Category: Sermons

Be Filled With The Spirit

Ephesians 5:1-20

Pastor Barry Kerner

The Tower of Babel was a structure built in the land of Shinar (Babylonia) some time after the Flood. The story of its construction, given in Genesis 11:1–9, explains the existence of diverse human languages. According to Genesis, the Babylonians wanted to make a name for themselves so they came together to build a mighty city and a tower“with its top in the heavens.” God disrupted the work by so confusing the language of the workers that they could no longer understand one another. The city was never completed, and the people were dispersed over the face of the earth.

There are similarities between Babel and Pentecost. At Babel the people all came to one place to build a tower in order to reach the heavens. At Pentecost, the Bible says, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1), and their purpose was to reach God. At Babel they all spoke one language, and God caused them to speak many languages. At Pentecost they all spoke one language (Aramaic with a Galilean dialect), but God caused them to speak many languages. At Babel God came down to the people, and at Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended upon the people. At both Babel and Pentecost the people were scattered — but with totally different purposes. At Babel the people scattered in hostility and chaos, at Pentecost they scattered with a new love and purpose in their hearts. They wanted to spread the good news.

That is the purpose of Pentecost: To give us the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit so that we can learn to love God and live for God. To give new purpose. To change chaos and confusion into understanding. To turn us from rebellion to love and obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit. To turn despair into hope. To bring a new love into our hearts that wants to reach out to God and others. This Pentecost Sunday brings the invitation to receive the power of the Holy Spirit.

Now, suppose someone asked, “Are you filled with the Spirit?” what would you say? It’s not easy to answer and therefore makes us uneasy as we think about it.

In his preface to The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer wrote, In this hour of all-but-universal darkness one cheering gleam appears: within the fold of conservative Christianity there are to be found increasing numbers of person who religious lives are marked by a growing hunger after God Himself. They are eager for spiritual realities and will not be put off with words, nor will they be content with correct “interpretations” of truth. They are athirst for God, and they will not be satisfied till they have drunk deep at the Fountain of Living Water and filled with the Holy Spirit of God.

One of the greatest preachers of the 19th century, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, said, “The grand thing the church needs in this time is God’s Holy Spirit.” More than anything else, we need to rediscover the Holy Spirit and learn anew to depend on him.

In John 4:13-14 we read, “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.””

In John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

If you have your Bibles open to Ephesians 5 let’s read verses 1 through 20.

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I’ll ask you, “Is the state of your heart: Empty or Full? Is it Carnal or Spiritual?”

In 1 Corinthians the Scriptures distinguish between the “spiritual” and the “carnal;” In Galatians 5:16, those who “walk in the Spirit,” and those who walk “according to the flesh;” In Romans 6:4, those who walk “in newness of life,” and those who do not; In John 15, those who “abide in Christ,” and those who do not; and in Colossians 1:10, those who walk “worthy of the Lord,” and those who “walk as men.” God wants us to live a Holy Spirit filled life and to walk in that life.

Notice Ephesians 5:14: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead.” This verse is often spoken to sinners, but it was not written to sinners. It was a call to one of the best churches in the New Testament at Ephesus. Some of the Ephesians were in a somnolent condition; that is, they were morally good but unenlightened. They were religious but un-anointed. It is perfectly possible for a good, faithful, loyal church member to be spiritually asleep.

When you go to sleep tonight, the fact that you are unconscious and out of the running for a while is not bothering you. You know that normally you will wake up again. You are not dead, but you are cut off from your environment, all but that which is reflex—breathing and a few other things. Likewise it is possible to be a Christian, to be in the church and yet be asleep spiritually.

Paul goes on in verse 18 to contrast between being filled with wine and being filled with the Spirit. A person under the influence of wine experiences altered behavior. He may say or do things he would not ordinarily do. Emotions may be heightened for a brief period, causing the person to experience anger followed quickly by elation followed quickly by depression. If the person drinks enough wine, his mental processes will be affected and his decision making ability will be radically altered—almost always with a negative result.

Likewise, the filling of the Holy Spirit produces a change in behavior. In the Book of Acts, once timid disciples became flaming evangelists for Jesus Christ. They were accused of being drunk.

Peter, quoting Joel 2:28, told the crowd, “These men are not drunk as you suppose. ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people.” They weren’t under the influence of wine. They were under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

In Ephesians 5:15-21 Paul mentions five practical things related to the filling of the Spirit:

In verses 16-16 we’re told that being filled with the Holy Spirit gives us Wisdom for living in this evil age;

In verse 17, Understanding of God’s will;

In verse 19, A joyful heart filled with singing to the Lord;

In verse 21, A heart filled with thanksgiving;

And, in verse 21 we’re told that being filled with the Holy Spirit gives us An attitude of mutual submission.

True submission is vitally important because it touches our need to be in control in every situation. When we submit from the heart, we are saying, “I don’t have to have my way all the time.” Only a heart touched by the Holy Spirit can maintain such an attitude in every relationship of life.

First, the phrase in verse 18, “be filled with the Holy Spirit” is a command. In the Greek language this verb is in the imperative mode. This means the filling of the Spirit isn’t an optional part of the Christian life. Every Christian is to be filled with the Spirit all of the time. If you aren’t, you are out of God’s will.

Second, it is in the present tense.

You keep on doing something. It’s not a one-time event. We could legitimately translate this verse this way: “Be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.” The filling of the Spirit is supposed to be the normal way of life for the Christian.

Third, it is in the passive voice. This is a nuance many people would miss. In Greek as in English commands can be either active or passive. However, we’re much more used to active commands: “Go to the store and pick up some milk, please.” That’s an active command. If I say, “Fill that hole with dirt”, that’s also in the active voice. But Ephesians 5:18 is in the passive voice. He doesn’t say, “Fill yourself with the Spirit” but rather “be filled with the Spirit.” To be “be filled” means that the filling of the Spirit is a work of God, not man.

Two things to remember, the Holy Spirit lives within us and is willing to fill us at any moment and we must get out of the way.

John the Baptist says in Chapter 3 verses 29–30, “Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” When Jesus becomes greater in the world and I become lesser in the world, my joy increases. And when this is the purpose and plan of Jesus himself

Fourth, it is a plural command. It’s not just for Pastors, or evangelists or Sunday school teachers, or those serving in ministry. Paul is saying, “Let each and every one of you be filled with the Spirit.” On one hand, that means the command is for every Christian. God intends—and desires—that all his children be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Fifth, it’s also a corporate command. The church as a church is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. That is, the filling of the Spirit is not something for my own personal edification. God’s Spirit imparts life-giving power that transforms the church from a social club or a religious gathering into a living body of Christ. We can see that clearly in the verses that follow. We are to be Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (verse 19) and Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (verse 21).

I am to be filled with the Spirit—but I am not to be filled alone. As we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us one by one, our corporate life will be forever transformed. Perhaps this one factor accounts for the difference between a church that is “alive” and a church that is “dead.” Both churches have the same Bible, the same rituals, they may sing the same songs, they may even have the same programs and the same schedule of services. Outwardly they may look very much alike. But, one is alive while the other is dead. What makes the difference? The Holy Spirit! We need the filling of the Spirit not simply for ourselves but for the reformation and revival of local churches everywhere.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an issue of control.

Go back to the contrast between wine and the Spirit. Drunken and Spirit-filled people have one thing in common. They are both controlled people. Their lives and their behavior are radically changed by that which fills them.

–If a person is filled with anger, then anger controls his life.

–If a person is filled with greed, then greed dominates his life.

–If a person is filled with love, then love influences all he does.

When the Holy Spirit fills you, he will have the controlling interest in your life.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean I have more of the Spirit, it means the Spirit has more of me.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is also an issue of Cooperation

Every Christian is filled with the Spirit from the moment of the new birth. The Holy Spirit indwells us from the moment we are saved. New believers often have so much joy and walk so closely with the Lord. For them, it’s the natural thing to do.

That means the central issue is one of cooperation. Am I going to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and let him lead me or I am going to keep on trying to do things my own way?

So many of us struggle at precisely this point. We fight the Lord because we want to do things our way.

Jesus’ words to Saul on the road to Damascus: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

“It is hard for you to kick against the goads” was a Greek proverb, but it was also familiar to the Jews and anyone who made a living in agriculture. An ox goad was a stick with a pointed piece of iron on its tip used to prod the oxen when plowing. The farmer would prick the animal to steer it in the right direction. Sometimes the animal would rebel by kicking out at the prick, and this would result in the prick being driven even further into its flesh. In essence, the more an ox rebelled, the more it suffered.

The conversion of Saul is quite significant as it was the turning point in his life. Paul later wrote nearly half of the books of the New Testament.

Jesus took control of Paul and let him know his rebellion against God was a losing battle. Paul’s actions were as senseless as an ox kicking “against the goads.” Paul had passion and sincerity in his fight against Christianity, but he was not heading in the direction God wanted him to go. Jesus was going to goad (“direct” or “steer”) Paul in the right direction.

There is a powerful lesson in the ancient Greek proverb. We, too, find it hard to kick against the goads. Solomon wrote, “Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path” (Proverbs 15:10). When we choose to disobey God, we become like the rebellious ox—driving the goad deeper and deeper. Proverbs 13:15 tells us, “The way of the unfaithful is hard.” How much better to heed God’s voice, to listen to the pangs of conscience! By resisting God’s authority we are only punishing ourselves.

And, being filled with the Holy Spirit is an issue of Repentance

If you allow weeds unattended in your garden the weeds will soon take over the garden. Similarly if you allow sin unattended in your life, sin will eventually take over your life. Whatever you water will grow.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit takes emptiness and openness

Imagine trying to fill up a jar that is already full of something else. You can’t fill what is already full. Or imagine an empty jar with the lid screwed on tight. You can’t fill that jar either.

-Some Christians are so full of themselves, they have no room for the Holy Spirit.

-Some Christians have simply closed their heart to the work of the Holy Spirit.

One woman said that that perfectly described her husband. By all outward standards, he was a success. “But,” she said, “ he is so full of himself that he is closed to anything that God might want to do in his life.” She did not say that with anger but with tears. I wonder if that would not describe many of us.

In a sense being filled with the Spirit is an impossibility—at least as far as it depends on us. Only God’s Spirit can fill us. We need two things—emptiness and openness. You can’t fill a jar that’s already full, and you can’t fill a jar that is not open.

-There must be a sense of need—“Lord, I’m empty and I need to be filled by your Spirit.”

-There must be a willingness—“Lord, I’m open to you. Let your Spirit fill me now.”

Let me end by putting this matter in a larger perspective. The Holy Spirit is never given merely for our own personal enjoyment. God sends his Spirit to enable us to live for Christ in the world.

The famous quotation by Mark Twain is an entertaining reminder that those who, “Toot their own horn,” are often those who lack the very thing they’re bragging about. It’s not the people “out there” that need to be revived by God’s Spirit. It’s you and it’s me.

The Christian life is not difficult, but it is impossible without the Holy Spirit. The human spirit fails unless the Holy Spirit fills. We are commanded to be awake and to continually yield to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, both as individual persons and as the Body of Christ.

Let us close with this prayer that Paul wrote to the Ephesians but which is appropriate for us here this morning.

Ephesians 3:14-21  

14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

The Ascension Of Christ

Acts 1:1-11

Pastor Barry Kerner

In one of the Calvin and Hobbes comic strips, Calvin and Hobbes are lying under the shade of a tree on a hot summer day. Calvin, the hyperactive little boy, asks, “What if there is no heaven? What if this is all we get?” Hobbes, the tiger answers, “Well, if this is all we get I guess we’ll just have to accept it.” Calvin replies, “Yeah, but if I’m not going to be rewarded for my good deeds, I want to know it now.”

Life after death—immortality—seems to be on everyone’s mind these days. If I were picking a religion today, I would want one that spoke with clarity and authority about life beyond the grave.

Ironically, if you were to take a few months and study the writings of other religions, you would discover that the history of their founders stops abruptly with their death. Like everyone else their bodies wasted away in the grave. What are Confucius, Mohammad (Islam), and Krishna (Hindus) doing now? What are their plans for the future? Not even their most devoted followers know for sure!

The Christian faith is different. The written record of God’s Word and countless eyewitnesses confirm that Jesus Christ was God’s Son. He died on the cross for the sin of the entire human race. God raised Jesus from the dead bodily. These are the facts that set Him apart from every other religious leader in the world. The question remains—can He speak with clarity about life after death? Where is Jesus right now and what is He doing?

A bank in Binghamton, New York sent a floral arrangement to a business that had recently moved into a new building. There was a mix up at the florist, and the card sent with the arrangement read, “With our deepest sympathy.” The florist apologized, but became even more embarrassed when he learned that the floral arrangement sent to a funeral home read, “Congratulations on your new location.”

I have good news for you today. After Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, He moved to a new location. He ascended to heaven! Furthermore, the Bible records what Jesus is doing now and what His plans are for the future.

Today, we are going to consider the ascension of Jesus Christ and its relevance for our present life and for eternity. Turn in your Bible to Acts 1 and beginning with verse 1 let’s look at the text together:

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

The disciples of Jesus visibly saw Him rise from the ground. The Lord, clothed in His resurrected body, moved from this material world into the spiritual world. His followers were stunned. Two angels appeared to them and told them that Jesus had been taken up into heaven. Life would go on for these disciples, but they would never be the same. The ascension of Jesus Christ changed everything for them and us. Let’s look first at…

1. THE MAJESTY OF THE ASCENDED CHRIST

Have you ever considered what it must have been like when Jesus entered heaven after His death, burial, and resurrection? John’ gospel chapter 17 verses 4 and 5 records a prayer Jesus prayed before He died. Here’s what Jesus prayed, “I glorified Thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do. And now, glorify Thou Me together with Thyself, Father, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.”

Jesus Christ is eternal; He was never created. So, before He came to earth, He existed in spirit form with all the glory of God’s eternal Son. When Jesus was clothed in human flesh, He laid aside His glory in heaven. Now, He would come back to receive His glory!

I want you to get the picture here. In Ephesians 4:8 Paul tells us, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.”  I believe that Jesus was like a victorious general returning from battle with every Old Testament saint forming His royal entourage. Through the spirit realm, this glorious march made its way to heaven.

David gives us an idea of how heaven prepared for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Psalm 24:7-10 he wrote, “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.”

Angels fell to their faces as Jesus entered through the gates in royal procession. The Old Testament saints of God gasped at the beauty and glory of heaven. They too must have joined the angels in thunderous praise and worship. The glory that had belonged to Jesus for all of eternity engulfed Him like the royal garment of a king.

Jesus Christ has crossed over death into life. This is the Bible’s report of His majesty in heaven. Is this not the kind of God you would want to serve and love? Let’s look secondly at…

1. THE MASTERY OF THE ASCENDED CHRIST

The Bible is clear about what happened when Jesus arrived in heaven. The description of the writer of Hebrews is breathtaking. Listen to his words in Hebrews 1:3, “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”  In Mark 16:19 we’re told, “So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.”

The right hand of God is significant. It is the place of power and preeminence. Jesus who humbled Himself like no one who has ever lived now has been exalted like no other person. In Ephesians 1:19-23 Paul’s words give insight, “These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Jesus, in His glorified human body, now occupies the throne. He is Lord!

This is the word from the other side of the grave. Jesus Christ has no rival to His power in this world or in the spirit world. He is eternally triumphant and He will reign forever more! Don’t you want to believe in an all-powerful God who is the undisputed King of Kings?

There is one more thing I want you to see. Look at…

III. THE MINISTRY OF THE ASCENDED CHRIST

Okay, we have examined the majesty and the mastery of the ascended Christ. But, the question is, does He have a continuing ministry? During Jesus’ three-year ministry on earth, His geographical earthly dimension limited him. But, after His ascension to the right hand of the Father, His universal heavenly dimension expanded His ministry. So, exactly what is Jesus doing now?

Jesus closed sin’s account. The writer of Hebrews observes, “And every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” [Hebrews10:11-14] If you have believed in Jesus, your sin account has been closed forever! Quit beating yourself up. You have received the righteousness of Christ!

Jesus represents you as a believer before the Father. You might be thinking, “How can I be saved if I continue to sin? Doesn’t sin disqualify my salvation? John spoke to this when He wrote, “My little children, I am writing these to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate before the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but for those of the whole world.” [1 John 2:1-2] When you and I sin, the Lord Jesus presents His blood marks as the payment for our sin. That’s why the writer of Hebrews says, “…He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” [Hebrews 7:25] True salvation cannot be lost because of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and continuing ministry before the Father!

Jesus prays for you. Do you ever feel as if life has caved in on you? You don’t know what to do or what to pray. Listen to what Paul wrote, “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” [Romans 8:34] Stop and think about this. Jesus Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth, is praying for you. He wants you to be a successful. He wants you to finish the race that is set before you. What a prayer partner! This is why the writer of Hebrews wrote, “Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:16] We have access to the Father. He cares for us and Jesus prays for us. What more could you ask?

Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to live within the believer. Jesus told His disciples, “But now I am going to Him who sent Me….But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” [John 16:5,7] If you are a believer, your body has become the temple of the Holy Spirit. He has unlimited power to grant victory, success, freedom, and abundant spiritual fruit to you. What potential you have as a result of this special gift from the ascended Christ.

Finally, Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for you. He told His heartbroken disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” [John 14:1-2] Can you imagine what our Lord is preparing for us? That’s how much He loves you!

Don’t you want to serve a God who still loves you and ministers to you eternally? Don’t you want to give your heart to a God who has supreme authority and power and wants to make your life better? Friend, that God’s name is Jesus!

CONCLUSION

This life is not all there is. Jesus Christ has spoken with clarity and authority about life after death. He ascended into heaven. He stepped from this world into the next world. Today, we have seen the majesty, the mastery, and the ministry of the ascended Christ.

In the first century, His disciples were changed forever. We should be radically changed ourselves as we:

¨First, Respond to the Lordship of Jesus with submission, reverence, and awe. Take into consideration His majesty and mastery as you live your life as a believer. Live for Jesus!

Second, Recognize who you are as a believer. You are a joint heir with Him, and you are seated with Him in heavenly places. You mean everything to Jesus. Look at how His ministry in heaven is geared to you experiencing abundant life. Quit beating yourself up. Lift up your head and live like a child of the King!

And Third, Fully receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Can you think of anyone anywhere who is more qualified to be your God? Go ahead today and turn from your sins and place your faith in Him alone. You won’t be sorry you did, because He will forgive you and launch a ministry on your behalf before the Father.

Let us pray.

A Suitable Helper

Ezer Kenegdo

Genesis 2

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Pastor Barry Kerner

Here is a list of inventions by women that you may not have been aware. Where would we be without them?

Circular Saw

Computer

Dishwasher

Life Raft

Fire Escape

Medical Syringe

The First Monopoly Game

Windshield Wipers

Ice Cream Maker

Car Heater

Ironing Board

Coffee Filters

Electric Refrigerator

Wireless Transmission Technology that made WiFi, GPS and Smart Phones able

Disposable Diapers

The list goes on and on.

We’ll today’s Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day sermons are notoriously awful., sentimental tripe that leaves some women feeling smugly self-satisfied, while others leave licking their wounds.

Usually one of three types of sermons is preached on Mother’s Day.

The first is one in celebration of Mother’s. You know, “Mothers are awesome! God loves Mothers! Look at Mary! Way to Go Mary! Way to Go Mothers!”

The second one tells Mother’s how to be better Mothers. “Be like Mary or Hannah or Be a Proverbs 31 Woman” “Happy Mother’s Day…now here is how to be awesome as a mother.”

The third sermon we sometimes hear on Mother’s Day is one that has nothing to do with Mothers. Honor the Mothers…wait – all the women in the congregation, give all the woman a small gift a token of appreciation, and then preach on whatever you would have preached on if it were not Mother’s Day.

The fact is that mothers are serious business.  Nobody is loved like a mother.  One of the pleasures of being a mother is for a woman to one day hear her daughter ruefully admit that in something she has become exactly like her mother.  That girls imitate their mothers is not unusual since mothers are normally their most steady influence.  A book on successful marriages should encourage a young men  who want a happy life to find a woman twice his age whom he really liked and then marry her daughter.

Mothers also play a pivotal role in their son’s lives. Mothers help their sons to learn how to communicate verbally, to express his emotions, and to share their feelings – things he’s not as likely to learn from his father. Mothers are also the primary women who will demonstrate how their son should treat other women – with love, strength, kindness, and character. Finally, as their sons begin to mature in their mid-teens, others are the ones most able to instill in them the confidence they’ll need to build a successful career and to become a strong husband and father.

A young woman contemplating marriage would find it beneficial to examine the relationship of her fiancee and his mother to get an inkling as to how she may expected to be treated in the marriage.

Mothers read the Bible differently. They consider how it would feel to be unable to feed their children, like Elijah’s widow, the pain Ishmael’s mother Hagar must have felt when her son, Abraham’s first born, was rejected, passed over and along with her, forced out of the family home. Or how difficult it must have been for the mother of Moses, Jochebed, to place her son in a basket, set it adrift, hoping he would live. It’s hard for a mother not to be enraged when Lot offers his daughters to be raped or when David didn’t react to the rape of his daughter Tamar.

Every mother knows the meaning of “Mary pondered these things in her heart.” I believe that the women around Jesus were some of his earliest followers to comprehend His words, and to serve him well. As He died, Jesus made sure His grieving mother would be cared for by a follower. The Church would do well to follow His example.

For the first chapter and a half of the Bible. We see God busy at work; creating the place we call Earth and all that is a part of it. And at every step of the way, God declares his creation “good.” Then it all changes. Halfway through chapter 2, God is busy helping the human, Ha’adam he is called in Hebrew, get acclimated to this new environment. You can eat your fill here in the garden, God tells Adam, just “don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” But as God is interacting with the human, God discerns that there may be something about creation that is not good. The man has no companion, no counterpart. “It’s not good that the human is alone, I will make him a helper that is perfect for him.” This expression, “helper that is perfect,” in Hebrew does not imply subordination or inferior rank. So it is that none of the animals seems to satisfy the companion that God has envisioned. Because what God seeks for the man is a helper like himself (ezer-kenegdo); something very special, a perfect fit. So God puts Ha’adam into a deep sleep, pulls a rib from his body and fashions a woman.

The first words the Torah quotes Adam as saying appear right after his wife was created. He gives her a name, but also mentions a connection between his name and hers. Genesis 2:23 reads, Then the man said, “This one at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one shall be called Woman (isha) for from man (ish) she was taken”.

The Bible tells us that both the man and the woman are created in God’s image and with a specific purpose to fulfill; they are to be helpers to one another as they serve God in the world. And so, like most good stories, this one begins with both a hero and a heroine.

If you’ll open your Bibles to 2 Timothy chapter 1 we’ll be reading verses 1 through 14 today.

There’s no indication in the Bible that Paul’s protege Timothy was married. Most scholars believe Timothy to have been a single young man. In this passage, the Apostle Paul, describes Timothy’s faith as, “sincere faith.” We know it to be the faith through which Timothy was saved. Paul also reminds Timothy that his faith was rooted in the faith of his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois.

It’s interesting that the woman is not named Eve until after the fall and they are both driven from the garden. Today I want to celebrate women. I know it’s Mother’s Day, and therefore mothers are included in this, but I want to go beyond mothers. I want to speak to the enormous value of all women – a value that world history has never grasped, but one the Bible affirms with absolute conviction!

This morning I would like to look at Ishsha. The woman God created before the fall and whom God calls all women to be in Christ. Today I would like to look at woman as suitable helpers instead of women as mothers. And, in doing so, dispel some misconceptions that a false world view has led us to believe about women.

Earlier I quoted some verses from the Old Testament, Genesis 2:18-20.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” – Genesis 2:18-20 

The Hebrew words translated, “a helper suitable” are “Ezer Kenegdo.” Everyone say them, “Ezer Kenegdo.” I want you to remember those two words, “Ezer Kenegdo.”

When we hear the word “helper” we generally think of it in terms of a subordinate role. As if the one who bears the title is functioning at a lesser level and must serve the one who is higher up. However, when it comes to the biblical notion of “helper,” nothing could be farther from the truth.

In Hebrew, the word for “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 and 20 is ezer (pronounced “ay-zer”),

God could have given any number of labels to the woman. but He choose Ezer.

 In the Old Testament Ezer is always used in the context of vitally important and powerful acts of rescue and support.

It carries the idea of doing for another what they cannot do for themselves. Ezer is most often used in the Scriptures in connection with what God does for His people. God is the ultimate Ezer. Ezer is not a word that means subordination or lesser than. It is a strong, edifying, praiseworthy word that connotes the indispensability of the individual who bears the title. In the case of this Genesis passage, it’s the woman!

The word ezer is used twenty-one times in the Old Testament. Twice it is used in the context of the first woman. Three times it is used of people helping (or failing to help) in life-threatening situations. Sixteen times it is used in reference to God as a helper.

Exodus 18:4 And the other [son of Moses and Zipporah] was named Eliezer, for he said “The God of my father was my HELP, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”

Deuteronomy 33:7 [Moses’ blessing to Judah] And this regarding Judah, so he said “Hear O Lord the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people. With his hand she contended for them, and mayest Thou be a HELP against his adversaries.”

Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like the God of Jeshurun [Israel] Who rides the heavens to your HELP, and through the skies in His majesty.

Deuteronomy 33:29 Blessed are you, O Israel; Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, Who is the shield of your HELP, and the sword of your majesty!

Psalms 33:20 Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our HELP and our shield.

Psalms 70:5 But I am afflicted and needy; hasten to me, O God! Thou art my HELP and my deliverer; ”

Psalms 115:9-11 O Israel, trust in the Lord. He is their HELP and their shield. 10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord He is their HELP and their shield. 11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their HELP and their shield.

Psalms 121:1-2 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my HELP come? 2 My HELP comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

Psalms 124:8 Our HELP is in the name of the Lord; Who made heaven and earth.

Psalms 146:5 How blessed is he whose HELP is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the Lord his God;

Hebrews 13:6 so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my HELPER, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?

Without exception, these biblical texts are talking about a vital, powerful kind of help.

Ezer is used consistently in a military context. When Israel seeks military aid from her neighbors instead of trusting in the Lord they are rebuked. God is His people’s “shield and defense,” scripture tells us that God is “better than chariots and horses,” and standing “sentry watch over His people.”

Remarkably, even Eden fits this pattern, for although some may balk at the thought, it is fair to say that even the idyllic garden of Eden was a war zone. The command to rule and subdue put God’s image bearers on high alert that fierce resistance lay ahead. God commanded the man to keep, or guard, the garden by using the same military language later used for the cherubim who guarded the garden with a flaming sword — a primeval light saber — after Adam and Eve are evicted (Genesis 3:24). The reason, of course, is that a powerful Enemy is already plotting an attack.

Putting the facts together, isn’t it obvious that the ezer is a warrior? And don’t we already know this in our bones? God created His daughters to be ezer-warriors with our brothers. He deploys the ezer to break the man’s loneliness by soldiering with him wholeheartedly and at full strength for God’s gracious kingdom. Men and the world need everything a woman brings to their global mission.

The strength God brings as ezer to His people should be sufficient to convince us that as ezers we must be strong, resourceful, alert to the cries of the needy and oppressed, and proactive too. Support for the ezer-warrior comes from other Bible passages that use military language for women. Both Ruth and the Proverbs 31 woman are called women of valor (hayil). Paul rallies believers, both men and women, to “put on all of God’s armor” (Ephesians 6:10-17) in preparation to do battle with the Evil One, reminding us that our battle is “not… against flesh-and-blood enemies” (Ephesians 6:12). Thinking of the ezer as a warrior is entirely consistent with how Scripture views us.

In biblical times men’s names contained the word Ezer. Eli-ezer, Abi-ezer, and just plain Ezer are just a few.  They were given the name containing Ezer to inspire them.

Like men, women are also God’s creative masterpiece — a work of genius and a marvel to behold — for she is fearfully and wonderful made. The ezer never sheds her image-bearer identity. Not here. Not ever. God defines who she is and how she is to live in His world. That never changes. The image-bearer responsibilities to reflect God to the world and to rule and subdue on His behalf still rest on her shoulders too.

As with “helper,” the word translated as “suitable” doesn’t accurately convey the nature of the Hebrew word. “Suitable” is the Hebrew word kenegdo. Kenegdo is a bit tricky to translate because it is a fusion of three Hebrew words. However, when understood in its proper context, kenegdo means “one who stands in front of or opposite to.” It’s the idea of someone who stands before you, facing you, opposing you, not simply allowing you to go whichever direction you choose. It’s a word picture for how one is to relate to another. In more practical terms, we could say a kenegdo is someone who questions, confronts, challenges, and holds another accountable.

Together, an ezer kenegdo is someone who questions, confronts, challenges, and holds another accountable, in love, for the purpose of aiding and strengthening the collective whole so together they move forward in a healthy and growing relationship, doing for each other what they’re unable to do alone. Talk about a strong, life-giving, and beautiful partnership! And because of the nature and functionality of ezer kenegdo in connection with man

Genesis 2:18 wasn’t intended to establish hierarchy. It was intended to establish partnership.

The woman is created for man as his ezer kenegdo—or as many translations have it, his “help meet” or “helper.” Doesn’t sound like much, does it? It may make some to think of Hamburger Helper but it means something far more powerful than just “helper”; it means “lifesaver.” The phrase is only used elsewhere of God, when you need him to come through for you desperately. “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you” (Deut. 33:26). The woman is a life giver; she is  the man’s ally.  It takes both men and women to sustain life. Women are to be men’s strongest ally in pursing God’s purposes and his first roadblock when they veers off course.

Here are Apostle Paul’s words from Romans 7:21-25 (New Living Translation):

I have discovered this principle of life – that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:1 NLT)

No condemnation! Let these words sink in. If you are a woman, and you belong to Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation! This is grace, pure grace!!! It is my prayer for every woman to realize that in Christ they can find their true identity as one wonderfully and fearfully hand-made by the Creator Himself.

Let us take a moment and pray for the women of our church.

My earnest challenge and prayer for you is . . .

. . . That all of your life—in whatever calling—be devoted to the glory of God.

. . . That the promises of Christ be trusted so fully that peace and joy and strength fill your soul to overflowing.

. . . That this fullness of God overflow in daily acts of love so that people might see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in Heaven.

. . . That you be women of the Book, who love and study and obey the Bible in every area of its teaching; that meditation on biblical truth be the source of hope and faith; that you continue to grow in understanding through all the chapters of your life, never thinking that study and growth are only for others.

. . . That you be women of prayer, so that the Word of God will be opened to you, and so the power of faith and holiness will descend upon you; that your spiritual influence may increase at home and at church and in the world.

. . . That you be women who have a deep grasp of the sovereign grace of God which undergirds all these spiritual processes; and that you be deep thinkers about the doctrines of grace, and even deeper lovers of these things.

. . . That you be totally committed to ministry, whatever your specific calling; that you not fritter away your time on soaps or women’s magazines or unimportant hobbies or shopping; that you redeem the time for Christ and his Kingdom.

. . . That, if you are single, you use your singleness to the full in devotion to God (the way Jesus and Paul and Mary Slessor and Amy Carmichael did) and not be paralyzed by the desire to be married.

. . . That, if you are married, you creatively and intelligently and sincerely support the leadership of your husband as deeply as obedience to Christ will allow; that you encourage him in his God-appointed role as head; that you influence him spiritually primarily through your fearless tranquility and holiness and prayer.

. . . That, if you have children, you accept responsibility with your husband (or alone if necessary) to raise up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord—children who hope in the triumph of God—sharing with your husband the teaching and discipline they need, and giving them the special attention they crave from you, as well as that special nurturing touch and care that you alone are fitted to give.

. . . That you not assume that secular employment is a greater challenge or a better use of your life than the countless opportunities of service and witness in the home, the neighborhood, the community, the church, and the world; that you not only pose the question: career or full-time homemaker?, but that you ask just as seriously: full-time career or freedom for ministry? That you ask: Which would be greater for the Kingdom—to work for someone who tells you what to do to make his or her business prosper, or to be God’s free agent dreaming your own dream about how your time and your home and your creativity could make God’s business prosper? And that in all this you make your choices not on the basis of secular trends or upward lifestyle expectations, but on the basis of what will strengthen the faith of the family and advance the cause of Christ.

. . . That you step back and (with your husband, if you are married) plan the various forms of your life’s ministry in chapters. Chapters are divided by various things—age, strength, singleness, marriage, employment, children at home, children in college, grandchildren, retirement, etc. No chapter has all the joys. Finite life is a series of tradeoffs. Finding God’s will, and living for the glory of Christ to the full in every chapter is what makes it a success, not whether it reads like somebody else’s chapter or whether it has in it what only another chapter will bring.

. . . That you develop a wartime mentality and lifestyle; that you never forget that life is short, that billions of people hang in the balance of heaven and hell every day, that the love of money is spiritual suicide, that the goals of upward mobility (nicer clothes, cars, houses, vacations, food, hobbies) are a poor and dangerous substitute for the goals of living for Christ with all your might and maximizing your joy in ministry to people’s needs.

. . . That in all your relationships with men (not just in marriage) you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in applying the biblical vision of manhood and womanhood; that you develop a style and demeanor that does justice to the unique role God has given to man to feel responsible for gracious leadership in relation to women—a leadership which involves elements of protection and provision and a pattern of initiative; that you think creatively and with cultural sensitivity (just as he must do) in shaping the style and setting the tone of your interaction with men.

. . . That you see the biblical guidelines for what is appropriate and inappropriate for men and women not as arbitrary constraints on freedom, but as wise and gracious prescriptions for how to discover the true freedom of God’s ideal of being complementary; that you not measure your potential by the few roles withheld, but by the countless roles offered; that you look to the loving God of Scripture and dream about the possibilities of your service to him.

We ask this all in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen

The Righteousness Of Job

Job 1:6-8

Pastor Barry Kerner

Everyone has heard of the patience or endurance of Job. However, we often forget that Job’s greatest attribute, according to God, was his righteousness. This morning we will examine Job’s righteousness and see how we can and should imitate it.

Job is one of the most extraordinary people found in the Old Testament. I think that multitudes, including many who are not overly knowledgeable about the Bible, have heard of the “patience or endurance of Job”.

Of course, this refers to the fact that – in a short span of time – Job lost his children, his wealth and even his precious health. In spite of these calamities, Job maintained his integrity and faith. In this, Job gives us a great example to follow when we find ourselves in the midst of great adversity.

I am not wanting to focus our attention on Job’s life in the midst of his sufferings. Today, I want us to consider his life before misery and woe befell him. I want us to consider, for a bit, what God told Satan to consider. I want us to take a look at and admire the righteousness of Job.

Let’s read Job 1:6-8, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, ’From where do you come?’ Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ’From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.’ The Lord said to Satan, ’Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.’”

The Lord had a very good opinion of Job. He said that Job was “blameless and upright”. That is high praise coming from a Holy God. Yes, Job had a great reputation. And may I say that acquiring a reputation such as Job’s should be our top desire.

Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name (that is, a good reputation) is to be more desired than great wealth, favor (that is, to be held in high esteem) is better than silver and gold.”

How true! As a Christian, we want to have a good reputation in our community so as to not dishonor the Name of Christ. Though we should strive to have a good reputation among people who know us, our greatest concern is to have a good reputation with God.

The beginning of Job’s uprightness is found in the statement that he ’feared God’. Job knew that God is holy and righteous. He knew that God is just. He knew that God requires uprightness and will punish wickedness. This knowledge made Job ’fear’ – have a deep respect – for the Lord Almighty God. Proverb 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” 16:6 tells us, “And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.”

However, to be upright means more than just keeping away from evil. It means filling our lives with righteousness. Job says in 29:14, “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me, my justice was like a robe and a turban.” Like clothing, in his day to day life Job was never without righteousness; that is, doing what is good and right. The practice of justice (giving each person what is their due) was his daily adornment or ornaments.

Christians are to, according to Ephesians 4:24, “put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Romans 13:14 tells us, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ , and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”

Let’s now look at some specific things in Job’s life that demonstrated his righteousness and justice:

First, Job spoke truth and not deceit.

In Job 27:3-4 he told us, “For as long as life is in me, and the breath of God is in my nostrils, my lips certainly will not speak unjustly, nor will my tongue utter deceit.”

Job knew the importance of honesty. Job surely understood that there are few things that God abhors more than a liar and a slanderer. Proverbs 6:16-19 lets us know, “There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:…a lying tongue,…a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brethren.”

With God, there isn’t such a thing as a white lie nor a little fib. Any dishonesty from our lips is hated by Him. Lying to our neighbor, our boss, our teacher, our spouse, our children, our brothers and sisters, other family members and to our Christian brethren is wicked. There is never a justification for lying.

God hates those who bear false witness; that is, lying and saying damaging things about others that are not true. Those who spread false rumors about others and who cause strife by doing so are an abomination to God.

If you want a good reputation before God and man, always be honest. Once you have been caught lying or bearing false witness, it is extremely difficult to win back the trust of others. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts us, “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you to his neighbor.”

Second, Job maintained moral purity.

In Job 31:1, 9-12 he says, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?… If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or I have lurked at my neighbor’s doorway, may my wife grind for another, and let others kneel down over her. For that would be a lustful crime; moreover, it would be an iniquity punishable by judges. For it would be fire that consumes to Abaddon, and would up-root all my increase.”

Job was a married man. He took seriously his vow to love his wife and be faithful to her. So far from allowing himself to be guilty of adultery, he had made a commitment to not even gaze lustfully at another woman.

Of course, Christ Jesus said, in Matthew 5:28, “that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

We live in a sex obsessed culture. By what you may see on television, or in the movies, or on the internet or on highway billboards…by what you read in books and magazines… by what you hear on the radio you would clearly come to the conclusion that the most important thing in life is always being sexy and fulfilling your wildest sexual fantasies.

Today, our society is increasingly adopting the opinion that keeping sex within the confines of marriage and monogamy (having one marriage partner for your entire life) is extremely puritanical and prudish.

What are the fruits of the new attitude on sex and relationships:

Every day in America, 7742 new teenagers become sexually active.

Every day, 20 thousand teenagers contract a sexually transmitted disease.

Every single day, 1295 unmarried teenage girls give birth to babies.

Each day, 1106 teen girls have an abortion.

Cohabitation (living together outside of marriage) has sky-rocketed 1,150% during the last 40 years. Currently, there are 5.5 million couples who are cohabitating.

Among those who are married, it is estimated that between 25-35% of all marriages, one spouse has an extra-marital affair (commits adultery).

46% of all marriages each year (3.9 million) involve a person who is remarrying after a divorce. The Bible, of course, calls this adultery (Mark 10:10-12; 1 Cor.7:10-11).

Fornication and adultery is at epidemic proportions in this Country and through-out the world. God’s standards for moral or sexual purity are being tossed to the wind.

The Bible’s instruction is clear – Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

If we wish to have a reputation like Job’s, we must follow Job’s example of sexual purity.

Third, Job loved his Enemies.

In Job 31:29-30 he asks, “Have I rejoiced at the extinction of my enemy, or exulted when evil befell him? No, I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life in a curse.” Job did not wish for evil upon his enemies. He did not find satisfaction when bad things happened to his enemies. Moreover, even though there may have been those who cursed him or done him wrong, he did not return the curse nor the wrong.

Our fleshly natures tend to get a little bit of enjoyment when our enemies stumble or get a taste of their own medicine. It isn’t always easy to have goodwill in our hearts towards those who are against us. It’s not easy to wish good upon those who hurt us.

However, Job seems to have followed the principles that Christ has taught us: In Luke 6:27-28 Christ tells us, “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

This may sound radical. However, let’s not forget that God does this daily. Matthew 5:45 tells us, “For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

And even more amazing – In Romans 5:8-10 we hear, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet SINNERS, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were ENEMIES we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His Life.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love.”

Fourth, Job was hospitable.

In Job 31:31-32 Job asks, “Have not the men of my tent not said, ’Who can find one who has not been satisfied with his meat?’ The alien has not lodged outside, for I have opened my doors to the traveler.”

One of the greatest gifts we can bestow to another is hospitality. In years gone by, it was a common occurrence for people to open their doors to, not only their neighbors but also traveling strangers. Before the days of inns, motels and hotels, a traveler need only knock on the door of a house at sunset and they would be welcome to share the table-spread and spend the night in security and comfort. Sadly, in the main, those days are past.

Today, it is even rare to see neighbor visit neighbor, let alone demonstrate hospitality.

For we Christians, the New Testament Scriptures teach that we ought to follow Job’s example. In 1 Peter 4:9, we are commanded, “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.”

We Christians are family and showing hospitality to one another should be as normal and welcome as showing such to our own flesh and blood families. Hebrews 13:1-2 says, “Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

God especially blesses those who show hospitality toward those who will never be able to return the act of kindness. Luke 14:12-14 tells us, “’When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’”

This leads me to the next thing I wish for us to examine in the life of Job – his deep and sincere compassion for those less fortunate than himself. Job’s life had been one of great blessing and abundance. Job 1:2-3tells us, “Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. His possessions also were 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men in the East.”

Wealth has a tendency to make a person proud, self-indulgent, materialistic and unmoved by the plight of those who are poor or weak or afflicted. Job did not succumb to this temptation.

Despite his prosperity, Job could feel for those much less fortunate, those who experienced real hardship and affliction. In Job 30:25 he says, “Have I not wept for the one whose life is hard? Was not my heart grieved for the needy?”

Job’s heart ached as he witnessed the sufferings of others. Job’s compassion did not end with a feeling of sympathy. He actively sought to assist those whose lives were hard. He actively involved himself in protecting the vulnerable and satisfying the needy:

We do this by protecting and providing relief for the widow and orphan. In earlier times, the widow and orphan had little if any legal protections. When the head of the household died, his property and wealth would be transferred to his brother. The brother, if a bachelor, could marry his brother’s widow and adopt her children. Otherwise, the surviving widow and children would be dependent upon the affection and charity of the brother and his family for support.

Needless to say, not all families were so just as to take in the widow and children. In such cases, the widow and orphans were virtually forced to become homeless beggars.

God told the Israelites to assist such women and children. He commanded that portions of the farm fields, orchards, and vineyards be unharvested so that the widows and orphans, and the poor could have a source of food. Again, not all Israelites were so generous.

Job states that he did not ignore the plight of desperate widows and orphans. In Job 31:16-17, 22 he says, “If I have… caused the eyes of the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone, and the orphan has not shared it….. let my shoulder fall from the socket, and my arm be broken off at the elbow.” In Job 29:12-13 he also says, “I delivered… the orphan who had no helper. I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.”

Today, the widow and fatherless have some legal rights and protections. Yet, they still face difficulties. If not financial, certainly there are other gaps and needs that often go unmet without the presence of the man in the household.

Job understood this. Beyond providing the widows and orphans with food and clothing; in verse 18, it says that the orphan “grew up with me as with a father “ and that he “guided” the widow. He provided widows with ’guidance’. This is a blessing. Widows often need counsel on how to run the finances which, typically, had been handled by her husband. Then, there is the physical maintenance and up-keep of the home and property. And, if she still has children at home, she could use counsel on how to raise her children without the support and assistance of her husband. Its a challenge to be a good Mother, let alone try to fulfill part of the role of the father as well.

In that same verse, Job says that he made the effort to be a father to the fatherless. This was an immense blessing to those children. Research has confirmed the extreme importance of the father-figure in the lives of children. The negative effects of not having the father within the home are devastating.

Children from a fatherless home are:

5 times more likely to commit suicide.

9 times more likely to drop out of school.

10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances.

16 times more likely to become pregnant while still an unmarried teen.

20 times more likely to have behavioral disorders, especially anti-social.

20 times more likely to end up in prison.

With 25% of children in this Country being raised in fatherless homes, a Christian man could really be a blessing if he, like Job, would spend some time with such children. His involvement in their lives would be a powerful blessing for those children, their mothers, and Society as a whole. He could truly be “the salt of the earth.”

So, let us not forget the words of James 1:27, “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress.”

We also emulate Job by contributing to the Needs of All the Poor. Whereas the widow and orphan is likely to experience poverty at levels much higher than the general population, they do not have a monopoly on that scourge. Many are poor in this world.

It is estimated that one billion people in the world lack adequate housing, including 100 million who are completely homeless. In America, is estimated that 760,000 people are homeless on any given night, and 1.2 to 2 million people experience homelessness during one year.

More than one billion people will go to bed hungry tonight More than 800 million people in the world are malnourished. 777 million of them are from the developing world. And 177 million of them are children. (3.1 percent of U.S. households experience hunger: nearly 8.5 million people, including 2.9 million children, live in these homes.)

Between 25 and 30 thousand people die every day from hunger or hunger-related causes. Three-fourths of the deaths are children under the age of five. Famine and wars cause 10 percent of hunger deaths. The majority of hunger deaths are caused by chronic malnutrition, which is caused by extreme poverty. Proverbs 29:7 tells us, “The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, and the wicked does not understand such concern.”

Job proved to be righteous: In Job 29:12-13 Job tells us, “I delivered the poor who cried for help… The blessing of the one ready to perish came upon me.” And in Job 31:16, 19-20, 22, “If I have kept the poor from their desire… if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, or that the needy had no covering, if his loins have not thanked me, and if he has not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep… let my shoulder fall from the socket, and my arm be broken off at the elbow.” We should do no less:

1 John 3:17-18 says, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or tongue, but in deed and truth.”

Galatians 6:10 tells us,“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

Proverbs 19:17 says, “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed.”

Matthew 25:31, 34-40 reminds us, “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with him, then He will sit on His glorious throne…. Then the king will say to those on His right, ’Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed Me’…. Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ’Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?’… And the King will answer and say to them, ’Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’”

In conclusion, The righteousness of Job is very impressive. No wonder the Lord boasted of His fine servant to Satan. And no wonder the Lord felt that his story was worthy to be place in this Divine Book of encouragement and instruction. May we find inspiration from Job to live as he lived – “blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil.”

The Lord Was There

Ezekiel 35

Ezekiel 48

Pastor Barry Kerner

If you have your bibles, I want you to turn to the  Old Testament. To be precise, the book of Ezekiel chapters 35 and 48.

A number of you may have been the main topic of some very serious discussions. There have been some people discussing you. And in the discussion some questions arose. Question such as how in the world did they endure so many different experiences, hardships, difficulties. How did they encounter so many problems and adversities in the years past and yet they are still here.

Some of you don’t have to go back that far, because there have been some of you that have been through some major transitions just in this past year and you really don’t know how you made it. How is it that some of you survived the train wrecks in your lives and the physical assaults and attacks on your health?

Some have experienced some things that nobody knows about but you and God, some inner hurt, some inner pain. And the question that’s asked is how in the world, given all that you have been up against, all that you’ve been through, how is it possible that you are still in your right mind and you are still alive in the land of the living.

Others raised the question, how is it possible that they have endure great stress. How is it that they have handled serious problems in their lives. How it is that they have been under so much extreme pressure and such great stress, and they’ve not taken a leave of their senses. Someone may have asked how is it that they have been under such tremendous distress and have not yet been institutionalize at some center for the mentally insane.

The reason some of you are still in your right mind is found in the four last words of both of our texts. The four last words of our texts tell us, even though you been through hell and high waters the real reason that you have made it is because The Lord Was There.

My soul leaps with joy just to be able to mention these words to you “The Lord Was There.” It may have been rough sometimes. Your way may have gotten dark sometimes, some people counted you out, some people had written you off, but what they didn’t know is that you were never in the situation by yourself. What they didn’t know is that the Lord was there for you. I wonder will you turn to somebody and tell them I’m still here because the Lord was there.

I believe that while we are going through our calamities and our tribulations, that there is a tendency, a propensity, a predisposition, an issue on our part that we may have spent too much time dwelling on who was not there. I believe that there is a strange proclivity, a strange inclination and tendency on our part to focus too much on who didn’t come through, who didn’t show up and who let me down when I so desperately needed them. I believe that we’ve been too busy concentrating on who failed us. But I want to tell you this morning to stop focusing on those who were not there, and start focusing on who was there.

We need to stop looking to those who really had no power to help us in the first place. In fact, I’m glad that some people didn’t show up, because if they would have been there, they might’ve said the wrong thing, given me the wrong advice, pointed me in the wrong direction. Because the truth of the matter is if you have the Lord on your side then you could recite Romans 8:28. No matter how bad your situation is, you can say: “and we know that all things work together for the good of them that love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.”

So for the people that didn’t show up, for the people that didn’t respond when I was sick, when I was in hunger, when I was homeless, when I was thirsty, when I was poor, when I was lonely, when I was sad, when I was broken, for those that didn’t show up in the time of need I want to say thank you, because the Lord was there.

The God that I serve knows when to show up. The Bible is full of witnesses to that fact. Take Abraham, I read how Abraham took Isaac the mountain of Mt. Moriah to slay him. If he could talk to us today he would say, “When I was prepared to slay my son I heard a voice from heaven call my name twice Abraham, Abraham, I knew that it had to be important because he called my name twice. The voice said “I know now that you fear me.” And, when I looked up there was a ram in the bush. And I know that it was only because the Lord was there.”

Or, how about Daniel? You all remember when Daniel was in the lion’s den to be devoured by the lion and God changed the lion’s growl into a purr. It only happened because the Lord was there. Then there was Shadrach, Meshach, and  Abednego. You all remember the three Hebrew boys that were in the fiery furnace, yes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were thrown into the fire and somebody said, “did we not throw three men into the fire?” and somebody said, “yes,” and then somebody else said, “well I see four men in the fire and the fourth one looks like the Son of God.” I’ll tell you that the Lord was there even in the fire.

I believe that some of you, who have had some trials and some tribulations, are able to say, that in your situation, when you were going through difficult times, “ The Lord was there.” He was there in the sickness and he was there in your darkest hour. He was there when I you were tired and he was there when you were in dispair. I can truly say that the Lord was there. In fact the scripture says that “the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, beholding the evil and the good”.

David said, “if I make my bed in hell he is there or if I make my bed in heaven he is there.” Yes he’s everywhere. You need to think about that because the very next time you think about sinning, the next time you begin lying, know that God is there. The next time you prepare to do evil, know that the Lord is there. Think about that the next time you’re  about to say something that you know isn’t true. Think about that when you feed the flames of discord. Know that the Lord is there and he’s keeping a record of every good and evil deed that we do. The Lord Is There.

So here in our text in Ezekiel 35, it opens up by giving us an interesting episode about the people of the nation of Israel. Our text tells us that God is angry and disturbed with the people of Mt. Seir. And, if you don’t know, let me tell you that Mt Seir was known for their evilness, and God was sick of it. Just like God is sick and tired of all evilness.

God is tired of our evilness and God is trying to give us another chance to straighten our lives out, but we are taking it for granted. God was so angry that he told the man of God, by the name of Ezekiel, he said, “Ezekiel prophesy against Mt. Seir.”

You see Mt. Seir was the nation of the people of Edom, or the Edomites. God was upset with them because of the way that they were treating and abusing his people. Another reason God was upset with Mt, Seir was because they had evil intentions, evil plans for the people of Israel. God was angry with them because they had hardheartedness against his people.

I need to tell you this morning that God is not pleased if we are not standing up for righteousness, God is not pleased if we know the way of righteousness yet we go in another direction. God is not pleased when we call ourselves brothers but we can’t shake one another hands. God is not pleased when we don’t remember what God has taught us, the places where God kept us, everything that God gave us, and we go opposite to his will.

The Edomites coveted the land of Israel. Down through the generations, the Edomites always believed that the land of Israel belonged to them. As they saw it, the only reason their nation did not possess the land was because Jacob had stolen it from their forefather Esau. The Edomites sought every opportunity to either conquer Israel or to lay claim to some of their land.

The Edomites ignored a very significant fact: after Esau sold his birthright, God had compassion on him and led him to the land that surrounded Mount Seir. But God’s mercy and compassion to the Edomites down through the centuries mattered little to them. They still hated Israel and coveted their land. They continued to choose the wealth of this world over God and His plan for it.

As a consequence of the Edomites’ covetousness and greed, the LORD would judge them. And His justice would be perfect. The Edomites would reap exactly what they had sown. They had sown anger and envy; therefore, they would reap anger and envy.

And the judgment would honor the LORD’s Name. Through the judgment of Edom, God would make Himself known among the Israelites.

If I have gleamed anything from this passage of scripture, it would be that we must be careful how we treat the people of God. And we’ve got to be careful how we treat one another. When you mistreat one of God’s children it may be that you’ll find God’s wrath directed at yourselves. In Matthew 18:6 it warns us, “ but whosoever shall offend one of the little ones which believe in me, it would be better for them to hang millstone around there neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Now some of you know that the Lord has many names and that these names express who he is to us. Help me if you will.

Some of us call him Jehovah: ZUR (God Our Rock)

Ya Wadood – (The Loving One)

Ya Mujeeb (The Hearer of Prayer)

Yahweh (The Self-existent One)

El Shaddai (God All Sufficient)

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU (The Lord Our Righteousness)

Jehovah-Rophe (The Lord Who Heals)

JEHOVAH-SHALOM (The Lord Our Peace)

But I personally like JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH (The Lord is There)

Because he’s always there:

When I’m sick he there

When I’m lonely he’s there

When I’m broke he’s there

When I’m friendless he’s there

When I’m mistreated he there

When I’m abused he’s there

When I’m accused he’s there

When I’m lied on he’s there

And as I was working on this message, someone told me that he wanted to testify about God being there. He told me that he was trying to hold his peace but he couldn’t because when he heard me talking about the Lord was there, he said please let me testify. So I said, “who are you and what do you have to say?” He said my name is David. I was standing before a mighty giant four or five times my size, and all I had was 5 smooth rock and a sling shot in my hand. They had tried to put Saul’s Armor on me but it didn’t fit right. But with one of those stones I slayed the giant and the only reason that I was able to conquer him was because the Lord was there.

Another said hold on Pastor, don’t leave me out. My name is Joseph and I need to testify how my brothers mistreated me, they threw me in a pit, they sold me into slavery, and I got thrown into a prison, but I made it to the palace only because the Lord was there.

And there are some you that are sitting here that have been through some hard times and the only reason that you made it through is because the Lord was there. Some of you have lost love ones and in those darkest hours of the night, when you had time to really think about it, you broke down in tears and the only way you made it out is because the Lord was there.

And some of you been dealing with some issues and you thought you might not make through. But, through many toils and snares you made it through, and the reason you made it through is because THE LORD WAS THERE. If the Lord was ever there for you, turn to someone and tell them, “The Lord was there!”

Admit it, he was right there, right in the nick of time. The Lord was there for the Israelites and he’ll be there for you.

Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

The grace that God gives us to face the pressures of life arrives on His schedule rather than on ours. The Greek phrase translated ‘in time of need’ is a colloquialism, of which ‘in the nick of time’ is the exact equivalent. Grace just when and where I need it. You are attacked by temptation, and at the moment of assault you look to Him, and the grace is there to help.”

This is such a wonderful promise for us to hold tightly when we are in difficulty. While we tend to think that it would be better to have everything settled in advance and know exactly how things will work out, God knows that we need to trust Him. So often we are placed in situations and circumstances where it is easy for us to feel that God has forgotten His promises to us. Yet, in truth, that never happens.

The mistaken idea that bad things only happen to bad people is an old one—that is what Job’s friends told him after he lost everything in Satan’s attack. What we have is not a guarantee that things will turn out as we think they should, but rather that in the perfect timing of God…in the “nick of time”…His grace will be there when we need it most.

Always remember, no matter what, The Lord will be thee!