Monday Mini-Messages 2017

Monday's Mini-Messages 2017

12/25/17

Philippians 2:7 - "But (Jesus) made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:" This is not normally a passage we associate with the birth of Christ, but it has a lot to say about it. First, it demonstrates that Bethlehem was not the beginning of Jesus Christ. As Micah 5:2 says, He is from everlasting; in other words, He is eternal and without beginning or end. Verse six of Philippians 2 declares Him to be equal with God; and though He enjoyed the splendors of heaven where all adored Him in His glory, He acted as though He was of "no reputation" by laying aside His glory and taking on the form of a man. He did this for the purpose of dying for our sins. Truly, unto us was born a Saviour, Christ the Lord, Luke 2:11.

12/12/17

Colossians 1:14 - "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" Redemption is another word used to describe the death of Jesus Christ. In a general sense the word redemption means to repurchase, or buy back, goods or prisoners from captors with a payment or ransom. In Scripture it refers to Jesus dying and shedding His blood for the sinner to deliver him from the bondage of sin and the penalties he deserves for breaking God's laws. Have you been redeemed?

12/04/17

Isaiah 53:5 - "...he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities..." 1 Peter 3:18 - "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust..." In addition to the scriptures speaking of Christ's death as a ransom, a propitiation and a reconciliation, it is also spoken of as a substitution. Jesus Christ did not die for His own sins, but for OUR sins. We were the ones who deserved to be punished and put to death, but Jesus Christ took our punishment; He took our place. And if we put our confidence in what He has done to save us, we are given the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

11/27/17

Romans 5:10 - "...we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son..." In addition to Christ's death being described in the Bible as a ransom and a propitiation, it is spoken of as a reconciliation in this passage. The word reconciliation is sometimes used when a couple, who is having marital problems, confess their faults, grant forgiveness and restore their fellowship; they are said to have reconciled. Likewise, God and the sinner are separated and are at odds due to sin, but with the death of Christ, the sinner has a means by which he can be reconciled to God and restore his fellowship with his Creator. Have you been reconciled to God by putting faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ?

11/20/17

1 John 2:2 - "And he (Jesus Christ) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." Last week I highlighted a verse which described Jesus' death as a ransom; this verse describes it as a propitiation. Propitiation is defined as an act of appeasing the wrath of an offended person. In theology it speaks of an atoning sacrifice offered to assuage God's wrath and render Him favorable to sinners. In this sense, God is the offended person, we are the offenders, as we have broken His laws, and Christ is the sacrifice which appeased God and makes Him favorable to you and I. I have often given the word propitiation a simple definition of "satisfying agent." The sacrifice of Jesus Christ appeased the wrath of God; it satisfied the demands of a holy God and makes salvation available to all.

11/13/17

Matthew 20:28 - "...the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." About the only time we hear the word "ransom" used today is when it refers to a payment being demanded by kidnappers; and they will only release their hostages if the ransom is paid. The death of Jesus Christ is described in a number of different ways in scripture, and in this passage it is viewed as a ransom. There was a price demanded by God in order for the sinner to be set free; the price was the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. He paid the price so each of us could be set free from the penalty of our sin.

11/06/17

John 9:2 - "And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" As was the case with Jesus' disciples in this passage, it is the natural tendency of some to want to find blame when a catastrophe or tragedy occurs. Jesus told his disciples the man's blindness was not due to his sins or the sins of his parents, but so "...the works of God should be made manifest in him." Sometimes, God does chasten His children as a result of their disobedience, but many times God is simply wanting to be glorified in the midst of our trials. So, the next time tragedy strikes, instead of looking to place blame, look to God. Perhaps, it is an opportunity to magnify Him.

10/30/17

Hebrews 6:9 - "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation..." This verse, as well as many others, speak of things that accompany salvation. Notice, it does not state these things produce or merit salvation, but rather are the results or the products of it. In the bible we find that good works (Ephesians 2:10), godliness (Titus 1:1), holiness (Ephesians 5:3) and love (1 John 3:14) are just some of the attributes that are manifest in the lives of those who have received God's free gift of salvation? Do these things characterize our lives?

10/16/17

1Timothy 4:8 - "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." We live in a culture consumed with healthy eating and exercise. And while these things can reduce your weight, improve your blood pressure and overall assist in better health, the Bible says it "profiteth little." The Bible says this because exercise only profits you in this life. However, godliness is said to profit us both in this life, and the one to come. Therefore, you be the judge: Which one should we emphasize?

10/09/17

1 Corinthians 3:11 - "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Acts 4:12 - "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." John 14:6 - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." The Bible teaches that only faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ can save us from the punishment we deserve for our sin. No church, religion, creed, baptism, or acts of obedience can save. You must put your put your trust alone in Jesus Christ. Have you trusted Him as your Saviour?

10/02/17

Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." While the lost world places an emphasis upon outward peace, it is not something that will ever be achieved in this life. However, you can possess inner peace. This inner peace is acquired by knowing your sins have been forgiven and God has imputed to you the righteousness of Jesus Christ because of your Faith in Him. Then no matter the trials which may come your way, you know He will safely bring you to the other side of them, and one day you will dwell eternally in His presence far away from any strife. Do you possess a peace that passeth all understanding?

09/25/17

Bow the Knee! One day every knee will bow! Philippians 2:9 - "...God also hath highly exalted him (Jesus), and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord..." It has been righty said you will either bow the knee to Jesus Christ now as Saviour, or bow to him later as Judge. Which will you choose?

09/04/17

Luke 19:4 - "And he (Zacchaeus) ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him (Jesus): for he was to pass that way." Trees are a fascinating part of God's creation. They provide oxygen, fruit, shade, firewood, lumber, protection from erosion and many other things. Notice some scriptures which reference men under trees and the important lessons we learn from them: 1) We read about Zacchaeus under a sycamore tree and the results of genuine repentance in Luke 19. 2) We read about Nathaniel under a Fig tree and the omniscience of Jesus Christ in John 1. 3) We read about Jonah under a gourd (not exactly a tree) and the importance of compassion for the unsaved in Jonah 4. 4) And we read about Absalom under an oak tree and the severe consequences of rebellion.

08/28/17

In the past I have heard at least one preacher talk about the great chapter threes of the Bible. Certainly Galatians chapter three could be included in that list. There are at least 6 quotations from the Old Testament in the chapter. Notice the important truths four of them convey: 1) Galatians 3:6 - "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." This verse highlights the only means of justification, which if faith. 2) Galatians 3:8 - "In thee shall all nations be blessed." The chapter explains that when God said this to Abraham, He was referencing the gospel. All nations are blessed by Abraham in that Jesus Christ came from his lineage. 3) Galatians 3:10 - "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." This passage explains that if we do not keep ALL of the law, we are under a curse; and since none of us can keep it all, we must come to Christ for salvation. 4) Galatians 3:11 - "The just shall live by faith." This quotation speaks of faith as not only our means for justification, but also our way of life. What a glorious chapter!

08/21/17

As many have been focused on events concerning the sun today, notice some of the interesting accounts in scripture concerning it. In Joshua 10:13 the sun stood still, giving Joshua and the armies of Israel time to defeat Ai. In 2 Kings 20 the sun turned back 10 degrees as a sign to King Hezekiah that he would be healed of his illness. In Luke 23, during Jesus' crucifixion, the sun turned dark for three hours. And one is a prophecy yet to happen, when the sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood during the tribulation period (Joel 2:31 and Revelation 6:12). While all of these accounts demonstrate God's sovereignty over His creation, none magnify the Lord Jesus Christ like Revelation 21:3, which says, "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." In this holy city, New Jerusalem, there will be no need of the sun, but Jesus Christ will be the light of the city.

08/14/17

1 Thessalonians 4:3 - "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:" Sometimes it is difficult to discern God's will regarding specific things in our lives. For instance, where do we live or in what capacity do we serve Him. One of the keys to discerning God's will about something that is not directly addressed in the Bible, is to first obey those things which we know to be His will. The passage above highlights something which is clearly God's will. He wants us to be sanctified (sexually clean and pure), which entails abstaining from physical relationships outside of marriage. So, if you are ever struggling with the will of God for your life, first practice those things you know to be the will of God and the other will become more clear.

08/07/17

Matthew 7:24 - "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" Rocks have many useful purposes, including being used for solid foundations and preventing erosion. Prince Edward Island, Canada has absolutely no rocks native to its terrain. As a result, it is estimated that certain portions of the island lose approximately 3 feet of coast per year. Some roads and other structures have had to be moved due to this erosion. Likewise, the teachings of scripture are likened unto a solid foundation or rock, which can withstand the trials and temptations of life. Are you building your life upon the solid foundation of the word of God or a the "sandy" and unsteady "searshore" of secular teachings?

07/31/17

Acts 20:24 - "But none of these things move me..." Paul was pressured on many sides to depart from the path of preaching the gospel and serving the Lord Jesus Christ in the places God directed him. He was pressured from religious elites, political powers, and even some of his beloved companions, who feared what might happen to him if he went to Jerusalem. However, even knowing that bonds and afflictions most likely awaited him there, he emphatically states, "None of these things move me." What would it take move you? Could extreme pressure be exerted to turn you from following the Lord, or will you heed the exhortation of 1 Corinthians 15:58 and be "...stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord?"

07/24/17

Acts 17:11 - "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." The citizens of Berea are said to have been more noble than those in Thessalonica. To be noble means to be well born or of high rank, to be above what is common or normal. The basis upon which the bible calls them more noble is their response to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. They did not approach it with skepticism and unbelief, nor did they treat it with carelessness. Instead, they readily received it and examined to see whether or not what they were being taught was the truth. Would our response to the teachings of the Bible cause us to be labeled more noble?

07/17/17

Romans 6:21- "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?" It is often the desire of man to forget some of the things he has done in his past. But try as he may, he is still plagued with his guilt. Therefore, rather than try to forget the past, why not have it forgiven? Jesus Christ cannot only take away the punishment we deserve for our sin, but he can take away the guilt. And while the remembrance of those things are still there to remind a man from which he came, he can be assured that God will "remember them no more."

07/10/17

Proverbs 23:26 - "My son, give me thine heart..." Someone recently asked if there was a fool-proof method of raising children to be godly. An exhaustive answer to this question would include many subjects like chastening, consistency, and compassion. However, another key to raising godly children is found in this verse: the parents must keep the child's heart. You must live before the child in such a way that they consistently look up to you and trust your instructions and judgment. If you can keep the child's heart, you can much easier direct their paths. Likewise, God desires for us to give him our hearts. We should trust His instructions and His counsel, knowing He always has our best interest in mind.

07/03/17

Acts 14:26-27 - "And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended...And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them..." These verses record the end of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary Journey. There are three such evangelistic endeavors recorded in the book of Acts, and many people believe they give to us the biblical model for missions. We recently studied this first missionary journey at church and made mention of the primary, and nearly sole, activity of the apostles. It wasn't building homes, distributing food, nor providing clean drinking water. Rather, it was the preaching of the gospel to the lost. Not that there is anything wrong with the previous mentioned items, but it is the duty of God's people to first and foremost preach the gospel. After all, what good does it do someone in

06/26/17

James 1:14-15 - "...every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." This passage speaks of conception, which is when two elements unite to create something else. For example when the seed of the man unites with the egg of the woman a child is conceived. However, this scripture speaks of an entirely different type of conception: It indicates that when a man's will unites with his unlawful desire, the result is sin. All of us are plagued with temptations. We face them every day, and one of the keys to overcoming these temptations is to not yield to them with an act of our will.

06/19/17

Malachi 3:6 - "For I am the LORD, I change not;" Does God fit in a box? Occasionally, you will hear someone cautioning a sincere saint of God about putting God in a box. Usually, they are trying to suggest God may operate differently than our pre-conceived ideas. However, perhaps it is more than preconceived ideas. Perhaps, it is understood that God does fit in a box; a box He created for Himself. There is a sense in which God is limited or confined! He is limited by His Word and by His nature. He cannot do anything contrary to His nature, nor contrary to His Word. For instance, a lady once said God had told her to divorce her husband and marry another man. However, we know that is not true, as it would contradict the direct revelation that God has given us in His Word. So, maybe God does fit in a box.

03/27/17

Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Notice something quite significant about the first verse of the Bible: It speaks of time (in the beginning), space (the heaven), and matter (and the earth). God is not limited to the dimensions of time and space, as we are. Instead, He transcends the material universe. Furthermore, the Bible says He inhabiteth eternity (Isaiah 57:15). Meaning God is in the past, present and future all at the same time. This is why He knows the beginning and the end. As my home pastor has often said, there is only one who is awesome, and it is God! Psalm 33:8 - "Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him."

03/20/17

Acts 8:27 - "And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship," According to this passage the Ethiopian eunuch had political prestige and influence, was trustworthy and religious. However, in spite of these noble characteristics, God still sent Philip to preach Christ unto him. Being religious and a "good man" in the eyes of others does not equate to everlasting life and it does not address the problem of our sin. Forgiveness of sins and righteousness can only be obtained by trusting in what Jesus Christ did to save you.

03/06/17

Acts 7:56 - "...Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." Stephen's pointed preaching in regards to sin and the Saviour earned him the scorn of the religious elitists. But as they stoned him to death, he looked up and saw Jesus Christ STANDING on the right hand of God. This is significant because the Bible teaches that after Jesus died, was buried and rose again, He ascended into heaven and SAT DOWN at the right hand of God. But in our text He is STANDING! I contend Jesus Christ stood up to welcome one of His faithful servants! Standing for the Lord may cause much of the world to hate you, but that is a small price to pay to be met with the approval of the Saviour.

02/27/17

Ephesians 5:22, 25, 6:1 - "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands... Husbands, love your wives...Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." Over twenty years ago, my family divorced itself from the entertainment industry (TV, movies, etc.). While there were many reasons why God led us to take this action, one of the reasons was because of its caricature of the home. One of the last shows I recall portraying the home after the biblical model was Little House on the Prairie, where dad was the leader and hero, the mom was supportive of him and the children were expected to cheerfully obey. This is quite different from many shows which followed: The Simpsons, Married with Children, etc. Even movies like Mary Poppins seems to portray dad as oblivious. If these are the types of shows our families fill our minds with, will we not be affected by it? 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." Do yourself, and your family, a favor and turn off Hollywood and its anti-christ agenda.

02/20/17

Jude 1:14-15 - "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed," When some people learn you are a preacher, they will ask if you are "hell fire and brimstone preacher." As I have studied the preachers and prophets of the Bible, there does not appear to be any other kind than a "hell fire and brimstone" preacher. From one of the first preachers, Enoch, to one of the last, Jude, they all preached of pending judgment.

02/13/17

When most people see a bearded guy with a wooden sign which says "REPENT" on a street corner, they normally think he is a little strange and extreme. However, he may be much more like Jesus, John the Baptist and other men of God than you think: 1) Matt. 3:1 "John the Baptist (came), preaching...And saying, Repent..." 2) Matt. 4:17 - "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent..." 3) Ac 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent..." 4) Paul said, "God...commandeth all men every where to repent:" Have you repented of your sin and placed you faith in Jesus Christ alone to save you?

02/06/17

Psalm 119:11 - "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." In Hollywood films if anyone quotes scripture, they are nearly always portrayed as psychopaths or self-righteous hypocrites. However, reality is much different. Each saint should strive to memorize scripture, to combat the multitudes of temptations we face each day. Even Jesus, when tempted by Satan three times, responded each time with scripture (Matthew 4).

01/23/17

Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Sin literally means to miss the mark, and in the context of the Bible it means to miss the standard which God has set for righteousness. Many mistakenly assume if someone is 51% good, they will be good enough for heaven. However, 51% is not the standard, 100% is the standard, and none of us have attained to this standard. So, what are we to do in order to have the level of righteousness required for heaven? We must believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again; and trust in this for our salvation. When we do this, God imputes to us the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

01/16/17

Matthew 20:28 - "...the Son of man came...to give his life a ransom for many." Ransom is a word we normally hear used when hostages are taken and the abductor is requiring payment to be made before releasing them. However, this passage uses the word to describe what Jesus did for sinners. Each one of us have sinned against God and owe a price that we could never pay ourselves. However, Jesus took our sin upon Himself and paid our RANSOM! Now if we appropriate what He has done for us, we can go free!

01/09/17

Acts 3:19 - "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out..." Converted means to be changed from one thing/form to another, and is one word used to describe salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that anyone who is "in Christ" (i.e. saved) is a new creature and old things are passed away and all things are become new. Have you been converted? If so, what is different about your life since your conversion? What things are no longer a part of your life, and what new things exist? Have you ceased from your drunkenness, fornication, selfishness, envy and reveling? Do you now read your Bible, serve in your local church and witness of the saving power of Jesus Christ? All of these questions are worthy considerations.

01/23/17

01/16/17

01/09/17

Acts 3:19 - "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out..." Converted means to be changed from one thing/form to another, and is one word used to describe salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that anyone who is "in Christ" (i.e. saved) is a new creature and old things are passed away and all things are become new. Have you been converted? If so, what is different about your life since your conversion? What things are no longer a part of your life, and what new things exist? Have you ceased from your drunkenness, fornication, selfishness, envy and reveling? Do you now read your Bible, serve in your local church and witness of the saving power of Jesus Christ? All of these questions are worthy considerations.

LISTEN

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Monday's Mini-Messages 2017

12/25/17

12/12/17

12/04/17

11/27/17

11/20/17

11/13/17

11/06/17

10/30/17

10/16/17

10/09/17

10/02/17

09/25/17

09/04/17

08/28/17

08/21/17

08/14/17

08/07/17

07/31/17

07/24/17

07/17/17

07/10/17

07/03/17

06/26/17

06/19/17

03/27/17

03/20/17

03/06/17

02/27/17

02/20/17

02/13/17

02/06/17

01/23/17

01/16/17

01/09/17

01/23/17

01/16/17

01/09/17