january 21 son you must die

 
Son, you must die.  1 Samuel 14:44 …  thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.     King Saul ordered his soldiers to kill his son. It is a sad thing for a father to order the execution of his son.  But justice must prevail.  King Saul had ordered his men to not eat.  1 Samuel 14:24  And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. The Philistines were camped on a mountain. Johathan and his armor bearer without his father’s knowledge climbed a cliff and attacked them.  They killed about 20 soldiers. The Lord sent an earthquake and then the enemy began fighting themselves.  Then Saul and his army joined in.  Saul ordered his men to fight and not stop to eat until the enemy was defeated.  The men grew faint. When the army caught up with Jonathan he ate some honey. Then he was told he had broken his father’s law which he knew nothing about. 1 Samuel 14:29  Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. In the process of time Saul found out about the transgression and ordered his son executed. The army refused to obey the king.  Jonathan’s life was spared.  Let’s notice these points. 1. God uses volunteers.  1 Samuel 14:6  there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. Your Bible teaching church needs you to volunteer to serve Him. 2. We must obey the Lord. Jonathan did not get his father’s permission to attack.  He obeyed the Lord.  3. We must be courageous and face the enemy not fearing the consequences.  If we die serving the Lord so much the better.  4. We need nourishment. Jonathan’s eyes were enlightened when he ate some honey.  The Bible provides us with Springs of living water and the Bread of life. If you neglect it you will grow weak spiritually.  Feast on the Word each and every day. Be faithful to a Bible teaching church. 5. We must disobey the king when the king gives orders contrary to the Bible. 6. God the Father ordered His Son to be executed.  Not because of His transgressions.  But because of our transgressions. This was the plan from before Jesus created the first man.  Revelation 13:8 … the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.   For this reason Jesus left Heaven to live in human flesh.  The cross was no blunder.  No surprise.  No defeat.  Jesus’ death and resurrection built the only bridge to Heaven. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Have you repented of your wickedness and asked Jesus to save you?  He will if you will. 

 The funeral sermon failed.  My older brother is buried at Arlington National Military Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.  Cancer took this Army Major to his grave.  My brother had lovingly left instructions and the finances necessary for his family to attend his funeral.  We were grateful for that.  The Chaplain was instructed at the grave side that my brother did not want any Bible verses read at his funeral.  This shocked the Chaplain.  He did his best to conduct the service without reading any Scripture but was having a difficult time.  In just a few minutes he came to an end of what he could say.  Then he gave up and preached his funeral sermon for a Christian.  The sermon included many verses of comfort from the Bible.  In one sense the funeral sermon was a failure.  My brother’s wishes had  not been honored.  While being a failure in one sense it was a good sermon in another sense because our family was comforted by God’s Word.  I cannot imagine being asked at the last minute to not include any Bible verses in a funeral sermon. I have to ask a question.  Is the funeral service for the dead or for the living?  Whether the deceased can see the service is debatable.  If they can and they are in Heaven perhaps they would be pleased to hear the kind things said about them.  If they are in hell a funeral sermon quoting the Bible would just add anguish to their torment. Why do we have funerals?  May I suggest the reason is to show respect for the deceased and to comfort the family and friends left behind. The Bible tells us it is better to go to a funeral than to a party.  Ecclesiastes 7:2  It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Why is it better to attend a funeral than a party?  Because those at the funeral will lay it to heart.  Lay to heart the certainty that someday their soul will leave their body.  If we never think about death and where our soul goes when it leaves the body we are in grave danger of dying without being prepared.  Scoffers laugh at those who believe in Heaven and hell.  That is their privilege.  Each of us have to decide for ourselves what the truth is.  I have found a new life in Jesus.  Now His Word is alive and thrilling.  His Holy Spirit within my heart thrills my soul. I do not expect unbelievers to understand.  1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  Yes the sermon at Arlington was a failure.  But it was also a blessing to the living.  What will be said at your funeral? 

 
The Pagan Market. Our county had a Pagan Market.  Some Christians tried to stop the market and some Christians I understand even gave death threats.  Our local Christian motorcycle group decided to rent a booth and have a bake sale and give away New Testaments and Christian tracts to those who wanted them.  The donations from the bake sale were designated to help provide Christmas presents for the children of needy families in our county. (The Center Of Hope 2022 Empty Stocking Program). Our money and application for a booth were turned down twice.  From previous bake sales we gave over $1000 to this county wide Christmas present program. Only the Lord knows how much more money we could have given if we were able to have our bake sale at the Pagan Market.  But the organizers turned down our Christian booth.  We tried.  We did our part.  We stand in obedience to our Lord.  Then we asked for permission from the city to park away from the market area but still in the park to put up a sign saying “Free Bibles.”  The city would not give us permission.  Being a public park our Christian motorcycle group decided to have a picnic down the road from the market but still inside the city park. There we put up a sign saying “Free Rides” and had a Polaris Sling Shot available for free rides.  Riders were asked if they would like a free New Testament and they said “yes.”  Our van had the sign “Jesus Saves” on each side. A posting on Face Book from our church was reposted numerous times and reached over 5,900 people. Almost all of the comments condemned us for “preaching to riders,” and telling people “You are going to hell.” We preached to no one, and we told no one they were going to hell.  In quite and patient Christian love we showed and shared the love of Jesus. Luke 14:23  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. We do not force our beliefs on others.  We do not hate them or intentionally agitate them.  We simply want others to know that Jesus saves sinners like even us.  We were beggars looking for bread.  Now our joy is to show other beggars where there is free bread. John 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. We have found the bread of life and the springs of living water.  If you hunger and thirst spiritually you can feast too. 

 
The Third Temple  The temple mount in Jerusalem consists of 37 acres.  The Moslems built their shrine, The Dome Of The Rock where they believe Solomon's temple was. This was to prevent the Jews from ever rebuilding the temple which the Roman Empire destroyed in AD 70.  The Moslems also built their sacred Al Osque mosque on that mount.  Moslems believe Mohammed left earth for Heaven on a flying horse from this holy site.  The only Moslem sight holier is Mecca.  Many Jews and Christians believe the temple will be rebuilt in the end times.  Many believe the Messiah will build it.  Before it can be built there must be the sacrifice of a red heifer. (Numbers 19)  It's ashes must be mixed with spring water and only those sprinkled with this water of separation will be clean. A total of 9 red heifers have been sacrificed since Moses and Aaron offered the first.  The last one was sacrificed around AD 15.  Since the temple was destroyed in AD 70 the Jews have been unable to sacrifice their daily sacrifices or a red heifer.  How anxious they are for the new temple to be built so they can sacrifice again.  But they still need a red heifer.  In September, 2018 the Temple Institute in Jerusalem announced they had a red heifer candidate that will be closely guarded and examined to be certain she is acceptable.   On Thursday, September 15, 2022, five currently unblemished red heifers arrived in Israel from Texas. There is an air of expectation among many Jews.  However as I understand the New Testament the permission to build the third temple will be given by Satan's son...the Antichrist.  After 3 1\2 years he will commit the abomination of desolation ( Dan 12:11 and Mark 13:14)  He will cause people to worship him or die. “Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him.” The Jews are looking for their Messiah.  In reality the false messiah, The Antichrist will deceive them. When Jesus comes again the whole world will know it. (Rev 19:11) “Zechariah 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.” Jesus is coming again.  But not until the son of Satan comes forth to deceive the world.  Don't be deceived.  Read the Bible for yourself.  God is ready to teach you the truth. 

 
“Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree”. This is a song about a man who has been in prison for three years and is coming home.  He has written a letter to his love explaining what time his bus will arrive in their town.  If she forgives him she is to tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree and he will know to get off the bus.  If there is no ribbon he will stay on the bus.  The song ends with the whole bus cheering because there are a hundred yellow ribbons around the tree.  Forgiveness. The Bible says we have all gone astray.  Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. The prodigal son in the Bible asks for and receives his inheritance while his father is still alive.  He then wastes the money in riotous living.  When he comes to realize the error of his way he goes home to ask his father if he could become one of his servants.  His father is watching for him and runs to him when he sees him.  His father forgives him and restores him as his son. Luke 15:24  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Because we have gone astray our Heavenly Father laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all.  He died for my sins.  For your sins. And praise God He arose.  He conquered death.  He conquered sin.  When we realize the error of our way and repent and ask Jesus to forgive us He does.  We become a new creation.  And then as we walk this planet we still occasionally make bad decisions.  Jesus will forgive us again and again if we repent.  1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Understand we have no license to sin and we will get severely whipped by our Heavenly Father, but when we truly regret our sins and ask for forgiveness He forgives us.  And they began to be merry. Are you in sweet fellowship with Jesus?  Are you in sweet fellowship with others?  You must forgive if you want to be forgiven.  Matthew 6:14-15  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Who do you need to forgive even if they don’t ask for forgiveness?  Enjoy the Christian adventure.  Live in sweet fellowship with the Lord and in sweet fellowship with others. 

 
Turn your TV down.  It was well before sunrise in Jerusalem.  Someone had turned their TV on in the room next to ours in the hotel.  Or so I thought.  I hoped the faint noise would not wake up my wife.  The more I listened to the sound I realized it was not a normal TV program.  Then I realized the sound was coming from outside the window.  I looked into the night and wondered where the sound was coming from.  Then it dawned on me.  It was the Moslem morning call to prayer.  The man’s voice with wavering low and then high notes was being sounded throughout the city on speakers from their PA system.  The Moslem call to worship.  I had heard it in movies but I didn’t realize it sounded throughout Jerusalem.  All of Jerusalem several times a day. After all Jerusalem is a Jewish city.  Well Jewish and Christian and Moslem.  Well actually Jewish then Moslem and then a little bit Christian.  In 2020 Jerusalem was 59.9% Jews, 37.2% Muslims and 1.7% Christian. It still seemed rude to me that the Moslems could wake up the rest of the city with their call to prayer.  But I suppose the sound can be tuned out by those not interested in it similar to those tuning out a passing train during the night.  Were the Moslems pushing their religion on me or were they practicing their faith?  I suppose a little of both. But I prefer to think they were mainly practicing their faith.  Anyone disturbed by the man’s voice should tolerate the call to prayer remembering we too disturb others at times. Then I wondered do Christians follow their beliefs as faithfully as our Moslem neighbors follow their beliefs?  We are commanded to teach the love of Jesus to the world.  “Matthew 28:19-20  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” . Some Christians obey this command.  By either going or supporting those who do go.  All Christians should share their faith.  But very few do.  Is Jesus real to you and important in your daily living?  Or is He just a friend you turn to when you need help?  Some of us have friends or family who only call us when they need something.  We resent that.  Does Jesus resent His children like that?  How is your relationship with Jesus?  Is He your Saviour and best friend?  Or is He just a number like 911 reserved for emergencies?  If you sell out and live for Jesus others will be irritated with you.  Jesus irritated others so much they killed Him.  We don’t try to irritate others.  But salt stings and if you live for Jesus some people will resent it.  Do it anyway. 

 
USA.  USA.  This is a popular chant heard often at gatherings of patriotic Americans.  Songs like, “God Bless The USA” touch my heart and reaffirm my love for our country.  USA stands for the United States of America.  May I suggest that in our days it may well also stand for the “Ununited States of America.”  In our pledge of allegiance we say, “One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”  It is difficult for us to be indivisible when we have so many differing views.  We are almost 50 - 50 divided on many issues.  Abortion. Gun laws.  Transvestite rights.  Same sex marriage.  Legalizing drugs.  Releasing those arrested with no bail.  Early release of convicted felons.  Broken borders.  Sanctuary cities.  Greater integrity in our elections.  Removing the word “God” from our money and pledge of allegiance.  Even divided on the rights of pagans to have a pagan market.  Jesus tells us a house divided cannot stand.  Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. 18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?  For many of us trying to walk in the light of Jesus it is easy to conclude many of our nations divisions result from choosing darkness rather than light.  1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Those who reject God’s light have the American right to do so.  And naturally they will despise those who try to follow Jesus.  They call us names and make fun of us and wish we would go away.  Someday we will.  All Christians will disappear.  How happy those left behind will be.  For a little while that is.  Eventually they will be in so much agony they will pray to the mountains to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of Jesus.  Revelation 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: How us Christians hurt for those who do not know Jesus personally.  They think we hate them.  We love them so much.  We were once lost.  Now we have found forgiveness in Christ.  We want them to have the same life changing salvation and home being built in Heaven.  If they could only realize Christianity is one sheep who has found food and water trying to show other sheep where they too can find food and water.  America can only be undivided if all the unbelievers repent and trust the Lord.  Or if all the Christians renounce their faith and return to a life of sin.  Neither of those two options will happen.  God have mercy on the USA. 

 
We are here to rescue you.  Ebedmelech was used by God to save Jeremiah.  “Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.” Jeremiah the prophet was sent by God to warn Israel to repent or face destruction.  He preached that which the Lord told him to preach.  People were offended.  Some wanted him dead and got permission to lower him into a pit to die a slow death.  Jeremiah sunk in the mud and had nothing to eat or drink with no hope of getting out.  Ebedmelech an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the palace asked King Zedekiah to spare the prophets life.  Permission was given to take thirty men and rescue him.  They found discarded clothes and used the rags to pull Jeremiah up out of the mire.  He remained a prisoner but his life was spared. Jeremiah was in God’s will.  Sometimes bad things happen to good people.  Down in the pit Jeremiah still trusted his Lord.  After his rescue he continued to preach that the people of God needed to surrender to the Babylonians and live as slaves or resist and be killed.  The people did not turn to God.  They refused to surrender.  They were conquered.  King Zedekiah saw his sons killed before his eyes. Then the kings eyes were gouged out.  He died a slave in Babylon. Today Bible believing Christians are detested by many.  We are not here to rub your sins in your face.  We don’t want to see you die in your sins.  God leaves us here to tell you the Good News that even though you are a sinner you can be rescued from your despair.  We have no desire to rule over you.  We are not trying to shove our religion down your throats.  We love you.  We anguish over the pit Satan set before you that you have stumbled into.  We were there in that pit. Jesus lifted us out.  We want you to spend eternity in Heaven with us.  We love you.  We cannot rescue you but our Saviour can.  If you are not tired of being caught in the trap of sin no one can help you.  But if and when you realize you are in bondage headed to hell there is hope in Jesus.  He will lift you up and out if you will repent and ask Him to save you. Will you ask Him to rescue you? 

 
We got a new Preacher. We are looking forward to years of joy together. We are thrilled.  Well most of us are thrilled.  Our old Deacon has been here many years and is set in his ways.  He is not impressed with this young whippersnapper.  There are certain rules the Deacon expects the Preacher to follow. There are potential disagreements. They may even come to blows.  It is sad that there has to be conflict. One concern I have is who will take care of them when the rapture takes place?  My wife and I will take a trip to Heaven and they will be left behind.  Alone. But that is a reality we must accept if we are going to have cats in our house. As I think about Deacon, our old cat and our new kitten Preacher, I can’t help but think about some church members I have known.  They have been at the church for many years and they stand a good chance of being there after the new preacher leaves.  After all most preachers quit or are fired or move on to another church after a few years.  Then the process starts all over.  Seeking God’s will.  The agony of finding the Lord’s will in a new pastor.  Then the adjustments that follow.  Perhaps longer sermons which means you get out later.  Maybe a new style of preaching.  Maybe he brings in his favorite style of music which is not your favorite.  My, my, my the problems new pastors face.  And bring to the congregation.  There is not one size that fits all.  We all must give and take and pray for our Lord to help us to adjust to the differences.  There are some church members who feel they are more important than others.   Romans 12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Be careful to not think more highly of yourself than you should.  God has a way of cutting a man down to size. Then there is the church boss.  3 John 1:9-11  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Jesus tells us through John that the bossy, selfish church members have not seen God.  Have you seen God?  Do you know Jesus in a personal relationship?  If so please live like it. 

 We got a new teacher. Several months ago we brought a kitten home and named him Preacher. We already had a cat named Deacon.  In 54 years of marriage we have had 17 cats named Deacon.  I believe every Baptist preacher needs a deacon who can’t talk back. Deacon did not accept Preacher and to this day still hisses and swats at him.  Preacher intentionally irritates Deacon by chasing him, jumping on his back and biting him. Playfully understand,  playfully.  Deacon goes berserk.  Sadly it’s humorous.  Now we have a new kitten who we call “Teacher”.  Deacon is even more upset. Oh I forgot to tell you about ten months ago a puppy adopted us who we call Charlie.  Deacon really hates Charlie.  Things have gone from bad to worse for poor Deacon.  It has been a rough year for him. In over 56 years as a pastor I have seen people in our churches who have a hard time putting up with each other.  We are commanded to forgive one another.  Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. No two people can see eye to eye all of the time.  Offensives will come. Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! To those who offend us we are to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving.  Who said it’s easy to live the Christian life?  Not only that but we are to forbear one another.   Colossians 3:13  Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Forbear - to hold oneself up against,  put up with :- bear with, endure, suffer.  (ana, "up," and ech-o-ma-i, the Middle Voice of echō, "to have, to hold".  Forbear. To have, to hold.  Sounds like a marriage vow to me.  Hummm. Let me think about that.  I know a church secretary who got on the bad side of the chairman of the deacons in her church.  With her pastors permission she asked the chairman if he would ask if any of the the deacons were willing or able to help clean a small part of the church while the janitor was on vacation for a week.  He thought she was kidding.  She wasn’t. He refused her request and didn’t even ask if anyone was willing or able to help. Things have gotten so tense between them her pastor finally told her to not speak to the deacon. How sad is that when to bring peace the pastor has to advise the church secretary to not speak to a certain member?  My I wonder how does Jesus put up with us?  Especially me.  His grace is beyond comprehension.  In the meantime until we all get to Heaven lets forgive and forbear other.