Be Strong In The Lord

Be Strong in the Lord
by Estelle Nazary

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Strength and security in God. "Be still and know that I am God" What does he mean, "Be Still"?
Stop and think -
1. Those who are not Christians, life is useless without God. May have wealth, power, and everything, but nothing is important without God.
2. To the Christian, it is a call to pause in our activities, anxieties, and haste - to take life into our own hands and look at reality. Be still, take a fresh look at life, remember that God is in the midst of it. Within the shelter of his strength, we find security.

This life is a battle, continually fighting Satan. Paul in one passage from the New Testament summons Christians to "Be Strong".

Ephesians 6:10-20

The Chinese Christians have a lovely parable that they tell. When a man dies and arrives before the gates of heaven, he will not be asked to make a pretty speech about how much he loves Christ. The gatekeeper will look the man over very carefully, and if he looks like Jesus, he will let him in.

Verses 10-11 - We need strength and power to live like Christ. We as Christians are a part of the church. The church must possess greater strength, energy, and resources. We are a part of great body of Christ, when one member rejoices, we should all rejoice; when one is in sorrow, we should all sympathize.

Where is the strength of the church?
1. The strength of the church is in the strength of its members. It is personal faith, personal knowledge, personal power that counts. If every church member were just like me, what kind of a church would my church be?
2. The strength of individual Christians is in the Lord, not themselves.
3. The strength of individual Christians depends upon a complete armor. Paul calls upon us to put on the whole armor of God. Completeness. It is not enough just to wear a helmet. To be able to stand against the wiles, methods, of the the devil, the Christian must neglect no piece of armor. Satan knows our weakest point and he attacks us there. He knows that the fall of one Christian weakens the whole Church, that the victory of one Christian is a victory for the whole church. The Christian can serve best when he puts on the whole armor of God.

Verse 12-13 - Paul reminds us of the warfare, the enemies we encounter.
1. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. It is not physical. Material forces are involved as instruments, but the real forces at war are spiritual. We are instruments of Christ. The Christian's battle is against the spirit of evil. Behind what we can see and touch lives the real enemy.
2. The real enemies are principalities, powers, (organized power not a weak enemy) Rulers of the darkness of this world is the present darkness of this world is the present darkness of paganism, atheism, hatreds, and wars.
Spiritual wickedness, in high places, powers that are spiritual and super human. The devil is so powerful, unless we have on the whole armor of God, he will take over in our lives and defeat us.

Verses 14-18 - What is the whole armor of God? Paul compares the armor of God with the armor of Roman solider.
1. The girdle of truth. The Christian is to be girded with truth, not intellectual truth, but inward reality, sincerity. Without sincerity a Christian cannot stand, he is soon in utter confusion.
2. The breastplate of righteousness. It is not enough to be sincere, he must be righteous. It is godliness. It is a spirit in the heart that expresses itself with power in the resistance of evil.
3. The shoes of the gospel of peace. The shoes stand for preparedness, readiness to stand in muddy or frozen ground and to march on rugged roads. He must be shod with the preparedness he finds in the gospel of peace. Peace is the purpose of Christianity in the world. Bring peace to our hearts, peace among men, peace toward God, where ever we go.
4. The shield of faith. Faith is an attitude toward God. It is trust, trust in Him, in his word, in his assurance, not in oneself. It does his will, lets him choose the place of service, depends on him for the outcome. Faith puts Christ in command.
5. The helmet of salvation. Without salvation, we are hopeless and helpless.
6. The sword of the spirit. "The Word of God" If the Christian is to be able to wield that sword, he must take it. He must be always listening to God. We are truly helpless if we do not heed what He says. It is a powerful sword. We must do more than just quote a few verses, we must believe it and obey it.
7. Prayer - This is so necessary in our battle against evil. Our deep dependence is in God Himself.

Mother always put her small daughter to bed after hearing her say her prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep, if I should die, I pray thee Lord my soul to keep." One night mother was unusually busy and flustered and she just put the child to bed. After a few moments the little girl called, "Mother you forgot my soul." The child meant only that she had forgotten the prayer, but how often we as Christians forget our soul, the spiritual need that could be met by going aside and "be still" and pray.

Calling America to Revival

Calling America to Revival
by Estelle Nazary

If we are really Christians we could take this country for Christ!
Founders of our country knew our rights came not from government, but from God. We must be governed by laws of God, not by laws of humanism.

Freedom of Religion...

Before there was even a government, Congress, Supreme Court, etc., there was God. "In the beginning was God" The Word of God must not be bound by anything.

Freedom of Speech...

Christians must radiate.
Churches mus not disintegrate.
It is better to die in battle for freedom than to live in bondage of slavery.

The Bible is relevant to today's America.

We need to pray for old time revival from the court house to the White House.

Why we worry and How to stop

Why we worry and how to stop
Sermon by Jack Nazary

West Carthage - November 1997

4 Reasons why so many people worry and do not have inner peace

1. We worry about the things we do not have and become dissatisfied with the things we have.
2. We develop a crisis philosophy - "take from our souls the strain and stress and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of His peace." Do not make a crisis out of every unhappy experience that comes along.
3. Our inner conflicts destroy our inner peace. St. Augustine - "Man was made for God - and Man is restless until he rests in God."
4. There are conflicts between ourselves and others.

Word worry does not appear in the Bible, but often appears in the minds of many people. (does not appear in the King James)
Worry robs us of power, joy and makes many sick and can destroy the desire to live. Sometimes we can conquer a thing if we know its cause - here is a list of some of the causes of worry:

1. We worry because we are hurt by loss of something, material possessions, our health, friends, job.... Worry because we fear we may lose something.
2. We refuse to accept life as it is. Some things cannot be changed. Example - after all, man is nothing but a fool; when it is hot he wants it cool; when its cool he wants it hot; he always wants it the way it is not.
3. They refuse to accept their own limitations. "I can do anything anybody else can do"
4. Many times we worry because we are too self-centered. Try helping someone else.
5. Because they (we) are at war with their (our) own conscience.
6. A main cause of worry is lack of faith. (worry and faith cannot live in the same mind) Faith in God and not yourself brings peace and power.

How to stop worrying about tomorrow:
1. Live one day at a time. Matthew 6:34 - Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
2. The second reason is the "therefore". Yes, the word therefore is it. He meant we are not orphans in the world. Example - birds of the air - lilies of the field - Matthew 6:26-30


I know I have surely neglected this blog over the last couple of months. I have been in a constant state of worry. I know I have been so self-centered. I have hated every moment of every day because I dared to make a very drastic change in my life. My lack of faith is so apparent to me. I believed God placed me in my current job so I would finally learn to rely solely on Him, but what have done...Just simply stayed in a state of worry and anxiety all because I cannot trust and believe that I am who God says I am. He is with me. He is my helper. He is my savior. He is the only one who can change me. He will carry me through.

Magnify Your Office

Magnify Your Office
Romans 11:13

Sermon by Jack Nazary

Introduction: Explanation of content and main idea - context: Paul, Apostle to Gentiles yet concerned for Jews, too.

General principle seen in Ephesians 4:11-16 - The office of the servant of God must be magnified always, everywhere by all whom God has provided with a gift and placed in service. Three thoughts we will concern ourselves with - 1. The office itself 2. Why it should be magnified 3. How to magnify it

I. The Office
Webster says "office" is a special duty, trust, charge or position conferred by authority for a public purpose; a position of trust or authority. The duty, charge, or trust is special. It is conferred by authority, it is for a public purpose. The trust is sacred, and God conferred it. Privilege of every Christian to tell the story of Cross, yet he calls specific ones for service and bestows gifts.

NOTE: 3 things - 1. A charge or trust of sacred nature 2. Conferred by God Himself 3. Public Service - His responsibility = a proof of office

1. Terms used by God to designate work speaks of office - Shepherd, Bishop, Ambassadors
2. Responsibility is proof of office - must answer to God in day of accounting

II. Why the office should be magnified?
1. Because of Him who appoints it
Lord of harvest sent forth laborers
As they are treated He considers it rendered to Himself.
2. Because of the work involved in it
Reconciliation of sinner to God and edification - the up building of saints
Acts 26:17-18 - What service does he...
Sight to blindness, light for darkness, forgiveness for guilt, hope for despair, a heavenly inheritance for spiritual bankruptcy, fatherhood for orphanage, and see saved man redeemed, regenerated
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - ministry of reconciliation
3. Because of the extraordinary = we are appointed for accomplishing work of reconciliation and edification - the inspired work of God
2 Timothy 4:1 - Preach the Word
Matthew 28:19-10 - "teaching them"
4. Because of the Holy Spirit who accompanies the one sent and gives power and makes effective his words and work.
5. Because of the extraordinary qualifications required of the sent one. Mental, moral, and spiritual

III. How shall the office be magnified?
1. By a profound realization of its importance
2. Profound gratitude to God for putting you in the office
3. By studying and being diligent, to show yourself approved unto God - a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly diving the work of God.
4. By giving yourself wholly to it
5. By regarding God's interests, solemnly committed to you, as exceedingly above, place, world, or selfish pursuits.
6. By continually renewing your consecration = What I am to do? Where I am to do it? How I am to do it?

Strangers to Great Experiences

Strangers to Great Experiences
John 4:32

Sermon by Jack Nazary

I. Fellowship with God in Prayer

II. Soul Winning

III. Lordship of Christ

IV. Fullness of Spirit

V. Love for Brothers

VI. Forgiveness

VII. Knowing and Doing Will of God
1. The Will of God - to know - to do
God has a very definite plan and purpose for every redeemed life!!

Ephesians 5:17 - "Be ye not unwise, but understanding what the Will of the Lord is."

Colossians 1:9 - "We desire that ye may be filled with the knowledge of His will."

Colossians 4:12 - "That ye may stand perfect and complete in the Will of God."

1 Peter 3:17 - "For it is better if the will of God be so, if ye suffer for well doing than for evil doing"

1 John 2:17 - "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the Will of God abideth forever."

Romans 12:1-3 - Example of lives chosen of God for specific tasks God's son - Jesus "Lo, I come to do thy Will O, God"

Hebrews 10:9 - (His birth and life) "not my will"

Paul - "Lord what wilt thou have me to do"

To Ananias - Acts 9:15-16

Acts 13:2-3 - "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work"

Abraham - father of chosen Nation

Joseph - Genesis 50:20 - "Ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto Good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive"

David, Elijah, Isaiah, Moses, John the Baptist, ....Luther, Wesley, Carey, Livingston

To Know God's will - Some considerations - Romans 12:1
A. Surrender - Utter, unreserved, unqualified surrender

Present your bodies - give it up completely, all we are, all we have, our desires, places, objectives, choices, likes and dislikes.

Not so easy to do - complete surrender takes a daily commitment, reasonable service

Reminded of the hymn - I gave my life for thee

A HEART problem

Absolute surrender

B. Separation from the World
Worldliness, worldly conformity, worldly ambition, worldly living, worldly goals, worldly standards, worldly habits, worldly dress, pleasures

Be not conformed to the world - love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him - 1 John 2:15

What does "conformed to the world" mean?
1. Not too conformed to world's pattern or principles - that is pattern of selfishness, sinfulness - Principle - materialism, greed, lust

2. We are not to seek or indulge in the world's pleasures - Hollywood has set pace - sin, sex, some smut theaters specialize in crime, horror, and sex which magnifies illicit love affairs, nudism, lustful suggestions - Dance Hall is based essentially on sex and lust.

How Christians can participate in, how churches can sponsor them, how Christian parents can condone them is beyond our comprehension - How can they know God's will?

3. Not to set affections on worldly possessions
Youth love pleasures
Older love possessions
Both sinful and worldly in light of God's word
1 John 2:15 - refers to "things"

C. Spiritual mindedness
Be ye transformed
Not carnal mindedness but spiritual

III. Salvation - Needed, Provided, and Accepted

Victory Over Worry Part 2

Victory Over Worry
Part 2

II. The Curse of Worry

A. Worry is never a blessing, always a curse.

B. Interesting to trace the origin of our English word "worry"
1. Greeks thought of worry as something that tears a man in two, and drags him in opposite directions.
2. Latin word suggests a turbulent force responsible for turmoil within.
3. Anglo-Saxon word is descriptive of a power gripping a man by the throat "as a wold seizes a sheep and strangles all the vitality out of it."

C. Worry chokes the life of faith - The eye of faith does not see His hand clearly in every circumstance, but He is there - in tragedy He sustains.

D. Let us roll ourselves and our burdens upon the Lord, and leave them there. Tragic part, too many take them back again.

E. Implications of the word worry designate a destructive power - distraction, disturbance, stifling, and choking.
F. H.C. Lee says that "Worry is nearly always a form of fear."

G. Worry is frequently not a thing of the present, but of the future and past."

H. Let me state some reasons shy worry is foolish, and injuries, and sinful:
1. Worry is harmful to ourselves - mentally, physically, and spiritually
2. Worry is harmful to others
a. The Bible tells us that no man liveth to himself.
b. A depressed person can certainly create much gloom.
c. Worry robs of pleasure and satisfaction.
d. Are you bored listening to woes and moans of those who do not live on the sunnier side of the street.
e. Remember, friends and neighbors are watching to see how we bear our burdens, troubles, etc. - Remember we belong to Christ! Act like it!
3. Worry is harmful to God.
a. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we give place to the devil through worry.
b. One thing Hell cannot stand, and that is a happy, victorious believer.
c. Worry leads us to doubt His love
d. Worry constrains us to doubt His wisdom.
e. Worry prompts us to doubt His power.
f. Paul lived a life of undeserved worry. Look what he had to endure. God gave him grace to conquer his loads of care.

Stay close to God. Mother's hand quiets fretful baby - Jesus' hand whispers "Peace be still"

III. The Cure of Worry (Surely it is glad tidings to proclaim that the Scriptures offer a life without worry. To millions of distressed minds, there is hope. Turning, then, to scriptures, let us seek to discover the ingredients in the the divine cure for worry.

Write down the thing worrying you the most. Pray daily for God to reveal how His grace is sufficient for that one thing. God's grace is never exhausted. There's more and more when this is gone. God replenishes the supply. If it's grace you need, help yourself. There's plenty of it.

A. Peace through trusting
1. When the mind is stayed upon God, it experiences a continuous uninterrupted peace.
2. Is there not music in the words, "Peace, perfect peace!!
3. Every heart sighs for rest, "as the ocean shell, when placed to the ear, seems to sigh for the untroubled depths of its native home."
4. Let us look for a moment at the nature of His divine peace.
a. It is perfect - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3
b. It is refreshing - "O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." Isaiah 48:18
c. It is great - "Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165
d. It is triumphant - "These things have I spoken unto you that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
e. It is incomprehensible - "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
f. It is personified - "He is our Peace." Ephesians 2:14

B. Peace through loving - We find perfect peace only when we love God.

C. Peace through casting
1. Peter gives another avenue of victory over worry. His cure is "Casting all your care upon Him, for it matters to Him about you." 1 Peter 5:7
2. Casting is a fisherman's term. As the Big Fisherman, Peter knew what it was to cast, or throw his net away from himself upon the water.
3. Peter, using this expression, simply means for us to throw all our care upon the Lord, just in the old days, "he was to throw his net upon the sea"
4. What would have happened if Peter had thrown a part of the net on the sea and kept the larger half of it in his boat? Why, he would not have gathered a harvest of fish from the sea.
5. What are we doing with our care?
Cast thy care upon the Lord,
The care that loads thy heart;
Take Him this moment at His word,
And let Him do His part.
Thy need is deep, thy care is great,
Thy burden hard to bear;
Roll it on Him with all its weight,
And leave it resting there.

6. We must cast our daily cares to Him who cares for sparrows and saints.
7. Care, as Webster suggests, is defined: "Oppression of mind weighed down by responsibility of mind because of one's interest, affection, or the like"
8. Peter uses it as "That which divides and disturbs the soul; which diverts it from pleasant duty to fret and worry about the future."
9. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

D. Peace through Looking
1. Peace becomes the "possession of care - worn hearts "when they look, not merely "unto Jesus" but "away unto Jesus," that is; away from all else unto Jesus.
2. This looking away unto Jesus is not a mere glance, but a constant gaze. Seeing Him, we become like Him. "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of the world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

E. Peace through protection
1. Paul's cure for worry. "Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...But my God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7, 19
a. Anxious about NOTHING b. Pray about Everything c. Gratitude in ALL THINGS
2. We are told that Bible has 365 "Fret Nots" One for every day of the year. Let these perfume our lives every day.
3. The great immortal Mark Twain said: "I am an old man and have known many troubles, but most over them never happened."

Worry or Pray???

Worry? Why Worry? What can worry do? It never keeps a trouble from overtaking you. It gives you indigestion, and wakeful hours at night, And fills with gloom the days, however fair and bright.

It puts a frown upon the face, and sharpness in the tone, We're unfit to live with others and unfit to live alone. Worry? Why Worry? What can Worry do? It never keeps a trouble from overtaking you.

Pray? Why Pray? What can praying do? Praying really changes things, arranges like anew. It's good for your digestion, gives peaceful sleep at night. And fills the grayest, gloomiest day with rays of glowing light.

It puts a smile upon your face, the love note in your tone, Makes you fit to live with others, and fit to live alone. Pray? Why Pray? What can Praying do? It brings God down from Heaven, to live and work with you!!

Victory Over Worry

Victory Over Worry Part 1

Not sure who wrote this lesson, but Grandmother's has handwritten notes all over it! I know worry was a problem in her life. She struggled daily with worry. I think I inherited that trait because I really need this lesson today since I am close to freaking out over my new job!

Key of Lesson - We live in a world of worry. Thoreau asks the question in Brute Neighbors "Why will men worry themselves Se?" This is also the question for today. Why, oh why do men who believe in the sovereignty of God worry so?

Little worries! There are no "little worries". Worry is WORRY and it is driving people mad being largely responsible for the alarming increase of lunacy and suicide. Trouble, anxiety, vexations of mind characterize our modern life, and worry seems to be the most common and natural thing to do. But why worry? The Italian proverb has it: "A hundred hours of worry will not pay a farthings worth of debt." Worry, as we shall see, is the most useless, unnecessary and harmful way out of anguish.

I. The Cause of Worry
A. As the physician strives to get at roots of disease and apply a remedy, let us get at the source of the dread disease of worry.

B. In our age many diseases could be prevented only if people would take means to do so.

C. Worry does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, but robs today of its strength.

D. Why do multitudes choose to live in dark shadows when they can bask in the sunshine of a heavenly Father's care and provision?

E. God is the only answer to the worried, troubled mind. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." Isaiah 26:3

F. A table of rough approximation of what most people worry about may help you eliminate some of your worries. Provided by Margaret McCordie, University of Wisconsin:
1. Things that never happen - 40%
2. Things over and past that couldn't be changed by all the worry in the world - 30%
3. Petty Worries - 10%
4. Needless health worries - 12%
5. Real, legitimate worries - 8%

G. Only one thing wrong; with child of God there is no real legitimate worry. Christian worry - living in wrong type climate. Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation - In Me Peace"

H. In examining the root causes of worry, it would seem as if they come under three general heads:
1. The Cares of Life
a. Common to mortal life - home cares, business, health, advancing age, excessive labor, money matters, loved ones, church work, ---all produce a great deal of present day worry.
b. Yes, everything that comes along makes for itself a new opportunity for everyone to worry. The responsibilities of life are not meant to become a heavy burden, but an opportunity to fulfill our purposes in life.
c. Carlyle said, "Give me the man who can sing at his work." Let us make up our minds not to let responsibility overwhelm us.
d. Usually it is the accumulation of little loads that we worry about. Don't worry; it may never happen!!
e. Our lives become joyless, and tasks burdensome because of worry.
f. The habit of worry, when formed, is difficult to break.
g. "Why worry about tomorrow; It's always a day away!

2. The Atmosphere of the World
a. Another cause - our presence in a world of worry.
b. Worry is of the world; like a fever - contagious.
c. We as Christians become like the company that we keep. People who worry constantly should be segregated. Should be confined to a colony to themselves.
d. A Godless world worries. We, however, breathe a different atmosphere. A worrying Christian hinders others from becoming Christians.
e. World is as we see it. Two men in prison - one looked out and saw the stars; the other looked out and saw the mud of the ground.
f. In spite of all outer strife, is there a song in your heart? Psalm 118:24 - This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

3. The Ignorance of God
a. Another cause of worry is our ignorance of the Biblical revelation of God.
b. Darkness, despair possess a soul without faith in God.
c. God is our "hidden source of calm repose."
d. John Bunyan 's Pilgrim's Progress depicts Little-Faith being "robbed not of his jewels, but of his ready money." He is always worried, not because of jewels, but because of inner peace which he lacks.
e. He is a pilgrim going through life as a spiritual pauper; consequently, the people that he meets are impressed only by his poverty.
f. Today we have many Little-Faiths - easily identified, for they grumble over little things.
g. Jesus said take no anxious thought of the morrow...or not to worry about tomorrow.
h. Jesus said that all things work together for the good of them that love God and are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
i. Thus, we are to look through our cares to God. Christ is the answer!!

To Be Continued.....The Curse of Worry

Hell

Hell
Luke 16:19-31

by Estelle Nazary

Lost, here and hereafter

What is the world's greatest need?
1. Prosperity
2. More buying power
These are the answers of 66 educators!

Spiritual Need
Reasons rich man was like all lost people.
1. He was externally like above educators - into social status
2. Like them internally
3. He was lost in wealth - wore purple color of royalty - linen = rich people
4. He feasted sumptuously on most exotic food
People starved even at his gate - material prosperity is not a barometer of spiritual prosperity.
Divorce, drug use, and abuse, crime are all prevalent in America.
5. He was lost in the midst of eternal woe - torment - fire, awful pain, anguish, suffering..
People separated from God from all eternity in Hell.
6. There is "NO" mercy in Hell.
Publican is a sinner - asking for God's mercy. Pharisee telling God how good he was.
7. Rich man was in Hell forever. Rich man died and went to Hell - great gulf fixed by God so people cannot pass from Hell to Heaven.
8. Hell is an eternal truth.
9. He was lost in spite of a witness.
5 brothers - send Lazarus to warn my brothers about his place. Let him bear witness to them. They have Moses and prophets- the old testament scripture. We have the New Testament - the word today. He failed to heed the word, to listen to the word and witness.

Prayer

Prayer
by J.B. Jones

I have to share the amazing power of prayer in my life. For those of you that do not know, my school system was taken over by the state last February. Needless to say, the fallout has continued on and on. It has been very stressful because of all the impending layoffs and morale as at an all time low. I have had one of the worst years as a counselor through all of this mess. I guess it has not been easy dealing with students with impossible situations that I can not even begin to understand or help in any way, but to simply listen. It has simply brought me down and I have absolutely experienced such burn-out I was ready to quit. I want to share several journal entries that I wrote during this time to show how amazing God is....

Journal Entry - "I don't want to go to work anymore. What do you want me to do Lord? I can't keep doing this when I am so miserable. I can't handle anything. I feel like such a failure."

A bit of self-pity for sure, but I proceeded to write down my likes and dislikes of my job. And yet more grumbling..."I don't know what to do. I want you to tell me. I don't want to base my decision on me and my "feelings" but truly know I am in your will. Why has my career choice always been such a source of stress for me? I want to find peace and rest."

I went on to finish my thoughts by making a list of my perceived choices... -
1. quit - stay home/write
2. quit - go back to school/write
3. stay at my job/write 4. stay and go back to school/write

I concluded by writing the following - "My goodness - change - maybe all I need is change- if I make a move and it is a mistake I know you will help me, but I am not going to do anything until I know that I know that I am in your precious will. Thank you for giving me hope. Be anxious for nothing"

The amazing thing is the next morning I received a call to see if I would be interested in a job. And now here I am over two months later as I have consistently prayed for God's will and I have been offered that job! Scary, but so exciting. I have been so anxious on and off over the last month about this job. Mainly that I don't think I can do it! I even convinced myself I just needed to stay where I am because I didn't want my summer ruined because I would be worried about starting a new job. Then I got the call! I was excited and not scared at all. Weird actually...I keep thinking something is wrong with me for not freaking out, but just the other night I had prayed that I would be able to feel peace if this was the right job for me and they offered to me. Thank you so much Lord for your unfailing love for healing my faithlessness.

I am still a little scared, but I know that I will not be able to do a good job without completely relying on the Lord. Maybe that is why he has opened this door for me! It will be an adventure!

I can do all things through Christ who gives strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Worship Experience

Worship Experience
Psalm 95:6-7

by Estelle Nazary

The worshiper fails when he does not worship. Worship means an encounter with God.

How to learn to worship better!

I. Recognize the importance of worship
1. What is worship? bow down, show reverence, appreciation of God, quicken the consciences by presence of God, expression of reverence in body, soul, and spirit.
2. We need to worship. We are to worship our maker, our Lord, our God, not anything He has made. It is a privilege and responsibility. We need to rid ourselves of our guild - emotional or spiritual need. God is the only one who can take away our guilt.
3. It gives direction and understanding. How to live our life and He gives us guidance.
4. We need to be renewed. We are a spiritual being.

II. Imperatives of Worship
1. Attention - requires our attention. We don't worship because we don't settle down. "Be still and know that I am God." calm and quiet voice...God must have our attention.
2. Acknowledge God is God. He is above man.
3. Activity. God speaks - person confesses sin to God - lets God heal a hurt - forgives someone who has hurt - rededicates life to God.

III. Impartings of Worship
1. Discernment - Psalm 73
Bitterness toward God - In worship, experience you recognize what is SO very important.
2. Direction
We are confused and need direction. Need someone to guide and this is what we find in worship. Example - A little girl is lost and says "If you take me to my church, I can find my way home."

14 years ago today, my dear grandmother went home to be with the Lord. There is not a day I don't think of her wishing I could just see the light in her eyes. I miss her so much and wish so much I could talk to her or simply see her interact with Olivia. I know she would have loved that girl to death. My grandmother was a very special person, a gifted writer, and teacher. I have enjoyed reading and posting her devotionals on this blog. There are many more to come! I am so thankful to have had such a Godly Grandmother! Thank you JESUS!!!

Forgiveness

Forgiveness - Peter's Question "How often shall I forgive my brother?"

Matthew 18:23-35

by Estelle Nazary

Peter's question - How often shall I forgive my brother?
7 times
70 times 7 = limitless times of forgiveness - no ending

1. Parable teaches us what we have done against God is so much worse than anything anybody has done against us. unpayable debt

2. God is so much more gracious than we are to each other.

3. We are to forgive because God has forgiven us. Unforgiving is unforgiven because he is unforgivable.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Him who strengths me.

The Young Ruler Who Went Away

The Young Ruler Who Went Away
Mark 10:17-22

By Estelle Nazary

The Young ruler who went away...He went away!! Disciples were impressed with the young ruler - Matthew, Mark, Luke..

He chose NOT the BEST!

I His recognition
He recognized that what the world had to offer was not enough.
1. Success - financially secure, but not enough for happiness and peace. His heart was empty.
2. His power - power - had authority
3. His youth - He had no meaning to his life. He had no purpose to his life. Only God can fill the void or vacuum in our lives. Jesus could give him what he needed.

II. His request - verse 17
We are eternal creatures. eternal- Jesus defined it one time. In John 17:3, eternal life is to know by experiencing Jesus Christ. Quality - here and now. Quantity - and forever. Urgency - He came running, sought Jesus in a public place. He risked ridicule. He knelt down at Jesus' feet and asked "What must I do to be saved?" Incorrect concept - "do"
He had already kept the commandments. Salvation is a gift of God.

III. His response - verse 21
Jesus will never recognize another lord in my life. He will be Lord of all or not lord at all. Jesus loved him who had great potential. He went away sorrowful. Any walk away from Jesus is a walk downward. a walk toward hell. The young ruler died without Jesus. He went away!!! He failed to choose the best!

What Shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?

What shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?
Matthew 27:15-26

by Estelle Nazary

We make all kinds of choices every day. Some important and some unimportant - makes a difference what you do with your life and who you live with.

I. The importance of the question
Jews were rebellious. Romans were over them and they resented it. Pilate was intelligent. He was aware of the situation. He knew Jesus was not the normal person. He knew there was a dignity about Jesus. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He listened to the message from his wife. God revealed to Pilate's wife, a pagan, that Jesus was innocent and he was a righteous person. Not a minor matter when we make a decision about Jesus.. 1. It's important because of who He is - Jesus was human, but he was Lord God also. 2. It's important because of what it determines, our destiny. Life is without meaning without Jesus. There is life beyond the grave. Most important question of life.

II. The individuality of the question. What shall I do with Jesus? We must answer this question for ourselves. No one can do it for you. We decided for ourselves that we would sin. The devil can't make you sin. God doesn't tempt you to sin. We sin because we choose to sin. Jesus died for you. It takes simple faith. Only you have the power to decide. Free moral agent!

III. The imperativeness of the question.
Pilate had no other choice, but to do something with Jesus. He tried to send him to Herod. Then he tried to substitute someone else. Satan does his work - Pilate was guilty so we are guilty of Jesus' blood until we repent and trust Him. Trust Jesus and live, reject Him and die. Jesus says, "What will YOU do with me?"

The Anchor of the Soul

The Anchor of the Soul
Hebrews 6:16-20

by Estelle Nazary

Introduction: In these difficult days when religions are hanging by a bare thread, and their leaders are tossed about by every false wind that blows; while most of the trumpets of the pulpit are giving uncertain sound and the storm clouds of liberalism continue to rise; it's good to have an anchor that holds. Our anchor holds because it is secured by the following:

I. The eternal word of God's scriptures - verse 18
a. Light to guide us in the way of righteousness
b. Fire to burn and birth us into God's family
c. Sword to pierce and judge us

II. The everlasting sacrifice of Christ the Savior. - Hebrews 1:3
a. Satisfied the Father's requirements
b. Shed His blood for the sinner's substitute
c. Settled the sin question for the time and eternity

III. The exalted position of the Son - Philippians 2:9-11
a. A position above all others
b. A place no one else can occupy
c. A people no one else can claim

IV. The entering within the veil of the Sanctuary - verse 19
a. Behind the veil to free us
b. Before the Father to favor us
c. Because of Calvary to forgive us

V. The excessive power of God supernatural - 1 Chronicles 29:11
a. Almighty in scope of power
b. Absolute in sovereignty and purity
c. Administered for our daily provisions

VI. The endowment of our great salvation - Hebrews 9:14-15
a. His character and claim
b. His cross our credit
c. His crown our confidence

VII. The experience of the believing sinner - 2 Timothy 1:12
a. I know that Christ saves and satisfies
b. I know that the Spirit seals and sanctifies
c. I know that the Scriptures are sufficient

A Virtuous Woman

A Virtuous Woman
Proverbs 31:10

Sermon by Jack Nazary

The mother of King Lemuel taught him words of wisdom by precept and practice.
She taught him the prophecy by precept - verse 10 we conclude that she taught him by practice.
In verse 1, he mentions his mother.
In verse 11-31, he describes her. In the text he asks, "Who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far about rubies?" Rubies have always been precious because of their scarcity and beauty.

Virtue stood for various elements of character - but always has been used to define the best qualities of character.

A number of qualities here are: trustworthiness, faithfulness, purity, industry, honesty, love, unselfishness, judgment, social grace, wisdom, kindness, and the fear of God.

I. She is trustworthy - verses 11-12
No doubt about her faithfulness. Her husband has full confidence in her. Never found in bar room with some other man; never give cause for husband and others to wonder about her fidelity; never flirts with the grocery clerk at the meat counter or the salesman at the door. A woman is never more queenly than when she obeys - Ephesians 5:22 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
Wives submit:
enjoy submission - accept it as a gift of God
joy and obedience to God's order - acknowledge the Lordship of Christ
joy of meeting a husband's needs
joy of exemplifying the relations between Christ and the Church
joy of victorious atmosphere in home
joy of viewing the kingdom and previewing Heaven

I doubt if a wife will ever win her husband to Christ or her unsurrendered husband to the will of God until she is willing to yield to plain teachings of the Word. The Bible is holy inspired, authoritative word of God. It is hard for a Christian woman to submit herself to an old stinking-tobacco smoking, liquor drinking sinner. Therefore, a Christian girl should be so careful not to marry an unsaved man. Especially when the man is mean and cowardly enough to strike his wife. Domestic violence is on the rise in our nation and it should be stopped. But many sweet Godly women who have stayed true and continue to love their husbands to the point that he is saved and the children too. God blesses such submission.

Read on in Ephesians 5:23-25 - "Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it." Love never fails - the love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13 states it plainly in verses 4-6. Love is selflessly, sacrificially given. The husband is the head of the home in all areas = physical, mental, moral, spiritual, emotional.

II. The Thrifty Housekeeper
verse 13 - "She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands." willing worker
verse 14 - she bringeth food from afar
verse 15-19 - she is industrious. She provides food for her household and servant girls. She works vigorously in the fields and in the home.

"Man works from sun up to sun down, but a woman's work is never done" patches clothes, sews on buttons, washes, dries, and folds clothes, irons clothes, cleans house, mop, vacuum floors, washes dishes, cooks meals, etc. So much rests upon the wife. A man asks, "Not can you cook but can you thaw?" (HA)

III. A virtuous woman's kindness
verse 20 - She cares for the poor and needy. Her love is expressed to all who need it.
verse 21-24- thrifty but not stingy
verse 25 - she is equipped with - strength and honor
verse 26-27 - She speaks with wisdom and expresses kindness. She is kind to everyone. Christian mothers should show this trait in all their dealings with others.

IV. Motherhood - A real blessing
verse 28 - "her children arise and call her blessed"
She takes care of her children - hold fevered brow, dry tears from cheeks of a child, kiss away the hurt. There is no earthly love like a mother's love.
Abraham Lincoln once said, "All I am or ever hope to be I owe to my angel mother." One man said he would never forget the sermonettes his mother taught him as child. "Tell the truth and tell it ever, costeth what it will"; For he who hides the wrong he did, does the wrong thing still." Another one was, "when a task is once begun, you leave it not until it's done." And "Be a matter great or small, do it well or not at all." The lessons about honesty, persistence and the importance of doing your very best in whatever you do were never forgotten because of his caring and loving MOM.

"The most beautiful diadem a woman can wear is the crown of motherhood."

V. The fear and love of God.
verse 30 - "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."
Psalm 27:10 - "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."

Mothers

Mothers
Proverbs 31

Sermon by Jack Nazary

I. Seven Characteristics of Godly Mothers - Proverbs 31
1. Seeks good of her husband always, therefore he can trust her. - verses 10-13
2. She is industrious and has no time to be a busybody - verses 13-15, 19, 21-24
3. Constantly looking after welfare of her family. - verse 27
4. Good judgement about financial well-being of family - verses 16-18
5. Spends time ministering to needs of those outside her family.
6. She is honorable, wise, and kind.
7. She firmly fears (reverences) the Lord.

Such a mother will be rewarded by both her children and husband, and he will rise up and call her blessed - verse 28
Mother, are you like this? If not, why not?

II. Seven ways to praise the Lord - Psalm 100:1, 2, 4
1. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord - verse 1
2. Serve the Lord with gladness - verse 2
3. Come before his presence with singing - verse 2
4. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving - verse 4
5. Enter into his court with praise - verse 4
6. Be thankful unto Him - verse 4
7. Bless his name - verse 4

III. Seven things a mother should do daily.
1. Spend time in Bible study
2. Talk to God daily
3. Express appreciation to her family
4. Show love and affection to her family
5. Witness of her faith daily
6. Be on the alert and sensitive to the Holy Spirit
7. Spend time with family

IV. Seven ways to love your child
1. Dedicate to God - Hannah - 1 Samuel 1:24-28; Psalm 127:3
2. Discover - Temperament, intelligence, spirit (sensitive, humble, proud, stubborn), abilities (studious, physical)
3. Direct your child - influence, teaching = example: Deut. 6:6-9
Eli, Lot, Jacob, Esau - Psalm 127:4-5
4. Develop her/him in being responsible for his/her actions, work, relationship with friends, spiritual things, marriage
5. Discipline - by chastisement or instruction - Proverbs 19:18; 13:24 - Restrict activities that are wrong
6. Discern - Recognize danger signs, stubbornness, rebellion, recognize maturity
7. Disciple one-on-one - Don't leave to church or school = let her/him talk

Making Decisions for the Lord

Making Decisions for the Lord
by Estelle Nazary

1. Be sure the decision does not conflict with any scriptural principle.

2. Pray about the matter, and ask the Lord for wisdom in making the choice.

3. Choose the decision that will allow you to have peace from the Lord as a believer.

4. Use good sense and a logical approach after you establish that no spiritual violation is involved at any point.

5. Do not forget to trust in the wisdom of the Lord concerning whatever He leads you to do.

Random Notes

Random Notes of my Grandmother - Estelle Nazary

I found these today and felt I had to share them. Not sure why all these were written on the same page, but good points anyway.

Success is not looking at where we are, but where we should/could have been if we had followed God's plans.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3
"You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

God's purpose is not the job we have, but God's message (that we develop to manifest Christ in our lives) for us to give others.

Get money 3 ways
1. diligent labor
2. through creative resourcefulness
3. through direct answer to prayer
God's direction

Rationalization is allowing my mind to find reasons to excuse what my spirit knows is wrong.

Satan's delight is to bring discontent.

Tolerance and Anger

Tolerance and Anger
by J. B. Jones

I wanted to depart a little from my grandparents words and add my own on a subject that has consumed me this week. I thought I might could find a good devotional or sermon, but I decided to do my own research and share my feelings on the subject.

I will start with Tolerance.

How in the world do you tolerate some people? I have been having a hard time with this lately. I usually never have much trouble getting along with all types of people, but every so often I guess it is inevitable to run into impossible people. Then, I found Ephesians 4:2 - "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love." Do you just have to like everyone and get along with everyone?

Let's break the verse down -
1. humility - According to my trusty Strong's concordance Greek dictionary, the word means lowliness of mind. Wikipedia defines humility as out of the goodness of your heart, humble, and not proud. So basically, "with all humility" means we must not think too much of ourselves, but simply be humble.

2. gentleness - One word = Consideration. We should be humble and considerate of and to everyone.

3. patience - You have got to love this definition from dictionary.com - the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like. The Greek word for patience means long suffering. We should be humble, considerate, and bear annoyance and pain without complaint. Great!

4. tolerance - My new favorite word is tolerance only without the humility, gentleness, and patience. Simply put tolerance is being able to stand to be around someone. Of course, that is my definition. Actually, in this verse, tolerance is to hold up, bear with, and endure. Oh well, I guess that means I not only have to be humble, considerate, and patient - I must endure or bear others.

5. love - Finally, this magical word that has so many meanings to so many different people. To our most high God, this word simply means love - beloved. He loves us and we should love others by not thinking too much of ourselves, being considerate, patient, and showing tolerance for one another.

"Therefore, I , the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling. one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."
Ephesians 4:1-7

Anger - I feel I don't even need to talk about anger after really examining God's word.

I would like to point out - Ephesians 4:26 - "Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." "Be angry" - I think this is saying you can be irritated with someone which is simply inevitable in human beings, but what you do with that anger is key. "DO NOT SIN" Don't let the anger consume you without giving it over to God. Further down in chapter 4 verse 29 instructs us "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth...." Then in verse 31 - "let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."

Ephesians 4 is full of good instructions for living. I have certainly been convicted of my feelings of irritation and bitterness. My prayer is that I can be considerate, humble, patient, tolerant, and loving with everyone I come across. I know that will not always be easy, but praise God for his grace (undeserved favor)! I want to close my rantings with the very last verse in this chapter that says it all - "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Powerful!

How to Make Sure of the Will of God

How to Make Sure of the Will of God
Sermon by Jack Nazary

Colonial Hills 1971

John 5:30; John 6:39-40; Romans 1:10; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 5:17;
1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 John 2:17

Are you an atheist? No, as a Christian you are not. Are you a practical atheist? What does that mean? - James 4:13-15
A practical atheist is a person who however sound he may be in creed and confession, neglects to refer all his plans to the will of God. He fails to acknowledge his dependence upon God in all the undertakings of Life. You may not like being called a practical atheist! But I bid you think how serious it is for one to say that he believes in God and still ignores God in the plans and purposes of his life. Every Christian should be deeply concerned about the will of God - both knowing it and doing it. We should know the joy of His will. We should rejoice to say "Father, thy will be done in my life." A determination of the heart. His will should ever be first. We should make sure of the will of God. Certain things will be true when we are in His will. Let's study some of these things..

I. In the will of God, you are dissatisfied with yourself.
Paul was - Philippians 3:13-14
Writer of Hebrews - Hebrews 6:1
Apostle Peter - 2 Peter 3:18

How can one know the will of God?

Testimony of George Mueller:
1. "I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given manner" (Our main difficulty!)
2. "Next, I seek the will of the Spirit of God through, or in conjunction with, the word of God."
3. "Then, I take into account providential circumstances, these often plainly indicate God's will in connection with His word and Spirit."
4. "Finally, I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright. Thus through prayer to God, the study of the word, and reflection, I come to deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly."

II. In the will of God, you are useful unto God.
Wasted lives in place of correction.
Men need to know Jesus Christ
Men need to surrender their will completely to His will.
Call of God to full time service
Call to daily service
Will of God to be done in all things great and small; in the home, in business, in pleasure at work or on vacation. Not turning if be useful.

III. In the will of God, you are successful.
No matter how humble your life may be, if in His will you will successful. Successful in prayer! Successful in behavior! Be in the will of God and you will know. Have the answer to all problems of life and behavior. Bow down before God and your own will be dissolved and positive signs will arise.

Successful in your testimony. It will have power and pungency!
First - Know His will
Second - Do His will
Third - Rejoice in His will
by David Livingston

IV. In the will of God, you are submissive unto God.
Luke 22:39-42
Hebrews 10:7 - "Then said, "Lo, I come in the volume of the book it is written of me, to do thy will, O God."

Too young - be submissive and know
Too old - be submissive and be a blessing

V. In the will of God, you are a blessing to others.
Genesis 12:1 - "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing."

"ye are the light of the world."
Makes no difference what people say or think if we are blessing to others.

John 10:9 - "I am the door, by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall be in and out and find pasture."

Restoring Your Brother

Restoring your brother
Galatians 6:1

Sermon by Jack Nazary

Pleasant Hill Baptist - July 1981

Introduction:

1. Christ expects us to take a deep interest in one another.
2. Our special interests should be drawn toward the troubles of others.
Burdens of Sin
Burdens of Sorrow
Burdens of Care
Burdens of Doubt
3. It is our duty to bear these burdens
By sympathy
By active relief
4. To bear one another's burdens is to fulfill the law of Christ.

I. Restoration of fallen brother.
Overtaken - one surprised by the fault itself - hurried into sin - sinned before he thought it through

Sin in a Christian's life that is known and cherished causes the fellowship between the saint and God to be broken.

That which restores the fellowship is confession - 1 John 1:9 - This restoration is an act of God.

God sometimes uses another Christian as a channel through which he can work to bring the sinning saint to the place where he will confess his sin.

Restore - to reconcile factions, to set broken bones, to mend nets, to equip or prepare.

Paul in speaking here of a born again believer, a child of God.

As a believer - a member of the body, of which Christ is the head - Ephesians 1:22-23: 5:23, 30
1. Saint with sin in his life, not in correct relationship to the head and the rest of the body, as an arm out of joint. He is still a member of the body, as a dislocated arm.
2. Life of head still abides in the saint as life in human head still flows through the dislocated arm.
3. Dislocated arm useless to body and head and will obey neither. So the saint is useless and will obey neither.
4. Dislocated arm is a hindrance to the body and head. So the saint who is out of fellowship is a hindrance to the church and to Christ, the head.
5. The arm is a source of pain to both body and head. So is a Christian who is out of fellowship with God, a source of heart pain to Christ and the church.
6. The arm is extremely painful in itself, so a saint out of fellowship is a miserable Christian.
7. The longer the arm is out of joint the more painful it becomes and the harder it is to put back. So the saint becomes more miserable and harder to restore to fellowship.

Thank God we can be restored -
1. From the standpoint of cleansing restoration to fellowship is the work of the Lord as advocate - 1 John 2:1-2
2. Restoration here spoken of is bringing the saint to the place where he will confess his sin.

God uses Spiritual men
1. Putting arm back in joint is delicate work and should be undertaken only by a doctor who uses a gentle way.
2. Christian worker must be spiritual to do this work.
3. A spirit-filled saint who permits God to work through him, gently, tactfully, lovingly, wooing the saint away from his sin and to the place of confession.
4. The spirit filled Christian prays and speaks with him. The work is done by the Holy Spirit.
5. The spirit filled saint must work in an humble, meek and gentle way, remembering that he is subject to temptation.

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary!

Exactly 13 years ago, I married my most precious gift from God, Brian Jones. I can still remember the first time I saw him at Wal-mart of all places. I knew right then and there that he was the "one". I know some people don't believe in love at first sight, but I am here to tell you it is very real. I was lost in 1996. On the outside, it looked like I had it all together. I had earned my Master's degree, got a great job, and bought a house. Everything was moving along great until one faithful day in June of 1996 everything changed. I received a phone call from my grandfather telling me my dear grandmother was gone. I had been so selfish for so long neglecting my monthly visits with her - choosing to stay to have fun with my friends. It was ridiculous now looking back, but I was just so self-absorbed and confused. Everything changed that day. For a while, I continued to function from day to day, but I was lost. I began to spiral out of control by drinking and spending money trying to quench the guilt. Nothing worked. I hated going to work everyday and nothing made sense. For some reason, I decided to quit my job, sell my house, and move back home. It seemed crazy at the time, but I knew I had to do it. I began to complete my counseling internship at SHS barely making any money and living with my parents. It was hard for me after I had felt such a sense of accomplishment just a year before. I always liked to believe that my dear grandmother had something to do with all the changes I made that led me to Brian. She has to be my guardian angel! So, there I was back in Senatobia in the fall of 1996 at Wal-mart and there he was. It took some doing, but I figured out who he was and it just so happened that my friend Laura worked right next door to Brian. I asked her about him because I was certain he had a girlfriend. She talked to his secretary, Leslie, who assured her he was single and they began to play matchmaker. I was horrified because I was not the kind of girl to let a guy know she was interested, but this was different. I will skip through the embarrassing stuff to our first date - November 23, 1996. Everyone - I mean everyone said we would not have fun because neither one of us would talk. I had even gathered intel on his interests in case there was a lull in the conversation. However, we didn't stop talking the entire night. I came home and woke my mom up to inform her that I was going to marry Brian. She still laughs at me for my certainty. I knew and 3 months later we were married. Here we are 13 years later still going strong. I love him completely and I look forward to many more years together. I know we were made for each other and brought together by God. I am so thankful that God allowed me to change "my" plans so that I would be led back home to Brian.

I made this video for Brian.

No Difference

No Difference
Romans 10

Sermon by Jack Nazary

I. No difference in need of...

salvation - all sinners
by nature - totally depraved
by choice

II. No difference in God's provision for salvation - John 3:16
"He who knew no sin became sin"
Isaiah 53:6 "all we like sheep"

III. No difference in conditions of salvation
1. repent - Acts 20:21; Luke 13:3
2. believe - Acts 16:31; John 3:16
3. receive - John 1:12

IV. No difference in results of salvation
forgiveness
reconciliation - peace
deliverance from Satan's control
eternal life
adopted into God's family
sealed by Holy Spirit (indwelt)
acceptance
placed under providing and keeping power of God
power for living
subject to Father's chastening
prospect of changed body - deliverance from body-corruptible
abundant life
fullness of Spirit
witnesses

The Doctrine of Sin

The Doctrine of Sin
Romans 3:9-23

Sermon by Jack Nazary
West Jackson Baptist 1987, Fellowship Baptist 1993, Ridge 1994, Yockanookaney 1989, West Carthage Baptist 1995 & 1998, Pleasant Hill Baptist

3 Motives for this message

1. For saved to be reminded of what you once were (guilty - sentenced to death hanging over your head)
2. Predicament of the lost and what their condition is.
3. Urge the saved to be witnesses.

Why people act like they do? Frustration, hate themselves and society...

Man's plight as a sinner - Romans 1 and 2
Individuals in ruin - Chapter 3

Genesis 3 - Revelation 20 is the story of sin. Cannot talk about man without talking about sin.

4 Things
1. Nature of sin - sin - what is it?
2. Sin, what makes it so bad?
3. Sin, how widespread is it?
4. Sin, what can be done about it?

I. Meaning - Sin - What is it?
Sin
1. A condition (v. 10) "None righteous, no not one" That which one is, his character: none pure, none sinless.
Jeremiah: "Heart deceitful, desperately wicked"
Jesus: "out of the heart proceedeth"
Paul: "We are by nature the children of wrath"
David: "In sin did my mother conceive me"
"Man sins because he is a sinner"

2. Sin: Something we (v. 12) "There is none that understandeth"
verse 12 To trespass - "Gone out of the way"
1 John "Sin is transgression of law, God's law!!"
10 commandments - 10 principles
Insensitivity of sin comes by ignorance or ignoring God's law.
To break commandment is to sin.
There was a time when God's laws were known.
"Knowledge of sin comes by the law"
Memory assignment for children...

3. Sin is something we fail to do
verse 11 "None that understandeth none that seeketh after God"
verse 12 "none doeth good"
verse 23 "come short"
Sin is a failure - "None that doeth good, no not one."
What is the glory of God? - The manifestation of God's holiness, perfection, and righteousness.

People say: "I'm as good as other Christians"
God won't measure us by each other.
God measures us by His own holy character
The question is: Is there one who is as good as God?

II. Sin - How widespread is it? The extent of sin.

Two ways this is shown in the Bible.
1. Extent of sin in human race - universal.
Touched every person - Jews and Gentile (verses 10-12; 23)
Truth offensive: All here are sinners!!
Best behaved child is a sinner.
Fairest woman is a sinner.
Most gentle man is a sinner.

2. Extent of sin in each individual.
Total depravity - affected us totally: Our talk, walk, conduct, how we think, our will, our emotions...
Nothing we can do to commend ourselves to God.
Impossible for any of us to save ourselves.
Bible pictures - man as down in deep hole - someone must get down in the hole and get him out.
"Our righteousness is filthy rags"

verse 13 Sin affected us totally: throat, tongue, lips, mouth, feet, conduct, relationship to ourselves, relationship to each other, relationship to God, (socially, psychologically, theologically)

III. Sin, what makes it so bad? verse 19
Comfort in numbers - standard of conduct for some determined by how many are doing it.
Nudity, alcoholic beverages, gambling legalized.
Makes a thing acceptable by legalizing it.
Could talk about consequences of sin:
broken homes
broken marriages
broken lives
wrecked influences or sowing and reaping

What makes sin so bad? verse 19
Guilty - not feel guilty, not guilt feelings - not guilt complex, but guilty - some have no feeling of guilt, but guilty.
Some go around forgiven, saved, yet have guilt feeling.
Some lost in sin and may not feel guilty but still are. Guilty, responsible, and liable judge has right to pronounce sentence.
Romans 6:23 - "wages of sin is death"
What does death mean?
1. physical death - caused by sin.
2. spiritual death - Ephesians 2
* no interest in being here.
* no interest in God's word.
* no interest in preached word.
* no interest in God
* no interest in spiritual things.
* no interest in souls salvation.
3. Eternal death
Revelation 20 "and those whose names were not written in Lamb's Book of Life"
second death - eternal death
Ultimate penalty of sin
Under the judgement, penalty of God and the condemnation of God.
Sin ignored, joked about and mocked.
But sin is sending me to Hell - That is why it is so bad.

IV. Sin, What can be done about it?
Two things:
1. You can't do anything about it, (verse 20) Get religion, quit bad habits, turn over a new leaf, and join a church, quit drinking, roaming around.
"I must prove to myself my power over sin!"
2. God has done something about it. (verse 21) Righteousness of God

How? By faith in Christ
A matter of transference - God took my sin, guilt - put it on Christ - put righteousness of Christ on me.

Yes, man needs a pardon.
Yes, man needs a new heart.

I Believe God

I Believe God
Acts 27:20-25

Sermon by Jack Nazary

Pleasant Hill Baptist - Elkin, NC
Midway Baptist - 1986
Yockanookany Baptist - 1990
West Jackson Baptist - 1988
Ridge Church - 1994
West Carthage Baptist - 1995

Introduction: How many times many of us who claim to believe the Bible really do? Mental account only! Why? Have been taught from childhood?

I believe the Bible as very Word of God with all my heart as...William Jennings Bryon said he believed it - Scopes trial in Dayton, Tn, where he was called to prosecute the case. Clarence Darrow, a brilliant infidel lawyer of Chicago put Byron on the witness stand and began firing questions at him about his belief in the Bible, intending to confuse and make him look ridiculous before a crowded courtroom because of his simple faith in the Word of God. "Tell me," he said, "do you believe everything in the Bible?" "I do, sir, without any question," Mr. Bryon replied. "Do you mean to tell me you believe Jonah swallowed the whale" "No, sir, I do not; for the Bible does not say Jonah swallowed the whale, but that the whale swallowed Jonah, and I believe that. But, sir, I want you to understand that if the Bible had said that Jonah swallowed the whale, I would believe it."

I believe the Bible like that and that God meant every word of it. I think like the teenage girl who was a wonderful Christian, loved the Word of God. Her church called a man out of a modernistic seminary who would read the word and say, "Now the Bible does not mean what it says here." Story of rich man and Lazarus, said did not mean there was real fire in Hell, man actually thirsty, nor his tongue being parched in flame, nor calling for a real drop of water" (then gave materialistic interpretation) After the service, the little girl said, "Pastor, might I ask you a question? I know you are an educated man and I am not an educated girl, but Pastor, I want to ask you one question if I may?" "Why surely you may," he replied. "Now, if the Lord did not mean what He says in the Bible, why didn't He say what He meant?" Not only does the Lord say what He means but He means what He says!

Matthew 5:18 - "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

Acts 27:25

I. I believe all men without Christ are lost.
John 3:3 - Except a man be born-again.
Bad - Lost
Good - Lost

II. I believe God tell the Truth about the Doom of Sinners.
Matthew 25:41 - "Depart from me, ye cursed into everlasting fire..."
Matthew 22:13
Luke 16:22-24
Matthew 13:49-50
Revelation 20:15
Revelation 14:11

III. I believe God will require their blood at our hands.
Ezekiel 33:8
Romans 14:7, 10, 21 - Deals with our responsibility to others an dour influence upon them.

IV. I believe God when He tells us in His word how His people ought to live.
II Corinthians 6:17 - "come ye out from..."
Ephesians 5:11 - "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
James 4:4 - "ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
Hebrews 12:6-8
Hebrews 10:25
1 Corinthians 11:28-30 - "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you - many sleep"

Do you take Christ seriously when He said...Luke 14:33 - "Forsaketh not all that he hath..."
Luke 14:26-27
Discourse on bread of life
"This is a hard saying"
Luke 13:23 - "Lord are they few that be saved?"

V. I believe God is able to save all kinds (manner) of sinners.
Hebrews 7:25 - "He is able to save them to uttermost" Mary Magdalene - 7 devils cast out -

Attitude of Submission

Attitude of Submission

1 Peter 2:11-25

Sermon by Jack Nazary
Pleasant Hill Baptist - Elkin, NC

I found two sermons on the Attitude of Submission part 1 and 2 that Granddaddy preached on a Sunday morning and night. I combined them so it is a little long. I hope you enjoy!

Introduction: "We demand our rights" vs Matthew 20:16 - "The Last shall be first and the first last."

Christ assumed servant's role and washed the disciples feet. Writers of Epistles constantly used words like obey, submit, yield. Believers are admonished to adapt an attitude of humility and submission. Christians had been persecuted, and were being persecuted, therefore the question arose as to the Christian relationship to authority - several...

1. Those who have authority over me
2. The extent of the obligation to obey
3. Should the Christian be submissive
4. My response when I am unjustly treated
5. The fulfillment of my obligation in a Christ like Spirit

I. To Whom Must I Submit - 1 Peter 2:13-14
Servants to masters - 1 Peter 2:18

II. What is the extent of my obligation? Acts 4:18, 5:28-29
Relationship with fellowman - 1 Peter 2:17
"honor all men"
"love the brotherhood"
"Fear God"
"Honor the King"
Romans 13:1 "Subject to higher powers
Example of Gerusesius - Diocletian - Emperor

III. Why be submissive?
1 Peter 2:15-16 - "For Lord's sake"

IV. What must I do when treated unjustly?
1 Peter 2:19-20
Christ our example - 1 Peter 2:21-23
He suffered blamelessly - "Did no evil...neither
He suffered graciously - "When he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered He threatened not..."
He suffered trustfully - committed himself to him that judgeth righteously

V. How can I fulfill my obligation? - 2:24-25
Speaks of Christ sacrifice
Substituting
His death our motivation for living
a. Took curse of our sin upon him - Deut. 21:22-23
b. To separate us from our sins - "That we being dead to sin" (Romans 6:11 - Likewise reckon)
c. Brought us spiritual healing - "By whose stripes ye are healed" Isaiah 53:5, 1:8
d. It has brought us to God
as Shepard - Guidance and protection
as Bishop - oversees our lives, provider of all help we need

1 Peter 3:1-7
Qualities of Christian wife
Proper submission - 3:1
God fearing purity - 3:2
Beauty of Spirit - 3:3-4

Qualities of Christian Husband - Ephesians 5:25
Considerate "according to knowledge"
Unselfish attitude - 3:7
Spiritual awareness - 3:7
"As being heirs together of grace of God."

Marks of a Christian

Marks of a Christian
1 Peter 3:8-12

Sermon by Jack Nazary
Pleasant Hill Baptist - 1981

1. Christian Unity
2. Sympathy
3. Love
4. Compassion
5. Humility
6. Forgiveness
7. A Godly attitude toward life
a. guard your speech
b. turn aside from evil
c. do good
d. seek peace and pursue it

Jesus offers you forgiveness of sin, strength for life, and hope for the future.

1 Peter 3:13-22 - Peter reminds us of 2 specific truths that we can rest on with full confidence.
1. God is Lord of all
2. Jesus Christ was victorious over sin and death

I. God is Lord of all
a. verse 15 - "but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts." Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts - This is a powerful affirmation of the deity of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 8:8, 10 - A prophetic word "Immanuel" (God with us)
Peter and Isaiah are expressing the same truth that we should not fear men but reverence Jehovah - Isaiah 8:12-13

b. verse 17 - "if the will of God be so" Both of these statements are expressions of God's sovereignty over all creation and every circumstance.
When you believe everything is under the control of God, even opposition and disaster, you can face the future with confidence and hope.

Some benefits:
1. A sure confidence
a. nothing in the world can bring a believer in Christ ultimate harm. - 1 Peter 3:13-14
b. The degree to which you exercise faith will be the degree to which you will be free from fear.
c. Peter insists on a passionate love of goodness
d. Peter speaks about the Christian attitude to suffering.
1. Suffering because of our humanity - physical, sorrow, distress of mind and weariness and pain of body.
2. Suffering because of our Christianity - unpopularity, persecution but a blessedness runs through it all
e. To the Christian - God and Jesus Christ are supreme

2. A hope filled testimony - verses 15, 16
a. Christian defense must be reasonable
b. must be given with gentleness
c. must be given with reverence
d. the only compelling argument is the Christian life.

3. A Godly walk - verses 16 -17
a. the world can't refute the testimony of a godly life.
b. "A saintly person is one whose life makes it easier for others to trust in Christ."

II. Christ as Victor over Sin and Death - verses 18-22
a. The work of Christ is unique - Romans 6:10, Hebrews 7:27, 9:28, 10:10
b. The sacrifice was for sin - 1 Corinthians 15:3, Galatians 1:4, Hebrews 5:1, 3, 1 John 2:2
c. The sacrifice was vicarious - "The just for the unjust"
d. The work of Christ was to bring us to God - Ephesians 2:18, 3:12; Romans 5:2

III. The Spirits in prison - verses 19-20
1. They were the souls of the people to whom Christ preached by the Holy Spirit through Noah during the 120 years the ark was being built.
2. The "spirits in prison" were the mongrel offspring of a union between fallen angels (the "sons of God" of Genesis 6:1-2) and women.
3. The spirits were wicked angels of Noah's day who engaged in some kind of monstrous evil
4. The "spirits in prisons" are wicked beings and Old Testament believers.

IV. The "Saved by Water" section - verses 20-21
1. Noah and his family were "saved by water.
2. The scene of safety in the midst of judgement is portrayed by baptism - verse 21
3. The water of baptism is not a cleansing agent.

V. Christs' victory applied
1. Sin's stranglehold is broken by the Lord's sinless life and sacrificial death on our behalf - Romans 6:14
2. If the Lord does not return before our lifetime is over, we have the assurance of the resurrection of our bodies from the grave. The "sting of death" is gone, replaced by the eternal life which awaits us.

Conclusion

Faith and life are intertwined and should not be separated.

What you believe is directly related to how you live.

1. Because Jehovah is Lord of all, we find the grace to live a godly life that even the enemies of Christ can't ignore.
2. The maker and controller of Heaven and earth paid the penalty for our sins and gained the victory over sin and death.

3 Steps to Spiritual Growth

3 Steps to Spiritual Growth
1 Peter 2:1-10

Sermon by Jack Nazary
Pleasant Hill Baptist 1981

1. Renounce Sin

2. Feed upon God's word

3. Understand and accept one's place in God's plan

1 Peter 2:5-10
* Good advice for all Christians
* Consider each step
* Check on your own life

1. Renounce Sin - 2:1
5 sins: malice, guile, hypocrites, envies, evil speakings

These should never characterize the Christian
a. Malice - often used as summary word for evil in general, but here it refers to a deep seated hatred of others coming from basic selfishness animosity. Such hatred seeks to hurt contrary to principle of love for fellowmen and especially Christian brothers and sisters.

Malice, wishing others harm should be cast off as soon as one enters God's family.

b. Guile - Clever or tricky practices to deceive, to "catch with bait"
Guilty when: misquotes someone in order to hurt him
makes statements (misleading about another)
resorts to other underhanded methods to bring him harm.
No believer should stoop to this!!
Lord's example as told by 1 Peter 2:22 "He did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth"

c. Hypocrisies
Deprivation: Men appointed to answer legal questions or render judgements - stood behind screen or wore a mask to hide identity.
*Choirs enacted dramas as soloist answered what the others chanted
*wearing masks, either comic or tragic, he became an actor
*actor playing a role, not true to himself was called a hypocrite

Hypocrite - anyone whose words and actions did not reflect his true identity or feelings. So hypocrite is seen as a man greets you with a smile when he actually hates you.

Country preacher on target when he said to congregation "Be what you are and not what you ain't; because if you ain't what you are, then you are what you think you ain't".

d. Envy - feeling of discontent and jealousy because one has greater talents, success, possessions, or receives more honors than we. "mental cancer" so called because it gradually destroys spiritual health

example:
1. Cain moved with envy toward brother Abel
2. Joseph's brothers moved with envy, sold him
3. Root of Aaron and Marian's rebellion against brother Moses
4. Pilate aware Jewish leaders were calling for death of Jesus because of envy. Matthew 27:18

Envy has: broken friendships by thousands, destroyed effective witness of churches, caused blighted lives "green eyed monster" - Proverbs 14:30 Rottenness of the bones"

Envy - No place in Christian's life

2. Feed upon God's word - 1 Peter 2:2
Hunger for Word - "As the heart panteth after"
Pure milk - Paul - nurse - 1 Thess. 2:7
Babe - 1 Corinthians 3:2
Maturity - Hebrews 5:12; 6:2
John 16:13
1 John 2:27

3. Accept God's Plan - 1 Peter 2:5-10
a. One of great company of believers
1 Peter 2:5
Romans 12:3-8
1 Corinthians 12:4-31
b. A spiritual sacrifice - 1 Peter 2:5, 9
Royal priesthood
Romans 12:1
c. Voice of praise - 1 Peter 2:9
Excellencies of God
Romans 8:17

Work, Worship, Present Self

The Blinding, Binding, Grinding Effects of Sin

The Blinding, Binding, Grinding Effects of Sin
Judges 16:21
Sermon by Jack Nazary
Pleasant Hill Baptist - May 17, 1982

I found the tape of this actual sermon. I had to make a video to add the audio. It is classic Jack!

Introduction: Good to consider character and career of Samson - probably spoiled by parents.

I. The story of Samson
Letting him do as he pleased - about like letting him go to the devil - probably bossed his mother and father before he could speak plain - (kick) (hollow)

Pity that he did not have board of education applied to his seat of knowledge.

Greatest handicap was - a dad with no spine.

Got what he wanted - began to feel that he was the whole thing!

Went down to Timnah - associated with those who were enemies of his people.

Judges 14:1-2 - Wanted wife of Philistines - parents tried to reason with him - 14:3 "she pleases me well, get her for me." Parents went down to see his chosen.

Judges 14:5 - Tore lion
Judges 14:8 - Continued to go see her - bees and honey - marriage riddle
Judges 14:11-12 - learned to gamble
Judges 14:10 - lost bet, slew 30 men - in Eskelon, took raiment paid up, went home to mom and dad awhile

when returned 14:20 wife given to his best friend

caught 300 foxes, tied tails together in pairs with fire band between them - burned wheat

white capping went on - burned wife and her father with fire.

he went on war path - smote Philistines leg and thigh with great slaughter until they stampeded - went to top of Rock Etam

Philistine pitched in Judah - 3000 of Judah came to see him to bind him - he consented and delivered him to enemy at Lehi - with jawbone of donkey slew 3000 men

visited another girl friend in Gaza - took post of gate 16:1-3

Loved Delilah - sought his secret
-strings seven
-new ropes
-weave of locks of my hair
-shave my head 16:20

II. Lessons
1. Young man with no purpose
2. Knew his strength, but did not recognize his weakness. Evils of mixed marriages, laxity of sexual relations and playing with temptation.

NOW
1. Purpose for yourself
2. Have a goal
a. Know God
b. Love God
c. Glorify God
d. Serve and witness
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.

Recognize temptations to young man
1. opposite sex
2. Love of money
3. Laziness

Riddle - "out of the eater came forth mean, and out of the strong came forth sweetness." Judges 14:14-15

Deadly results of Samson's indulgence seen in this order -
Self-confidence - "I will go out" Judges 16:20
Self-ignorance - "he wist not" Judges 16:20
Self-weakness - "The Philistines laid hold on him" Judges 16:21
Self-darkness - "They put out his eyes" Judges 16:21
Self-degradation - "They brought him down to Gaza" Judges 16:1-3; 21
Self-bondage - "They bound him with fetters" Judges 16:21
Self-drudgery - "He did grind in the prison house" Judges 16:21
Self-humiliation - "Call for Samson that he may make sport" Judges 16:25-27

Samson - a man of contrasts
A sort of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde being
1. He was separated as Nazarite 13:5, yet tampered with evil associates. 14:1-3
2. Occasionally Spirit possessed 13:25; 15:14, yet yielded to carnal appetites 16:1-4
3. Childish in some of his plans 15:4, yet courageous in battle 15:1-4
4. Mighty in physical strength 16:3, 9, 13, 14, yet weak in resisting temptations 16:15-17
5. A noble beginning but sad end 16:30

Jeremiah 6:10-19

Jeremiah 6:10-19

by Jack Nazary
West Carthage Baptist 1997

About 35 years ago, some in the education field came to see that students were being graduated from high school who could not read, could not count, - thousands graduated from the high schools in America who were incapable of systematic thinking or decision making, no control over their lives, their bodies, or their minds. Some even in the education field begin to think: something is wrong, somewhere there is a failure, somewhere there is something that is missing. About 35 years ago, some begin to write in scholarly journals on the the general subject "Back to Basics". They said, "we have departed from some things that work, and accepted some methods that do not work." In verse 16, God is calling us to get back to basics. Example: President of a Christian College upon being elected said "my work will not be one of Innovation, but one of Continuation." Continue in the good things being done.

During the last 50 years, I have been trying to walk with the Lord and preach the Word of God. I have found that the things of God do not change...
a. Salvation - still by grace through faith - that of God
b. Blessed Book has not changed. Being born again - 1 Peter 1:23.
c. Our responsibility to God
d. The great commission - "Go Ye"
e. Our Lord Jesus has not changed
f. The Holy Spirit has not changed - comforter sent of God

Some in Christian circles have departed from something old and are looking for something new. "Stand ye in the ways and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way, and ye shall find rest for your souls." I am conservative - I believe the book - I think we should preach and practice the Book! A great challenge before us!

I. Wrong New Paths
1. Emotionalism
2. Intellectualism
3. Materialism

II. Old Paths
1. Bible
2. Local New Testament Church
3. Prayer for power - direction
4. Soul winning
5. Preaching against Sin
6. Life of Separation - 1 Corinthians 6:17
7. Faithfulness to God's church

The Sin and Shame of Christian Tragedies

The Sin and Shame of Christian Tragedies
Sermon by Jack Nazary
West Jackson Baptist Church 1988

I. The tragedy of the sin and shame of unconfessed sin.
Proverbs 28:13 - He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

II. The tragedy of the sin and shame of the unopened Bible

II Timothy 2:15 - Study to show thyself

Psalm 119:11 - Thy word have I hid in mine heart

III. The tragedy of the sin and shame of an unforgiving spirit.

IV. The tragedy of the sin and shame of unshared salvation.
A. It's a sin against the conscience in the soul.
2 Timothy 1:3 - "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day."

Acts 24:16 - "In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men."

1 Peter 3:16 - and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

B. A sin against the commission of Christ.
Luke 24:45-48 - Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. "You are witnesses of these things."

Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always , even to the end of the age."

Acts 1:8 - but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

C. A sin against the Compassion of the Savior.

Matthew 9:36-38 - Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. "Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."

Matthew 14:14 - When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.

Example - Matthew 10:33 - "Good Samaritan"

Luke 13:34 - "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it!

Example of Jay Strack in hotel during a singles' conference. Saw those people on the beach behaving questionably and went down and preached to them.

D. A sin that must be repented TODAY!