The Great Commission
UNDERSTANDING IN CHRIST
Part 2: Signs of the End
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”
WHERE WE ARE AT
† Maturing in Christ
This Series: Understanding in Christ
Previously:
Part 1: The Personality of God
TODAY’S SERMON: The Great Commission
UNDERSTANDING IN CHRIST
Part 2: Signs of the End
OPEN IN PRAYER
I. WHAT JESUS SAYS ABOUT THE END
† Matthew 24:4-14
4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.
9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
† Matthew 24:40, 42, 44
42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
II. WARNINGS OF THINGS TO COME
† II Timothy 3:1-9
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
† I Timothy 4:1-3
1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.
† II Timothy 4:3-4
3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
† Isaiah 24:20-22
20 The earth reels like a drunkard,
it sways like a hut in the wind;
so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion
that it falls—never to rise again.
21 In that day the LORD will punish
the powers in the heavens above
and the kings on the earth below.
22 They will be herded together
like prisoners bound in a dungeon;
they will be shut up in prison
and be punished after many days.
† II Peter 3:3-18
3First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.[a]
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b]That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
14So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
III. SALVATION IS AT HAND
† Acts 2:5-21
5Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" 12Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"
13Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine.[b]"
Peter Addresses the Crowd
14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 16No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17" 'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.'[c]
† Hebrews 9:28
27Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
† Jude 17-21
17But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." 19These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
CLOSING
Revelation 13:16-18
16He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
18This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Understanding in Christ Part 1 "Personality of God"
The Great Commission
UNDERSTANDING IN CHRIST
Part 1: The Personality of God
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”
WHERE WE ARE AT
† Maturing in Christ
This Series: Understanding in Christ
Previously:
TODAY’S SERMON: The Great Commission
UNDERSTANDING IN CHRIST
Part 1: The Personality of God
OPEN IN PRAYER
I. GOD IS PERFECT, AND SO ARE HIS WAYS
† Psalm 18:30-32
30 As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the LORD ? …there is but one God
And who is the Rock except our God? …Jesus is God
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
* It’s not that believers are perfect…we still make mistakes. BUT, when we are doing what the Word tells us, as long as we are living the Word, our ways are perfect because His ways are perfect.
† James 1:12-18
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (if you love me, you will obey my commands)
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
This is one of the reasons tithe is so important.
It is symbolic of the firstfruit (which is Christ) and the firstfruits of creation, the believers in God.
Just as communion and water baptism are symbolic, so are tithe and firstfruits.
† Job 42:2
"I know that you can do all things;
no plan of yours can be thwarted.
II. GOD IS ABOVE US, AND SO ARE HIS WAYS
† Isaiah 55:8-9
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
† Jeremiah 10:12
12 But God made the earth by his power;
he founded the world by his wisdom
and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
† Psalm 138:6-7
6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly,
but the proud he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.
Jesus sits at the right hand of God…the hand of Salvation.
III. GOD SEES, HEARS AND REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM
† Jeremiah 17:10
10 "I the LORD search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve."
This is why the Word commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul…
The Lord searches our heart, our mind and will examine our soul.
When He does, will we be judged by the Law, or will we be followers of Christ, and when God looks upon us, will He see the Blood of Christ?
Our debts paid in full.
† Psalm 11:4-5, 7
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes the sons of men;
his eyes examine them.
5 The LORD examines the righteous,
but the wicked and those who love violence
his soul hates.
7 For the LORD is righteous,
he loves justice;
upright men will see his face.
† Romans 2:10-13
10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism.
12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
THE PROMISE
I John 1:8-10
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
UNDERSTANDING IN CHRIST
Part 1: The Personality of God
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”
WHERE WE ARE AT
† Maturing in Christ
This Series: Understanding in Christ
Previously:
TODAY’S SERMON: The Great Commission
UNDERSTANDING IN CHRIST
Part 1: The Personality of God
OPEN IN PRAYER
I. GOD IS PERFECT, AND SO ARE HIS WAYS
† Psalm 18:30-32
30 As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the LORD ? …there is but one God
And who is the Rock except our God? …Jesus is God
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
* It’s not that believers are perfect…we still make mistakes. BUT, when we are doing what the Word tells us, as long as we are living the Word, our ways are perfect because His ways are perfect.
† James 1:12-18
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (if you love me, you will obey my commands)
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
This is one of the reasons tithe is so important.
It is symbolic of the firstfruit (which is Christ) and the firstfruits of creation, the believers in God.
Just as communion and water baptism are symbolic, so are tithe and firstfruits.
† Job 42:2
"I know that you can do all things;
no plan of yours can be thwarted.
II. GOD IS ABOVE US, AND SO ARE HIS WAYS
† Isaiah 55:8-9
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
† Jeremiah 10:12
12 But God made the earth by his power;
he founded the world by his wisdom
and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
† Psalm 138:6-7
6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly,
but the proud he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.
Jesus sits at the right hand of God…the hand of Salvation.
III. GOD SEES, HEARS AND REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM
† Jeremiah 17:10
10 "I the LORD search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve."
This is why the Word commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul…
The Lord searches our heart, our mind and will examine our soul.
When He does, will we be judged by the Law, or will we be followers of Christ, and when God looks upon us, will He see the Blood of Christ?
Our debts paid in full.
† Psalm 11:4-5, 7
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes the sons of men;
his eyes examine them.
5 The LORD examines the righteous,
but the wicked and those who love violence
his soul hates.
7 For the LORD is righteous,
he loves justice;
upright men will see his face.
† Romans 2:10-13
10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism.
12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
THE PROMISE
I John 1:8-10
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Ministering in Christ Part 9 "How to obtain the Promise"
The Great Commission
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 9: How to Obtain the Promises
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”
WHERE WE ARE AT
† Maturing in Christ
This Series: Ministering in Christ
Previously:
Committing your life to Christ
The Way to True Service
Light of the World ~ How to be an effective Witness
The Leading of the Lord
Waiting on God
Importance of Obedience
Tithing
Committing top the Lord
TODAY’S SERMON: The Great Commission
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 9: How to Obtain the Promises
I. WHAT OBSTACLE IS IN YOUR WAY?
† Isaiah 59:1-2
1 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
Because of our sin, God can not hear our cries because His face is hidden from us.
Although God promises never to leave us or forsake us, it is not HIM that leaves us and forsakes us when we sin, but US who is leaving and forsaking HIM because we chose sin over His love.
In Deuteronomy 31 God spoke this promise to the people through Moses, and to Joshua through Moses as well…
Yet we see that later in the very same chapter God says the following;
Deuteronomy 31:16-18
16 And the LORD said to Moses: "You are going to rest with your fathers, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. 17 On that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and difficulties will come upon them, and on that day they will ask, 'Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is not with us?' 18 And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.
You see, THEY broke the covenant, not God…
He is always faithful, and trustworthy.
But our relationship with Him is conditional.
We are not exempt from this rule.
Some may argue, “Yeah, but that was the Old Testament, they didn’t have Christ as we do!”
We must not forget….
When Christ was upon the cross and took upon Him sin, it caused separation between Him and the Father.
This is why Jesus proclaimed the rhetorical question “Father, why hast thou forsaken me?”
If Jesus Christ Himself is not exempt from the Laws of God the Father’s Holiness, how can we think that we somehow are?
If you think you can live in sin, and have God within you…you are mistaken.
Although God’s love for mankind is unconditional, and He paid the price for all…relationship and Salvation are conditional, and not everyone will obtain it.
And not everyone will obtain the promises within the Word either.
Because as we read God’s Word, we see that there are conditions to His promises as well.
II. WHAT DOES GOD ACTUALLY PROMISE US
† II Peter 1:4-8
4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing (continuing growth) measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The promise is, if we do our part, and continue to ADD to our faith, and grow, we will be effective and productive.
Remember, we want to hear on that day, “Well done GOOD and FAITHFUL servant”
Jesus in the parable commends the servant who was not just faithful, but productive.
And what are we to be productive in?
Spreading the truth, teaching others how to be saved, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and raising up disciples.
1. Missionary (spreading the truth)
2. Teaching them to obey what Christ commands
3. Baptizing them completely (Word, Spirit & relationship with the Father)
4. Raising up disciples
† Galatians 3:26-29
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
We are Abraham’s seed, and true Jews in God’s eyes…
† Romans 2:28-29
28A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.
III. WE MUST HAVE FAITH
† I John 5:14-15
14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
IV. GODS PROMISES ARE CONDITIONAL
† Hebrews 10:23, 35-37
23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37For in just a very little while,
"He who is coming will come and will not delay.
† Deuteronomy 11:22-23
22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him- 23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you.
† Joshua 1:7
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
† Hebrews 6:12
12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
† James 1:5-8
5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 9: How to Obtain the Promises
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”
WHERE WE ARE AT
† Maturing in Christ
This Series: Ministering in Christ
Previously:
Committing your life to Christ
The Way to True Service
Light of the World ~ How to be an effective Witness
The Leading of the Lord
Waiting on God
Importance of Obedience
Tithing
Committing top the Lord
TODAY’S SERMON: The Great Commission
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 9: How to Obtain the Promises
I. WHAT OBSTACLE IS IN YOUR WAY?
† Isaiah 59:1-2
1 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
Because of our sin, God can not hear our cries because His face is hidden from us.
Although God promises never to leave us or forsake us, it is not HIM that leaves us and forsakes us when we sin, but US who is leaving and forsaking HIM because we chose sin over His love.
In Deuteronomy 31 God spoke this promise to the people through Moses, and to Joshua through Moses as well…
Yet we see that later in the very same chapter God says the following;
Deuteronomy 31:16-18
16 And the LORD said to Moses: "You are going to rest with your fathers, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. 17 On that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and difficulties will come upon them, and on that day they will ask, 'Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is not with us?' 18 And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.
You see, THEY broke the covenant, not God…
He is always faithful, and trustworthy.
But our relationship with Him is conditional.
We are not exempt from this rule.
Some may argue, “Yeah, but that was the Old Testament, they didn’t have Christ as we do!”
We must not forget….
When Christ was upon the cross and took upon Him sin, it caused separation between Him and the Father.
This is why Jesus proclaimed the rhetorical question “Father, why hast thou forsaken me?”
If Jesus Christ Himself is not exempt from the Laws of God the Father’s Holiness, how can we think that we somehow are?
If you think you can live in sin, and have God within you…you are mistaken.
Although God’s love for mankind is unconditional, and He paid the price for all…relationship and Salvation are conditional, and not everyone will obtain it.
And not everyone will obtain the promises within the Word either.
Because as we read God’s Word, we see that there are conditions to His promises as well.
II. WHAT DOES GOD ACTUALLY PROMISE US
† II Peter 1:4-8
4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing (continuing growth) measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The promise is, if we do our part, and continue to ADD to our faith, and grow, we will be effective and productive.
Remember, we want to hear on that day, “Well done GOOD and FAITHFUL servant”
Jesus in the parable commends the servant who was not just faithful, but productive.
And what are we to be productive in?
Spreading the truth, teaching others how to be saved, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and raising up disciples.
1. Missionary (spreading the truth)
2. Teaching them to obey what Christ commands
3. Baptizing them completely (Word, Spirit & relationship with the Father)
4. Raising up disciples
† Galatians 3:26-29
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
We are Abraham’s seed, and true Jews in God’s eyes…
† Romans 2:28-29
28A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.
III. WE MUST HAVE FAITH
† I John 5:14-15
14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
IV. GODS PROMISES ARE CONDITIONAL
† Hebrews 10:23, 35-37
23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37For in just a very little while,
"He who is coming will come and will not delay.
† Deuteronomy 11:22-23
22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him- 23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you.
† Joshua 1:7
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
† Hebrews 6:12
12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
† James 1:5-8
5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Ministering in Christ Part 8 "Committing to the Lord"
The Great Commission
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 8: Committing to the Lord
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”
WHERE WE ARE AT
† Maturing in Christ
This Series: Ministering in Christ
Previously:
Committing your life to Christ
The Way to True Service
Light of the World ~ How to be an effective Witness
The Leading of the Lord
Waiting on God
Importance of Obedience
Tithing
TODAY’S SERMON: The Great Commission
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 8: Committing to the Lord
I. BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD
† James 1:21-22
21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
+believe = committed to
† Acts 16:31
KJV - 31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Literal meaning – And they said, “Commit yourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, and your house.”
Commitment Defined:
† the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action;
† the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose;
† an engagement by contract
† Psalm 37:3-7
3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
† Romans 10:9-13
9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
We must hear and respond
Revelation 3:20
20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
II. SALVATION LIES IN THE REALM OF HEARING AND DOING
Believing (being committed to Jesus) and FAITH brings us salvation not works…
Hebrews 11:6
6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Ezekiel 36:26-27
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Romans 6:22-23
22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
III. HEARING THIS WORD AND DOING IT WE WILL COMMIT TO THE LORD
Matthew 10:32, 38-42
32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
8and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
40"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 8: Committing to the Lord
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”
WHERE WE ARE AT
† Maturing in Christ
This Series: Ministering in Christ
Previously:
Committing your life to Christ
The Way to True Service
Light of the World ~ How to be an effective Witness
The Leading of the Lord
Waiting on God
Importance of Obedience
Tithing
TODAY’S SERMON: The Great Commission
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 8: Committing to the Lord
I. BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD
† James 1:21-22
21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
+believe = committed to
† Acts 16:31
KJV - 31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Literal meaning – And they said, “Commit yourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, and your house.”
Commitment Defined:
† the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action;
† the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose;
† an engagement by contract
† Psalm 37:3-7
3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
† Romans 10:9-13
9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
We must hear and respond
Revelation 3:20
20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
II. SALVATION LIES IN THE REALM OF HEARING AND DOING
Believing (being committed to Jesus) and FAITH brings us salvation not works…
Hebrews 11:6
6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Ezekiel 36:26-27
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Romans 6:22-23
22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
III. HEARING THIS WORD AND DOING IT WE WILL COMMIT TO THE LORD
Matthew 10:32, 38-42
32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
8and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
40"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Ministering in Christ Part 7 "Tithing"
The Great Commission
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 7: Tithing
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”
WHERE WE ARE AT
† Maturing in Christ
This Series: Ministering in Christ
Previously:
Committing your life to Christ
The Way to True Service
Light of the World ~ How to be an effective Witness
The Leading of the Lord
Waiting on God
Importance of Obedience
TODAY’S SERMON: The Great Commission
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 7: Tithing
Scripture Reading
I. THE COMMAND
† James 1:22
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
† Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 – Do not run your mouth to God
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.
• tithe commitments for the church
† I Chronicles 16:29 - Commanded
29 ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name.
Bring an offering and come before him;
worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
† Matthew 13:44-46 – Heaven is worth all this earth has to offer
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
† I Corinthians 16:2 – The temple should not have to collect…
1Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
† I Kings 17:13-14 – God provides in ALL times…
13 Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.' "
† Psalm 96:8 - Commanded
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
† I Chronicles 29:9 – freely give and with your whole heart…
The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
II. EFFECT OF GIVING
† Mark 12:41-44 – Freely and wholeheartedly
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
† II Corinthians 9:6-7 – Sowing and reaping in the natural and spiritual;
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
† II Corinthians 8:15 – in giving you will always have enough.
15as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.
III. THE REAL TREASURE AND REWARD
† Matthew 6:19-21 – The real treasure and reward is eternal
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
† Luke 11:42 – Tithe alone does not please God
42"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
Tithing is done out of obedience, not to make you right with God.
You can not pay your way into heaven, out of debt, into God’s grace, simply because you give a tithe.
The Pharisees gave 10% of all they had which was required by Old Testament Law, yet, were not right with God because they neglected justice and love.
How many today do not treat others just, or treat sinners with love, yet think they are right with God because they tithe?
We tithe out of obedience, just as we treat others justly and in love.
All of those together please the Lord.
† Luke 17:9-10 – We do it out of obedience, not for recognition
7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "
IV. HOW
† Matthew 6:1-4 – Giving is an act of righteousness for God
1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
† Proverbs 22:9 – Giving to others God will bless you
A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
† Proverbs 29:7 – Justice is another righteous act pleasing to the Lord
The righteous care about justice for the poor,
but the wicked have no such concern.
† Exodus 35:5 - needs of the Tabernacle met through tithe
4 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 5 From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver and bronze; 6 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 7 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows [a] ; acacia wood; 8 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 9 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
† Luke 16:10-11 – God will entrust those He can trust…
10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
† II Chronicles 31:5 – Tithe is obedience, and maintaining of the church
As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 7: Tithing
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”
WHERE WE ARE AT
† Maturing in Christ
This Series: Ministering in Christ
Previously:
Committing your life to Christ
The Way to True Service
Light of the World ~ How to be an effective Witness
The Leading of the Lord
Waiting on God
Importance of Obedience
TODAY’S SERMON: The Great Commission
MINISTERING IN CHRIST
Part 7: Tithing
Scripture Reading
I. THE COMMAND
† James 1:22
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
† Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 – Do not run your mouth to God
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.
• tithe commitments for the church
† I Chronicles 16:29 - Commanded
29 ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name.
Bring an offering and come before him;
worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
† Matthew 13:44-46 – Heaven is worth all this earth has to offer
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
† I Corinthians 16:2 – The temple should not have to collect…
1Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
† I Kings 17:13-14 – God provides in ALL times…
13 Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.' "
† Psalm 96:8 - Commanded
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
† I Chronicles 29:9 – freely give and with your whole heart…
The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
II. EFFECT OF GIVING
† Mark 12:41-44 – Freely and wholeheartedly
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
† II Corinthians 9:6-7 – Sowing and reaping in the natural and spiritual;
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
† II Corinthians 8:15 – in giving you will always have enough.
15as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.
III. THE REAL TREASURE AND REWARD
† Matthew 6:19-21 – The real treasure and reward is eternal
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
† Luke 11:42 – Tithe alone does not please God
42"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
Tithing is done out of obedience, not to make you right with God.
You can not pay your way into heaven, out of debt, into God’s grace, simply because you give a tithe.
The Pharisees gave 10% of all they had which was required by Old Testament Law, yet, were not right with God because they neglected justice and love.
How many today do not treat others just, or treat sinners with love, yet think they are right with God because they tithe?
We tithe out of obedience, just as we treat others justly and in love.
All of those together please the Lord.
† Luke 17:9-10 – We do it out of obedience, not for recognition
7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "
IV. HOW
† Matthew 6:1-4 – Giving is an act of righteousness for God
1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
† Proverbs 22:9 – Giving to others God will bless you
A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
† Proverbs 29:7 – Justice is another righteous act pleasing to the Lord
The righteous care about justice for the poor,
but the wicked have no such concern.
† Exodus 35:5 - needs of the Tabernacle met through tithe
4 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 5 From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver and bronze; 6 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 7 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows [a] ; acacia wood; 8 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 9 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
† Luke 16:10-11 – God will entrust those He can trust…
10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
† II Chronicles 31:5 – Tithe is obedience, and maintaining of the church
As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.
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