Christian Liberty

Liberty! Today many suggest Christian Liberty is social, political, economical and self promoting liberty. That is not what Jesus Christ taught about liberty. Jesus said the believer would be free.  Jesus also taught us to be a slave. The Apostle’s taught about a Christian freedom pushing the believer into slavery. The slavery I speak of today is that of being slaves to righteousness. What is Christian Liberty? Salvation! Salvation from sin, the law and superstition is the basic definition of Christian Liberty.

When a person is a regenerate believer they are set free from unrighteousness. It is not always fully recognized by the regenerate believer upon regeneration, but it is still a blessing from God imparted to the regenerate believer. Due to this new freedom we are inclined to a different lifestyle than before. The Holy Spirit working in us effectually calls us to righteousness. This is again not because we are good people. It is only by the grace of God.

To preach Christian Freedom as a means of living our own desires, doing what is contrary to the word of God and promoting our self above all other is a heresy. Jesus Christ never, “never”, taught His disciples to be first, go for your dreams or you should have all the world has to offer. That is not popular, but it is the truth. This is not my words. Jesus Himself said in the kingdom the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Too many people in the church today are falling into the trap the devil has set. He wants us to remain slaves to self and sin rather than slaves to Christ and His righteousness.

        I.            Freedom from the Law

a.      The Law was the method of righteousness

                                                              i.      rules and regulations kept God’s people aware of their lifestyle

                                                            ii.      rules enabled the elders to rebuke and correct their people

                                                          iii.      The law was to point us to the righteousness of the Holy God, therefore showing us our unrighteous hearts.

b.      Salvation frees us unto Peace with God

                                                              i.      Colossians 20-21 We are now seen through Christ and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. (21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

c.       Salvation gives us access to God (Free from Priestly confession)

                                                              i.      Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

1.      Access to God Himself (His Revelation)

2.      Access to God through Prayer

      II.            Freedom From Sin

a.      Free from Sin’s Dominion

                                                              i.      Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

1.      We desire His will

2.      We are slaves to His righteousness

a.      His word is now a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

    III.            Free from Self Promotion

a.      as Christ took on the form of a servant so do we

    IV.            Free from Superstition

a.      The Spirit makes the unknown known to us

b.      God’s word teaches us who He is. We do not have to wonder.

Exodus 17

Much of this message was prepared by using http://www.Blueletterbible.org     and

Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Exodus 17.” Blue Letter Bible. 7 Jul 2006. 10 Aug 2008.
<http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/david_guzik/sg/Exd_17.html>.

A few notes to introduce the study:

As your pastor I can sympathize with Moses and Aaron. Moses felt a heavy burden due to the lack of water knowing it wasn’t his fault. He had a desire to supply the people with their needs.

o With this in mind Moses sought the Lord. This is where we should all go throughout our daily routine.

Moses had to lead under pressure

o Leaders are not always the most popular. When the multitudes get their desires fulfilled they are happy, but when the leader is pointing in a direction contrary to the popular direction he/she falls under heavy scrutiny.

o (remember these folks wanted to stone Moses over this issue of thirst)

Moses recognized the reason for the unstable minds of the people

o We will see how the people were ready to stone Moses in one place and supported his hands while he prayed in another place.

Massah - Testing

Because the people tested the Lord

Meribah - Quarreling

Because the people quarreled

Horeb - “desert” another name for Mount Sinai from which God gave the law to Moses and the Israelites

The beginning point before ascending Mount Sinai

Rephidim = “rests” or “stays” or “resting places”

Because God provided the Israelites a place to rest and reflect on His blessings provided to them, but they refused to rest. They chose to complain.

Chapter 17

Verse one

1. The people came to a place of rest and camped

2. They immediately noticed a lack of water

Verse two

1. The people quarreled with Moses. They were showing anger toward their leader

2. They demanded Moses to give them water.

3. Moses issues them a warning in his question to them.

a. Why do you quarrel with me? Moses had already covered this issue when the people quarreled concerning hunger. Moses told them they were in effect arguing with God.

b. Why do you test God? Moses is giving them the depth of their doubt. They are testing the God who performed miracles in their witness.

Verse three

1. Verse three is a picture of our inability to deny self. Once again we see the necessity of grace.

a. Their thirst over powered their trust

2. They are forgetting the promise to Abraham

 The significance of their statement is staggering. You can sense their fear of a race (theirs) being wiped out

Exodus 17:8-16

Introduction;

We have established the fact the staff Moses held is a reminder of the presence of God. God has now moved the children of Israel, sustained the Children of Israel and will now protect and preserve the Children of Israel.

While journeying in the wilderness it is not unlikely to come to established villages or settlements. The Children of Israel are wandering through the wilderness when they happen onto the Amalekites. Naturally the Amalekites are going to fight against the new intruders.

Moses gives Joshua orders to choose men to fight against the Amalekites. While Joshua went out to battle the leaders of the Children of Israel did not sit in tents biting fingernails or pacing the floor. They were active in seeking the Lord on behalf of the Children of Israel. Moses, Aaron and Hur went up on the hill. Moses holds the “staff” up in the air. When he lowers the staff Amalek prevails, but when he lifts it up Israel prevails.

The upheld staff is the sign of God’s victory. It is a reminder of our need to keep God as the center of everything. In our trails we must glorify God. In our victory we must glorify God. God is worthy of our honor and we are worthy of none. To seek our glory and forget God’s is the beginning of our losing the battles we fight against Satan and the world.

Hur = Moses’ brother-in-law

The Significance of Amalek

1. Amalek was a descendant of Esau.

a. Esau was the brother of Jacob (Israel)

b. Jacob stole the birthright of Esau from Isaac.

i. This was the beginning of enmity between the two.

2. Amalek is factual enemies of Israel

3. Amalek is representative of the Spiritual warfare of all generations

a. Represents all the enemies of God

b. There are two groups

i. God’s servants = His people, The Church

ii. Satan’s servants = His people

→ In our generation we see enemies of Christ. This is nothing new to God. Because of times of protection and peace in our nation many of us simply have not witnessed the ongoing warfare between God’s people and the world. Look into the history of Israel, Russia, Georgia and others. You will see the perpetual problem that will not end until Christ returns.

John 8:44 ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

The Significance of Joshua

1. His name was originally Hoshea, meaning salvation.

2. Later called Joshua, meaning Yahweh saves. He was given this name possibly as a result of this battle against the Amalekites.

3. Joshua represents the ones who will follow the Direction Set By God

The Significance of the Three on the Hill

1. Joshua and the soldiers are representative of the Church and Modern warfare

2. The three are reminders of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

a. Both the Son and Spirit hold up the truth and glory of the Father

The Significance in the Statement = “The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

1. The battle is the Lord’s.

2. The banner of the Lord = The Lord is my banner.

Banner = Standard

• It is the standard to look to for assurance
• It is the standard to lood to for guidance
• It is the standard to look to as a soldier to be reminded of the presence of our command post

a. Because it is His fight we must follow His standards in warfare

The Significance of the statement = “I Will blot our Amalek from under Heaven.”

1. Victory is promised

a. This promise is for Israel in their time

b. This promise is representative for us as soldiers in modern day spiritual warfare.

Exodus 17:5

The Staff

1. Represented God’s power

a. the staff used at the Nile when the water was turned to blood

b. the staff Moses reached out over the Red Sea and the waters were parted

2. Reminder to the Children of Israel

a. They witnessed the power of God in the staff

b. They should have found comfort in the staff

This is why God told Moses to take the staff with Him as he walked before the people

The Substantiation -

To give something an actual physical existence

1. The rock was a place where God would again reveal Himself

a. See 1Corinthians 10:4 and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

i. God said He would go before Moses and stand on the Rock.

ii. Christ is the chief cornerstone

iii. Christ is the Rock of all ages. All through the Psalms we see God as a Rock

2. The Rock was Christ

a. Prophesy of Christ suffering, John 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

b. God was issuing a statement concerning the way of Salvation.

i. Christ was born to suffer and die

ii. The Rock in the wilderness had to be struck.

iii. Christ had to be struck

iv. The water that flowed in the wilderness was a testimony of the blood and water that would flow to bring Salvation to God’s people.

The Standing of God

1. God was being tested

a. God is standing before man.

i. Man stands before God for judgment, not God before man. God stood trial concerning His plan and provisions for His children, and He passed the test with flying colors.

Close:

Do you see Christ in the Old Testament?

Do you trust God daily or do you test Him?

Some Things Never Change

Lamentations 3:37, 37Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?

Genesis 8:22, while the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

•        I.            His Word - Psalm 119:89 Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

•      II.            His Son - Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

•    III.            His Faithfulness - Psalm 119: 90, Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

a. His Faithfulness is according to His Word

i. Whatever He say’s comes to pass

•    IV.            His Church - Ephesians 2: 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

•      V.            His Promises -  Gen. 9:8-17  11And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there anymore be a flood to destroy the earth.

a. Some Promises are given with stipulations

i. 2Chronicles 7:14 “IF”

1. These are brought about through obedience

b. Some Promises are creative promises

i. Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13, Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

1. We can do nothing to stop this from coming to pass.

VI. His Headship - Psalm 146:10 the LORD shall reign forever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.

•  VII.            His Nature - Psalm 104:31, The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works

a. Immutable

b. Impartial

c. Incomparable

d. Incomprehensible

e. Infinite

f. Invisible

g. Jealous

h. Judge

WHAT DOES GOD’S GRACE DO TO US?

I. Affects Our Life

a. changes us as creatures = born again (new creatures in Christ)

b. changes our affiliation = His workmanship

i. no longer belong to the devil John 8:44

ii. slaves to righteousness - not unrighteousness

*A true believer can be known by their enslavement to flesh or to Christ!

*A true believer is not looking to death, but eternal life

II. Affects Our Love

a. changes our focus

i. no longer about us

ii. we do good to others and for others

iii. we love the unlovable

1. because we appreciate the depth of the love the Father has for us as sinners

b. changes our attitude

i. because we are not good in ourselves we understand our equal standing with all others

ii. we see we are not entitled to glory

III. Affects our Power

a. powered by the spirit

b. under the authority of God’s word

i. this overrides any other authority over us

IV. Affects our understanding

a. We understand things not given to unbelievers

Peace = Psalm 120 and Matthew 10:34

A common phrase for those in the public eye is: “I desire world peace”. I think all of us would like to see world peace. However, the truth is far from our desire. As long as we live on this earth world peace is not going to happen.

Knowing world peace cannot come, and will not come to this earth how can we find comfort? Our comfort comes only in understanding some theological truths concerning peace. Truth offers knowledge and knowledge carries understanding.

Understanding truths about peace is the beginning of spiritual peace. Spiritual peace is far better than false peace offered by the world. Spiritual peace passes all understanding because you live in this peace in the midst of good and bad times. Spiritual peace is the foundation for living a life of peace in a unstable world that will never know real peace.

I. The Author of Peace

• a. God the Father = Psalm 29:11 … The Lord will bless His people with peace.
• b. God the Son = Isaiah 9:6 … the Prince of Peace.
• c. God the Spirit = John 14:26

II. The Adversary of Peace

• a. The Devil = 1 Peter 5:8
• b. The Devil’s workers = Matthew 13:38 the tares are the children of the wicked one.

III. The Assumption of Peace

• a. By the false prophets 1 Peter 2:1
• b. Many fall for lies = Jeremiah 6:14 they have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly. Saying Peace, peace: when there is no peace.
• i. Brought on by those hoping to continue in sin and accommodate others who sin.
• ii. Brought on by those who only appease sinners. Offer compromise with sinners.
• 1. We must stand up for what is right

IV. The Approaching of Peace

• a. Our hope is in Christ and His return
• V. The Appearing of Peace
• a. When our King of Kings reigns as Lord

THE SHEPHERDS SEE “THE LAMB”

LUKE 2; 8-20

Introduction;

Why the Shepherds in the field? And furthermore, Why them first? The Shepherds were viewed by the people of Israel as common thieves, they were not allowed to give testimony in courts and they could not take part in the ceremonial sacrifice. All of this was due to their job. They were required to be with the sheep at all times.

Great significance is found in the fact they were some of the first to be told of Jesus’ birth. One, they were keeping watch over the sacrificial lamb and two; they were least likely to be first. God was telling these shepherds they would no longer have to raise a sacrificial lamb. The Lamb of God was lying in the manger. He would be the final sacrifice and would take away the sins of the people. The people of Israel thought when the Messiah would come He would be a political leader and would relieve political oppression. The angels declare Jesus to be a Savior, not just a leader, (The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, pp.1032-1033).

It is also important that we notice the angels surrounding the Shepherds, the praise they gave to Christ and their going away praising Him and telling others about Him. These men might have been least among the town folk but to God they were just the type men He wanted; humble and faithful.

We like the Shepherds need not look for another sacrifice. The final sacrifice has been made for us. When we see Jesus as our propitiation we see Him as the Shepherds did. We cannot save ourselves. We are the least among all because we are sinners who have transgressed the law. God has chosen to reveal Himself to us just as He chose to reveal Himself to the Shepherds.

I. Vs 10 - GOOD TIDINGS

Good tidings = preaching the message. In the New Testament it is always referring to the preaching of the death, burial and resurrection. (See the Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance pages 1211 and 1613).

1. Great Joy

1.  
   1. What is the joy?
   1. There is now hope for mankind.
   2. God has come to offer Himself to sinful man.

ATTN: Mankind had reached a point where there was none good no not one. We are all sinners with no hope. Through the Child born we have hope of salvation.

1. To all people

1. Who are all people?
   • Any who come to Jesus Christ through faith in Him as Lord and Savior!

Note: By Faith alone, in Christ alone & by Grace! 

•  
  • There are no boundaries or prejudices toward any who come by faith.

ATTN: There are many people in today’s world that are prejudiced toward some people. With Christ there is no prejudice. All who come by faith are welcomed into His Salvation.

II.      Vs 14 - GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

Glory to God = showing God the praise He deserves. This word also refers to assigning God the highest status possible, (See the Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance pages 445 and 1603).

A Glory is God’s

1. Why do we give Him praise?

• His peace.
• Good will toward us, mankind.

▬Many people misinterpret the verse to say peace would be forever on earth now. This is only true for those who know Jesus Christ personally as Savior. Peace was on earth, but the peace was Christ and in Christ. The only way to access this peace is to accept Christ and allow Him to live in you through His Holy Spirit.

It is also important to note real peace will be forever on earth after the second coming and after the New Heaven and New Earth are set up by God.

▬Good will toward men is often misinterpreted to mean man would have good will toward one another, but it is obvious this is not so. The good will spoken of is that of God toward us. In His good will He offered to us His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins. For those who accept this gift you will know of His good will toward men.

III.      Vs 20 - GLORIFYING AND PRAISING GOD

A. Sharing the message of Gods message to them. (See the Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance pages 916 and 1588).

1. When and why do we praise Him?

• The peace He gives us.
• The Salvation He gave us.
• The Salvation He offers to all who come by faith
• The understanding He reveals to His own.
• The word He gives us as our guide.
• The Church He gives us to worship with.
• The family He gives us.

ATTN:

We should praise and thank God always. Furthermore we should share the message of the hope that is in us.  15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear

Closing

• The reason for the season
• The only hope we have is in Jesus and for that He we should praise Him!

WILL WE FIGHT FOR THE HOLY BIBLE?

ROMANS 1; 15, 16

This November Congressman Keith Ellison was elected by the people of Minnesota. Ellison is the first Muslim to be elected to the United States Congress. Mr. Ellison says he will not take the oath of office by placing his hand on the Bible, but on the Koran. For those who are not aware of the facts, the Koran is the Muslim Bible.

As Americans we should feel a sense of betrayal by this Congressman. The Bible is the book that our fundamental values and laws are based on. If we do not wake up and realize that congressman Ellison will vote the same way our forefathers did we may be in for future surprises. Our forefathers wrote our constitution base on biblical principles and values. Ellison will vote on Koran values, which hold no respect for those who do not believe and worship as Muslims.

This great nation was founded on the idea that people should be able to worship God freely. Our citizens have fought and died for this right not only on domestic soil, but on foreign soil as well. Our sons and daughters spill their blood and die for the rights of all mankind, not only our kinsman. The one book, and its teachings, that compel a nation to do such heroic acts is the Holy Bible. If we do not boldly teach the fact that the Holy Bible that is so disrespected is the very book that gives its opponents the right to oppose it we are failing in our individual civic duty.

We are living in a time when the very book that has brought freedom to a people is the very book that is being attacked. It is time that we send a message to the entire world that we will not tolerate the attack on the Holy Scriptures. For those who truly believe that God has chosen His Scriptures to reveal Himself to man, we must allow God to use these perilous times to glorify Himself through us as His Church.

THE BIBLE

I. THE CHOSEN BOOK (see Psalm 138;2) -thy word above thy name-

•  
  • A. CHOSEN BY GOD
• 1. The source by which He reveals Himself to man
• 2. The source of mans instruction in godly living
• 3. The source of mans witnessing tools
• 4. The source of mans Christian teachings, (moral teachings)
• 5. The source by which God reveals spiritual things to His people

II. THE COMPANION BOOK (see Jeremiah 1;4)- the word of the Lord came unto me, saying-

A. COMPLIMENTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

• Ø No, I am not saying the Bible is to be read with any other book
• Ø Yes, I am saying there is another component to reading and understanding the Bible. (see Mark 4;10-12)
• 1.The Holy Spirit is the companion who brings understanding
• 2.The Holy Spirit is who inspired the writing of the Bible

•                         III.      THE COMPELLING BOOK (ROMANS 1;16)

•  
  •  
    • A. CALLING TO SALVATION
  • 1.The source that reveals our sin
  • 2.The source that shows the way to Salvation
    • B. CONVICTION IN THE BELIEVER
  • 1.The source of warning in wrongdoing

The source of conversion to Holy living

•  
  •  
    • C. CORRECTION FOR THE BELIEVER
  • 1.The source of new direction
    • D. CAUSE OF GOOD DEEDS
  • 1.The provoking to help the needy
  • 2.The provoking to free those bound
  • 3.The provoking to witness to the lost
  • 4.The provoking to love for one another

No other book in the history of man has been attacked as the Bible has. As believers it is our duty to proclaim the gospel message in the Bible. In proclaiming the gospel message we must not forget the freewill of the hearer. While considering the freewill of the hearer we must also not allow anyone to take away the foundation of our great nation, the Bible.

In most cases we as Christians think we should stay out of politics because of the famous statement, separation of church and state. The separation was to keep government from imposing a state sanctioned religion. This very freedom is one that is afforded Americans because of the teachings in the Holy Scriptures.

Let us always be willing to stand up and fight for the freedom that we have because of the Holy Bible. This very book is one that many have given their life that all may hold a copy in their hand.

Examples of scripture attack;

• 1. In China Bibles are not allowed
• 2. In Iraq Christians are having to flee because of torture and tyranny (Al. Baptist., November 16, 2006, compiled from Wire Service)
• 3. In Turkey Christians arrested after becoming Christians and put in prison (Al. Baptist, November 16, 2006, compiled from Wire Services)
• 4. British airways tell Christian employee she cannot wear a cross while any other faith can have open displays of faith (Al. Baptist, November 16, 2006, compiled from Wire Services)

5. Abdul Rahman, a Christian convert from Afghanistan has been protected in Italy. Afghanistan officials want him back for prosecution and execution for converting to Christianity (Al. Baptist, November 16, 2006, compiled from Wire Services)

The Unseen Hand

GOD’S HAND Psalm 31:5-15

The providence of God Romans 8:28

Genesis 50:20 / 2 Corinthians 4:7

Habakuk 1:2

Verse 1
There is an unseen hand to me,
That leads through wave I cannot see
While going through this world of woe,
This hand still leads me as I go

CHORUS:
I’m trusting to, the unseen hand,
That guides me through this weary land
When some sweet day I’ll reach that strand,
Still guided by the unseen hand

Verse 2
This hand has led through shadows drear
And while it leads I have no fear
I know t’will lead, me to that home
Where sin nor sorrow ere can come

Verse 3
I long to see, my Saviors face
And sing the story saved by grace
And there upon that golden  strand
Ill praise him for his guiding hand

We sometimes forget our God is always at work. He never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4). He is never weary and tired. He is continually working His will.

In the middle of the blessings we can find God’s hand. In the midst of our questions we can find God’s will. In the core of our sorrows we can find God’s hand!

When we feel blessed God has provided. When we have questions God has provoked them. This is that He can be glorified in the answer. When we are in times of pain and sorrow God has allowed them that we might learn to trust Him even when we don’t understand!

Whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever is taking place God is there. Most important God is HERE!! We cannot escape the eternal, omnipresent, all knowing and sovereign God (Psalm 139:7-10).

As we look into the scriptures today let us consider the Unseen Hand as it is in our lives. Maybe you have questions today. Perhaps you are going through a difficult time in your life. Whatever your individual situation ask God to show you how He is at work in your life. Today could be the day God has chosen to reveal His presence to you in a wonderful and mighty way.

• I.THE UNSEEN HAND
  • i. To the Carnal Eye
• 1. the carnal eye cannot see God’s hand (Matthew 13:9-17)
  • a. it is still present even though it is not seen
  • ii. The lazy Christian Eye
• 1. often overlooks God’s hand (Habakuk 1:2)

² O Lord, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save.

• II.THE UNACCEPTED HAND
  • i. Communally = Socially
• 1. The carnal world denies God
  • a. They deny his existence
  • b. They deny their need for Him
  • c. They therefore deny His plans
• 2. The Christian world sometimes becomes proud
• a. We desire credit - for what God has wrought
• b. Our position of Godly protection

Judges 7:1-2 (KJV)

1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

Joseph, Mordecai and Ester, Job, Jonah, 3 Hebrew boys, Daniel in lion’s den, Paul arrested, Peter in prison, the man born blind ect…

• III.The Unwavering Hand
  • i. To the Repentant
• 1. Salvation is available
  • ii. To the unrepentant
• 1. Wrath will come upon the unrepentant