on hill [(at Acropolis)]; Asclepius—god of healing; administrative center of efforts to Romanize (emperor worship).  Word for “live” carries the idea of permanent residents (believers often considered “sojourners”).

            A final thought on “sword.”  The proconsul had “right of the sword”—a life or death power over others; believers were comforted by the knowledge of sword-bearing protector.  Hebrews 4:12 “The word of God which is sharper than any two-edged sword.”

II.         A Record of the Believer’s Faithfulness to Obey.  V13 “I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith.”

            Works are seen in commitment under fire.  Again, “works” does not appear.  Remember Smyrna, “I know you.”  Pergamos, “I know where you are.”

            What is the essential lesson for the Christian in regard to giving?  Many of us know how to give %.  Some even go so far as to give of time and talent.  But the first offering of faith has to be that of obedience.  Too many give to cloak godlessness.  Some Christians give to mask their continued disobedience.

            Some at Pergamos were giving of themselves.  Luke 11:42 “But woe to you Pharisees, for you tithe mint and rue, and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God.  These ought ye to have done and not left the other undone.” II Corinthians 8:5 “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord.”  With this intense and remarkable faith, they elected to remain here in this difficult city, perhaps the most difficult in the empire for Christians. Here, where “Satan’s seat” is.  Not Zeus, not Asclepius, but Satan tempting to Romanize.  One of the great principles of the faith is of conquest, demeaning escape.

III.       A Remonstrance Against Satanic Influence.  V14 “. . . Thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, . . . so . . . also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.”

            The Old Testament reference to “Balaam.”  “Doctrine”—didache/formal teaching (both).  Not Balaam’s doctrine, but teaching about Balaam.  Balak of Moab tried to use Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 23).  It was Balaam’s desire to do so.  He prepared bullocks on seven altars to entice God.  When he went anyway, an angel with a sword stopped his donkey.  Numbers 31:15 speaks of trespass, unfaithful act, treachery.  Balaam’s advice was to tempt Israel/idol-worship.

            Additionally there is reference to Nicolaitans.  They were seen at Ephesus (2:6).  “Hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans.”  Perhaps Ephesus 4:14-5:12 “Every wind of doctrine” [and] 5:11 “have no fellowship  [with] the unfruitful works of darkness.”

            Kiddo, one of the great Greek scholars, is quoted by Robert Mounce (New International Committee [panel that published the NIV translation]) “. . . the church’s (Pergamos) path lay between 2 deadly giants: legalism [with] its exaltation of trivialities and [Pharisees’] insistence on codes of rules, and antinomianism which in its reliance upon a devoted spirit insisted upon freedom from the tyranny of legal precepts and prohibitions.”  The church was being tempted to be like the world.  Don’t expect them to change, we must. 

IV.       Finally, a Reminder of Individual Christian Duty. V16 “Repent; or else I will come unto thee  quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

            As at Ephesus, they were to repent.  The problem at Ephesus was a correct but unloving spirit.  Here, the error pervading the church went unchallenged.  Will the real church please stand up?  (Stand out?)

            The weapon that is threatened against them is the same by which they were to be defended.  The “sword of my mouth” cannot be other than the word of God through Jesus.  1:15 “Out of his  mouth came a double-edged sword.”  19:15 “Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword; that with it he should smite the nations. The sword of Rome has been put to use.  The text tells of Antipas.  History tells us of Polycarp (1) at Smyrna, others.  With the sword of His mouth, the Gospel, Christ won the battle for Antipas, all the others.

            Finally, to the one overcoming, there are two great hidden promises.  The hidden manna—a Jewish tradition held that when Solomon’s Temple was destroyed, the manna secreted there (Exodus 16:32f, Hebrews 9:4) [was] taken by Jeremiah and hidden (II Maccabees) which was to be revealed/Messiah.  The white stone—a small stone mined near Pergamos and used throughout the Empire: Tried and acquitted of crime; freed from slavery; victor in the games; warrior home from the wars.

***THE REMAINDER OF THIS SERMON HAS BEEN LOST***

1 Bettenson, H. (Ed.), (1967)  Documents of the Christian Church (1st edition). Oxford: Oxford University.

THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

Scripture Revelation 1:1-20                                                                                        Orig. 6/14/1964

                                                                                                                                 Rewr. 1/24/1989

Passage:

Prologue

1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Greetings and Doxology

4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”[b]
    and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
    and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”[c]
So shall it be! Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

John’s Vision of Christ

9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[d] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels[e] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

Purpose: Beginning a text book study of Revelation for an adult Church Training class, here describing introductory materials

Keywords:        Bible Study                  Lordship of Christ                   Revelation

                        Letters to the Seven Churches

Timeline/Series:           Revelation       Letters to the Seven Churches             

Introduction

            Our purpose is two-fold.  One, we want to study the Book of Revelation.  We want to look at this material from the perspective with which it touches our lives, the lives of believers in the very late 20th century.  Two, we want to be aware of the variances that exist in study materials relating to this book.

            Is it important?  The answer to that is easy.  Yes!!  And it doubtless will become more important, if not to us, to our children and grandchildren  As in all apocalyptic material, the end-result is hope.  It has been our very good fortune to live during a very stable time.  Though there have been wars, and these shall continue, they have touched our lives only indirectly.  Except by the intervention of God, they likely will affect our children’s lives in disturbing ways.

            Someone defines this book in a very unique way.  I am paraphrasing what I remember from years ago.  The Bible is a sentence of God’s revelation of Himself to people.  The promise of the coming Messiah in the Old Testament is the subject of the sentence.   The predicate is found in God’s activity at the cross as revealed in the gospels.  The object of the sentence is seen in the lives of the disciples.  Revelation is the period at the end of the sentence.  With the closing of the Book of Revelation is the closing of God’s message of self-revelation, and man’s final inducement to hope.

I.          The Place to Begin is to Find Out What We Can about the Book.  V1 “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant.”

            Point number one has to do with authorship. John is mentioned as the one who receives the revelation.  He is not the author.  He is the agent.  There are various ascriptions to agency: KJV—Revelation of St. John the Divine; ASV—Revelation of John; RSV/TEV—Revelation to John; NIV—Revelation.

            John was therefore the scribe, clerk.  Does this self-identification hold true? Typically, famous heroes’ names are given with apocalyptic literature.  Is it the John we know or some other?  John writes in his own name; similarities with gospel, epistemology.  John had seen the humiliation, he would be the likely one to behold the glory.  (A36p360)  He heard parables with his heart; he viewed coming glory same.  He listened, and wrote, as the message was revealed.  The problem relative to style is resolved at Patmos.  Similarities (theology, Christology).  No amanuensis to smooth writing.

            V9, “I, John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”  He was there because of his faithfulness to the word, and to Jesus.  Exile is the word that comes to mind.

II.         A Writer Precludes a Precedent.  V3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear.”  And v4 “John to the seven churches which are in Asia.”  The seven churches were departure points.  They were the churches on the great Roman road in Asia Minor.  Not the only churches, they were key.  They are represented in order from Ephesus.  The “all” however, clearly shows that this message will transcend these localized congregations.  Immediately: to outlying churches; Directly: through missionary travels; Consequently: through placement in canon.

III.       Neither is there Reason to Spend Much Time Deliberating Date. 

There is no  supporting scripture.  That it was John gives approximation; that it was apocalyptic suggests that it was during time of turmoil.

There is external evidence.  Irenaeus, a second century bishop, advised A.D. 90-95, which history records as a time of persecution.  Contemporary evangelical scholarship agrees with this time of [Emperor] Domitian.  

            Some, however, hold to an earlier date such as the time of Nero (late 60s).  This was also a time of persecution.

IV.       We are Brought Next to Consideration of the Message Itself.  V1 “Things which must shortly come to pass.”  V1 “The revelation . . . signified.”  V19-20 “Write what you have seen, what is, what will be:  the mystery.”

            Look for a moment at a two-part outline. 

·         Part 1—(a) Christ and his churches, Chapters 1-3; (b) A vision of heaven, Chapters 4-5; (c) The seven seals, Chapters 6-7; (d) Complete overthrow and destructions of world ideals and institutions, and the dominion of Christ, Chapters 8-11

·         Part II—(a) The Messianic period, Chapters 12-14; (b) The seven bowls, Chapters 15-16; (c) The fall of Babylon (or Rome), or final destruction of evil, Chapters 17-18; (d) The coming of the Lord, Chapter 19; (e) Millenium/end of world, Chapter 20; (f) The consummation, Chapters 21-22.

            A quick look at word meanings. (a) Revelation (apokálupsis): an uncovering, an unveiling of what has been hidden.  Luke 2:32 “a light to (lighten) the gentiles.”  Romans 16:25 “. . . the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the (revelation) of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.” (b) Signify (sēmaino): make known by signs. Used three times in John’s gospel—12:33, 18:32, 21:19.

            An interesting sidelight [Genesis v Revelation]:

Genesis—Creation of Heaven and Earth

                                    Revelation (21:1)—Creation of new Heaven and Earth

Genesis---Earthly paradise lost

                                    Revelation—God’s paradise revealed, tree and river of life

Genesis—First man, Adam and Eve

                                    Revelation (21-22; I Corinthians 15:47)—Second man, Christ/bride

Genesis (22:7)—Beginning  of sin

                                    Revelation (20:14)—Satan cast into lake of fire; death and hades

Genesis—First acts of sin

                                    Revelation (11:15, 19:11f)—Final punishment

Genesis—Rise of Babel

                                    Revelation (18:21)—Destruction of Babylon

Genesis (4:17)—City of Man

                                    Revelation—City of God; great city (21:10), holy city (21/22)

Genesis—Sorrow, pain, death

                                    Revelation (7:17, 21:4)--Opposite

            The establishment of Revelation as prophecy.  1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words  of this prophecy.”  22:7 “Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

            Prophecy—propheteia: to speak forth.

            By definition—(a) not primarily “foretelling”; (b) declaration of what cannot be known through natural means; (c) forth-telling of the will of God. (d) Contemporarily, prophecy relates to what is known, I Corinthians 13:8,9.

Conclusion

            There  is a shift in Revelation relative to Rome.  Where before she is seen as benefactor (Corinth, Acts 18:1f, and Ephesus, Acts 19:13f), now she is enemy.  Caesar worship is the reason.  Obligatory to pronounce “Caesar is Lord.”

THE IMMEDIACY OF “NOW”

#466a                                                        THE IMMEDIACY OF “NOW”

Scripture  John 9:4, II Corinthians 5                                                                                                          Orig. 2/25/1968

                                                                                                                                                                                    Rewr. 9/1969

Passage: As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

Purpose: To speak to my people about commitment that does not measure up to God’s expectations.

Keywords:           Commitment                     Discernment                      Resolution

Timeline/Series:               Before Easter                     Covenant

Introduction

                Three days ago we celebrated the birthday of George Washington.  At least we acknowledge that it was a different day in many respects. 

                Around our town and every other one large enough to own a calendar the birthday was observed with Hatchet Sales, Cherry Tree Specials, and George Washington’s Day Spectaculars.  I suppose that the reason behind this type of commercialization is to inspire trust.

                In the Halls of Congress on that day every year, Washington’s Farewell Address is read.  In recent years we are told that only a handful of our nation’s spokesmen have aspired to be present for the occasion,

                The second portion of the Church Covenant speaks directly to the urgency of Christian service.  It is pointed toward the immediacy of now  For Washington, the secure establishment of a nation depended upon his dedicated leadership.  Only the future can tell what awaits your dedication and mine.

CHURCH COVENANT We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love;  to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and spread of the gospel through all nations.

                The key words are verbs and the reason for John 9:4. 

I.             Now is the Time for Unity. The love of Christ constrains us (2 Corinthians 5:14) to walk together in Christian love.  It decries judgment attitude toward others.

                How often we hear Christians criticize other churches.  “You hear about so-and-so’s church?  I know that wouldn’t work.”  Bro. Plauché told of his  conversion without berating the Catholic religion.  Jess Moody tells about the man who, when he talks about other people’s sins, his talk is nine part true! 

                Proverbs 26:20 “Where no wood is there, the fire goeth out; where there is no tale bearer, the strife ceases.”  An Eleventh Commandment:  “Thou shalt mind thine own business and no one else’s.”  Nine and Ten mention neighbor—Thou shalt neither lie nor covet. 

II.            Now is the Time for Discernment, to strive for advancement in knowledge, holiness, comfort.

2 Corinthians 5:15 “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”  Be susceptible to changing society.

                Advancement in knowledge.  In this day of heart transplants and space probes, who would doubt the validity of the Kingdom of Heaven?  Our children are learning in 2^nd and 3^rd grade what we learned in 6^th and 7^th. Some we are not happy about.  We know less and less about the Bible.

                Advancement in holiness.  Not a holiness that makes pretenses about itself ((Pharisees (1)shoulder; (2)wait-a-little; (3)bruised)) but a holiness that acknowledges personal unworthiness and God’s charitableness. (ref. G30p191). 

                Advancement in comfort.  We need no covenant to appreciate material and physical comfort.  But there remains the comfort of forgiven sins and dislodged guilt.

III.           Now is the Time for Candidness, to promote prosperity and spirituality—II Corinthians 5:17, “old things are passed away”—determining what is spiritually profitable.

                Being ourselves:  One of the most appealing characteristics of Candid Camera was its honesty.  Quiz shows [were] rigged—We felt duped.  Even so, pretense in religious belief leaves people with a bad taste. I was in school with young men more interested in mimicking Billy Graham than discerning their own potential.  If there seems to be an experience beyond yours then search in prayer and scripture but don’t pretend. 

                Speaking an understandable word to the age in which we live:  John 16:25, “The time cometh when I will use parables no more, but I will speak to you in plain words about the Father.”  Corinthians is classic Bible teaching on tongues: words easy to be understood, [yet] how shall it be known what is spoken?  To the Pentecostal—the unknown tongue; to the Baptist—lofty phrases without meaning.

                Promoting the spiritually profitable: I Corinthians 14:12, “Since you are eager to have the gifts of the spirit, above everything else, you must try to make greater use of those which will build up the church.”

IV.          Now is the Time for Resolution, to sustain worship, ordinances, discipline.  II Corinthians 5:18 “All things are of God.”

                These things are sustained through personal involvement.  Israel’s greatest danger: Deuteronomy 6:10ff “cities you did not build, houses full which you did not fill, cisterns hewn out which you did not hew, vineyards and olive trees you did not plant; when you eat and are full take heed lest you forget the Lord.”

                Someone has wisely noted that in the faith of Jesus there are no grandchildren.  In the Hebrews’ faith great store was  laid in children, grandchildren, and their children.  They were Hebrews regardless. But in Christ there must be a personal experience for each believer.

                The things we sustain:

• Worship—a periodic, communal encounter with God and others
• Ordinances—a continuation of basic expressions of Christ’s death for sin and our death to sin
• Discipline—a standard to hold men to the claims of the gospel
• Doctrine—a statement of belief
• Covenant—a statement of policy

V.            Now is the Time for Scrutiny, to contribute cheerfully and regularly—ministry, church, poor, gospel. II Corinthians 5: 19 “…he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”  To search carefully for a program of outreach for a church. 

                The support of the ministry.  This is a sore spot for some people but usually they are the ones looking for justification not to give as they should.  People should be growing in giving potential. A good message.  You can be sure that this preacher has earned what he has been paid.  Two things of which you can be sure:

• Busy about church matters
• I am available to you

By the way, I am one of the golfing preachers.

                The expenses of the church.  We have learned how important it is to have a budget, and to live within it.

• Utilities—100 years ago wood-burning stoves and kerosene lanterns
• Literature—an aid and incentive to learn
• Insurance—sawmill donate lumber
• Building—not to exceed ¼ of budget.

                The relief of the poor.  Our government has taken over.  But there are still needs.  Help them to sense that the church is an ally.  Help them to help themselves.  There are others who desperately need Peace Corps, US-2 Missions, Agricultural and Industrial Missions.

                The spread of the Gospel was evangelical, now educational and medical, soon technical.

Conclusion

                Why so much stress on now?  The answer is simple.

                On the corner of the January issue of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientist, the clock was set at 12 minutes to midnight. Now it is 7 minutes.

                We don’t need the Bulletin  to verify this.  The Bible warns of a greater doom in God’s judgment on sin.  Now the church must move.

WHAT’S RIGHT WITH FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

#626                                         WHAT’S RIGHT WITH FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Scripture  John 14:1-12, NIV                                                                                                                        Orig. 3/20/1976

                                                                                                                                                                             Rewr. 2/15/1987

Passage: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus the Way to the Father

⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know^[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” ⁸ Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” ⁹ Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. ¹¹ Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. ¹² Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Purpose: To remind my people of the nature of our well-being as a Christian family and our reason to trust our heritage.

Keywords:           Christ the Lord                   Mission                Salvation                              Mission of the Church

Introduction

                Haiti, a small island nation in the Caribbean, has drawn great attention to itself over the past years because of its political struggles.  It was in the news again a few months ago.  National Geographic carried an article some time ago, in which appeared events out of her history.  Christophe, the island’s first  dictator, was mentioned.

                When Christophe came to power, he rallied the people of this poverty stricken land to his cause.  To do so, he convinced them that they faced imminent danger of attack from others.  His plan included a fortress, up in the highlands, a view, and control over the harbor through which the attack would likely come.

                For 15 years, Christophe kept his people laboring for this cause.  Haiti was free. Haiti was independent.  And Christophe intended to keep it that way at any cost.  Finally, the fortress was complete.  It was in every way impregnable.  The best of available artillery was put in place.  No unfriendly vessel would ever dare to enter this  harbor.  So, the dictator convinced these oppressed people.

                The price of such defense was high.  During the years of construction,  of cutting and hauling such stone over these forbidding trails, of struggling against such odds to bring heavy cannon to this place, a terrible life toll was paid.  20,000 people died, building what proved to be only a monument to a dictator.  100,000 suffered all the hardships of privation.  To this day, Christophe’s guns have never been fired.

                What has this to do with us?  The institutional church faces a critical question.  Are we to acknowledge other hardships to be faced, and therefore, turn our energies in upon ourselves?  Or, are we to acknowledge that Christ is Lord, and He has commanded us to direct our energies toward a world beyond, desperately in need?  Perhaps self-examination holds the key that will give us direction.

I.             The First Thing Right about Our Church Is the Right Lord.  Thomas:  “How can we know the way?”  Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by me.”  Phillip: “Show us the Father.”  Jesus: “Have I been so long a time with you, Phillip, and yet ye have not known me?  He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father.”

                Interest here is not at all in suggesting to others that they have the wrong Lord.  Some denominational interests insist that they only are right.  Scriptures such as Acts 2:38 are used not to admonish to truth, but to support position.  Advocates, such as [illegible], win converts to a cause presenting Christ as son of the Father.  Little more than as I am son of my father. 

                Christ is Lord, and He is Lord of our church.  We must honor what this means.  The Baptist, scriptural position, on the Lordship of Christ is correct.  Many others share it with us.

                Time will not allow all that is right about our Lord.  He is right because of submissiveness to the Father.  V13 “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the  Son.”  Hannah Hurnard in Hinds’ Feet on High Places uses the expression “down into Egypt” to suggest adversity.  God spoke to Jacob in such place: Genesis 46:3 “Fear not to go down into Egypt.”  As Jesus expressed such submissiveness, so must we.

                Additionally, what’s right about Jesus is His love.  John 14:21 “I will love him and manifest myself to him.”  John 14:23 “We will come unto him, and make our abode with  him.”  John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, . . . not as the world giveth.

                So are we, then, to give evidence of our love. V23 “If [one] loves me, he will keep my words.”  We sing it: “You can tell that they are Christians by their love.”  Do we mean it?  Celebrate Life:  “He is alive and I love Him.” (Crescendo of conclusion.)  “Jesus is All the World to Me.”

II.            What’s Right about Our Church Is that We Are Saved at the Right Price.  V2f “In my Father’s house are many mansions: . . . I go to prepare a place for you, . . . I will come again . . . (for) you.”

                You see, we are saved at the price of His blood.  Here, the highest expression of sacrifice.  Here, the spiritual equation: "In Christ’s death, I also die; to be reborn for eternity.  Mark 4:26f: Farmer plants a seed. He does not understand the means, only that the see must itself die if it is to truly live.

                It’s that time again.  We will plant the seed and impatiently wait.  There is the temptation to dig it up to ascertain its co-operation.  Disciples suckled on Malachi 3:1 “Who can endure the day of his coming?”  When does it start?  That happens to us as well.  We want God to prove Himself to us.  By what right?  Our venture is one of faith. 

                Our salvation is at the price of God’s promise.  Matthew 18:20 “Where two or three are gathered” asks not who we are,  or by what name, not even how we are defined doctrinally.  It asks if we agree in seeking the will and the promise of God through His Son.

III.           The Final Right Thing about Our  Church Is the Right Sense of Mission.  V12 “Verily, verily I say  unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father.” 

                We are beginning another in the series of our support programs, the Home Mission emphasis.  Not for First Baptist Church directly, but we do, in accession to will of God.

                Do you know why we Southern Baptists have a Home Missions Board?  To minister to the Aboriginals of these United States; to minister to minority populations; to minister in the strange city of New Orleans.

                It is not ability that is the church’s goal, it is availability.  Old Coliseum Place in New Orleans is in subsidence.  Even First Baptist Church New Orleans to a degree.  Others are rising to prominence.

In Flanders fields the poppies grow Between the crosses, row on row,         That mark our place; and in the sky         The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.  We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,         Loved and were loved, and now we lie,                 In Flanders fields.  Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw         The torch; be yours to hold it high.         If ye break faith with those who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow                 In Flanders fields.          John McCrae, 1915

                As the church on mission reaches out to its community, it also reaches beyond, to a lost world.

• 15%--to world mission
• 2-1/2 more to association
• Various causes on purpose
• To whatever degree, it is through individual commitment.

                Years ago I listened to the interview when Hank Stram became the New Orleans Saints’ coach.  “What can Saints fans expect in the way of something new?” “You don’t win football games with programs. People win football game.  People with discipline and hard work.”

                No better time to pray  than now.  Pray that the hand of subsidence will be removed.  Pray that His hand of growth will be felt.  Pray that those will be lifted up, young men and women, to take the place of those taken from us.

Conclusion

                The last time we were at Glorieta, I took a walk up the mountain one day.  Somewhere near the top, I came upon a small pool of water.  As I looked into the pool, I saw what appeared to be a large hair, the length of a pencil, but not as thick as the lead.  Suddenly, it began to move.  I looked to see if there was current, but detected none.  A few days later, I asked my veterinarian brother-in-law about such a biological form.  He identified it as a Horse Hair Worm.

                How wonderful it would be if all of us more closely resemble what we claim to be in the Lord.

THE "RELIGION" OF JESUS

#697                                                            THE “RELIGION” OF JESUS

Scripture  John 9:13-41 NIV                                                                                                                             Orig. 2/17/78

                                                                                                                                                                               Rewr. 11/20/86 

Passage:

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

¹³ They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. ¹⁴ Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. ¹⁵ Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”  ¹⁶ Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.

¹⁷ Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.”

The man replied, “He is a prophet.” ¹⁸ They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. ¹⁹ “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” ²⁰ “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. ²¹ But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” ²² His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. ²³ That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

²⁴ A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” ²⁵ He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” ²⁶ Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”

²⁷ He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”

²⁸ Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! ²⁹ We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.” ³⁰ The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. ³¹ We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. ³² Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. ³³ If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”

³⁴ To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.

Spiritual Blindness

³⁵ Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” ³⁶ “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” ³⁷ Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” ³⁸ Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. ³⁹ Jesus said,^[a] “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” ⁴⁰ Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”

⁴¹ Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

Purpose: To help us to get a better picture of Jesus by better understanding the real religion He believed and practiced.

Keywords:           Christ the Mediator                         Doctrine               Religion                Commitment

Introduction

                People had problems with their religion in Jesus’ day as well.  It revolved simply around the fact that religion had become common-place.  The Hebrews had this heritage of God’s presence and power undergirding them.  That  He knew about them and cared.  Most of them were born into homes where they had parents,  even fathers, interested in sharing this spiritual destiny with the young.  And there were synagogues enough, not one on every corner, but enough.  They also had the Temple in Jerusalem.  So, they were a religious folk, but it was an outward form of religion.  They looked for ways to  minimize any struggle that might be brought on by such a religious outlook.  They wanted a religion that would cost them as little as possible.

                In Pilgrim’s Progress, we find the story of a religious pilgrim.  Some think it to have been a parable of Bunyan’s own life and pilgrimage.  He tells of the pilgrim who is called “Christian” on his journey to the “Celestial City.”  He meets other pilgrims who are going the wrong way.  There  was “Timorous” and “Mistrust” who come running down the road shouting “Go back, man! Go back! There are lions in the path!”  Then there was “Mr. Pliable.”  He was the one of enthusiastic beginning.  But one day on the journey, he fell into the “Slough of Despond.”  He climbed out on the side nearest his own house, a pathetic mud-smeared thing, and made tracks for  home, never to be seen again.

                Paul addressed the problems of the early church in the first twelve chapters of I Corinthians.  He wrote the people about worship, Christian character, God’s holiness, marriage, etc.  In the context of spiritual gifts, however, he reminded them, “You may have the best of religions, and unparalleled comprehension of it, but if you do not have love for others, your religion is without purpose.”

                This message is to the end that we may better understand the religion of Jesus, and thereby better adapt it to our own lives.

I.             Jesus’ Religion Establishes an Ethic not Afraid to Speak of Sin.  V39, 41 “And Jesus said, for judgment I am come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.  If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say ‘we see.’  Therefore your sin remains.”

                They, like many today, allowed themselves the prerogative relative to sin.  It did  not matter that there were clear declarations from the law.  Deuteronomy 6:6 “These words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.”  Psalm 19:7 “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.”  Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Fear God, and keep His commandments:  This is the whole duty of man.”

                They had therefore achieved a level of sophistication whereby they rationalized God’s place and sovereignty in their lives.  It continues to happen.  Some renounce formal marriage ceremonies, [saying] it’s just a matter of record, or [out of] disdain for God.  Many have simply set moral law aside.

                There has found its way amongst us a movement called “God is dead.”  Not new, but even contemporary theologians are radicalizing it.  They pronounce human words, thinking to discount “unacceptable” words.

                I mentioned a few days ago, S.M. Lockridge, black pastor who will be speaking at our Evangelism Conference in January.  He preached at the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans a few years ago, and he spoke eloquently to this very question.  I quote: “We live in an alienated age, a computerized environment, and a psychedelic society.  Offbeat theologians and their fraternity mates have  plunged themselves into the depths of existential despair.  They have romped around in their sub-surface playpens and have emerged to announce that God is dead.  Now this shouldn’t have been surprising to us for the Bible informs us that the ‘fool has said in his heart, “there is no God.”’  And when I first heard  that absurd statement it made me want to ask some stupid and senseless questions.  Like, ‘Who assassinated Him? What, no one was called? Who signed His death certificate?  Who was so well acquainted with the One pronounced dead, that he could identify the deceased?  In what obituary column did you find His name?’  And, ‘Why  was I not notified?  I’m a member of the family?’”

                Jesus’ “religion” begins with an appropriate evaluation of sin.

II.            Jesus’ Religion Declared a Doctrine Determined to Raise Questions.  V16 “Therefore said some of the Pharisees, this man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath.”

                Jesus is not at odds with those who would question contemporary religious forms.  At issue is truth.  If what is done, though new and different, has truth as its goal, then Christ is in it.  In fact, to accept something just because it is palatable to the religious masses is spiritually inept.  Such statements as (1) Don’t make waves; (2) Don’t muddy the water; (3) Let well enough alone; (4) It was good enough for Grandpa; would have been morally and spiritually unacceptable to Christ.  They should be for us as well.

                This malady beset the elder brother in Jesus’ parable.  He had not gone against the “traditions” of family honor.  Even if tempted, he had overcome.  He had protected the “status quo.”  But he is ready to turn his own brother over to the ravages of a decadent society without so much as a camel knuckle to chew on.  How like many people’s religion he really is.

                There were questions needing a Voice, and Jesus would voice them.  There are ample examples.  In the Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard, . . . but I. . . .”  More than fifteen times this conjunction of alternate thesis is used.  According to Jesus, then, what is true spirituality?  Is it keeping our bills paid, working regularly, going to church usually? Or are these nothing more than things we ought to do anyway? 

                Listen to Mark 8:34 “Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”  Taking “cross” may be just the ordinary.  Following Jesus is the extraordinary.

                Whatever the question is, after it is asked, and answered, are we closer to Him?

                While in New Iberia, I was asked one year to serve as a judge for the Louisiana High School Speech Rally.  One session I was to judge “extemporaneous speech.”  I walked in the room to discover what the choices of topics included.  I don’t recall the others. One I won’t forget: “Good Old Plastic Jesus.”  These high school students were asked to make up a speech about a Jesus who could be manipulated, bent around the finger.

                But that’s not Jesus.  What some would want to make of Him.

                John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”  Jesus said, Ask all the questions you like so long as you end up with this simple doctrine.

III.           Jesus’ Religion Sought a Standard that Substantiated a Changed Lifestyle.  V35f “Jesus heard that they had cast him (blind man) out; and when he had found him, he said to him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of God?’ . . . then he said, ‘Lord, I believe!’ and he worshiped him.”

                It is no easy matter to always be what others want us to be.  Whether parents, children, employers, neighbors, church friends, etc.  National Geographic report of danger to gorilla handler was more likely if jealousy involved.

                He likewise understands lack of fulfillment when working only to please ourselves.  Ecclesiastes 2:4, “I made me great works; I builded me houses; . . . and, behold, all was vanity.”

                The only viable choice remaining is that of a life standard based on the Word of God.  The family of the man in our text turned from their own son from fear of a religious tribunal.  The people who knew him best reject what they do not understand rather than to abuse their own ego needs.  Much of the world’s intolerance is in the name of religion.  At times, the sincerest believers suffer the greatest abuse.  But those who walk with God are therein comforted not by religion, but by a personal walk of faith.

Closing

                Gertrude, Mabel and Judy were offered a ride from Emmanuel Church in New Orleans.  “I don’t drive on Bourbon Street.”  Gertrude: “And there we were living on Bourbon Street.”

THE CASE FOR REALITY

#751                                                               THE CASE FOR REALITY

Scripture  John 8:24 NIV                                                                                                                               Orig. 7/26/1979

                                                                                                                                                                               Rewr. 5/2/1991

Passage: ²⁴ I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

Purpose: To ponder the question, do we live by the world’s values, or by God’s values?

Keywords:                          Christ the Word                Forgiveness        Christ as Saviour               Sin

Timeline:                             Bible Study, John

Introduction

                A researcher by the name of George Barna has recently published a book, The Frog in the Kettle, in which he studies the impact of religion, more particularly Christianity, on American life.  The better known pollster, George Gallup, has already given us cause for concern.

                In a report last year, Gallup states, “While religion is highly popular in this country, survey evidence suggests that it is often superficial—it does  not change people’s lives to the degree one would expect from the level of professed faith.”  To some degree, the Barna group sought to compare its findings with those of the better known pollster.

                What he reports is not uplifting.  Only 38% of unchurched persons viewed the church as relevant.  The respondents were asked about their philosophy of life.  25% indicated a Christian philosophy, 24% claimed a philosophy  not based on Christianity, and 51% indicated that they had no philosophy of life.

                They were asked what it means to be Christian.  21% thought it meant to go to church, or to be a good, religious person.  Another 21% opted for a bland “to be different from others” answer.  19% said that it meant “to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”  The others, 28%, chose either, “to believe in God, to help, or to love other people.”

                The question comes down to one about reality.  Is our religion settled by religious pollsters, or is this statement of Jesus valid?  “If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

I.             The Case for Reality Calls Attention to the Sin Question.  V21 “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins.”  Sin was then, and is now, a contemporary dilemma.  It was all around Jesus in His day.  It is all around us today.  It is a major factor in our lives. 

                Jesus’ directive to the Jews is to be taken seriously.  Sin has caused man to forfeit the place of honor given by God at creation.  Ecclesiastes 7:29 “God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” The water hyacinth was brought in to beautify bayous.  Years ago, Australian sugar industry imported 101 cane frogs to deal with beetles.  Now in epidemic proportions consideration is being given to a parasite to control the frog.

                Every generation has found his own reasons for discounting the sin question.  Jeremiah 16:12 “And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may “not hearken unto me.”

                Every generation is tempted to seek its own impersonation  of the historical Jesus.  We suppose we are in a better position to define eternal truth.  It is Satan’s grandest design.  We seem content to have it so.

II.            The Case for Reality Describes the Burden of Sin.  “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins.”  Consider Israel’s involvement in media events.  Think of the world’s major powers.  Today it’s still USA/USSR.  Germany and Japan were briefly.  In prior centuries it was England, Spain, France. 

                Yet, Israel has a major voice in every decision touching the world.  A nation 100/150 miles in length, hardly more than forty wide.  Jerusalem holds a pivotal place in three great religions.  How?  Egypt’s greatness is seen at Giza.  Marvels of Minoan Crete at Knossos.  The Parthenon accentuates the uniqueness of Greece. Ephesus was the Queen city of the Aegean.

                Jerusalem . . . without a river, port, transportation system, without resources to compete in world trade . . . remains.  The Jerusalem of David and his capital, of Solomon and his temple, of Herod and his hate, of Jesus and His love.

                It is this same Jesus, the son of Israel, who here implores concern for sin.  His birth melody rang out its message.  Matthew 1:21 “And thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”  It was central to  His own teaching.  John 8:34 “Verily, verily I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin . . . John 8:36 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

                It has been the message of every age declared by his disciples.  2 Corinthians 5:20f  “. . . Be ye reconciled to God.  For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

III.           The Case for Reality Explains Forgiveness from Sin.  “If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”  One of the functions of the church has been to call people to repentance, forgiveness.  Psalm 95:7 “Today, if ye will  hear his voice, harden not your hearts as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.”  Isaiah 59:20 “The redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression.”

                What can we bring, if we have not first brought our sin to the altar?  Money.  Talents.  Appearance.  God’s spiritual kingdom will  survive without any of them. 

                [Novelist] Sholem Asch --  The Apostle: A crusade is underway, the converts are urged to bring “fruit, meat for repentance.”  The merchant, in dapper dress, brings a bag of gold.  “No,” says the apostle, “naked from the womb, naked to the earth.”  A poor man:  “these hands, the muscles of my back I offer.”  “No, my son, you are trying to give back what already belongs to God.”  A beggar brings his sin.  “My son, you have given more than the others, you have given what is yours.”

IV.          Finally, the Case for Reality Introduces the Saviour from Sin.  “If you believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”  This is either the greatest hoax perpetrated upon humankind.  Jesus, the crucified.  Jesus, the advocate with the Father.  Jesus, the light-bringer. Jesus, the hope. 

                No, it is not a hoax.  It is conditional release.  It is forgiveness from sin.  It is deliverance from guilt to glory. 

                It is salvation.  Jesus:  “The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.”  Jesus: “The author and finisher of our faith.”  Jesus: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”

Conclusion

                Piglet in  his yard.  Pooh passes.  Again.  “Hallo,” says Piglet, “what are you doing?”  “Hunting . . . tracking something.”  Piglet  joins in the hunt, and every time they go around the spinney more tracks are seen, and the more apprehensive they become.  Whatever it might be, they were getting dangerously outnumbered.

                Christopher Robin:  “Silly old bear, what were you doing?  First you went around the spinney by yourself.  Then Piglet ran after you and you went around together.”

                We must see to the matter that our REALITY is what is, rather than what we imagine it to be.