Testimony and short charge notes

from many years ago, a bit of my testimony and a charge...notes, hope it will be a blessing to someone someday Ps 66:18 Come and hear all ye that fear God and I will declare what he hath done for my soul 2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. • I rejoice that I was brought up in a Christian home • Born and raised in ind, fundamental, KJV believing Baptist church • Saved as a boy on April 29, 1982 • Won my first soul to Christ when I was about 10 years old • Taught to love and respect pastors and missionaries • Even in my youth I understood that there truly is no more important work in life than reaching souls for Christ and in my early teens I had vowed to God that I would go if He ever were to call me In my later teens I faltered in many areas because I allowed many outside influences to take up residence in my heart and life • I became interested in athletics as my older brother led his high school and then junior college to championships in basketball • I fell victim to peer pressure and allowed worldly classmates and friends to influence me toward more distractions that I should not have been a part of • Before long I was fooled into thinking that the American dream should be my dream and I allowed education, athletics, career and family (none of which are inherently sinful) to dominate my priorities over seeking God’s will for my life • I was able to attain to that American dream and before I knew it I had o A good corporate job o A house, 2 cars, a pool and my wife home with our children o BUT I HAD REACHED THE PEAK OF THE WRONG MOUNTAIN By this time God’s will was a complete afterthought and God’s word was collecting dust on the shelf Now I relied on My wisdom, my strength in dealing with temptation and adversity and my desires This was a slow process that Satan will cunningly, subtly, and patiently take any man down that will allow their standards to drop and their spiritual exercises to wane… Can I exhort you today on a few things: 1) YOU CANNOT MAKE IT IN YOUR CHRISTIAN WALK IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE BIBLE EVERY DAY a. I relied on my wisdom and perhaps a pride in thinking that I had a good grasp on the Bible and could handle myself b. 1Co 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. c. This book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book 2) You CANNOT MAKE IT IN THE CHRISTIAN WALK WITH ONE FOOT IN THE WORLD a. Satan is a master observer, he knows your weaknesses and he will exploit them – if you allow him an inch – he will take a mile as the saying goes b. We need to replace our worldly friends and influences with godly ones that will hold us accountable and encourage us to follow Christ c. (Heb 3:13) But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 3) You CANNOT MAKE IT IN THE CHRISTIAN WALK IF YOU TRY TO FIT GOD INTO YOUR PLANS – WE MUST DIE TO SELF THAT WE MIGHT BE FITTED INTO HIS PLAN a. Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. b. I BELIEVE FIRMLY THAT THIS IS WHY THERE IS SUCH A TREMENDOUS DESPERATION FOR THE WORK OF MISSIONS ON THIS EARTH – BECAUSE TOO MANY OF US HAVE NOT SOUGHT GOD’S DIRECTION BUT HAVE PURSUED OUR OWN DIRECTION AND THEN ASKED GOD TO BLESS IT - TOO MANY HAVE MISSED OR REFUSED TO SURRENDER TO THE CALL OF GOD ON THEIR LIVES. LASTLY, IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR GOD TO USE ANYONE – IT TOOK 20 YEARS FROM THE DATE I GOT SAVED TO WHEN I FINALLY SURRENDERED TO THE WILL OF GOD FOR MY LIFE BUT LET ME ENCOURAGE YOU TONIGHT THAT IF YOU ARE HERE RIGHT NOWHAVING RESISTED GOD’S WILL – GOD HAS BEEN MERCIFUL TO YOU – ALLOW THE GOODNESS OF GOD TO LEAD YOU TO REPENTANCE AND SUBMISSION TO HIM BEFORE I FINALLY SURRENDERED TO GOD I SAW • OUR FAMILY EXPERIENCE 2 MISCARRIAGES AND NEARLY LOST MY WIFE AND OLDEST DAUGHTER IN CHILDBIRTH • MY MOTHER IN LAW WAS KILLED IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND THEN ONE YEAR LATER ALMOST TO THE DAY I WAS IN A WRECK THAT COMPLETELY TOTALED MY CAR BUT I WALKED AWAY WITH ONLY MINOR INJURIES… If there is anyone in here today that has resisted surrendering to God’s perfect will for your life – please take care of that today – There is no greater place to be in all the world than in the center of God’s will

Numbers 16 - missions message

God allowed me to see and develop this message many years ago and gave me the liberty to preach it on a few different occasions in different venues. It speaks of two powerful, staggering events in one community, separated by only one day and impacting the most influencial and well known "famous" people in the nation. There is so much depth and richness and applications possible. This really doesnt scratch the surface and yet it was used mightily to touch lives through God's power in the life of an unworthy spokesman....hope it proves to be a blessing agian someday to someone... As we sit here today – there are Nearly 7 billion people on earth – ALL SOULS FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED More than 3 billion have never heard the name of Christ Significantly more people around each of us on a daily basis are lost rather than saved and we are in the most evangelized country on earth The emphasis on global missions as well as personal evangelism is dwindling in American churches – as a whole That is not an indictment against this church but it is a reality across this country and it is grievous to God Listen, people are dying and heading off into eternity at alarming rates today 1.73 people die every second 153,000 people die every single day Many of these people are dying without ever having a gospel witness Psa 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul Bruce McQuilkin wrote a book on unreached people groups and cited these as the reasons that so many have not heard Because certainly it is not because God doesn’t want them reached or because God doesn’t have the resources to reach them 1) Some people don’t care that much – apathy o God cared for our soul and He cares for the souls of all men – We are to care for the souls of men also o Andrew Murray said this – A man is as right with God as to the degree that he loves every soul that he passes in this life… o Apathy is a sign of a poor or nonexistent relationship with Christ o "The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become." -- Henry Martyn, 2) Some don’t see very well (perhaps we lack the perspective on the severity of the situation) 3) Some think there must be some other way or some other person responsible (it’s not my job – it is the missionary or the pastor’s job) 4) Our prayer life is only peripheral (praying for what we see and what directly impacts us – health, safety, finances, comfort, pastor, church and our lost loved ones.) 5) Someone isn’t listening (not hearing the call) Hudson Taylor said The Great commission is not an option to be considered but a command to be obeyed. We didn’t really need him to tell us that though did we. Unlike a few things in the Bible that we chew on, speculate about, maybe read into a little – our directive as Christians is crystal clear – given by Christ himself and repeated frequently. Matt – Go ye therefore Mark – Go ye into all the world Luke 24:46-48 thus it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem and ye are all witnesses of these things… John - As my father hath sent me… Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power after that the holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me BUT IT IS NOT JUST in the gospels – it is all through the Bible – One man said – if you were to take missions out of the Bible – all you would have left are the covers Jude - Of some have compassion… Proverbs - The fruit of the righteous… Prov 24 – if thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain… Psalms - Declare his glory among the heathen… Psalms - They that sow in tears… Isaiah 62 I have set watchmen upon thy walls o Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night, ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence... Romans - How then shall they call on him… 2 Cor - Knowing therefore the terror… Ps 51 -- David after saying create in me a clean heart says then will I teach transgressors thy ways and sinners shall be converted unto thee We are to Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled. 2 Cor 5 - Ministers of reconciliation Ambassadors of Christ – we are to promote his cause – to Seek and to Save Col - Walk in wisdom toward them that are without We will see how Num 16 teaches us some things about methods of fulfilling this commission The text this morning takes place during the Wilderness wanderings There are 2 accounts in this chapter and both of them have a similar outline that is common in many accounts of the Bible – The history of Israel and the History of mankind really cling to this outline (RULES) – God established REBELLION against those rules – man desiring to do what is right in his own eyes RESPONSE from God in the form of judgment RESCUE – where God in his great mercy allows for a rescue to be made (Relationship) is established or restored In Num 16 we see People who didn’t want to follow their leaders – Moses – Civil – Aaron – Religious Num 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: Num 16:2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: Num 16:3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? Num 16:4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: Num 16:20 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Num 16:21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. Num 16:22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? Num 16:23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Num 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The children of Israel Challenged their authe authority God had put in place, got behind three guys – Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben who were essentially challenging the civil authority of Moses - and Korah – a Levite challenging the religious leadership of Aaron Not only that but they got 250 celebrities to help their cause with the people – “Famous in the congregation, men of renown” Nothings changed – Americans want to follow the words and philosophies of musicians and movie stars rather than the words of God no matter how wicked or messed up their lives are. As a result of this rebellion God judged them - Korah, Dathan +Abiram with their families were swallowed up in the earth – fell straight to hell – Just as Moses said in order to prove that He was the man called of God and then the other 250 were wiped out with fire. Rebellion – challenge authority Response – God says get out of the way cause I am going to wipe em out BUT THERE WAS A GREAT Rescue HERE ALSO- Moses and Aaron fell on their faces and beseeched God for mercy on the rest of the people – then they were able to clear the people away before God judged these 3 leaders and the 250 celebrities Lets look at the second account now in Numbers 16 Num 16:41-50 (41) But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD. (42) And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. (43) And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. (44) And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (45) Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. (46) And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. (47) And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. (48) And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. (49) Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. (50) And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed. Rebellion – the very next day. People don’t like that the movie stars, athletes were judged – they were still rejecting God. Response – God responds – he sends this plague and people start dropping – yet he is still longsuffering – they didn’t all die at once – there was a progression – it was moving across the people. Once again God allows a rescue. Rescue – Aaron runs to intercede. Aaron – of course if the practical picture for us of the priesthood – first Aaron then Christ of course as our Great HIGH PRIEST that is Passed into the heavens and now on to us. 1Pe 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1Pe 2:10 Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. TODAY There is a rebellion against God in this time is there not. There is judgment (response) that is imminent (The Lord is not slack concerning His promise) But in the longsuffering of God we have an opportunity for rescue. God allows a RESCUE - We are the priesthood – we are to stand between the dead and the living – we are to run. Quickly this morning I would like to share 3 lessons here for us concerning our responsibility PERSONALLY (Text – MOSES was the leader yet it was his personal responsibility to intercede for souls through concern for God’s glory and the souls of the people through intercession and action) – you have a responsibility – souls are dying – it is our responsibility • In our lifetime, wouldn't it be sad if we spent more time washing dishes or swatting flies or mowing the yard or watching television than reaching our world for Christ?" -- Dave Davidson no distractions are going to be acceptable when we stand before God I don’t know exactly what the Judgment seat of Christ will be like but I do know this – I expect that when we see Christ face to face and understand clearly the value of every soul – we will all have wished we would have done more for the cause of Christ… – (you see these 300 people over here – you were supposed toe plant a seed for them on Sat morning by going on visitation – you see these Chinese and Russians and Filipinos and africans – you could have had an impact there had you been more fervent in prayer, more liberal in giving, more willing to obey – these over here – it’s the family members and coworkers that you didn’t find it important enough to witness to – These guys – oh you didn’t have an answer for them because you didn’t have any tracts on you and you hadn’t studied to show yourself approved – These over here – those really grieve me because when you were around them - you were ashamed of the gospel. 2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: We are the watchmen – we are to call out the warning – we are to tell of coming judgment – or their blood will be on our hands – Paul was pure from the blood of all men – can we say that? I cant – I’m guilty every day • "'Not called!' did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there. Then look Christ in the face -- whose mercy you have professed to obey -- and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish His mercy to the world. -- William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army • They are calling –the rich man is still screaming - millions of people from many generations of time are screaming – screaming and begging at this very moment for us to go tell their descendents – to tell anyone to avoid this awful place – Yet we don’t hear because the TV is too loud…. • Leonard Ravenhill said JW’s don’t believe in hell and neither do many Christians. • We have the cure for something far worse and far more permanent than cancer – the one and only cure – we must not be selfish in sharing it. • I don’t know any of you here this morning so this is no indictment against you but I do believe it is imperative to understand that we are here on this earth right now to impact this world for Christ and if any of us in here are not doing all they can in witnessing, prayer, giving or other service to the Lord – then let me encourage you to give your LIFE TO THINGS THAT YOU WILL NOT REGRET WHEN YOU STAND BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST 2) PASTORALLY – in the second account that we read - Moses sends Aaron – Moses did it himself the first time – he set the example. This time He sends Aaron Those of us that have responsibilities of leadership – are we urging and provoking those we are leading to go stand in the gap themselves (2 Tim 2:2) Christ –was always teaching and preaching himself and yet he was always developing others at the same time to do the work Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: We need to provoke each other How is it that football players will bang helmets and jump up and down and scream and shove each other to get fired up for a meaningless game that has no impact on eternity and we will not sharpen and encourage each other regarding mission to impact the eternal souls of men Paul had no problem provoking his brethren when he said 1 Corinthians 15:34 (34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak [this] to your shame. Pastors, Sunday school Teachers, ministry leaders – we must be faithfully training and encouraging the body of Christ to reach this world with the fervency that it requires Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men… – are you equipping them to that end – What are the most important things that these people need to know. – If we were to proportionally teach things based on the frequency of the Bible’s teachings –we would teach on evangelism and world missions probably 5x as much as many other topics – AFTER ALL, IT IS THE VERY REASON CHRIST CAME TO THE EARTH AND THE VERY REASON WE STILL LIVE ON THIS EARTH TODAY 3) PARENTALLY – if we went to Numbers 25 we would see another man standing in the gap and staying a plague - Phinehas – grandson of Aaron. IN Num 16 we can see that Aaron raised Eleazar to work in the ministry and all records indicate that he did that faithfully – then another generation to Phinehas Num 25:10 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Num 25:11 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. This is the example I want to be – not that my kids have a house, two cars, a dog and a pool. – Not that my kids learn the trade that I know – but that my kids know that I love Jesus and that I care about souls enough to leave my comfort zone and stand in the gap. – Bring the kids in the gap with you –take them soul winning – stand on a corner and pass out tracts as a family, pray with them for souls, train them about how to witness – –how better will they learn what is important, what to expect and how to go about it. • Missions begins at home - we have only a brief period of time in which to influence our children – Why don’t we raise up a Moses or an Aaron or a Phinehas or a Hudson Taylor or a David Livingston – the world will produce Doctors and Lawyers and firefighters but the world isn’t producing any missionaries! • "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose" -- Jim Elliot • We will be accountable to lead our families to obedience, not to comfort – Time and again the Lord Jesus told us to forsake all of our comforts, to deny ourselves and to pick up a cross – this practice needs to be passed onto our kids • Men are not the only one commissioned to witness and be actively engaged in prayer and financial support of missions – all Christians are commissioned • If you go out and witness and see the effects of alcohol on people through the homeless etc while your kids are home watching alcohol being glorified – don’t wonder why you cant get it through to them. A father told Marc Cahill – an evangelist One Dad told me that as his sons began to witness and he noticed three things begin to happen. First, witnessing drove his kids to the Bible because they wanted to know more about this God that they were sharing. Second, it drove them to their knees, since the more you witness, the more you want to pray. And third, it drove them away from the sin that so easily entangled them. When we are doing the Lord’s work, sin does not even compare to what we see God do. Is there any better parenting that that? Lastly – let me leave you with this thought – we need to… • RUN – imagine them all falling – you’d be glad they ran – I’m glad someone ran to get in my way. Where is the fervency – Aaron RAN – can you picture it – thousands of people as far as you can see – a huge multitude and then gradually – from west to east comes the plagues – people start falling – like dominos they are tumbling –you sprint – you have the cure – you cant help those that are already fallen but the first one that you can possibly reach you are going to – you sprint and more fall but eventually you outrun the plague and stand between the last dead body and the first living one and there intercede – staying the plague – I’m sure the people that saw that plague coming at them were glad Aaron wasn’t watching the ballgame or too busy playing golf or washing his car to care about their life. Where is our ZEAL? When talking about Phinehas in Num 25:11-13 God Himself said that he was zealous for my sake among them – would that God could say that of us. It is repeated in v13 by saying that he was zealous for God. Christ himself is prophesied in Isaiah 59:17 as being clad with zeal as a cloak. We all have the same commission that Moses and Aaron here demonstrated, the same commission that the apostles were given, We are promised the same power of God to accomplish that mission men but we must accept that mission personally then we must – as Moses and Aaron demonstrated – be 1. People of prayer – falling on our faces begging God to use us to be part of a rescue – as well as praying for your pastor and missionaries as they endeavour to reach the world along side you 2. Disregard our own comforts, fears and plans to obey God’s direction 3. RUN – clad with zeal – care about what Christ cares about If we do those things then maybe when we stand before God He might just tell us – you were zealous for my sake among the people Everyone can pray for missions – and we can probably all stand to pray more than we do Everyone in here can give some to missions and we should all strive to be forward a year ago Everyone in here can witness to those they encounter – to give a tract, to share your testimony, perhaps we need to commit to be more faithful to that this morning Some of you in here, God perhaps would have you to give all – to surrender to His will for you to Go Lastly, some are in the critical position of parenthood and you can not only be willing and obedient to the Lord yourself - but you can train and encourage your children to follow God’s will and never be closed to the idea that God could use your kids in ministry here in the states or on a foreign mission field

some notes on revival

A study/message from years ago - i believe it was november '08.. Hope it will be a help, to me... to someone AUDIENCE As we transition here into the prophets quickly might I say that the common two audiences that you see revealed in all of these prophets pertaining to this REVIVAL preaching if you will are the common two audiences we have in this generation - Those who have been exposed to the power and goodness of God but have since turned completely to idolatry – left fellowship, want nothing to do with God – chosen their idols and worship them unashamedly - Those that are still practicing some form of outward rituals in the name of God but are polluted, their mouths and some of their practices seem honoring to God but their heart is not perfect toward Him and their Christianity would be what we might call compartmentalized – they serve at least 2 masters Amos SPEAKS OF THE DUTY to preach the holiness and righteousness of God Amo 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amo 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy? Amo 3:9 Publish in the palaces … Assemble yourselves upon the mountains… Amo 3:10 For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces. Skip - Amo 3:13 Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob EZEKIEL Eze 39:6 And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD. Eze 39:7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. I missed this preaching when I read Purpose Driven Life I guess… In Reference to the Priest in Ezekiel – we see how the standards, teaching and administration of the assemblies of God should be established Eze 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. Eze 44:24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths. Folks, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty – but never has God and never would God offer the liberty of Profaning HIS name and defiling HIS Holiness set forth and perfectly preserved in His word…. Obadiah – short book – big message Oba 1:3 The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Oba 1:4 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD. PRIDE AND WEALTH SERVE TO DECEIVE but look at verse 17 Oba 1:17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. you will not find a single message in OUR KING JAMES BIBLE that would give precedent to the average messages being preached in pulpits across America – whether in new evangelical circles but also in a number of Independent Baptist pulpits – the preaching of the holiness of God and need for repentance MICAH - same layout like amos and the others – Judgment foretold – indictments given – rebuke for the current temperature of that time that prophets were prophesying falsehood and everything being ok Mic 6:1 Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice. Mic 6:2 Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel. Mic 6:3 O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me. PUT GOD ON TRIAL RIGHT NOW _ LETS CALL SOMEONE TO THE STAND IF YOU WILL _ According to this passage – THE MOUNTAINS and the HILLS are the jury – all of Creation will listen now to our indictments against God - WHAT HAVE I DONE UNTO THEE? - HOW HAS GOD FAILED US? - HAS GOD GONE BACK FROM HIS WORD? - HAS GOD NOT MADE FOR US THE ONLY POSSIBLE MEANS OF SALVATION? - HAS GOD NOT PERFECTLY PRESERVED HIS WORD? - HAS GOD NOT TOLD US TO MEDITATED UPON IT< READ IT< OBEY IT< LIVE IT ? - HAS GOD NOT DECLARED HIS HOLINESS and OUR CALL TO HOLINESS? - THEN WHEREIN HAS HE WEARIED US? WHEREIN DO WE AS GOD’s PEOPLE NEED REFUGE AND COMFORT AND PLEASURE IN THE WORLD? - TESTIFY AGAINST HIM! Mic 6:7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Mic 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT A KEY TO OUR REVIVAL IS TO BEGIN AGAIN PREACHING WHAT GOD PREACHED - Did these men preach a feel good gospel - Would you call these sermons a how to guide for friendship evangelism Was the message of Christ offensive – Jn 3 is offensive, LK 13 is offensive Lk 12 is offensive, Lk 16 is offensive – the sermon on the Mount is offensive – the list goes on Christ never spoke of His love and mercy to the exclusion of the HOLINESS OF GOD HABAKKUK Chapter 1 he says that God is of purer eyes than to behold evil and canst not look upon iniquity – He proclaims judgment again on the people and then we see the prayer of Habakkuk as he is broken over the situation Hab 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. An individual cannot be saved nor can we see revival in our lives without a renewed understanding of the magnitude of the holiness of God – His laws, His standards, His name, His Son, His home, His tools, His servants – must share this attribute – HOLINESS – nothing but holiness is acceptable in His presence To see revival – to see a renewed zeal, humility, obedience etc we must fear God and The fear of God leads to the perfection of Holiness 2Co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 610 times is scripture you will find the word Holy or Holiness… From the cover of our Bible, which says holy we are inundated with verse after verse that reminds us of God’s Holiness. There is no adjective of God that is more used. Gracious, merciful, loving, longsuffering – these are things that He is toward us and we praise Him for it but HOLY is who He is. God is love – yes, small L. But God’s name is Holy, Holy One, Holy One of Israel Christ is called the Holy One and the Holy one of God and then of course there is the HOLY SPIRIT/ HOLY GHOST The Bible in 2 places gives us a glimpse into glory where there are angels that CRY out HOLY, HOLY, HOLY all day, every day (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). They could surely shout out other attributes and be correct but this is GOD. Later in the same chapter we see the result – God’s holiness was revealed, the sin in the camp was revealed and it was not an easy experience – BUT – THE RESULT is that there was a revival 2Co 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2Co 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. We will likely need to stop right here – Carefulness – suddenly they did not take for granted that everything they were doing was justifiable – everything was now under the revealing microscope of God’s Holiness Fear of God, ZEAL, hatred for sin, cleansing – REVIVAL! And that is what we are praying for PREACH THE WORD HE SAYS Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: – it was the message of Christ to the world – EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH IT WAS the message of PAUL TO CORINTH – Awake to righteousness and sin not… 2Co 5:10-11 (10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. Lets move on - JONAH WAS DEALT WITH BY RICK FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND A COUPLE WEEKS AGO 8 words to his message and revival broke out – there was a FEAR OF GOD The message… Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. Look at this passage in Hebrews Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? _________________________--- God is Jealous for HIS HOLY NAME Eze 36:20 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land. Eze 36:21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Eze 36:22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. Eze 36:23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 30 times in scriptures God refers to things being done for His names sake – for the reputation of His holiness Isa 57:15 (15) For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isa 5:20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! If we are going to see revival in our lives, families and churches – we must stop justifying and start asking – IS THIS BIBLICAL – DOES THIS FIT IN THE SAME SENTENCE AS THE HOLINESS OF GOD – Could God say – this is being done for MY name sake? Hos 8:11 Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin. Hos 8:12 I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing. Jer 26:2 Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word: (“don’t water it down at all God says”) Jer 26:3 If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings. SKIP TO Pastor Perkins email from 08 revival The Monday after revival, we had folks at our house for almost 3 hours. Praying together, weeping and getting things right between husband and wife. That same day a lady called the church office to confess some things and ask prayer. Tuesday we spent almost 3 hours witnessing to a unsaved lady that we have been praying or, her husband is newly back to the Lord (thru the bus ministry the kids came, got saved and are growing). The lady, Jennifer (please pray for her, she is close), is now attending all the services (after swearing she would never come back). Wednesday morning that Dad (Todd, the husband of Jennifer) called me up to tell me that the younger son (12 I think) who was saved and baptized during revival, came out of his room Tuesday night with all of his video games, told his dad, "these aren't appropriate for me any longer, God doesn't like them" and gave them to his dad! We had given them Bibles Sunday night, the 3 children (2 middle one high school) are bringing their Bibles to public school and witnessing, reading and inviting kids to church! Wednesday night in church a lady stood up just before the preaching to confess that she had been struggling with attitude and submitting to her husband, during revival the Lord broke her heart that her daughter was making bad decisions because of the lessons learned from mom (wrong lessons) and she needed to confess it and asked the church to pray for her daughter with her. Great service Wednesday night, altar was full again. Two asked me about Baptism on Sunday and both were. Another man (newly out of an addictions program, had visited our church the morning of Gustav because we were the only church open and used hymn books!) stood and said that he was heading somewhere else Friday night, wasn't going to be good, the he wasn't sure why he headed east on 90 and not west to the casinos.......saw cars in the parking lot, remembered revival was going one, came in, sat there and couldn't believe what he was seeing, said he had never seen anything like that in his life and wanted everyone he knew to know what the Lord was going here. Monday night I asked if anyone wanted to go to a preaching service in New Orleans at my dads church, the bus came over with 40 of us dropping in, what a sweet spirit, lots of special singing and hearts were touched, folks were crying in the alter during invitation. The devil went right to work, Bro. Mike Wells, evangelist out of our church, was stabbed in the back by some "preacher friends" and we voted as a church to make sure it was on the books that a ministry that he had started (IWWE) was a ministry of GIBC. I told the folks the devil was trying to use this thing that happened on the other side of the world (Cambodia) to jerk our focus away from revival. Both Thursday and Friday we had little things happen at the school, teachers making things right by spending time to right things from the past, parents asking about what was going on at our church ( we have a few students from other baptist churches around the area). One lady (daughter in our school since she started, saved and baptized in our church, they have been members at the Methodist church) she came in and talked for hours, she had been a missionary wife in Africa. Grew up, saved and baptized in a strong southern baptist church. Her husband died suddenly and she got bitter with the Lord, married an unsaved man.....she has followed our church for some time and she just had to know what was happening, she said she just knew the Lord wanted her to join our church. I found out she had been a member of the First Baptist in town, a member made a racial slur and she got upset and stopped going. She is a counselor and after Katrina got a job counseling and the center was established at the Methodist church and they just started attending but she knows the church isn't right in some areas. Sunday night we baptized 2 and had 6 more come forward saying they needed to be baptized next week. (ones saved during revival) then after church a 15 year old was saved when one of our members took the kids home that had come to church. The mom poured her heart out and said that she was hearing so many good things about our church that she "just felt like she needed to attend" and would come Sunday. It's something new each and every day. Little things here and there that are unexpected. Both good things and the devil stirring and pulling. Thus far, the Lord is getting the victory and it is wonderful!people There are so many things that we could discuss that would fall into the category of revival – ultimately – the things that are necessary for an individual and ultimately a congregation to so have the hand and power of God upon them that they radically IMPACT the community around them and the world The definition of Revival • Revival in very simplistic terms is renewed obedience – renewed zeal, renewed devotion, renewed passion - it is a renewed realization of the Truth and response to it – a sincere faith in what God has told us that inevitably produces an adherence to what God says without regard for popular religious practices of the day, the voices of men or any persecution they may face for it WE COULD TALK ABOUT The need for revival and start listing statistics – how about these from a missions perspective • Nearly 1000 independent Baptist churches will close their doors during this calendar year • Nearly 1000 missionaries will leave the field with no intention of returning this year • Approximately 65% of missionaries on deputation will never get to the field • For the 1000 leaving the field per year – only about 50 will take their place… How about perceptions that are out there that would be eradicated if revival were to happen in todays churches • Some believe That God is only using nationals in missions today • Others believe that God is only using Foreign missionaries today • That the Philippines or Mexico have no need for more missionaries because they already have a bunch • Some believe that dropping missionaries and canceling missions conferences when the economy is challenging is somehow going to help their cause – as if God is going to see that as good stewardship and bless it – then you hear that the people are forcing them to do that since it is the spending that least impacts the ministries at home – this is a clear sign that the emphasis and teaching on missions was weak to begin with… • Some believe that in today’s society, we need to entertain to get them in the door and we need to not offend with forward, unashamed biblical preaching to keep them in A revival would cleanse the church of these things and a whole lot of worldliness in every aspect of life and ministry as well… The groundwork of revival The historical examples of revival The biblical preachers of revival (prophets, Ezra etc) - their circumstances, their message, their example, the reception they got... The Holiness of God to acknowledge our wickedness and how we have accepted a nonbiblical standard of holiness based on comparisons with others rather than a sobriety and fear of God The humility (that would ensue upon that realization) The prayer that would be the immediate fervent response of realizing our state The seeking of God and thirst for knowledge, fellowship with God The repentance of revival The power of Revival The Long term impact of revival - near and far JOEL REMINDER OF HOLINESS Joel is one of the Prophets where the circumstances of the day reveal the holiness of God and His anger – The manifestation of Judgment is perhaps the clearest of all indicators that God is feds up with sin isn’t it – I fear that today the judgment of God is overlooked – we act as if his sword somehow is stayed from use in this generation (I will digress but I might recommend a message from Bro Zeb Mcdaris on GRACEibc.org called the sword) REVELATION OF SINFULNESS Most of chapter one describes the dire situation the people were facing because of the Sin that he reveals and makes indictment against them In this case it is two fold (drunkenness) in 1:5 and lets read Verse 11 Joe 1:11 Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished. The indictment is that of laziness and selfishness and satisfying personal desires through drunkenness and as a result – the work is not done and the Harvest is perished Is that not the primary indictment that God can lay on our churches today – our drunkenness and slothfulness have led to the harvests of the world perishing against His will… 1 Cor 15:34 Awake to righteousness and sin not… shame The solution or we could say the equation for revival is given in 1:13,14 and then repeated in 2:12-17 Joe 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: Joe 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Joe 2:14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? Joe 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Joe 2:16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Joe 2:17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Joe 2:18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. Joe 2:19 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen: Weeping, mourning, prayer, fasting, sanctification and notice the wording in chapter 2 – let the priests – the ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar… This is certainly a very prophetical book about the restoration of Israel, the Millennial kingdom and much more but All scripture is profitable and the holiness of God demands a response of sobriety and brokenness as is described here If we were to study the book further we could see the fruit of revival as well in Ch 2:23-27 Hosea – we read about the wife of whoredoms – how God has blessed his people with goodness and plenty and blessing which they turn around and simply give to Baal In FACT THE VERY INDICTMENT AND REVEALING OF THE SINFULNESS IS THE REMINDER OF HIS HOLINESS _ THE PEOPLE HAVE FORGOTTEN HIS LAW AND THEREFORE DO NOT KNOW THE TRUE GOD _ THEY LACK TRUE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY GOD Hos 4:1 Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. Hos 4:2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hos 4:7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. Hos 4:8 They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. Hos 4:9 And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. Hos 4:10 For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD. Hos 4:11 Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart. Summary – No truth, mercy or knowledge of God – A lack of knowledge – SPECIFICALLY v1 Knowledge of God – understanding His holiness, His law, His standard, His expectations – I recently had a church ask me to email my information to them for consideration and within a couple days I get an email back telling me they cant have me in because we are not on the same page doctrinally - because “your statement on the Lord’s supper is non committal” Now, the truth is – I had to go see what I had in my statement and honestly it was more of the purpose of it and how it is one of 2 ordinances that the church is responsible for rather than any definition as to if I am open, closed or close in that stance. So I did some study and read one man talk about how we are so concerned about allowing every one at the Lord’s table so as not to offend or let any feel left out – we are forgetting that it is not our table we are inviting them to and we must consider the standard that He sets forth on the matter – We are so quick to define our own standards so often, so quick to reach people in any and every way we see fit that we fail to forget that God is a holy God and perhaps HE wouldn’t approve of it all – OUR PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE – knowledge of the holiness of God HABBAKKUK (Hab 3:2) O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. HAGGAI What is common in all these books – there is a conformity, a disobedience, an apathy, a rebellion and the call is for recognition – brokenness and repentance Testimony of GIBC What I heard about last year – church wide fasting – preaching on it for a month and week long cottage prayer meetings Many saved, many got right, new families added, some came in off the streets and got saved etc This year – what I have seen with my own eyes • Wasn’t there for the month of preaching but was there the day the fast was proclaimed and had the privilege to be a part of that – came back for the revival and was amazed at what God did – it wasn’t the same as last year – in fact this year became more of a revealing and a cleansing that led to extended meetings o Sin was exposed – pornography, drinking, smoking, improper relationships, gossiping, resentment and strife etc – those things came out and before long the altar was filled – WITH JUNK – people started cleaning house and bringing it in – they put it in garbage bags and on Friday night we had a burning – so many people were moved my the message and the burning that they called a special meeting on Saturday and we had another burning – Pastor ended up extending the revival to the following week so God could continue to move… Practical – call a solemn assembly and sanctify a fast – 40 days – among the Bible studies – teach it in the studies and then encourage a fast (define – abstaining from… meat or sweets or tv etc) Then come together at a prayer meeting on Tuesday – encouraging everyone to commit to that one prayer meeting and have a charge – share testimonies of what God has been doing during the fast and pray as a large group REMINDER OF GOD’s HOLINESS When we look at the work of God in a persons life – it always starts with a recognition of the holiness of God An individual cannot be saved nor can we see revival in our lives without a renewed understanding of the magnitude of the holiness of God – His laws, His standards, His name, His Son, His home, His tools, His servants – must share this attribute – HOLINESS – nothing but holiness is acceptible in His presence a. Verses on Holy in the Bible i. God is Holy ii. His name is Holy iii. His Word is Holy iv. His servants are Holy v. Anything used for Him is holy Rick shared with me that He did a message on Isaiah and so I know this was dealt with He did not see angels crying out Joy, Joy, Joy- peace peace peace love love love – Holy Holy Holy To see revival – to see a renewed zeal, humility, obedience etc we must fear God and The fear of God leads to the perfection of Holiness 2Co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Later in the same chapter we see the result – God’s holiness was revealed, the sin in the camp was revealed and it was not an easy experience – BUT – THE RESULT is that there was a revival 2Co 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2Co 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. We could easily camp right here – Carefulness – suddenly they did not take for granted that everything they were doing was justifiable – everything was now under the revealing microscope of God’s Holiness Fear of God, ZEAL, hatred for sin, cleansing – REVIVAL! It is GOD’s Holiness that should perfect our fear of Him and it is our fear of God that will perfect our holiness Psa 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Psa 89:35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. God swore by his holiness God is saying that the most valuable attribute that He has to swear by is his holiness. Amo 4:2 The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks. What attribute of God is it that is the basis for why we must fear Him? Eternal – intimidating but he could be eternally liberal Unchangeable – He could unchangeably allow sin Love – if He had unconditional love Peace, Joy, strength Omniscient Omnipresent Omnipotent If there were only one attribute that you could use for God according to the Bible that would be the most all encompassing – it would be that He is Holy 610 times is scripture you will find the word Holy or Holiness… From the cover of our Bible, which says holy we are inundated with verse after verse that reminds us of God’s Holiness. There is no adjective of God that is more used. Gracious, merciful, loving, longsuffering – these are things that He is toward us and we praise Him for it but HOLY is who He is. God is love – yes, small L. But God’s name is Holy, Holy One, Holy One of Israel Christ is called the Holy One and the Holy one of God and then of course there is the HOLY SPIRIT/ HOLY GHOST The Bible in 2 places gives us a glimpse into glory where there are angels that CRY out HOLY, HOLY, HOLY all day, every day (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). They could surely shout out other attributes and be correct but this is GOD. THERE IS PERHAPS NO MORE IMPORTANT MESSAGE NEEDED IN THE CHURCH (AND SOCIETY) TODAY THAN THE HOLINESS OF GOD We live in an age where most conclude that God is satisfied with what we do – as a church, as individuals – perhaps God is but it will be in the light of His holiness that we can see how our deeds and thoughts will hold up. So lets look at The Prophets – We spoke of Isaiah already – Chapter 6 the holiness of God revealed and proclaimed by the angels (Hab 1:13) Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: God is Jealous for HIS HOLY NAME Eze 36:20 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land. Eze 36:21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Eze 36:22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. Eze 36:23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 30 times in scriptures God refers to things being done for His names sake – for the reputation of His holiness CHURCHES used to have a reputation of the Power of God – the church was a game changer, it impacted societies – businesses and people alike had a respect for preachers, a reverence for the church and its property and I guarantee as they thought about the product they were going to put on their shelves or the activities they were going to endorse – they considered how the church would respond because the church had a reputation of holiness Now in the worlds eyes the churches of God as a whole are looked at as little more than any other social venue people can be engaged in Why – the world knows that whatever it decides to promote or endorse is only going to be embraced, justified, excused and “Christianized” if you will (which is a blasphemous concept) – LAODICAEAN CHURCHES ARE NOT CHANGING THE WORLD – THE WORLD IS INCREASINGLY INFILTRATING AND POLLUTING CHURCHES THE COMMUNITY MAY BE COMFORTABLE WITH OUR CHURCHES _ THEY ARE FINE WITH US AROUND _ WE HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION AS WE SHOULD_WE ARE UPSTANDING AND PARTICIPATORY MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY BUT DO OUR CHURCHES IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY _ DOES THE COMMUNITY SEE THE POWER AND HOLINESS OF GOD IN OUR MIDST TO THE POINT WHERE THERE IS A REVERANCE FOR GOD _ IT IS THE CLOSED MOUTHS AND POLLUTED LIVES OF LAODICEAN CHURCHES THAT HAS ALLOWED IN ONE GENERATION – THE FILTH TO MULTIPLY – IN ENTERTAINMENT, SCHOOLS, POLITICS, BUSINESSES (Isa 5:20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Luk 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. If we are going to see revival in our lives, families and churches – we must stop justifying and start asking – IS THIS BIBLICAL – DOES THIS FIT IN THE SAME SENTENCE AS THE HOLINESS OF GOD – Could God say – this is being done for MY name sake? Search out the phrase holiness to the Lord some time – I know Pastor Brado has done this – man our pots and pans, the blankets we put on our horses should be Holiness to the Lord Everything we do… It used to be that Churches had a reputation of Holiness – Churches had the reputation of the Power of God Modern Christianity in many cases has assaulted the Glory of God and tarnished the reputation of the the HOLY name of God - Now, many churches are a byword, - Now many churches are are filthy as the lost that they entertain from week to week - Now the reputation that many churches have are of secret sins that are being exposed - There was a day when there was a reverence, there was a day when there was a holiness, there was a day when there was a respect for God, for His word, for His preachers and for His house It is a shame and a reproach that Christians are struggling between right and wrong – if we are children of God we should be beseeching God for discernment between the Good and the BEST and always choosing the BEST! Joe 2:17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Losing sight of the holiness of God opens the doors of conformity, of complacency, of apathy and of forsaking good doctrine Listen – GOD DOESN’T TAKE THIS LIGHTLY Eze 39:6 And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD. Eze 39:7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. Eze 39:8 Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken. In Reference to the Priest in Ezekiel – we see how the standards, teaching and administration of the assemblies of God should be established Eze 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. Eze 44:24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths. Folks, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty – but never has God and never would God offer the liberty of Profaning HIS name and defiling HIS Holiness set forth and perfectly preserved in His word…. We WANT REVIVAL – IT IS TIME TO GET BACK TO TEACHING ON THE HOLINESS OF GOD _ and renew a SOBRIETY and a REVERENCE and a FEAR of GOD lest as he told Solomon in the same context of 2 Chron 7:14 on revival – I will take this place (this house of God), which is HIGH and make it a byword… Would to God that we would have our eyes opened to the holiness of God and become keenly aware of the infiltration of satan and our fleshly desires into the churches of America – Materialism, selfishness, entertainment What is given to God today –Is it our best, is it our all, is it sanctified I don’t want to preach Malachi 1 tonight as it was Pastor Brado that God used to tear me apart from that passage but it needs to be preached week in and week out in the pulpits across America Mal 2:11 Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. Jer 23:9 Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness. Isa 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: THE PRECEPT OF MEN- vain philosophies and convenient and comfortable practices – God’s precepts Lev 20:23 And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them. Lev 20:24 But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people. Lev 20:25 Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. Lev 20:26 And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. READ FROM HBS ON HOLINESS – THE LIST OF ALL THINGS CALLED HOLY – page after page… I Guess God is interested in HOLINESS… Some Quotes from the preaching of Charles Spurgeon in the 1800’s. – REMEMBER – this was from the 1800’s Listen to these in light of modern definitions of holiness. Has modern Christianity progressed closer to Christ since that time or has it lost ground? As pertaining to men - sanctification Souls that sigh for holiness are not condemned to eternal death, for their sighing proves that they are in Christ Jesus. Aim at the highest conceivable degree of holiness; and, though you will not be perfect, never excuse yourselves because you are not. There never lived a man who was too holy, and there never will live a man who will imitate Christ too closely, or avoid sin too rigidly. There is no holy walking without careful watching. Depend upon it, no man was ever good by chance, nor did anyone ever become like the Lord Jesus by happy accident. “I put gold into the furnace,” said Aaron, “and there came out this calf,” but nobody believed him. What Jesus loves, we love; what Jesus hates, we hate; what Jesus seeks, we seek; what Jesus shuns, we shun. This is true friendship when there is but one heart in two bodies, and when one heart in the twain produces with undivided strength one object Holiness excludes immorality, but morality does not amount to holiness; for morality may be but the cleaning of the outside of the cup and the platter, while the heart may be full of wickedness. Would that we could see the wall of separation between the church and the world made broader and stronger. It makes one sad to hear Christians saying, “Well, there is no harm in this; there is no harm in that,” thus getting as near to the world as possible. If you were God’s children you would loathe the very thought of the world’s evil joys, and your question would not be, “How close may we be like the world?” but your one cry would be, “How far can we get away from the world? How much can we come out from it?” Ah, sirs! there may have been a time when Christians were too precise, but it has not been in my day. There may have been such a dreadful thing as Puritanic rigidity, but I have never seen it. We are quite free from that evil now, if it ever existed. We have gone from liberty to libertinism. We have passed beyond the dubious into the dangerous, and none can prophesy where we shall stop. What God deserves from us Could our zeal know no respite, could our prayers know no pause, could our efforts know no relaxation, could we give all we have of time, wealth, talent, and opportunity, could we die a martyr’s death a thousand times, would not He, the Best Beloved of our souls, deserve far more? THE HOLINESS OF GOD MUST BE AWAKENED TO US – UPON SEEING THAT – we see our own wretchedness and will with humility, brokenness, sackcloth and ashes if you will rend our garment and beg God to forgive us – we will seek His face, we will turn from our wicked ways – Then will God hear from Heaven and forgive our sin and heal our land. - REVEAL to us just how sinful we are In the light of God’s holiness – God reveals our wickedness Isaiah – woe is me - Bring us to REPENTANCE and brokenness before Him - RENEW our obedience and zeal - Give us a REVIVING that is both cleansing and contagious (Psa 119:126) It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.

Stealing Samuels Thunder

An outline written years ago, original studies, unpolished, ultimately there were a few messages here that the Lord gave me at that time. I think one was preached from a pulpit and the rest were taught in Sunday School class in Rochester to 5th and 6th graders. Title: Stealing Samuel’s Thunder Turn to 1 Sam 2 There are those of you in this room tonight who love the Lord Jesus Christ, who love this blessed ol’ book, and who have a burden for the souls around the world because that is what our Saviour is most interested in. These are the ones that have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, God has met with you, He has washed you in His blood and He has a lit a fire in your life – those are you who are here and you want • more access to Him, • more power through Him, • more communion with Him, • more fire for Him, • more knowledge of Him and • you want to bear more fruit for Him. It is only natural then that we read through the scriptures and we get excited about who God has put His hand upon through Biblical times and want more than anything to be used to such a capacity Who wouldn’t want to be equipped and entrusted with • the fire of Elijah, • the boldness of the prophets, • the ability to overcome the appeasement of the flesh like Paul • the worshipful heart of David, • the wisdom of Solomon, • the patience of Job, • the character of Daniel, • the leadership ability of Nehemiah, • the meekness of Moses, • the faith of Abraham • and the list goes on. Well tonight I want to challenge you regarding another man that God used mightily in scripture, a man that much is written about, a man placed in a strategic and transitional place in Biblical history and a man that had a wonderful reverence of God. Tonight I want to preach to you on the topic of STEALING SAMUEL’s THUNDER 1Sa 2:1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. 1Sa 2:2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1Sa 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 1Sa 2:4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. 1Sa 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. 1Sa 2:6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 1Sa 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 1Sa 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. 1Sa 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 1Sa 2:10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. pray What we just read is the prayer of Hannah, the mother of Samuel – and can I say this – if you are a young person in this room and your momma is in here with you, and she loves Jesus – you ought to give praise to the Lord and a hug to your momma – what a wonderful thing it is that you have a godly heritage – so many children in the world do not… I wanted to call your attention to that passage for three reasons 1) I love to hear people brag on God 2) It shows us the example of a prayer warrior that Samuel had in his life (although limited) 3) It is so prophetic of the Lord Jesus Christ in Verse 10 and also has a very interesting tie to her son Samuel Many things can be said about Samuel, amen?! Countless messages have been and will continue to be preached connected to a number of accounts we have of this man in Scripture. We could spend endless hours studying this man and his ministry. This was a man who • was consecrated before birth, • born as a miraculous answer to prayer • was an example of the ability a child has to minister unto the Lord even in their youth • Overcame an atmosphere of corruption in the ministry to serve God in sincerity and truth • Was receptive to the calling of God • He cherished and took seriously the word of God – to the point where Samuel’s name was almost synonymous in Israel with the word of God • Served as both a judge and a prophet • Willing to deliver the message of judgment as well as mercy • Saw some revival as Israel repented under his reproof and admonition • Was a precedent for the circuit riding preacher • Was used in the anointing of two kings • Was used to convey the message of the rejection of a king by God • Had supernatural events occur in his ministry • And hated sin with such a passion that when Saul let Agag live – a picture of allowing sin to linger in our camp – he went as far as hacking Agag to pieces… I remember when I took 1+2 Samuel in Bible school, by the end of the semester, my friends and I had affectionately named the class “1+2 Separation” because this man was a model of holiness – he wanted nothing to do with the ways of the world, he had a hatred for sin and a zeal for God – he was unafraid to stand for righteousness even if it meant confronting the King There was never anything bad recorded about about him – nothing blatently sinful that God chose to tell us – we could make some speculation at best about his parenting considering his kids didn’t turn out so good but that would be speculation – of course he was a sinner but he is a great example of the believers to us 121 times His name is in your King James Bible – there are only 10 other names recorded in scripture more times that Samuel which puts him in company with Paul, Jeremiah, Moses, Abraham, David, Peter and of course our Lord Jesus . And as far as being immortalized so to speak, we know He made the list in Hebrews 11 with others who were greatly used of God by faith. Heb 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: God made Samuel a reference point in the History of Israel – HE WAS THE FIRST OF THE PROPHETS AS WE KNOW THEM (prophesying and advising in the time of the Kings) - Act 3:24 (PETER SPEAKING) Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. And he was the last of the Judges – Act 13:20 (PAUL SPEAKING) And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. The truth is that he was the quintessential and intended leader of the country under God’s authority – he demonstrated in 1 Samuel 7 that he had the ideal blend of military, judicial and spiritual leadership needed for this nation. Let’s turn to 1 Samuel 7 for a moment. It’s said that it is bad to steal someone’s thunder but we are going to take a look at 2 miraculous events that God performed through the prophet Samuel. Then I hope to show you some things about Samuel’s life that made his prayer life so powerful that these things came to pass. Perhaps at the end there will be some things that we can learn that would allow us to steal some of Samuel’s thunder in our prayer life. I want you to recall 1 Sam 2:10 that we read a moment ago that prophesied that out of heaven shall he thunder upon them Little did Hannah know that her prayer recognizing God’s power would actually be a prophetical statement of what God would do through her new son Samuel as well It was through Samuel that God truly would bring that thunder upon his adversaries. 1Sa 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. So here we see that God brought a great thunder on the Philistines to win a victory in response to Samuel’s prayer and sacrifice. Lets now look over at 1 Sam 12 1Sa 12:16 Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. 1Sa 12:17 Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. 1Sa 12:18 So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. Here we see Samuel calling thunder and rain down as a sign to show the children of Israel their wickedness in wanting a king. It’s clear that Samuel had the power of God on him. He was a man that feared and reverenced God and because of that he did incredible things through him. We see the thunders that came with the plague of Hail in Exodus but as far as I can tell Samuel is the only one in the Bible who had thunder produced on request from God. And it happened twice. On 2 occasions and for 2 very different reasons God produced thunder for Samuel Samuel Chadwick said "There is no power like that of prevailing prayer -- of Abraham pleading for Sodom, Jacob wrestling in the stillness of the night, Moses standing in the breach, Hannah intoxicated with sorrow, David heart-broken with remorse and grief, Jesus in sweat and blood. Prayer turns ordinary mortals into men of power. It brings power. It brings fire. It brings rain. It brings life. It brings God." This man was a man that could get a hold of God in a mighty way – He is a man who saw prayer answered, amen?! In fact, both King David and God Himself compared Samuel with Moses when it came to having access to God. Psa 99:6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. Jer 15:1 Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth. ***So what was it about Samuel that the God of heaven would hearken to a request of this magnitude. Let’s see what we learn from the text in 1 Sam 7 1Sa 7:1 And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 1Sa 7:2 And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD. 1Sa 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 1Sa 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only. 1Sa 7:5 And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. 1Sa 7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. 1Sa 7:7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 1Sa 7:8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 1Sa 7:9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. 1Sa 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. People will say, what a victory, the defeat of those Philistines The Victory was the revival that took place, - what a time of spiritual drought - cold dead religion and blatent open sin and idolatry Before the thunder ever rumbled or the Philistines ever took a step in the other direction – the victory had been won because the hearts of Israel had turned back to the Lord So this begs the question… Are tragedies necessary in order to triumph? Do we need an army of Philistines about to kill us to respond to God’s plea? Must God bring or allow the worst to come upon us to get us where he wants us? If so, then let it come but if you are needing revival let me suggest that it would be a lot better for you if you allowed the goodness of God to lead you to repentance. So now we get to this man Samuel – a military leader, a judge, a prophet and clearly a man that could access the thunder of God’s power in his prayer life WHAT WAS IT ABOUT HIM? KEYS to Samuels Thunder – 1) ALL YOUR HEART – God’s pleasure your sole passion – motive 1Sa 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 1Sa 12:20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; 1Sa 12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. 1Sa 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. Samuel knew that God wanted all of His heart No room for compartmentalized Christianity – no chambers for the things of darkness – the spirit of God is in this temple Even as we consider the 2nd half of each of those verses we learn some things – 1 Sam 7 – get rid of false gods, 1 Sam 12:21 – get rid of your vain things and 1 Sam 12:24 – CONSIDER GOD – what great things he hath done for us – We need to consider Jesus – He needs to be the center of our thoughts – the center of our ministry, the center of our devotion – with no room for the other stuff Look at how Luke started the book of Acts – Act 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Act 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: Act 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: Your heart needs to lift up and magnify the Lord Jesus Mark 12 teaches us that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength… Prov 4 tells us to keep thy hear with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life In Mark 12 again it say out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh How is your heart tonight David penned in Ps 19 – let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer. When I was teaching a group of youth – about 60 kids – I did a series on based on an Acrostic of the word TESTIMONY T – tongue E – ears S – Sight T – Thoughts I – Integrity M – motives O – Obedience N – neighborly – service Y – yielded Do you know what I found – and it shouldn’t be a surprise – the connection to every aspect of our testimony, our service, our relationship with God and our power with God goes back to the heart… T – tongue – out of the abundance of the heart – the Mouth speaketh E – ears - Eze 3:10 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. Rom 10:17 – faith, hearing, Word (HEAR THE WORD – heart of FAITH – HEAR THE WORLD – its music, its philosophies – heart of deceit and wickedness S – Sight – mine eye affecteth mine heart (I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes) ( I have made a covenant with mine eyes…) T – Thoughts – as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he (casting down imaginations) I – Integrity – Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself – integrity – yea, yea, nay , nay – uncompromised 1Ki 9:4 And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 1Ki 9:5 Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever M – motives – we know that the right motives are going to be the LOVE OF GOD, appreciation for God and desire to please God – and if our heart is not pure than we will have motives far different than these – profit, power, pride etc O – Obedience – and yielding – go together True obedience will not just be rote exercises but from the heart N – neighborly – service – our text – serve with all your heart Y – yielded Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. All our heart should be given to magnifying the Lord and Samuel understood that I magnify the name of Jesus tonight MY JESUS He gave up heaven to make a way for us to go there He was rich but for us He became poor so we could become rich Left heaven where he was honoured and glorified – He walked on streets of gold, lived in a mansion and sat on a throne – Here He became homeless He rode on the clouds there - then he came here and borrowed a donkey He owned the universe, and when He died here, he didn’t even have clothes on His back He was worshipped in heaven – he was spit on here He wore a crown up there but a crown of thorns down here He took enough judgment for you on the cross that God had no more judgment left for sin – the wrath of God was so fierce that complete justice was served for every atrocious sin in those few hours by Christ. (HE SAW THE TRAVAIL OF HIS SOUL AND WAS SATISFIED!) He was shunned by His Father He was torn to shred for our sins God punished His perfect son for a rebellious, vile, hell deserving sinner like me. Is He worthy of my adoratioj? Is He worthy of the money He has allowed me to have? Is He worthy of the energy He has given me? Is He worthy of the souls that He died for? Is He worthy of worshippers from every kindred, tribe, tongue and nation? He is worthy of all Glory honour and praise If we want the thunder of God’s power in our prayer life – we should start with giving God all our heart and magnifying His name If all your heart is given then abundant fruit will pour out – separation, sanctification and service 2) Obedience better than sacrifice – 1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Exact obedience – not partial, not half hearted, not insincere – Saul was to kill agag and every thing that moved in that kingdom… method – complete adherence – in fear of God (Isa 29:13)(keys to answer prayer – in name of God , according to will of God, with thanksgiving, (David – moving ark – Sermon on Mt) Isa. 1:11-20 - all worship, no work, no heart, Mal. 1- only the best for God, Mal. 4 – do it the right way There is some obedience in the area of prayer also • Pray often • Pray fervently • Pray expectantly • Pray without regarding iniquity • Pray according to God’s will • Pray with thanksgiving • Pray in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus • Pray for others 1Sa 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: 3) Hatred for sin – regard iniquity, hack agag – didn’t just kill him – he publicly chopped him up…Zeal 1Sa 15:27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. 1Sa 15:28 And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou. 1Sa 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. 1Sa 15:30 Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God. 1Sa 15:31 So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD. 1Sa 15:32 Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past. 1Sa 15:33 And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal. Later – confession, fasting, service, offering ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ It was through Samuel that God truly would bring that thunder upon his adversaries. 1Sa 7:7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 1Sa 7:8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 1Sa 7:9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. 1Sa 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. So here we see that God brought a great thunder on the Philistines to win a victory in response to Samuel’s prayer and sacrifice. Lets now look over at 1 Sam 12 1Sa 12:16 Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. 1Sa 12:17 Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. 1Sa 12:18 So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. (points – gave the glory to God, people knew to beseech him for prayer, people saw the audience he had with God and feared him also, Here we see Samuel calling thunder and rain down as a sign to show the children of Israel their wickedness in wanting a king. It’s clear that Samuel had the power of God on him. He was a man that feared and reverenced God and because of that he did incredible things through him. We see the thunders that came with the plague of Hail in Exodus but as far as I can tell Samuel is the only one in the Bible who had thunder produced on request from God. And it happened twice. On 2 occasions and for 2 very different reasons God produced thunder for Samuel Samuel Chadwick said "There is no power like that of prevailing prayer -- of Abraham pleading for Sodom, Jacob wrestling in the stillness of the night, Moses standing in the breach, Hannah intoxicated with sorrow, David heart-broken with remorse and grief, Jesus in sweat and blood. Prayer turns ordinary mortals into men of power. It brings power. It brings fire. It brings rain. It brings life. It brings God." This man was a man that could get a hold of God in a mighty way – He is a man who saw prayer answered, amen?! In fact, both King David and God Himself compared Samuel with Moses when it came to having access to God. Psa 99:6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. Jer 15:1 Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth. ***So what was it about Samuel that the God of heaven would hearken to a request of this magnitude. In a short study of Samuel I found 8 things that contributed to his thunderous prayer life. I am going to share with you the first 4 of them tonight. 1. Samuel was consistently receptive to God’s calling When God called him as a boy – Samuel listened, he was receptive and he was obedient. He kept asking, he didn’t give up, he wanted to be obedient to the call. 3 Times he ran into Eli when he heard his name called out of obedience when Eli finally recognized it was God calling him. We need to listen when God is calling. Hopefully we don’t get so out of contact with God during the week that we have to become an Altar Athlete on Sundays as Pastor said in Romans class, constantly having to get things right because we mess up so often. On the same token though I pray that I never come to church so often that I get comfortable around conviction either. If the Holy Spirit has something for you then you need to be receptive to his call and seek his help in that area. We need to be consistently receptive to God’s calling and willing to answer. 2. Samuel had a thunderous prayer life because he learned the power of prayer from others. He had been told about what God could do through prayer. I believe in a way he was discipled by his mother. My suspicion is that Samuel was made well aware of the answer to prayer that he was from his mother. Although she only saw him once a year I would expect that she made sure he knew how he came into being and that he understood this one principle long before James ever wrote it down: Jam 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Often it comes down to just that, the answers to prayer and blessings that we hear from others show us what power there is in prayer and challenge us personally to get ourselves seeking God more. Prayer meetings, people being saved, recoveries from sickness, jobs that people got, missions trips being blessed, seeing the protection of God on our leaders and missionaries that we pray for and so much more. What an example for him to learn from, she prayed so sorrowfully and fervently that when Eli saw her he thought she was drunk. So are we recognizing the power of prayer in others and allowing that to challenge us more? Can we say that we are that kind of example or testimony to our kids as Hannah was? Are we discipling them in prayer? Do they see the power that prayer brings in our lives? I heard a story recently about a man who took each of his kids at different times to the place of prayer. He would put his had on their head and pray for them openly. When he died, you know that was the one thing they all remembered and they could still feel his hand upon their head. What will our kids remember about us? 3. Samuel took the time to sacrifice He understood the importance of sacrifice. Often times we want answers but we don’t want to put the time in, we don’t justify any time on our knees. We don’t want to fast. We don’t want to sacrifice. When things get busy or something comes up then maybe it’s our prayer or study time that gets shortened. This is when we need more time with God- not less. We saw in Ch 7 v9 that they were about to be attacked, things were a little busy around the camp but Samuel knew that this was the time when he most needed to sacrifice. I mentioned a few weeks ago in Home Bible study while I was teaching a lesson on prayer about how I have been finding it so tough to make as much time for prayer considering how busy my schedule is. All these classes, my family, my jobs, ministries etc consume a lot of time and I know I’m not alone here, many of you men know exactly what I’m talking about. We’re all very busy and for very good causes. To be sustained though, to not grow weary in well doing we need to be on our faces. I’ve had it backwards and I found that I preached to myself that night. I can’t do it on my own. I need to give that time to God even more if I hope to be sustained through this time and if I hope to see my family sustained. Does a hectic life make us spend more or less time in prayer? 4. Samuel cried out to God for thunder. V9 He knew that he was helpless on his own and he beseeched God by crying out for Him. He laid the burden entirely on God and had faith that he would come through. David wrote in Psa 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. We know that God knows our hearts and how sincere we are. Whether audible cries or silent God knows whether we’re crying to him sincerely or if we’re halfheartedly asking him in a non-expectant way. Which do you think he will heed? Are we truly crying out to God or is it some little wimper without any expectation? If we had more time we could see that Samuel’s prayer life had power because: 5. Samuel recognized and proclaimed that God was the source of his power. 6. Samuel feared the Lord and not man. 7. Samuel interceded for others. 8. Samuel instructed others Conclusion: We may never be the judge, prophet and man of God that Samuel was but we could all benefit by Stealing his thunder in our prayer lives. These examples of Samuel should teach us to be receptive to God’s call. To gain encouragement and perhaps challenge from others To give God the time and perhaps the tears he deserves To recognize that all power comes from God and to fear him only. To pray for others as well as yourself And finally to help others with the same principles along the way. Job 26:14 Lo, these [are] parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand? We cant fathom the power of God and it’s us that limits God from showing more of his power through us but I believe we can learn some things from Samuel that can help us to have more effective prayer lives. Is there anyone in here that wouldn’t want like to have a prayer life with God that could produce thunder?