Philippians 4:6-9, True Peace in Your Life

by Matt Slick

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.  9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you." (NIV)

Peace of mind is something that we all want.  We all want to be able to rest, to not have to worry, to feel free to enjoy life, family, friends, work, church, hobbies, entertainment, etc.  We want to be able to enjoy ourselves and not be burdened down with worries that rob us of vigor, life, and purpose.
Sometimes when we can'tfind peace of mind, we get depressed.  We often get angry and lash out at God or someone else near to you.
What do you do to get peace?  I mean real peace in your life.  Where do you start?  What do you do?
Well, the best place to start is with God.
Turn with me to Philippians 4:6-9.

1. God wants you to have true peace by having you not worry - about anything (act of thinking)
   1. Worry is sin.  It means you are not trusting in God.
   2. God says in verse 6, "Do not be anxious about anything."  That means don'tworry.  The word for "anxious" in the greek here means to be troubled with cares
   3. He hasn'tgiven you that command without you being able to carry it out.
      1. He said to the man with the withered hand, "Stretch forth your hand" (Mark 3:5)
         1. But the man could not -- yet He obeyed and did it!
      2. Because the Holy Spirit is in you, you are able to live by faith, and not worry... no matter what happens.  Because the Spirit empowers you to be faithful, to trust, to yield to the Lord's will.
      3. With the Spirit you are able to trust God beyond your ability to know what will happen in your life.
   4. Matthew 6:25,27,31-34 ~ 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  31 So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'  32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.
   5. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety (same word) on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
   6. John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me. (NIV)
   7. God doesn't want you to worry because worry means you do not trust God, that you are not taking Him fully at His word.
      1. God has been providing for you all along - look at the cross.
2. God wants you to have true peace by praying - about everything (act of doing)
   1. v. 6 "But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
   2. All things in your life are of concern to God
      1. The big and the small: where to move, who to marry, what job to get, even your hobbies, and leisure times.
   3. The peace that God gives you will guard your minds.
   4. The peace that God gives you will strengthen you.
   5. Because of the cross you have access to the throne of God.
      1. which is why it says "with thanksgiving," because of the cross, the proof of God's faithfulness.
      2. In the presence of God there is peace.
      3. Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
      4. Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
      5. Practice the presence of God - pray!
         1. In prayer you are transformed
         2. By praying you will intern want to think about holy things. That is why... (next point)
3. God wants you to have true peace by meditating on what is holy (act of thinking)
   1. Your minds have been set free from slavery to sin.
      1. Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; (NIV)
   2. God wants you to fill your heart with what is good.
      1. Phil. 4:8, "whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent worthy of praise.  Let your mind dwell on these things." (NASB)
   3. God wants you to think, to meditate on truth, purity, and excellence.
      1. Psalm 119:78 "...I will meditate on your precepts."
      2. The precepts of God, the Word of God, is truth, purity, and excellence.
      3. Meditate on the Word of God so that you might be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
4. God wants you to have true peace by putting into practice what you have learned. (act of doing)
   1. He wants you to...
      1. trust Him for everything
         1. Philippians 4:6a "Don't be anxious for anything."
      2. pray to Him for anything
         1. Philippians 4:6b "but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (NIV)
      3. meditate on what is holy
         1. Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. (NIV)

Conclusion
These things are written to you so that the God of peace will be with you.  Not simply peace... but the God of peace will be with you.  Ultimately this is about God dwelling with you.  He wants you to be holy, pure, right.  Will you trust Him and not worry?  Will you pray about everything in your life? Will you meditate on the Word of God?  And finally, will you practice, will you do, what God calls you to do?

Revelation 1:12

Revelation 1:12

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,

to see the voice  - To see the "voice" here means to see the "person" who spoke.

Here John doesn’t know who was speaking to him. Already he was afraid because of the loud voice. Even though, he wa  nts to know who is declaring here I am Alpha and Omaga. When John turned to see the source of the mighty voice making this declaration, he saw in midst of the lampstands one like a son of man is non-other than Jesus Christ’s awesome presence, in all His power and glory was unveiled before his eyes.

I saw seven golden candlesticks

·        We can see this golden candle stick in old testament also

·        When God is telling to build a temple in the old testament He is also mentioning about this Gold lamp stand.

Exodus 25:31 "You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work: its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it.

Exodus 25:32 And there shall be six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it;

Exodus 25:33 three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch--so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.

Exodus 25:34 And on the lampstand itself there shall be four cups made like almond blossoms, with their calyxes and flowers,

Exodus 25:35 and a calyx of one piece with it under each pair of the six branches going out from the lampstand.

Exodus 25:36 Their calyxes and their branches shall be of one piece with it, the whole of it a single piece of hammered work of pure gold.

Exodus 25:37 You shall make seven lamps for it. And the lamps shall be set up so as to give light on the space in front of it.

What is the Golden Lamp Stand ?

Revelation 1:20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Why He is comparing church to Golden Lamp Stand ?

·        Church is a place where God dwells

·        The candlesticks refers the churches.

·        Church is a place where people all gather to worship & praise God.

·        God himself have told in Mathew 18:20

        For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

·        The same thing John was seeing in the vision

        And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

·        So , church should be a place which fives light, that means

o   which changes person’s life from darkness to light

o   church is a place to taste God’s love

·        God mentioned here Golden lamp sticks. Here the gold represents the dignity  and purity

·        So God expect the church should be dignity and pure as gold

·        We see that this purity or holiness was missing in all seven churches

·        So only God is telling that how was the church and how is it right now and the necessity of repentance of church and if they didn’t repent what God will going to do for that church

·        All these things we going to mediate in the chapter 2 and 3.

Lessons Learned From a Beggar Luke 16:19-31

9   There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25  But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27  Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29  Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
 
This passage of scripture is constantly used in messages and bible studies on the doctrine of hell.  Because of this, maybe we have overlooked some basic truths about the Christian life that can be found in the life of Lazarus.  Lazarus was an Old Testament saint, a saved person.  The question we may overlook in this passage is this --HOW DID A SAINT OF GOD END UP IN THE SITUATION THAT LAZARUS FOUND HIMSELF?
Why did God not protect Lazarus from the life of a beggar?  Doesn't a saint of God have a right to expect a better life than that of Lazarus? How could God allow such suffering and deprivation in the life of one of His children?
As I am writing this message, the Littleton, Colorado shooting is still very much in the news.  Many people want answers from Christian leaders and laymen alike.  How could God allow such misery and pain?  This past week I visited a backsliden preacher whose wife had deserted him about a year ago.  "I'm mad at God," he told me.  "I gave my whole life to Him to use me in His service, and this is how He repays me!"
If there ever was a saint of God who had a right to complain, it was Lazarus. 
David said in the Psalms,  "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." But had he lived in Jesus' time, he couldn't have said that.  Because Lazarus was a begging believer.
I.   THE STORY OF THE BEGGAR The story of the hardships of Lazarus is a significant one.  God places him right beside the rich man so we can understand His ways.  There's much more to this story than just the truth of the doctrine of hell.  Beneath the surface there is the story of a Sovereign God who places His servants in just the conditions and situations of life that will bring glory to Himself.
LAZARUS WAS REJECTED OF MEN.  Lazarus was "laid at the gate" of the rich man.  the word translated "laid" means to throw or to cast without concern of the results.  Perhaps as a joke or as a result of hatred for the rich man, the townsfolk deposited Lazarus at the gate of the rich man.  This was an act of barbarism.  They used the misfortune of another in their own plans and schemes.
LAZARUS WAS REPULSIVE TO MEN.  The scripture tells us that he was "full of sores."  It reminds the bible student of Job in the Old Testament who also suffered from boils and ulcerated skin.  The people of the city were most probably repulsed at the sight of him.
LAZARUS WAS RESTRICTED BY MEN.   He "desired" the crumbs from the table of the rich man.  The word denotes a longing or a lusting after.  Poor Lazarus could not control himself.  He was so hungered that he literally begged for scraps.  This is the same word that is translated "fain" in the story of the prodigal son, "And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him."  Luke 15:16   His movements, his diet, his very existence was controlled by others.  He seemingly had nothing in his life that was his own.
What a pitiful existence!  This is a life so lacking in quality that the euthanasia proponents would use him as a poster boy!  And you say this man is a believer in God?  What kind of God would allow a life like this? 
II.  THE SECRETS OF THE BEGGAR We are almost sickened as we examine the life of Lazarus.  But we know from the story that Lazarus knew God's salvation.  Though technically and Old Testament believer, he had no doubt come to trust in the coming Redeemer as did Job when he said, "I know my redeemer liveth..."
Just like Job, Lazarus had faith that God would take care of him.  And if you examine the text closely, you will see that God did take care of him, albeit in unusual ways.
LAZARUS' RESIDENCE.  There are those who preach a "prosperity" gospel who would say that poor Lazarus had to be backsliden.  There is no excuse, they say, for a man to live in poverty.  It's God's will that we all have fine houses, they tell us.  Lazarus' residence was the rich man's gate!  Certainly there would be more opportunities for him there than any other place in the city!  But, you say, God owes us more!  Does He?  Who says that you are destined to live in a big, fancy house?  Who says you won't even be on the street one day, just like Lazarus?  But God was with Lazarus and there is no indication in the text where Lazarus one time complained about his lot in life.  Contrast that with our everyday complaints to ourselves, our friends, even to God.
LAZARUS' REQUEST.  He desired to eat the scraps from the rich man's table.  His biggest need was food and God placed him right in front of the biggest glutton and waster of food in the city.  Even in his poverty and want, can you see the blessings of God?  God met his needs, though in very strange ways.
LAZARUS' RELIEF.   The dogs came to Lazarus and licked his sores.  What a distressing picture.  He needed relief from the pain and suffering of the boils and God sent him dogs to relieve his suffering.  I can see some of you now recoiling in horror at the prospects.  Surely God could do better!  Surely there was some other way!  How repulsive!  How sickening!  And yet the bible records no complaint from Lazarus.
III. THE SATISFACTION OF THE BEGGAR I am so glad the story does not end with Lazarus' death.  His life is not enough to convince some people of the goodness of God.  There are many who would refuse to acknowledge a God that would allow suffering of the magnitude of Lazarus'.  But in death we can see the blessings that he enjoyed as a believer in God.
HE HAD A SWEET FELLOWSHIP.   Notice where the angels carried him - to the "bosom" of Abraham.  This word denotes the place next to the heart, the loose upper part of  a garment.  It can also mean a special pocket, used for carrying valuables. Can you see the fellowship that Lazarus enjoyed?  He was in a special place of honor.  But the truth is that he enjoyed a sweet fellowship with God even while he begged at the rich man's gate!  You can't see a person's fellowship with God, but you can see the results of it.
HE HAD A SPECIAL COMFORT.    "...He is comforted..."  the scripture says.  This is the same word used for the Holy Spirit in other passages.  Literally, Lazarus was encouraged, strengthened, and taught.  Lazarus enjoyed the perfect presence of the Holy Ghost in his death, but he was also comforted in life.  And we, in this dispensation of the Holy Spirit, enjoy the continual presence of His Spirit dwelling in us.  Should we not be able to withstand whatever may come our way with his divine presence with us every moment? 
HE HAD A SUPPORTING GRACE.   In verse 26, Abraham tells the rich man of the "great gulf" that is "fixed."  It was a separation that was established between the righteous dead and the wicked dead.  This shows us the matchless grace of God in salvation.  Salvation is both free and forever.  There would be no crossing from one side to the other.  Lazarus was just as "saved" as anyone could be.  He was hidden in the grace of his God.  But was not that grace also active in his life?  Did not God have His hand on Lazarus even in his poverty and want?
IV.  THE SOLUTION OF THE BEGGAR'S STORY The question of the hour is "why?".  Why do bad things happen in a world supposedly ordered by a righteous and loving God?  Why do teenagers die in needless slaughter?  Why do Christian families disintegrate before our eyes?  Why do disease and poverty hit so many Christians in our day?
Only a fool would attempt to answer these questions from his own intellect.  But the bible does have some answers.  These answers will not satisfy the atheist nor the agnostic with their doubts and denials.  But Christians can take heart in knowing that God is in control.
GOD ALLOWS SUFFERING TO PREPARE SINNERS FOR SALVATION.  Lazarus suffered at the gate of one of the richest men of that day.  God had him there as a witness.  He never complained or cursed his lot in life.  He never blamed God or others for his lot in life.   God has a right to place His witnesses where ever He pleases, and sometimes there are dark circumstances to endure. Paul, in I Corinthians 9:12, says, "...but (we) suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ."
GOD ALLOWS SUFFERING TO PERFECT THE SAINT IN HOLINESS.  God's goal is to make His people more and more like Him day by day.  Sometimes God is perfecting us the most when we are at our lowest.  He is the author and finisher of our salvation.  He can write the book of our lives as He sees fit. I Peter 5:10 says, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."  We have no right to fight against the perfecting work of God.
GOD ALLOWS SUFFERING TO PROVIDE THE SWEETNESS OF FELLOWSHIP.  Experiences of life bind people together like few other things can.  I once saw a telecast of a reunion of D-Day soldiers on TV.  They spoke in terms only they could fully understand.  I felt like an outsider intruding in their world. So it is with those who suffer for Christ's sake. "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;"  Philippians 3:10
GOD ALLOWS SUFFERING TO THE PLEASURE OF HIS SOVEREIGNTY.  I am not saying that God takes pleasure in bringing suffering to His children.  What I am saying is that God does not have to check with humanity before making decisions about His creation.  God is sovereign and we must trust Him to do what is best in our lives and in the world.  He promises us that "all things" will work to our good.
We can never understand all that God is or all that God does. 
Someone once said, "When I can't trace Him, I'll trust Him."  You can search the scripture from cover to cover and you will never find where God made a mistake in anything.  Since He has such a good track record, why not do like Lazarus and let Him work His will in your life?
 

Great Things from Strange Places

Great Things from Strange Places
A Bible Study from John 1:43-50 by Robert L. Cobb
-Administrator, News For Christians Dot Com

John 1
              45  Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses
                          in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
               46  And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? 
                            Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
                47  Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, 
                            in whom is no guile!
                48  Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said 
                     unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
                49  Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the
                                 King of Israel.
                 50  Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig 
                          tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
One of the first things we want to know about people is from where they come.  When we want to know about a person, we look at his family, his background, and his environment.  History and cultural lore are full of illustrations of influential people from humble beginnings. 
In politics, our minds immediately go to Abraham Lincoln.  In spite of his family's poverty, he rose to the greatest heights as a leader of men.  In Tupelo, Mississippi, the son of a drunkard grew to influence popular music and modern culture like few others.  His name was Elvis Presley.  The seacoast city of Wilmington, NC seemed an unlikely place for a cultural icon to be born.  Michael Jordan had an ordinary childhood until high school when his basketball talents began to blossom.
Those are worldly examples, but the same principle applies in religious circles.  D.L. Moody was an orphan who grew up with none of life's luxuries.  No one thought that his life would amount to anything special.  The great missionary David Livingstone was born near Glasgow, Scotland to a very poor family.  He was forced to work in the local cotton mill at ten years old to help his family.  One of the greatest preachers and hymnwriters in Christian history was John Newton.  His mother died when he was seven, and his father raised him on board the ships he sailed.  At twelve, he was on his own.  As an adult, he was captain of a slave ship.  One could look at Newton's early life and wonder how such a one could ever do anything for God.
Our passage of scripture tells of the call of the disciple Nathanael.  When Philip told him of Christ, he replied, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?"  What a question!  I entitle this study, "Great Things from Strange Places."  In it, we will use this passage to examine the attitudes  and prejudices of many people and the grace of God that overcomes them.
I.   A HAPPY DECLARATION  (verse 45) Notice in verse 45 that Philip found Nathanael.  Philip was the "finding" disciple.  Many times when Philip is mentioned in scripture, it shows him winning souls and witnessing for the Lord. He had met Christ and now wanted to share his experience with Nathanael.
"We have found him,"  Philip told him.  Many young men of Philip's time were searching for "him," that is, the messiah.  Israel was under the dominion of the Roman empire and many looked for the one who would lead their beloved nation to independence and autonomy. 
Subpoints: (1)  A Specific Search   "found Nathanael"
               (2)  A Special Find   "found him"  (Christ)
              (3) A Scriptural Fulfillment  "of whom Moses and the prophets did write"
           (4) A Statement of Identification "Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph"
II.   A HARMFUL ATTITUDE  (verse 46) If you ever wanted to find an illustration of a pessimist, here it is!  Nathanael's response is so much like our own many times.  We discount people because of external difficulties.  Nazareth was not a desirable place.  It was not known for great minds or great abilities.  Most scholars believe that Nathanael was voicing an honest concern as well as possibly casting an aspersion
on the city of Nazareth. 
There were no major scriptures identifying Nazareth as city of prophecy concerning the messiah.  It would seem that Nathanael was very knowledgeable about spiritual matters.  Philip came to him with the announcement, "we have found him..."  These men had probably spent much time and discussion about who he would be and where he would come from.
The political situation was bleak.  Many Jews flourished financially under the dominion of Rome.  But those Jews who considered Israel God's chosen nation were not satisfied.  The spiritual Jewish believers also yearned for the appearance of the messiah.  These were the two categories of people looking for the messiah, political and religious.  Which category the disciples belonged to is unknown.  It could have been both.
Subpoints: (1)   Doubting the Place        "Nazareth"
                      (2)   Doubting the Possibility  "can any..."
                      (3)   Doubting the Purity       "good thing"
                      (4)   Doubting the Profit          "come out"
III.   AN HONORABLE EVALUATION  (verse 47) In verse 47, Jesus addresses both the political and religious aspects of his coming.  As Nathanael approaches Christ, Jesus calls out to him.  He says, "Behold, an Israelite indeed."  This was a great compliment to Nathanael.  The term "Israelite" was held in high esteem by the Jews, and usually reserved for the political elite.  Jesus was acknowledging Nathanael's patriotism.  He perceived that Nathanael had godly motives concerning his nation. 
Secondly, Jesus said, "...in whom is no guile."    Guile is deception, subtlety, or hypocrisy.  Nathanael was a straightforward, honest man.  These were great compliments coming from the Son of God to a man of flesh and inconsistencies just like you and me. But with all his attributes, Nathanael had yet to receive Christ.  Rest assured that Christ knows us just as fully as he knew Nathanael.  What would his assessment be of us?
Subpoints: (1)   Jesus Probed his Political Beliefs
                      (2)   Jesus Penetrates his Religious Beliefs
IV.   A HINT OF DIVINITY  (verse 48) Nathanael had no idea who he was speaking to.  He asks how does Jesus know him?  Jesus responds with words that Nathanael can hardly understand.  Not only did Jesus know about his conversation with Philip, but he also had a personal note for him.  "When thou wast under the fig tree" has been a phrase that has caused scholars to guess and wonder for generations about the meaning.  The fig tree typifies both Israel and the fruitful life.   Some have concluded that there could be symbolic meaning in the statement.
"Under the fig tree" in ancient Jewish times was a place of reflection, study, and meditation.  Micah 4:4 says  "But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree."   I believe that Christ is pointing here to a time of Nathanael's meditation on the questions of life or the things of God.  Christ was now answering those silent questions hidden deep in Nathanael's inner self.
Subpoints: (1)   His Omniscience
                      (2)   His Omnipresence
                      (3)   His Omnipotence
V.   AN HONEST CONFESSION  (verse 49) To Nathanael's credit, it didn't take very long for him to realize who Christ was.  His exclamation is brief, but telling.  He calls him "rabbi," meaning "great teacher."  He then confesses Christ as his personal redeemer and his national redeemer.  He is both the "Son of God" and "King of Israel."
Subpoints: (1)   A Religious Title     "rabbi"
                     (2)   A Spiritual Title      "Son of God"
                      (3)   A National Title       "King of Israel"
VI.   A HOPE OF GREATER THINGS  (verse 50) Jesus was pleased that Nathanael had believed so easily.  He promised "greater things."    Jesus always responds positively to faith.    There are great discoveries of God's greatness and power for those who exercise faith.  Nathanael did not realize the journey that he was starting.  He would see Jesus preach great messages, heal the sick, and raise the dead.  Nathanael's confession of faith allowed him to be a part of it.
Subpoints: (1)   Christ Responds to Faith
   (2)   Christ Reveals Greater Things
Conclusion:
Truly, great things can come from strange places.  Nathanael had his doubts about this man called Jesus of Nazareth.  At first, he wondered if anything good could come from such a place.  After meeting Christ, he probably wondered how he could witness and even be a part of something as wonderful as the earthly ministry of Christ.
Today, we too, should wonder how a great and mighty God could use us in His service.  We are all unworthy of God's blessings and benefits.  Surely we should never doubt what God can do for and to even the least of us.
 

Anticipating God in Your Future

Anticipating God in Your Future
A Topical Message Suitable for the New Year by Robert L. Cobb
-Administrator, News For Christians Dot Com Matthew 16
1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
2  He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3  And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
 
"What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expect generally happens."  So said 19th century politician Benjamin Disraeli.  At every new year the experts try to determine what will happen in the forthcoming months: politically, economically, and socially.  The tabloids take it a step further.  They consult astrologers and psychics who predict the future for the new year.  Christians know that the future is not seen in the stars, or in the subconscious minds of so-called psychics.  Even the brightest and best minds can not predict what 2004 holds for us.  Humanly speaking, we would do well to remember Disraeli's quote.
But spiritually speaking, we should be wise to our immediate future.  In Matthew Chapter Sixteen, Jesus chides the Pharisees and Saducees for not discerning the times in which they lived.  They were better at weather prediction than Bible study.  Likewise, many Christians today live in ignorance of God's mighty workings because of Bible neglect.  What are some things we can anticipate God doing in 2004?  Are there any clear-cut answers in the Scripture?  Where will we be this time next year?
I.   Anticipating God's Grace  -He Will Save! Some Christians seem to think that God is going out of business!  The hyper-calvinists are like the rancher who, upon losing his herd, simply opened the gates and waited for his cattle to come back.  Bible Christians know that God works through human witness to win the lost.  Some of the more orthodox brethren may say they believe in God's saving power, but their actions speak differently.    The following verses are still in the Bible:

1Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

We have not passed unknowingly into a new dispensation in which God has ceased saving by grace through faith.  He is still convicting!  He is still drawing! He is still saving!  I remind you of the story of David and Mephibosheth in which David said, "Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him?"  In the parable of the great supper, the servant reported back to his lord, "Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room."   The negative thinking Christian can think of a hundred reasons why few are being saved today.  But God would have us anticipate His grace in 2004.  There is yet room in the House of God!  there is yet room in the Family of God!  There is yet room at the feet of Jesus! II.  Anticipating God's Goodness  -He Will Bless! In John 11, Lazarus was seriously sick.  Mary and Martha, in verse three, send for Jesus.  They knew the nature of Christ.  They knew that He loved Lazarus and wanted the best for him.  We focus on Martha's unbelief as Christ confronts her after Lazarus' death.  But what of her great statement: "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."  She anticipated the goodness of God.  She anticipated a blessing.  Certainly, the passage teaches us that God is in control even when we may not understand His purposes.  But we should anticipate the spiritual blessings that God promised us in this Age of Grace.

Ephesians 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

III. Anticipating God's Guidance  -He Will Lead! So many people today don't know what to do or where to turn.  Christians, too, seem to have trouble finding their way.  This should not be true.  The believer has One who leads him.  "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." 

Psalm 48:14  For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

John 16:13 says, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."  Hr led Moses to the back side of the desert and then to confront the Pharoah.  He led Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, & Daniel.  He will lead us as well. IV.  Anticipating God's Genius   -He Will Speak! Young Samuel heard the voice of God in the house of Eli the priest, but was not anticipating it.  He misread the voice and thought it came from Eli.  Eli made him aware that God was speaking to him and afterward he said, "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth."  God will speak to us in 2004.  Hen speaks through the preaching of His Word, if we have ears to hear.  He speaks through personal Bible study, if we enter into it seeking His voice.

1 Corinthians 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

V.   Anticipating God's Governing   -He Will Rule! Is God at work in the affairs of humanity today?  Doubters and scoffers say "no."  They ask, "How could God be active in the world today with such pain, suffering, and sorrow?"  Those questions are answered when we consider the sin question and man's continual disobedience to God.  But there is no doubt to the child of God that He is providencially working today.  Psalm 59:13 says "... that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth."   And Psalm 66:7 says "He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations.."  God rules over nations and people.
Psalm 89:9 says "Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them."  So we see that God rules over the weather and natual things.   Psalm 103:19 tells us  "The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all."  There is no aspect of the earth that God does not totally control.

Ephesians 1:8-10  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

God rules in our lives as well.  He has a master plan that He is working out in our lives.  He is conforming us into His image.  He is making us like Him.  Submit to his molding.  May 2004 be a year that God works tremendously in your life! VI.  Anticipating God's Glory   -He Will Come! I do not say with any authority at all that Christ will definitely return in 2004.  But I 
do say that He will come  --at some point in time --of His own choosing.  Charles Spurgeon, when asked if he thought Christ might return soon, said, "I think not!"  After repeating this answer numerous times, someone finally got up enough nerve to ask him, "Doesn't the Bible command that we anticipate Christ's coming?  Why then do you say, 'I think not!'?"  Spurgeon answered, "Because the Bible says, 'in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh'.
Believers have looked for Christ's return for over 2000 years.  It seems silly in the eyes of the skeptics for us to anticipate Christ's coming even still.
 

John 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:18  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
2 Peter 3:3-4  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

John closes the book of Revelation with these words,  "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."  Like generations before us, we anticipate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!  It could be in 2004! Conclusion:  We don't need to read behind the experts in the fields of economics, culture, or politics to know what 2004 holds.  We don't need to consult the psychics and astrologers either.  The child of God needs only to consult his Bible and be available to the call of God on His life.  May we be that kind of servant in 2004!
 

Revelation 1:11

Revelation 1:11

Revelation 1:11 saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea."

Revelation 1:11

This is continuation of the verse 10 last week we saw that apostle John heard a loud voice like a trumpet saying “Write what you see in the book”

In Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet (Rev 1:11) saying, , I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last – the loud voice telling to write seven churches in the Asia minor.

Seven churches,

In that time of first century other than these seven churches there are many churches where there. The Corinthian church, Rapoli church etc.. But God mentioned only the 7 seven churches name, but actually this message not only for these 7 churches but its for all.

Not only the 7 churches but for all

In all seven cases the admonition/warning is included, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, 3:22)

The geographic Church locations

·        Today, we know the location of these seven churches as being in the Aegean Region of Western Turkey.

·        While reference is always made to the Seven Churches by name, the actual churches referred to were places of worship, rather than actual church buildings.

·        These places provided a relatively safe haven for the early Christians and were Roman cities.

Why God did not mention the churches in Israel and why He mentioned other churches like turkey?

This fact is important,

Reason 1: because at the time of the writing, the city of Jerusalem had been wiped out, the temple destroyed, Israel is no longer recognized  among the nations, and the Jews are being scattered to the four corners of the earth. 

Reason 2 : Persecution

Acts 8:1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 8:4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

Reason 1: Members of Church

·        Before Jesus Christ and during the Jesus Christ the word Church was not used. They call just Israelite, our God called “God of Israel or God Israelite.

·        From the day of Pentecost only we start calling Church. Why because

·        All Jewish were not accepted Jesus as son of God. So few Jewish where accepted Jesus there are called Jewish Christians.

Reason 2 : Blindness

From that time onwards His church, the mystery kingdom, is not unique to Israel, but is comprised of both Jews and Gentiles.

Rom 10:12
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. )

Gal 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

God himself only have made the eyes of the Jews blind for a certain period of time. Why he made it like that read Romans 11: 25 & 26

         For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

         And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Because of this reason only God did not mention the churches in Israel and He mentioned other churches like turkey

The Character sticks of 7 Churches

1. Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) - the church that had forsaken its first love (2:4).
2. Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) - the church that would suffer persecution (2:10).
3. Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) - the church that needed to repent (2:16).
4. Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) - the church that had a false prophetess (2:20).
5. Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) - the church that had fallen asleep (3:2).
6. Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) - the church that had endured patiently (3:10).
7. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) - the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16).

Seven phases

The Seven churches are not only mentioned the 7 churches of Apostle John time. It also representing seven different periods in the history of the Church from the time of Paul until the return of Jesus Christ. The letters have a prophetic purpose disclosing the seven phases of the spiritual history of the Church.

Time Period for 7 church

·        The Ephesus Church Era from 31 A.D. to 135 A.D.

·        The Smyrna Church Era from 135 A.D. to 450 A.D.

·        The Pergamos Church Era from 450 A.D. to 1050 A.D.

·        The Thyatira Church Era from 1050 A.D. to 1600 A.D.

·        The Sardis Church Era from 1600 A.D. to 1933 A.D.

·        The Philadelphia Church Era from 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D.

·        The Laodicean Church Era from 1986 A.D. to present