Remember the Gospel
I Corinthians 15:1-2
On this Memorial Day we are put in remembrance of those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the line of military duty.
It is important that we recognize that patriotism and respect for the sacrifices of military service are virtues that are consistent with our Christian faith.
Remember that those who have died in war were there because they believed something was more important than their own lives.
They cared enough for the preservation of the freedom of others to put their own lives on the line for that cause.
The price of our freedom will always be measured in the lives of brave men and women whose selflessness led to their own death.
Their accomplishments are undeniable in the records of history and even today thousands of lives are changed and people freed because of the sacrifices that some have made.
As we look toward the future of this world, we can be sure of one thing, that as long as Jesus Christ delays His return, freedom will be won by those willing to pay the price and lost by those unwilling to pay the price.
Let us be sure this weekend to thank someone whose service risked their own life and remember those whose sacrifice paid for the freedom we enjoy today.
When we remember those who have fallen in war we give credit to those whose actions remind us One Who gave His own life for our freedom, our freedom from sin and its eternal penalty.
Jesus' great work of redemption outshines any military victory and is more important to remember than anything else.
In our text we are reminded to keep something in memory.
Let us read our text and see this great command this morning.
READ TEXT
PRAY (I Corinthians 15:1-2)
We see that herein the Apostle Paul has written here a declaration of the Gospel.
The nature of the Gospel is outlined here, not for the first time for the Church at Corinth, but repeated because Paul was concerned that they remember the Gospel without alteration or additions.
Before we get into the imperative and its subsequent motivations and instructions, let us first get a handle on the nature of the Gospel itself.
The word "Gospel" is a bit of a contraction of the original old english word "Godspel" meaning, good news.
Today it is the ultimate good news concerning our way to have eternal life and a relationship with God.
The word is translated perfectly from the Greek word Euangelion, which means, glad message.
Truly, the word, "Gospel" is descriptive of the good news that Paul outlines here.
Let us see what the good news is that Paul is so adamant that we remember:
1.) Jesus Christ died for our sins. (Verse 3)
Here is where we see the implication of a dire condition and a desperate need:
It will serve us well to remember that no news is good if it glazes over the truth.
The stark reality and the truth that serves as the background against which the Gospel shines in relief is that we are sinners.
Ps 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
While this may not be the most enjoyable part of the Gospel, it is indispensable.
We must recognize that we are sinners and that sin is punishable by death and separation from God.
Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death...
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Re 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
This is the bad news that puts us in a position to receive the Gospel and appreciate its true power.
Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
So then Christ has borne the penalty for our sins.
He did not swoon on the Cross.
That would not cover the sin debt.
He did truly die.
The second part of the Gospel reinforces the first:
2.) Jesus Christ was buried.
His burial was more than just a formality.
It proved beyond any doubt the ultimate sacrifice was paid.
His flesh was dead and clod in the tomb that Pilate sealed and the Jewish rulers made as sure as they could.
As we have described on Easter Sunday, Jesus stayed in that tomb for three long days and three long nights according to the prophecy.
Mt 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
This time of burial represents the complete eradication of our sin from the presence of God in Heaven.
He took that sin on himself on the cross and was buried with it.
However, if the Gospel ended with this second element, we would have no assurance of the efficacy of Christ's payment.
If Jesus had died and stayed in that tomb, there would be no indication or proof that we could ever hope for more than an oblivious eternity.
1Co 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
It is this third element of the Gospel that gives us that Hope.
3.) Jesus Christ rose again!
This is why we can have hope of eternal life.
Jesus was preaching this even before His own death:
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
As Adam sinned and passed on an inheritance of death for all men, So the Son of Man arose and passed on a legacy of life for all who believe.
1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Now we have hope that is not draped in death, it is a living, a lively, and active hope of someday going to live with Him in heaven.
1Pe 1:3 ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Now we have seen the nature and definition of the Gospel.
Let us see that this imperative is none other than to remember the Gospel.
We can find motivation to this end within out text:
Every person must remember the Gospel
1. Because of what the Gospel cost.
We must get the story right because of the great price which Jesus paid.
It cost the blood of God's own Son.
It cost the life of Jesus on the Cross.
A price so high gives motivation to remember the Gospel.
2. Because of what the Gospel accomplished.
The Gospel accomplished the eradication of our sins.
It accomplished not just partial payment but full payment.
3. Because of what the Gospel can do.
The Gospel is not finished with what it can do.
It pays in full the debt of any sinner who places his faith in the person of the Gospel.
It accomplishes the justification of every sinner by faith.
The text also tells us how we can remember the Gospel.
1. By receiving the Gospel by faith.
Ro 1:16 ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Verse 3 tells us that Paul received the Gospel.
Verse 1 tells us that the Corinthians had received the Gospel.
The Gospel is of no benefit to those who reject it.
The great news of Jesus payment for our sin must be received by faith.
2. By standing in the Gospel of Grace.
Ro 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Once we have received the Gospel by faith, it is essential that we stand in the Gospel.
We must never forget, it was not our righteousness that saved us, it is not our righteousness that will keep us saved.
It was the goodness of God that brought us salvation, it will be His goodness that draws us closer to Him throughout our lives.
His goodness must flow through us like we are His channels to the world.
3. By delivering the Gospel to others.
Paul is declaring the Gospel to the saved in Corinth as He had delivered it to them when they were lost.
The Church in Corinth had Paul to thank for delivering to them the Good news of Jesus Christ.
The preservation of the Gospel Message will be through the telling of it.
Let us share the message of the Gospel as if it is the best news ever to be told to mankind, for indeed it is.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
God's Purposes in Judgment
God’s Purposes in Judgment
The Condition of Sinful Man
They may be religious in their actions. Vs1
This does not impress God.
He sees past their religious facade into their very hearts and will answer them accordingly and on an individual basis.
They have set up idols in their hearts. Vs3a
These are those objects or ideas of which the person is proud that stands between them and God.
An idol, in the traditional sense, is an image that is adored and to which is attributed special value and/or power (instead of the One True God).
So is anything that we adore too much to place it on the altar. If you are unwilling to sacrifice it to God you have placed it between you and God.
They have put stumbling blocks of iniquity before their faces. Vs3b
These are besetting sins that are too precious to relinquish.
The prophet Ezekiel is inspired by God to remind us that in our journey toward a closer relationship with God and on the path we are all trying to take to glorifying God with our lives, these sins are obstacles and trip hazards that will keep us from our goal.
Let us determine that we will remove any obstacle release any idol and worship with integrity so that we do not fit the model of the sinful men portrayed in this chapter.
The Character of Godly Men
They were all faithful in the face of societal pressure.
Noah stood alone as a righteous man in a world gone evil. Genesis 6:5,8,9
5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
Daniel led his friends to stand firm when surrounded by others who had decided to compromise.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel stood firm when praying became illegal.
Daniel 6:13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Job was a man of integrity and a leader in the early world.
Job 27:5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
They were all faithful in the face of personal trials.
Noah lost all the stability of a home in an established economic system.
Ge 7:7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.
Daniel stayed true even when thrown into the den of lions in his old age.
Da 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Job never once sinned against God although everything was taken from him.
Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
They were all renown for personal holiness.
The Comfort that God Offers
God always has a Reason
Verse 23 - God is determined to judge the sinner but not without cause.
His reason is His own glory Verse 8b
His reason is to purify for himself a people Verse 11
God provides for a Remnant Verse 22
As in almost every situation of judgment in the Bible, God has here provided for some who will be a witness of God's mercy and whose lives will serve as an example of God's grace.
In this sense, we are all trophies of God's grace - won't you allow God to work in your life and become a trophy of His grace?
God allows for Repentance
Verse 6 - God encourages the wicked to repent and turn.
It is only in repentance you and I will find freedom from our sin.
It is only in repentance we will find fullness of life.
It is only in repentance we can come to Him for salvation.
This opportunity to repent is a great comfort, do not despise it, it is a measure of God's goodness.
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
It is this repentance that Jesus came preaching to the world.
Do you think perhaps your sin has reached a level that cannot be overcome by God's goodness:
Lu 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
You are just the remnant He is looking for.
The Condition of Sinful Man
They may be religious in their actions. Vs1
This does not impress God.
He sees past their religious facade into their very hearts and will answer them accordingly and on an individual basis.
They have set up idols in their hearts. Vs3a
These are those objects or ideas of which the person is proud that stands between them and God.
An idol, in the traditional sense, is an image that is adored and to which is attributed special value and/or power (instead of the One True God).
So is anything that we adore too much to place it on the altar. If you are unwilling to sacrifice it to God you have placed it between you and God.
They have put stumbling blocks of iniquity before their faces. Vs3b
These are besetting sins that are too precious to relinquish.
The prophet Ezekiel is inspired by God to remind us that in our journey toward a closer relationship with God and on the path we are all trying to take to glorifying God with our lives, these sins are obstacles and trip hazards that will keep us from our goal.
Let us determine that we will remove any obstacle release any idol and worship with integrity so that we do not fit the model of the sinful men portrayed in this chapter.
The Character of Godly Men
They were all faithful in the face of societal pressure.
Noah stood alone as a righteous man in a world gone evil. Genesis 6:5,8,9
5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
Daniel led his friends to stand firm when surrounded by others who had decided to compromise.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel stood firm when praying became illegal.
Daniel 6:13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Job was a man of integrity and a leader in the early world.
Job 27:5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
They were all faithful in the face of personal trials.
Noah lost all the stability of a home in an established economic system.
Ge 7:7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.
Daniel stayed true even when thrown into the den of lions in his old age.
Da 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Job never once sinned against God although everything was taken from him.
Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
They were all renown for personal holiness.
The Comfort that God Offers
God always has a Reason
Verse 23 - God is determined to judge the sinner but not without cause.
His reason is His own glory Verse 8b
His reason is to purify for himself a people Verse 11
God provides for a Remnant Verse 22
As in almost every situation of judgment in the Bible, God has here provided for some who will be a witness of God's mercy and whose lives will serve as an example of God's grace.
In this sense, we are all trophies of God's grace - won't you allow God to work in your life and become a trophy of His grace?
God allows for Repentance
Verse 6 - God encourages the wicked to repent and turn.
It is only in repentance you and I will find freedom from our sin.
It is only in repentance we will find fullness of life.
It is only in repentance we can come to Him for salvation.
This opportunity to repent is a great comfort, do not despise it, it is a measure of God's goodness.
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
It is this repentance that Jesus came preaching to the world.
Do you think perhaps your sin has reached a level that cannot be overcome by God's goodness:
Lu 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
You are just the remnant He is looking for.
Judges Review
The Judges of Israel
1. Othniel (Judah) Son of Kenaz the younger brother of Caleb
Judges1:11-15; 3:1-11; Joshua 15:16-19; 1Chron. 4:13
Othniel was the nephew of Caleb (Judges 3:11) and became his son-in-law after the capture of Kirjath Sepher (Judges 1:12-13)
40 years (Judges 3:11)
2. Ehud (Benjamin) Son of Gera
Judges3:12-30
Ehud was a left-handed Benjamite who personally killed Eglon the fat king of Moab (Judges 3:21-22) He led in the slaying of 10,000 Moabites (3:29).
80 years (Judges 3:30)
3. Shamgar (?) His name is not Hebrew. Son of Anath
Judges3:31-5:6
He killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad (Judges 3:31).
Not given
4. Deborah /Barak (Ephraim and Naphtali)
Judges 4:1-5:31; 1 Samuel 12:11; Hebrews 11:32
Deborah was a prophetess and a judge. She was the wife of Lapidoth (Judges 4:4; 5:7). Deborah and her general, Barak, defeated Sisera, the general of the Army of Canaanite King Jabin of Hazor at the Battle of Kishon on Mt Tabor (4:13-16).
40 years
5. Gideon (Manasseh) Son of Joash the Abiezrite.
Judges6:1-8:32 Hebrews 11:32
The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon at Ophrah (Judges 6:11-18). Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal (Judges 6:25-27). Seeking God's will Gideon put out a fleece twice for a sign (6:36-40) On God's command he reduced the size of his army from 32,000 to 10,000 to 300 (7:2-8), and successfully routed the Midianite army (17:16-22).
40 years (Judges 8:28)
*Abimelech (Manasseh). Son of Gideon by a concubine (*He usurped power and should not be counted as a judge)
Judges 8:33-9:57 2Samuel 11:21
Abimeleck killed all his half brothers with the exception of Jotham, the youngest (Judges 9:5). He defeated Gaal (Judges 9:26-41), captured and then razed the city of Shechem (Judges 9:42-49). He was severely injured when a Thebezen woman threw down a millstone from the besieged city wall, which struck him on the head. He then had his armorbearer kill him with a sword (Judges 9:50-54).
ruled 3 years (Judges 9:22)
6. Tola (means worm)
Son of Puah (means blast)
Grandson of Dodo (means loving)
Judges10:1,2
Tola was in stark contrast to the former ruler of Israel – Abimelech, whose rule was not according to God’s pattern of setting up Judges.
Tola must have ruled effectively and with little incident as little is said of him.
He judged Israel 23 years (Judges 10:2)
7. Jair (Gilead-Manasseh)
Judges 10:3-5
Jair distinguished himself by delegating his authority effectively. He had 30 sons who were itinerant judges (10:4). They evidently carried out his ruling from 30 different villages without incident.
Perhaps he capitalized on the effectiveness of Tola’s rule and improved it by delegating.
He judged Israel 22 years (Judges 10:3)
8. Jephthah (Gilead-Manesseh) Son of Gilead by a harlot (Judges 11:1)
Judges 10:6-12:7; Hebrews 11:32
Jephthah was the son of Gilead by a harlot (Judges 11:1); he was driven away by his half brothers (Judges11:2, 3). The Elders of Gilead brought him back and made him their chief at Mizpah (Judges 11:4-11).
1. Othniel (Judah) Son of Kenaz the younger brother of Caleb
Judges1:11-15; 3:1-11; Joshua 15:16-19; 1Chron. 4:13
Othniel was the nephew of Caleb (Judges 3:11) and became his son-in-law after the capture of Kirjath Sepher (Judges 1:12-13)
40 years (Judges 3:11)
2. Ehud (Benjamin) Son of Gera
Judges3:12-30
Ehud was a left-handed Benjamite who personally killed Eglon the fat king of Moab (Judges 3:21-22) He led in the slaying of 10,000 Moabites (3:29).
80 years (Judges 3:30)
3. Shamgar (?) His name is not Hebrew. Son of Anath
Judges3:31-5:6
He killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad (Judges 3:31).
Not given
4. Deborah /Barak (Ephraim and Naphtali)
Judges 4:1-5:31; 1 Samuel 12:11; Hebrews 11:32
Deborah was a prophetess and a judge. She was the wife of Lapidoth (Judges 4:4; 5:7). Deborah and her general, Barak, defeated Sisera, the general of the Army of Canaanite King Jabin of Hazor at the Battle of Kishon on Mt Tabor (4:13-16).
40 years
5. Gideon (Manasseh) Son of Joash the Abiezrite.
Judges6:1-8:32 Hebrews 11:32
The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon at Ophrah (Judges 6:11-18). Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal (Judges 6:25-27). Seeking God's will Gideon put out a fleece twice for a sign (6:36-40) On God's command he reduced the size of his army from 32,000 to 10,000 to 300 (7:2-8), and successfully routed the Midianite army (17:16-22).
40 years (Judges 8:28)
*Abimelech (Manasseh). Son of Gideon by a concubine (*He usurped power and should not be counted as a judge)
Judges 8:33-9:57 2Samuel 11:21
Abimeleck killed all his half brothers with the exception of Jotham, the youngest (Judges 9:5). He defeated Gaal (Judges 9:26-41), captured and then razed the city of Shechem (Judges 9:42-49). He was severely injured when a Thebezen woman threw down a millstone from the besieged city wall, which struck him on the head. He then had his armorbearer kill him with a sword (Judges 9:50-54).
ruled 3 years (Judges 9:22)
6. Tola (means worm)
Son of Puah (means blast)
Grandson of Dodo (means loving)
Judges10:1,2
Tola was in stark contrast to the former ruler of Israel – Abimelech, whose rule was not according to God’s pattern of setting up Judges.
Tola must have ruled effectively and with little incident as little is said of him.
He judged Israel 23 years (Judges 10:2)
7. Jair (Gilead-Manasseh)
Judges 10:3-5
Jair distinguished himself by delegating his authority effectively. He had 30 sons who were itinerant judges (10:4). They evidently carried out his ruling from 30 different villages without incident.
Perhaps he capitalized on the effectiveness of Tola’s rule and improved it by delegating.
He judged Israel 22 years (Judges 10:3)
8. Jephthah (Gilead-Manesseh) Son of Gilead by a harlot (Judges 11:1)
Judges 10:6-12:7; Hebrews 11:32
Jephthah was the son of Gilead by a harlot (Judges 11:1); he was driven away by his half brothers (Judges11:2, 3). The Elders of Gilead brought him back and made him their chief at Mizpah (Judges 11:4-11).
Sunday, May 11, 2008
A Mother's Faith
A Mother's Faith
Matthew 15:21-28
On this Mother's Day we turn to a passage renown for its example of faith and prevailing prayer.
It is, however, rarely seen as a passage on motherhood.
Let us read our text with special consideration to this loving mother's approach to Christ, the great indignity she was willing to suffer, the great faith she exhibited and the great reward she received.
READ TEXT
Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
PRAY
The first thing we notice in the passage we have just read is this mother's approach to Jesus.
As we examine her approach it is her race that is first apparent.
It is important to note that this was no Jewish lady approaching the renown rabbi Jesus, but a Gentile woman.
By virtue of her race, she could expect rejection by the normally bigoted Jewish majority.
Similar to the woman at the well, whose surprise that Jesus would even speak to her, she could expect Jesus to send her away.
Jesus' own disciples showed this prevailing attitude as they thought Jesus should indeed send this woman away. (Verse 23)
The next thing we see about this mother's approach to Jesus is that she came asking for mercy.
It was not that this mother thought Jesus owed her this favor.
She must have recognized that the miracle she requested was one she did not deserve.
So any approach to Christ must be with the recognition that we deserve judgment for our sin and need mercy.
By definition, mercy is underserved.
The Bible teaches is that we deserve death for the sin we have committed.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We must come to Him with a cry for mercy.
The third thing we see from this mother's approach to Jesus is her recognition of Christ's identity.
She recognized Jesus as Lord and Messiah.
She, like we, must come to Jesus on our knees recognizing He is not just another spiritual light, He is The Light of the World.
He is not just another messenger from God, He is God Incarnate.
He is not just another leader He is The Lord of Heaven and Earth.
By referencing Jesus as the Son of David, this precious Gentile mother was recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah, He who would free the sin-bound.
So must we approach Jesus recognizing Him as Lord and Messiah.
Now we have seen this mother's approach to Christ, let us look at the obstacles she faced and the indignities she suffered in her coming to Jesus.
Upon first blush with no understanding of Jesus or the New Testament, it may seem that Jesus was mean to the Gentile Mother whose desire was to save her daughter.
However, nothing could be further from the truth.
When Jesus' disciples insisted on sending this woman away, Jesus struck a conversation with her.
(VERSE 24) In this conversation Jesus pointed out His priority to the Jewish people, an aspect of His ministry that was predicted by the prophets of the Old Testament.
(VERSE 25) The humble mother didn't argue with Jesus' way of doing things.
She didn't get offended that Jesus had first gone to the Jews before reaching out to the Gentiles.
She simply fell on her face and worshipped Him and begged for His help.
It takes some humiliation to recognize we are sinners in need of a Saviour, but this is how we come to Him, with no pretext, no pride, James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. We come to Him just as we are and recognize we need Him just as He is.
Jesus' next response to this mother's cry for help further highlights her faith, which we will see in a moment.
It was common for the Jewish elite to refer to themselves as the Children of God and those Gentiles as dogs.
Jesus uses this common language to make a powerful point to his watching disciples.
Knowing the humble answer of the Syrophenician mother before He even speaks Jesus intimates that it would be unfit for Him to take what could only belong to the children and give it to the dogs.
This was probably a sentiment with which His disciples agreed completely.
The woman's humble response must have cut them to the heart as she said she would be satisfied with the crumbs that fell from the table.
This leads right into the great faith that this mother exhibited.
She did not need Jesus to meet her on her terms.
She did not need to be the center of attention.
She only wanted Jesus to grant her just enough to heal her daughter.
From this we can see that this Gentile mother was a true child of God.
This was not by natural birth but by spiritual birth.
She had believed that Jesus was her Messiah and in Verse 27 accepts Him as her master.
Now she is determined to receive what Jesus has promised to all those who are born into His family, the loving care of a Heavenly Father.
Jesus recognizes the mother's great faith in Verse 28.
What a great example of faith is this!
She was a woman of no means whose great faith won her Daughter's freedom from Spiritual bondage.
How great is your faith mother?
Have you stopped praying for your daughter or your son because it is embarrassing?
Have you given up because your answer didn't come as soon as you had hoped?
I can assure you that Jesus loves your daughter more than you ever could and your son is more precious to Him than His own life.
Don't stop praying mother, don't get up from your knees before God.
He will answer your prayer.
Finally we see the great reward of faith.
Because this woman was so insistent in her request and because she exhibited so much faith Jesus healed Her daughter from the spiritual bondage she was in.
Her daughter finally had rest from that very moment.
Let me challenge you mother, if you have a child you love whose life is not in conformance with God's Word, don't stop praying for God to change that child.
If you are yourself no child of God, Know this, Jesus wants you as a part of His family.
He can make you a child of His, but you must come to Him in complete selfless humility, begging for the salvation that He wants to give you.
Matthew 15:21-28
On this Mother's Day we turn to a passage renown for its example of faith and prevailing prayer.
It is, however, rarely seen as a passage on motherhood.
Let us read our text with special consideration to this loving mother's approach to Christ, the great indignity she was willing to suffer, the great faith she exhibited and the great reward she received.
READ TEXT
Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
PRAY
The first thing we notice in the passage we have just read is this mother's approach to Jesus.
As we examine her approach it is her race that is first apparent.
It is important to note that this was no Jewish lady approaching the renown rabbi Jesus, but a Gentile woman.
By virtue of her race, she could expect rejection by the normally bigoted Jewish majority.
Similar to the woman at the well, whose surprise that Jesus would even speak to her, she could expect Jesus to send her away.
Jesus' own disciples showed this prevailing attitude as they thought Jesus should indeed send this woman away. (Verse 23)
The next thing we see about this mother's approach to Jesus is that she came asking for mercy.
It was not that this mother thought Jesus owed her this favor.
She must have recognized that the miracle she requested was one she did not deserve.
So any approach to Christ must be with the recognition that we deserve judgment for our sin and need mercy.
By definition, mercy is underserved.
The Bible teaches is that we deserve death for the sin we have committed.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We must come to Him with a cry for mercy.
The third thing we see from this mother's approach to Jesus is her recognition of Christ's identity.
She recognized Jesus as Lord and Messiah.
She, like we, must come to Jesus on our knees recognizing He is not just another spiritual light, He is The Light of the World.
He is not just another messenger from God, He is God Incarnate.
He is not just another leader He is The Lord of Heaven and Earth.
By referencing Jesus as the Son of David, this precious Gentile mother was recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah, He who would free the sin-bound.
So must we approach Jesus recognizing Him as Lord and Messiah.
Now we have seen this mother's approach to Christ, let us look at the obstacles she faced and the indignities she suffered in her coming to Jesus.
Upon first blush with no understanding of Jesus or the New Testament, it may seem that Jesus was mean to the Gentile Mother whose desire was to save her daughter.
However, nothing could be further from the truth.
When Jesus' disciples insisted on sending this woman away, Jesus struck a conversation with her.
(VERSE 24) In this conversation Jesus pointed out His priority to the Jewish people, an aspect of His ministry that was predicted by the prophets of the Old Testament.
(VERSE 25) The humble mother didn't argue with Jesus' way of doing things.
She didn't get offended that Jesus had first gone to the Jews before reaching out to the Gentiles.
She simply fell on her face and worshipped Him and begged for His help.
It takes some humiliation to recognize we are sinners in need of a Saviour, but this is how we come to Him, with no pretext, no pride, James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. We come to Him just as we are and recognize we need Him just as He is.
Jesus' next response to this mother's cry for help further highlights her faith, which we will see in a moment.
It was common for the Jewish elite to refer to themselves as the Children of God and those Gentiles as dogs.
Jesus uses this common language to make a powerful point to his watching disciples.
Knowing the humble answer of the Syrophenician mother before He even speaks Jesus intimates that it would be unfit for Him to take what could only belong to the children and give it to the dogs.
This was probably a sentiment with which His disciples agreed completely.
The woman's humble response must have cut them to the heart as she said she would be satisfied with the crumbs that fell from the table.
This leads right into the great faith that this mother exhibited.
She did not need Jesus to meet her on her terms.
She did not need to be the center of attention.
She only wanted Jesus to grant her just enough to heal her daughter.
From this we can see that this Gentile mother was a true child of God.
This was not by natural birth but by spiritual birth.
She had believed that Jesus was her Messiah and in Verse 27 accepts Him as her master.
Now she is determined to receive what Jesus has promised to all those who are born into His family, the loving care of a Heavenly Father.
Jesus recognizes the mother's great faith in Verse 28.
What a great example of faith is this!
She was a woman of no means whose great faith won her Daughter's freedom from Spiritual bondage.
How great is your faith mother?
Have you stopped praying for your daughter or your son because it is embarrassing?
Have you given up because your answer didn't come as soon as you had hoped?
I can assure you that Jesus loves your daughter more than you ever could and your son is more precious to Him than His own life.
Don't stop praying mother, don't get up from your knees before God.
He will answer your prayer.
Finally we see the great reward of faith.
Because this woman was so insistent in her request and because she exhibited so much faith Jesus healed Her daughter from the spiritual bondage she was in.
Her daughter finally had rest from that very moment.
Let me challenge you mother, if you have a child you love whose life is not in conformance with God's Word, don't stop praying for God to change that child.
If you are yourself no child of God, Know this, Jesus wants you as a part of His family.
He can make you a child of His, but you must come to Him in complete selfless humility, begging for the salvation that He wants to give you.
A Mother's Example
A Mother’s Example
For Good or Evil
Rebekah
Genesis 27:6-45
• Rebekah lacked faith in God.
– She didn’t trust God’s promise.
– She didn’t trust God’s timing.
– She took matters into her own hands.
• Rebekah undermined authority.
– She went against the authority in her life.
– She led her son against the authority in his life.
• Rebekah practiced deception.
– She insisted deception was the proper course of action.
– She reinforced the tendencies toward deception in Jacob’s life.
Hannah
I Samuel 1:9-28
• Hannah prayed for a child.
– She promised to commit her child to God.
– She trusted God’s answer to her prayer.
– She was grateful to God for her child. (2:1-10)
• Hannah worshipped God faithfully.
– She had a deep personal relationship with God.
– She was accustomed to joining in public worship at the temple.
• Hannah gave her son to the Lord.
– She fulfilled her commitment to do so.
– She fulfilled her responsibility to support Samuel while he served the Lord. (2:19)
For Good or Evil
Rebekah
Genesis 27:6-45
• Rebekah lacked faith in God.
– She didn’t trust God’s promise.
– She didn’t trust God’s timing.
– She took matters into her own hands.
• Rebekah undermined authority.
– She went against the authority in her life.
– She led her son against the authority in his life.
• Rebekah practiced deception.
– She insisted deception was the proper course of action.
– She reinforced the tendencies toward deception in Jacob’s life.
HannahI Samuel 1:9-28
• Hannah prayed for a child.
– She promised to commit her child to God.
– She trusted God’s answer to her prayer.
– She was grateful to God for her child. (2:1-10)
• Hannah worshipped God faithfully.
– She had a deep personal relationship with God.
– She was accustomed to joining in public worship at the temple.
• Hannah gave her son to the Lord.
– She fulfilled her commitment to do so.
– She fulfilled her responsibility to support Samuel while he served the Lord. (2:19)
Monday, May 5, 2008
Decently and in Order 2
The Practice of the Gifts
• Is Mandatory
– We must desire spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 14:1
– We must pray for spiritual gifts. I Cor. 14:13
– We must allow the exercising of the spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 14:39 (in keeping with Scripture)
• Is in Accordance With the Rules that Apply
– Some gifts were temporary in nature. 13:8-10
– Edification must be the goal. I Corinthians 14:12, 26; Ephesians 4:29
– Deference must be given. I Corinthians 14:27-31
– Self-control must be exercised. I Cor. 14:32, 33
– God’s ordained authority must be recognized. I Corinthians 14:34-39
– All things must be done decently and in order. Verse 40
• Is Mandatory
– We must desire spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 14:1
– We must pray for spiritual gifts. I Cor. 14:13
– We must allow the exercising of the spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 14:39 (in keeping with Scripture)
• Is in Accordance With the Rules that Apply
– Some gifts were temporary in nature. 13:8-10
– Edification must be the goal. I Corinthians 14:12, 26; Ephesians 4:29
– Deference must be given. I Corinthians 14:27-31
– Self-control must be exercised. I Cor. 14:32, 33
– God’s ordained authority must be recognized. I Corinthians 14:34-39
– All things must be done decently and in order. Verse 40
Untempered Mortar
Untempered Mortar
EZEKIEL 13:1-12
Our Journey through Ezekiel continues this morning as we pick up today in Chapter 13.
Last week we saw the prophet's warning that the days are at hand.
His clear imperative was that every person must obey the Lord's Voice.
1.) Because God has shown us the price of disobedience.
> Disobedience results in great loss.
> Disobedience tears down walls of protection and safety.
> Disobedience results in great shame. Verses 8-16
> Disobedience always costs more than you expected.
These warnings served as motivation to:
1.) Consider His command.
2.) Do it now.
The message was characteristically severe and difficult for Israel to hear.
Even today, people would usually rather hear something positive and uplifting than the truth of their own sin.
There is quite a market for such preaching in today's world.
Paul wasn't kidding when he said:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; II Timothy 4:3
Now you are all here this morning and that means one of two things:
You either don't know what you've gotten yourself into or you are ready to hear the truth.
Most of you should know by now, I can't always preach just the positive passages while Scriptures like Ezekiel's prophecy go unheard.
Today's text fits our society with a relevance that is uncanny.
Let us begin with verses 1-12
READ TEXT
Eze 13:1 ¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;
3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!
4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.
5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.
6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.
7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?
8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.
9 And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
10 ¶ Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:
11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.
12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?
PRAY
It seems clear to me that the major imperative in the text is that God's people hear the truth.
While false prophets are spewing out their false hopes and false ideas about God, somebody needs to be listening to the truth.
Remember, Satan as been active for thousands of years raising up his own prophets and leading people astray.
Today he is as active as ever, speaking louder than ever.
He is providing a false sense of security to millions of deluded souls, and they will spend an eternity condemned by God because they wouldn't hear the truth.
As the primary challenge of the text is to hear the truth, let us examine further the SINS OF THE PROPHETS.
1) Verse 2 - they listen to their hearts.
Man's sinful nature is a product of his own heart.
Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
2) Verse 3 - they follow their own spirit.
Spirit guides from other than God are plentiful in this world.
1John 4:1 ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
3) Verse 4 - they seek their own interests.
So the sale of indulgences reflected a self interest that was not from God.
1Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
4.) Verse 5 - they care not for the defense of God's people.
There is a need for leadership to stand in the gaps of our society and fight against the purveyors of flasehood.
Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
5) Verse 6a - they falsely represent God.
They come in the name of Christ.
They call themselves Christians.
Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
They may even refer to themselves as witnesses of Jehovah, but they are falsely representing themselves.
They do not serve the Jehovah of Old Testament, whom Jesus claimed to be.
6) Verse 6b - they give false hope to God's people.
Many are told they can procure favour with God by some ritual or some work or contribution to a church.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
7) Verse 7,8a - they speak emptiness and lies.
The product of a religion without the absolute truth of God is an emptiness that cannot be denied.
So the word of these false prophets satisfy the ears but not the soul.
ILLUSTRATION - Dirt pies in Haiti
We have seen the sins of the prophets, and perhaps you recognize their ilk in some of today's most popular spiritual leaders.
Now let us see the response of God.
1) Verse 8b - God is against them.
2) Verse 9a - God will judge them.
3) Verse 9b - God will exclude them.
- They will not be gathered with His people.
Mt 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
- They will not be written with His people.
Re 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
- They will not enter into the place of rest with His people.
Heb 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Now we can look a little more closely at the product of the false prophets.
Verse 10 speaks of a wall built by one prophet and daubed by another with untempered mortar.
This is not just one lie told to gain a short-term following.
This is a system of lies created to give people a false sense of security.
Much effort has gone into building this structure of lies.
It is a recognized system of religion, a popular and common belief system.
There are a few things we should notice about this wall:
1) Verse 10 - it is built with substandard building materials.
ILL - THE BIG DIG - started in 1991 costing tens of billions of dollars - an underground highway for miles beneath the city of Boston.
in July of 2006 Milena Del Valle was driving into the tunnel when a ceiling panel fell on her vehicle killing her.
Upon further investigation it was determined that thousands of tons of substandard concrete had been used in the building process.
So many have tried to build some wall of protection against the judgement of God.
1Co 3:11 ¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
2) Verse 11 - it cannot stand against the storm that is coming.
1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
3) Verse 12 - those trusting in the wall will be incredulous when it falls.
Mt 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
4) Verse 13-16 - the wall and its builders will suffer the wrath of God.
Every person must HEAR THE TRUTH
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
EZEKIEL 13:1-12
Our Journey through Ezekiel continues this morning as we pick up today in Chapter 13.
Last week we saw the prophet's warning that the days are at hand.
His clear imperative was that every person must obey the Lord's Voice.
1.) Because God has shown us the price of disobedience.
> Disobedience results in great loss.
> Disobedience tears down walls of protection and safety.
> Disobedience results in great shame. Verses 8-16
> Disobedience always costs more than you expected.
These warnings served as motivation to:
1.) Consider His command.
2.) Do it now.
The message was characteristically severe and difficult for Israel to hear.
Even today, people would usually rather hear something positive and uplifting than the truth of their own sin.
There is quite a market for such preaching in today's world.
Paul wasn't kidding when he said:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; II Timothy 4:3
Now you are all here this morning and that means one of two things:
You either don't know what you've gotten yourself into or you are ready to hear the truth.
Most of you should know by now, I can't always preach just the positive passages while Scriptures like Ezekiel's prophecy go unheard.
Today's text fits our society with a relevance that is uncanny.
Let us begin with verses 1-12
READ TEXT
Eze 13:1 ¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;
3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!
4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.
5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.
6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.
7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?
8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.
9 And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
10 ¶ Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:
11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.
12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?
PRAY
It seems clear to me that the major imperative in the text is that God's people hear the truth.
While false prophets are spewing out their false hopes and false ideas about God, somebody needs to be listening to the truth.
Remember, Satan as been active for thousands of years raising up his own prophets and leading people astray.
Today he is as active as ever, speaking louder than ever.
He is providing a false sense of security to millions of deluded souls, and they will spend an eternity condemned by God because they wouldn't hear the truth.
As the primary challenge of the text is to hear the truth, let us examine further the SINS OF THE PROPHETS.
1) Verse 2 - they listen to their hearts.
Man's sinful nature is a product of his own heart.
Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
2) Verse 3 - they follow their own spirit.
Spirit guides from other than God are plentiful in this world.
1John 4:1 ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
3) Verse 4 - they seek their own interests.
So the sale of indulgences reflected a self interest that was not from God.
1Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
4.) Verse 5 - they care not for the defense of God's people.
There is a need for leadership to stand in the gaps of our society and fight against the purveyors of flasehood.
Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
5) Verse 6a - they falsely represent God.
They come in the name of Christ.
They call themselves Christians.
Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
They may even refer to themselves as witnesses of Jehovah, but they are falsely representing themselves.
They do not serve the Jehovah of Old Testament, whom Jesus claimed to be.
6) Verse 6b - they give false hope to God's people.
Many are told they can procure favour with God by some ritual or some work or contribution to a church.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
7) Verse 7,8a - they speak emptiness and lies.
The product of a religion without the absolute truth of God is an emptiness that cannot be denied.
So the word of these false prophets satisfy the ears but not the soul.
ILLUSTRATION - Dirt pies in Haiti
We have seen the sins of the prophets, and perhaps you recognize their ilk in some of today's most popular spiritual leaders.
Now let us see the response of God.
1) Verse 8b - God is against them.
2) Verse 9a - God will judge them.
3) Verse 9b - God will exclude them.
- They will not be gathered with His people.
Mt 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
- They will not be written with His people.
Re 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
- They will not enter into the place of rest with His people.
Heb 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Now we can look a little more closely at the product of the false prophets.
Verse 10 speaks of a wall built by one prophet and daubed by another with untempered mortar.
This is not just one lie told to gain a short-term following.
This is a system of lies created to give people a false sense of security.
Much effort has gone into building this structure of lies.
It is a recognized system of religion, a popular and common belief system.
There are a few things we should notice about this wall:
1) Verse 10 - it is built with substandard building materials.
ILL - THE BIG DIG - started in 1991 costing tens of billions of dollars - an underground highway for miles beneath the city of Boston.
in July of 2006 Milena Del Valle was driving into the tunnel when a ceiling panel fell on her vehicle killing her.
Upon further investigation it was determined that thousands of tons of substandard concrete had been used in the building process.
So many have tried to build some wall of protection against the judgement of God.
1Co 3:11 ¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
2) Verse 11 - it cannot stand against the storm that is coming.
1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
3) Verse 12 - those trusting in the wall will be incredulous when it falls.
Mt 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
4) Verse 13-16 - the wall and its builders will suffer the wrath of God.
Every person must HEAR THE TRUTH
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
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