Sunday, August 31, 2014

Covenant Of Hope Ministries: Being There for One Another

Covenant Of Hope Ministries: Being There for One Another: Sermon for Covenant of Hope Ministries Good afternoon, and welcome to this Sunday Sermon for Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Elder ...

Being There for One Another

Wednesday Sermon for Covenant of Hope Ministries

Jackson 5- I'll Be There lyrics

One of the responsibilities we as Christians have is being there for one another. Yes, the church leaders are supposed to be there for the congregation but the congregation is supposed to be there for one another and for the church leaders as well. After all, the church leaders are still human and have troubles, needs, and joys just as any other member has. Be there for one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 New International Version (NIV)

10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 King James Version (KJV)

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

We are supposed to be there for one another in bad times and in good. Besides people having illnesses or great sorrows, they also have events like the birth of a new child or grandchild, a promotion at work, a new house, or any number of other things. We are to be compassionate and empathetic with our fellow members. Be there for one another.

1 Corinthians 12:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

1 Corinthians 12:26King James Version (KJV)

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Here is another verse that speaks of the same thing.

Romans 12:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:15 King James Version (KJV)

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Sometimes we get too involved in ourselves, in gossip, or in pointing out things wrong in others... which we shouldn't do... to notice or care if someone else is having a problem or a happy event. We are not to be selfish but to look to the needs of others as Christ did. We are to humble ourselves before the Lord. We are not to be vain or do things out of selfish ambition. We are to do things out of love for one another. Be there for one another.

Philippians 2:1-8 New International Version (NIV)

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

Footnotes:

Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of
Philippians 2:7 Or the form

Philippians 2:1-8 King James Version (KJV)

2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

We are not to be double minded, following both God and Satan. We are not to follow the world and seek material riches which will crumble but spiritual riches which will last an eternity in heaven. Be there for one another.

James 4:4-10 New International Version (NIV)

4 You adulterous people,[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us[b]? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[c]
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Footnotes:

James 4:4 An allusion to covenant unfaithfulness; see Hosea 3:1.
James 4:5 Or that the spirit he caused to dwell in us envies intensely; or that the Spirit he caused to dwell in us longs jealously
James 4:6 Prov. 3:34

James 4:4-10King James Version (KJV)

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Be there for one another. Be there for your church leaders. Do what you can to help others even if it's only a kind word. Everyone will have disagreements now and then but we must do what we can to avoid letting those disagreements interfere with the love of God. Be there for one another includes your pastor, your deacons, your elders, and your fellow brethren. We are all to love one another. That is what Jesus taught his whole life.

Jesus never advocated war. He taught us to forgive and turn the other cheek. Settle your differences in as peaceful way as possible. Love one another and forgive one another. Friends do whatever they can, no matter how far away they are. Miles don't matter, understanding and communication do. Be there for one another.

I Will Be Here - Steven Curtis Chapman

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Unfinished Sermon/Study for Rev. Laura Neff

False teachers and prophets

There seems to be a rising trend today of people claiming that Jesus will make you rich, that reptilian-human hybrids are ruling the world and creating religions to control people, and some who completely deny that any deity exists. There are also those promoting war and violence, two things that Jesus never promoted. There are those who are teaching that you are God and any number of things that might be pleasing to the ears of their listeners. They don't really care about what's true and what's not. Even when shown proof outside the bible of Jesus' existence, they continue to deny that he existed. Some claim that they are supporting love when they continually spout hate and fear. Why is this? Let's look at Romans 16:17-19

Romans 16:17-19 New International Version (NIV)

17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Here's the King James version for those of you who prefer it.

Romans 16:17-19King James Version (KJV)

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

Paul was warning Christians to be aware of those who smooth talk and flatter in order to distort the truth that they were taught. It seems that there are many who are gullible today. This verse describes them as “naive” or “simple” people. These are the kind of people which charlatans prey upon. They will believe that Nigerian scammers are going to send them $10 million if they just send in a $150 payment. They will consistently believe any story about a UFO, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or any other story that presents itself. It's not necessarily their fault. They either haven't been exposed to much education or haven't been exposed to the concept of con artists. They are, basically, simple people and there is always a con artist who is out to take advantage of them.

2 John 1:4-11 New International Version (NIV)

4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

7 I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we[a] have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 11 Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.

Footnotes:

2 John 1:8 Some manuscripts you

New International Version (NIV)

2 John 1:4-11King James Version (KJV)

4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

John is warning people that those who do not teach that we should love one another and who deny that Jesus came in the flesh are antichrists. It says do not take him (or her) into your house or bid them God speed. What is God speed? Merriam-Webster defines it as “a prosperous journey.” The Free Dictionary by Farlex defines it as “1. an expression of one's good wishes for a person's success and safety

[C15: from God spede may God prosper (you)]”

The NIV leaves out the old term “God speed” but uses “welcomes them” it its place. The basic idea of this though is that anyone who welcomes them or wishes them a prosperous journey, success, or safety is partaking in the same evil which they are promoting. You are partaking in their wicked lies to deceive others whom they can find that will believe them.

There are people today who are proud to deny that Jesus ever existed despite the evidence to the contrary. There are those who proudly proclaim their atheism. There are those now who are proudly proclaiming their Satanism. This is their right under the Constitution but those who have done any serious study know that what they are promoting are lies. Some of them may not think they are lies of Satan because they don't believe in God or Satan but they are the most deceived. To deny God and Satan, good and evil, even Yin and Yang if you're Buddhist, is denial of what is inside each and every on of us. We all have these negative and positive forces within us. There is a Cherokee Legend which describes this fight that goes on within us. From the website “First People – The Legends”

Native American Legends

Two Wolves

A Cherokee Legend

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Here is the same story, but it is called "Grandfather Tells" which is also known as "The Wolves Within"

An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story.

I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.

But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger,for his anger will change nothing.

Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."

If you “feed” these deceivers; these false prophets; these liars by welcoming them and wishing them a prosperous journey, they are going to feel that they are doing well and be encouraged to continue to deceive others. You are also feeding your inner evil side. Paul spoke of this same struggle in his letter to the Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 15:30-34 New International Version (NIV)

30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”[a]

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”[b] 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

Footnotes:

1 Corinthians 15:32 Isaiah 22:13
1 Corinthians 15:33 From the Greek poet Menander

New International Version (NIV)

1 Corinthians 15:30-34 King James Version (KJV)

30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

Paul was upset that some of their followers didn't have the knowledge of God. We are not to partake in the sin of others; in their lying; in their misleading; in their hateful misleading. Sometimes even when we hang around bad company to try to show them the love, peace, and truth that Christ brings, we can fall into a lull and start mimicking their ways. Those who have honestly tried to communicate with those who have no understanding of Christ know how great the temptation can be at times. It's easy to join along with them in their hateful blame and condemnation of others. In doing so, we feed that evil wolf inside us. Paul said that he died daily (to himself) that he could boast of their works in Christ Jesus yet he implored them to stop sinning... to stop being deceived by evil communications. He wanted them to stop being ignorant of the ways of the liars, the deceivers, and the con artists and to start teaching those who are simple of the knowledge of God. How did he know that they did not have knowledge of God? We have studied this recently and consistently.

1 John 4:8New International Version (NIV)

8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

New International Version (NIV)

1 John 4:8King James Version (KJV)

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

John also points out another way to know further on in verse 20.

1 John 4:20New International Version (NIV)

20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

New International Version (NIV)

1 John 4:20King James Version (KJV)

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

We can know that those who are promoting tales of lizard people using religion to control people, those who are teaching that we should hate and fear all Muslims or anyone else, those who teach anything other than the things that Jesus taught us are false teachers because they use fear to control people. Their hearts are bound by hate. They cannot give without expectation of something in return. They are suspicious of anyone who is different than them. They THRIVE on hate whether or not they realize it. Jesus taught us not to fear, but to love.

1 John 4:18-20 New International Version (NIV)

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

New International Version (NIV)

1 John 4:18-20 King James Version (KJV)

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

If you don't love your brothers and sisters in Christ, you are not living the love of Christ. If you are hating your brothers and sisters in Christ, you are doing the opposite of what Christ wants; therefore, being an antichrist. In I John, we are warned that there are many antichrists.

1 John 2:18 New International Version (NIV)

Warnings Against Denying the Son

18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

New International Version (NIV)

1 John 2:18 King James Version (KJV)

18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

This is just another sign that the times are near. We've already seen “birthing pains” such as were mentioned in Matthew 24. We've seen earthquakes in diverse places. We've seen disasters that kill and mutate sea life. We've seen tsunamis and all types of natural disasters in the last few years that were predicted in the end times. About all we haven't seen is Wormwood, Christians being killed worldwide, and “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet.”

Revelation 8:10-11 King James Version (KJV)

10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

Revelation 8:10-11 New International Version (NIV)

10 The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood.[a] A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.

Footnotes:

Revelation 8:11 Wormwood is a bitter substance.

New International Version (NIV)

What is this abomination of desolation that Daniel talks about?

Daniel 9:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’[a] In the middle of the ‘seven’[b] he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple[c] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.[d]”[e]

Footnotes:

Daniel 9:27 Or ‘week’
Daniel 9:27 Or ‘week’
Daniel 9:27 Septuagint and Theodotion; Hebrew wing
Daniel 9:27 Or it
Daniel 9:27 Or And one who causes desolation will come upon the wing of the abominable temple, until the end that is decreed is poured out on the desolated city

New International Version (NIV)

Daniel 9:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

Some believe that this is a reference to Jesus' death on the cross. There are some key scriptures that might give us further understanding though.

Luke 21:20New International Version (NIV)

20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.

New International Version (NIV)

Luke 21:20King James Version (KJV)

20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

Actually, there are many theories based upon different verses as to what the abomination of desolation is. Some believe that it is the turning of the church