Keeping the Heart

A New Way

2011-04-17T19:16:00.003-05:00

A New Way
Joshua 3:3-4

Sermon by Jack Nazary

Colonial Hills Baptist Church - December 1970

Introduction: As we face the new year we have not passed this way before.

We will meet situations we cannot forsee.
We do not know who will live and die.
We do not know whether we will be in this place or that.
We do not know if good health or broken in health.
Many things about the future we do not know.
So we need to take heed.
Time for a new start, time for resolution and goals for the New Year. I want to talk with you about it.

I. A time for confession: sin and failure
want things to be different
repentence needed - confession essential

II. Start right by praising God for blessings

III. Setting goals for the future
1. read bible through in a year
2. memorize scripture
3. pray more
4. win others to Christ

Do better by trying than by not trying.

The Bible!! What so ever your hands find to do, do it with your might.

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not be weary in well doing.
2 Corinthians 9 - He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully.
1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

IV. Time for refreshing from the Lord

V. Time to be saved now
2 Corinians 6:2 - now is the accepted time
Hebrews 3:15 - today if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts

Realize you are lost
Realize you cannot save yourself
Recognize Jesus only as Savior

The Preparation for the Conquest

2011-02-01T18:31:00.002-06:00

The Preparation for the Conquest
Joshua 1:1 - 5:12
by Estelle Nazary

Basic Truth: God reassured His people of His care, conditioned on their obedience.

I. Joshua receives a Commission - 1:1-9
1. God's command - 1:1-2
2. God's promise - 1:3-5
3. God's encouragement - 1:6-9

II. Joshua takes the command - 1:10-18
1. He assumes leadership - 1:10-15
2. He is accepted - 1:16-18

III. Walking by faith - 2-4
1. Faith dares to act - 2
2. Faith crosses rivers - 3-4

IV. Conquering by faith - 5
1. Faith trusts its captain - 5:1-12
2. Reaffirming the covenant - 5:2-12

Truths:
1. God's ultimate blessings are conditioned on obedience to Him.
2. Obedience to God is always necessary to receive the ultimate blessings of being: (1) God's true people, (2) His instrument for reaching others, and (3) holy as He is holy.
3. God seeks to teach us to trust and obey. God's presence will calm us, will cheer us, will comfort us, and will encourage us.
4. Great strength and courage are needed to follow God.
5. Personal temptations, pressures from other people, insurmountable obstacles, and other problems will push us in the direction of disobedience and unbelief.
6. God who will provide all our needs will act to give us special strength and courage as we choose to follow Him.
7. Mighty results occur as the people of God move forward to obedience to God.
8. God's mighty deeds of us should be memorialized.
9. We should perpetuate for every generation the experiences by which God speaks to us.
10. God's word contains sufficient promises to give us victory in our Christian walk. We need only to claim them, and they are ours.
11. The best way to make God's word our own is to hide it securely in our hearts.
12. Though we walk in the valley of shadow, yet God directs our steps.
13. As the Lord was with Moses and as He was with Joshua, so He is with everyone who is called by His Name.
14. Prosperity and success in the on-going of the work of the Lord depend upon three conditions: God appointing His chosen man, God's man assuming his responsibility, and God's people following his leadership.
15. Faith obeys God even when His orders make no apparent sense. Faith steps out on nothing but divine promises.
16. God does not promise to show us what lies far ahead on our path; He does promise to light each step as we take it by faith.

Additional Notes:

Joshua was God's man
1. Egyptian bondage
2. Wilderness
3. Promised land

Joshua
1. Good speaker
2. Wholly followed the Lord
3. Good heart who loves and cares
4. Faith in God
5. Courage
6. Victorious
7. Promises of God to Joshua and us - answers prayer, gives guidance, and supplies needs.
8. Power of God in life
9. Presence of God

Be Strong In The Lord

2010-11-07T19:42:00.004-06:00

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

2010-11-03T18:44:00.002-05:00

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

2010-10-04T20:30:00.002-05:00

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

2010-07-16T13:35:00.005-05:00

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

2010-07-11T20:27:00.002-05:00

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

2010-07-10T19:12:00.003-05:00

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

2010-07-08T19:43:00.002-05:00

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

2010-06-22T22:30:00.002-05:00

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

2010-06-15T21:31:00.000-05:00

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

2010-06-01T19:41:00.003-05:00

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

2010-05-31T20:26:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-30T20:57:00.002-05:00

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?

2010-05-29T21:18:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-19T12:16:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-09T18:00:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-08T19:45:00.003-05:00

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

2010-05-02T19:11:00.001-05:00

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

2010-04-25T16:12:00.002-05:00

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

2010-04-24T21:03:00.003-05:00

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

2010-04-19T18:20:00.003-05:00

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

2010-03-08T19:55:00.003-06:00

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

2010-03-07T18:04:00.005-06:00

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

2010-03-07T07:02:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-22T17:12:00.005-06:00

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

2010-02-16T12:29:00.004-06:00

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

2010-02-15T12:15:00.003-06:00

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

2010-02-10T19:02:00.003-06:00

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

2010-02-08T20:00:00.003-06:00

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

2010-02-07T19:01:00.004-06:00

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

2010-01-20T19:23:00.002-06:00

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

2010-01-19T19:47:00.002-06:00

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!

I Have Come from Darkness to the Light

2010-01-19T19:42:00.002-06:00

I Have Come from Darkness to the Light
Proverbs 3:1-12

Suggestions:

1. An authentic person (for real) - Be honest - Don't let the sun go down on your wrath.

2. Believe what you are doing is important. May have to do some things to get to do that which is important.

3. Don't be in too big of a hurry.

4. Must come to terms with politics of your job, your church.

5. To interpret the times in which we live and to witness to it.

6. Recognize that your church is equipped with talent and ability which needs to be used.

Symptons of Backsliding

2010-01-19T19:23:00.004-06:00

Symptoms of Backsliding

The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his. Proverbs 14:14

1. 1st symptom of backsliding - unhappy in service, lack of prayer and not reading Bible.

2. 2nd symptom of backsliding - unrepentant toward sins - attitude about sin.

3. 3rd symptom of backsliding - unforgiving spirit toward the saints.

4. 4th symptom of backsliding - unconcerned about sinners.

Worry Means Doubt

2010-01-03T14:24:00.002-06:00

Worry Means Doubt
by Estelle Nazary

Worry means doubt
1. doubt God's love
2. doubt God's power
3. doubt God's wisdom
4. doubt God's word

Stay close to God - a mother's hand quiets a fretful baby - Jesus' hand whispers "peace be still"

Worry reacts physically
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Romans 8:28

Shut the door - II Kings 4:4
negative side
1. shut out discouragement - biggest tool that the devil has
2. shut out gossip

positive side
1. Alone with God we can do better work - shut out world

Making the Most of the New Year

2010-01-02T17:18:00.002-06:00

Making the Most of the New Year
Philippians 3:13

I. Forgetting things behind
Successes, failures, sins, discouragements...

Cast the beam out of your eye - Matthew 7:5
Cast a stone - John 8:7
First be reconciled - Matthew 5:21-24; 18:21

II. Reaching Forth
1. Realization that if we would be first, we shall be last of all and servant of all - Mark 9:35
2. Do first works - Revelation 2:5:5
3. First gave their own selves unto God and to us - II Corinthians 8:5

III. Pressing Onward
1. Seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness

To Press on we need:
1. Faith
2. Clear Vision
3. Christian Conviction
4. Love
5. Worthy Purpose
6. Hope
7. Assurance and reassurance of God's presence and power

The Great Day

2009-12-25T21:09:00.003-06:00

The Great Day
Luke 2:11

Sermon by Jack Nazary
Ebenezer Baptist - 2003

A Saviour! Everything in this announcement of the angels gathers around that precious word!

Seven features are supplied:
1. Who He is - Christ the Lord
2. How He came - unto you is born a saviour
3. Where He was born - in city of David
4. When He was born - this day
5. Why He was born - a savior - sin, death, hell
6. Unto whom He came - unto you
7. What feeling - should be ours in reaction to the joyous tidings - Luke 2:10 "For" refers to verse 10; "fear not"; "fullness of joy"

Who it was who came? "Christ the Lord"
Long predicted Messiah
Long expected Messiah
God appointed, God anointed one "the Lord" Jehovah
That word "the Lord" would startle the shepherds beyond measure and it should in like manner effect you and me!

See how He came - "unto you is born...a savior"
How this sanctifies human motherhood!
How it honors motherhood! In contrast to non-christian religious and present day tendencies.
What dignity it confers on our race! For it links God Himself with it!
How it proves the real manhood of Christ!
If He was born then He is truly human as will as divine - think of it God the Son was humanly born - O' the mystery of it!

See where He was born - "the city of David"
what historical connections - Bethlehem had for those shepherds. It was there that Jacob's beloved Rachel died; where gentle Ruth became the wife of Boaz. It was the city of the mighty warrior Joab. But above all it was David's city, born there, there learned to sling his stones, play his harp, sing his psalms. and it was David's messiah, successor for whom all were waiting.

Remember when He was born "this day" - what joy to the shepherds, How condemning it is to us. This day was 2000 years ago, yet there are millions who have never heard.

We see why He was born - "unto you is born a saviour"
Would they have come with the same excitement to announce the birth of a ...philosopher, a statesman, a warrior, a reformer????
No, nothing could have brought such joy and gladness except the saviour from Sin, Death, and Hell!

Observe "unto whom He came" - "unto you"
Unto you - shepherds
Unto you - people of Israel
Unto you - human beings as distinct from angles

What feelings should be ours in reaction to the joyous tidings? "Fear not" - "Great Joy"

History Repeats Itself

2009-12-24T21:59:00.002-06:00

History Repeats Itself

Sermon by Jack Nazary
Ebenzener Baptist - 2003

No room for Jesus in the inn.
No room for Him in the world today.
Some things are sure - when there is no room for Jesus:

I. When there is no room for Jesus - there is no righteousness for the sinner
a. May be self-righteousness as the Pharisee - "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." Luke 18:10-12

b. Must have Jesus to have God's righteousness. "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." - Romans 10:4; "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. - I Corinthians 1:30.

c. Many will find out too late that self-righteousness is no good. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in they name have cast out devils? and in thous name done many wonderful works? and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." - Matthew 7:21-23.

II. When there is no room for Jesus - there is no rejoicing in the soul - Jesus brings rejoicing!
a. The angel bears this out - "Bring good tidings of great joy" - Luke 2:8-13
b. The experience of Paul and Silas in jail bears this out - "prayed and sang praises unto God." - Acts 16:25
c. The Ethiopian Eunuch in the chariot bears this out - "went on his way rejoicing" Acts 8:39.

III. When there is no room for Jesus - There is no rapture by the saviour.
a. Notice what our saviour promises. "Let no your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." - John 14:1-3

b. No person will be raptured who has not been saved. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord." - I Thessalonians 4:16-17

c. Many will be left when He does rapture His own. "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." - Matthew 24:40-42

IV. When there is no room for Jesus - there will be no reward for faithfulness.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 11 Corinthians 5:10 - "For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

V. When there is no room for Jesus - there will be no relief from hell's suffering.
a. All who reject Him, will suffer - Luke 16:25-28 - "But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot: neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house; For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment."

b. All who believe (COMMIT) will be saved. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come, and let him that heareth say, Come and let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17

c. Those who reject Christ will face God in Judgement for rejecting. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement." Hebrews 9:7.

Do you have room for Jesus today? Have you asked Jesus to come into your heart and be your Savior? Do you put Him first in your life? Is he your Lord? Do you have peace and joy at this Christmas season because of the gift of life from God the Father?

The Growing Life

2009-11-30T12:19:00.002-06:00

Paul prays for growth in Philippians, Colossians, and Ephesians

"The Growing Life"

Introduction: Tragedy of child that never grows up - 1 Corinthians 3:1 - Tragedy of those who fail to grow up spiritually. 6 ways to Grow - Grow in love, true knowledge, and perfect judgement.

I. By allowing Holy Spirit to fill your life and give you power - Ephesians 5:18. Holy Spirit to be everything to Disciples that He was while on earth - Galatians 5:16; 3:3. Your friend- John 15:14; your guide, teacher- John 14:26; director- Acts 13:2; your assurance of Salvation - Ephesians 1:13; partner in prayer - Romans 8:26-27; source of power - Ephesians 3:16.

II. By keeping His commands - John 14:15; 14:21a - Most commands are 1. to love people; 2. to evangelize.

III. By following Christ in Baptism and serving Him in fellowship with believers. Acts 2:41-42 (believers, baptized and shared together in worship, prayer, fellowship, and witnessing)

IV. By daily Prayer and Study of God's Word - 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 4:1-10; Philippians 4:6-7

V. By Being a Faithful Manager of all the gifts God gives to you. 1 Corinthians 4:2. It is required of stewards that a man be found faithful. 1 Peter 4:10 - Good for all.

VI. As you share your faith by your life and your words - Acts 1:8.

Can others tell that you're different?
Do others hear from your lips what Jesus Christ has done for you?
There is no road to Spiritual growth that neglects your personal witness for Jesus Christ.

At Jesus' Feet

2009-11-16T11:54:00.002-06:00

At Jesus' Feet
Philippians 2:9-11

Sermon by Jack Nazary
Midway Baptist - 1991
West Carthage Baptist Mission - 1997

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I. For Forgiveness - Luke 7:36-38 - She stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

II. For Healing - Luke 9:11 - And the people, when they knew it, followed him; and he received them and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. Matthew 9:23 - And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise. 9:20 - And, behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood 12 years, came behind him and touched the hem of his garment. 9:21 - For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 9:22 - But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole from that hour.

III. For Instructions - Luke 10:38-39 - And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word.

IV. In Distress - John 11:28-32 - Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thous hadst been here, my brother had not died.

V. In Prayer - Luke 8:41 - And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue; and he fell down at Jesus; feet, and besought him that he would come to his house.

VI. For Worship - Matthew 28:9 - And behold Jesus met and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.

Psalms 23

2009-11-11T12:14:00.002-06:00

Psalms 23
by Estelle Nazary

This little psalm is a message of great beauty, describing the peace and calm delight which dwell with one whose trust is wholly in God. David's thoughts are happy thoughts - he lacks nothing, has no fear. God's mercy and goodness are with him and he feels assured that they will continue to be with him all his life. He has but one desire for the future and that is to dwell in the presence of God forever.
As we think of this scripture, we would like to consider it as a bouquet of sweet peas.
1. Psalm of great beauty, sweetness, of purpose and of happy thoughts.
2. "The Lord is my Shepard" Provision - This is the key note of the whole Psalm. This is the voice of personal experience. Christ is the shepherd. He seeks and saves the lost, ruling and feeding each one who follows him laying down his life for the flock. Can you say, "The Lord is My Shepherd"? I shall not want that is therefore can I lack nothing. He gives everything one needs.
3. Plenty - (verse 2) - gives food and rest. He provides spiritual food and rest. Waters of refreshment for us spiritually. He revives the soul and reinvigorates it when it is exhausted and weary.
4. Paths (verse 3) - He leadeth me in paths of pleasantness and peace to magnify his name as a gracious and merciful God.
5. Protector (verse 4) - Give assurance of God's presence with us when we need help and strength. He will not fear because the same gracious God will be with him, leading him, guiding his steps, keeping him from evil. The rod and staff comfort me. However long and dreary the way through the dark valley, I shall still have guidance and protection.
6. Power (verse 5) - God prepares his table laid before his enemies. His whole life full to overflowing with blessedness. His cup is not only full to the brim but runs over with happiness.
7. Peace (verse 6) - David has no doubt that God's goodness and mercy shall continue to cling to him all his life. Perfect peace and blessedness is his to enjoy.
8. Praise (verse 6b) - To live with God forever to behold his beauty. This expresses the longing of the soul for the continual presence of God and communion with him forever. Lifelong and everlasting companionship is his blessing.

What is your story? Can we truly say the Lord is MY shepherd?

Worship Experience

2009-11-09T12:25:00.001-06:00

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 importance of worship
1. What is worship? bow down ..show reverence..appreciation of God..quicken the conscience 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 guilt, emotional or spiritual needs. 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. Imparting 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 girl is lost and simply says "If you take me to my church, I can find my way home!

The Crisis of Nineveh

2009-11-08T11:43:00.002-06:00

The Crisis of Nineveh
Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-3

by Estelle Nazary

God's impending judgment. A messenger of God came to warn the people of impending judgment. The people repented and God saved the city. "Jonah" is a book of God.

I. The crisis - People chose to sin. Jonah was God's messenger. The city was sinful and terrible. God is about to judge and destroy the city. They have 40 days to repent. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now God has established judgment. Judgment is a reality. It is appointed that man is to die and after that judgment. Repent means to turn around.

II. The Concern of God. Jonah 4:11
120,000 people who are lost. God is concerned about us even as he was in Nineveh. God came walking in the cool of the days in the Garden of Eden to fellowship with Adam and Eve. "Adam sinned and tried to hide from God." Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. Adam, where are you? God knew where he was. "Adam, do you know where you are?"

Revelation 22
The spirit and the bride say "come". God declares his concern for people. God demonstrated his concern. He called Jonah and sent him and gave him the message to carry to Nineveh so they could be saved. Never enough to say you care unless you are willing to demonstrate your concern. "no one came today" every day for 6 months a woman who lived alone wrote in her diary. God's keenest desire is to have everyone saved. Jesus died for all. He died to keep us from hell.

III. His Commission - Jonah 2:1
Jonah was already a preacher. He preached to Jews, but God wanted him to go to Nineveh. The Lord got Jonah's attention. Matthew 28:19-20 - Then God gave him a commission. We know where the lost people are, but we aren't doing anything. The urgency, emergency of the commission - 40 days. The work of the church should be with urgency, enthusiasm and love for God and people. Same gospel, same God, same message, same commission....

Renew our commitment - Rededicate my life - Lost

Love

2009-11-03T12:04:00.003-06:00

Today, my dear grandmother would have been 85 years old. I am sure she is much happier in heaven, but days like this are always for remembering. I can't help but wish she was here so we could have a huge 85th birthday party for her that she would have hated. I wish she could have met my wonderful husband and of course, her granddaughter Olivia. I wish she could have been here longer, but I have the assurance that she is flying high in heaven with our Lord even as I write these words.

I miss you Grandmother! Happy Birthday!

Love
by Estelle Nazary

"God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit." Romans 5:5

Characteristics of love:
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. you will always believe in him, always expect the best of him and always stand your ground in defending him.

Romans 12:9 - "Let love be real"

The Christian Home

2009-11-02T17:43:00.002-06:00

The Christian Home

Ephesians 5:22-26

Sermon by Jack Nazary
West Jackson Baptist - 1963
Colonial Hills - 1966 & 1971

Introduction: The future of our nation is very decidedly at stake. J. Edgar Hoover says "As goes the Christian homes of America, so goes our nation."

Over five million of the more than thirty million public school age boys and girls come from broken homes. 150,000 additional boys and girls go to psychiatrists each year for mental treatment - their difficulties arising from the broken home situation, resulting in a lack of love, care, and security.

Divorce rate in America is 3 1/2 percent higher than that of England, 3 % higher than that of France (the percentage is now almost one out of 2 marriages goes on the rocks). The divorce rate is over 800% since the Civil War. Yet the majority of marriages succeed.

I. Reasons for Divorce

A. Contractual attitude toward marriage - this influenced largely by Hollywood. Marriage is a commitment for life, not a contract to be broken by either party. Most people who get divorces should never have married at all.

B. They marry for physical attraction alone. Love at first sight...Love Story magazine...Love story book.

C. Failure of the home, church, and school to prepare for marriage. Little do we care for the marriage of our children inside the will of God.

II. Responsibility of parents to children

A. A cordial welcome
1. Genesis: "Be fruitful and multiply"
2. Psalm 127: "Children are an heritage of the Lord."
3. The Home should: want children, expect children, and plan for children
4. God's will should be considered in the number of children.
5. Some couples lavish love on a dog or a cat instead of children. Twice as much is spent in America on dog food as on preacher's salaries. (two preachers to one dog)
6. It is good for both to work for a while - provision for children (going on to school)

B. Careful Protection
1. Babies are helpless
2. They need protection from:
a. loneliness
b. Hunger
c. Harm
d. Disease
3. Teenagers need to be protected from:
a. Temptation
b. Trouble
c. Harm
4. Teenagers need good recreation:
a. Fellowship
b. Shuffleboard
c. Badminton
5. The blindest people to the problems of teenagers are the parents of teenagers.
6. The homes should be congregating places for teenagers.
7. People can be brought to Christ through a recreational program.
8. "The Devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour"
9. A seven day ministry is needful for the church today.

C. Christian Affection
1. Example - Newlywed and "hen pecked" husband meet. Newlywed: "I have the sweetest wife." I've named her after a flower - Rose." "Hen - pecked": "I named my wife after a flower too - Snap dragon."
2. Some husbands and wives use crude common expression to refer to their mates "My ol man" "my ol woman" Children use these terms also in referring to their parents.
3. Terms of love, affection, and deep respect should be used.

D. Corrective Discipline - not police action
1. Example - a 16 year old once said, "mother was always on talking terms with God and spanking terms with me."
2. Susan Wesley, the mother of 19 children said: 1. "I always broke a child's stubborn streak by the time he was one year old" 2. "I never gave a child anything that he continued to cry for."
3. Psychiatrists have said that all sex deviates have one thing in common, they were spoiled, pampered children.
4. Some say don't spank a little child; you will warp his personality.
5. The child should not be expected to make decisions on his own at an early age. He needs help from his parents in making them.

E. Christian Example
1. Example: A man, his wife and two teenage children came on profession of faith one Sunday (First Church, Dallas). 16 year old son had died in a car wreck the week before and gone to hell because of the influence of his mother and father.
2. Boys and girls will go to hell because parents tell them to - by their example.
3. Example: A farmer was asked if his son could go to the Training Union Assembly. He replied, "I don't have to make a crop, but I sure got to make a man out of that boy."
4. Example: A mother had led her daughter to the Lord. When the preacher came to visit, the daughter ran out to meet him and said, "Brother Williams, I have the dearest mother in the world. She has always loved and cared for me, and now she has led me to Christ and I am a Christian."
5. Example: The 11 year son of a dedicated Memphis lawyer was in the hospital and doctors had reported that he was soon to die. When the dad went in to see his son, the son said, "Dad, I'm not going to live long, but if God's anything like you, I'm not afraid to die."

*****************************************************************************************

In the 45 years since my Granddaddy preached this sermon, things have gone from bad to worse. It is sad to think of the trend in our country. At age 9, I was a child of divorce. I was in the minority. Most of my friends lived with both mom and dad. I lived with mom and step-dad. It is weird to think how things have changed just in my lifetime. It is so evident in working with teenagers everyday that most of the problems they face are directly related to home. Almost all of our students come from broken homes.

Here are some of the statistics I found on-line:

"Half of all children will witness the breakup of a parent's marriage. Of these, close to half will also see the breakup of a parent's second marriage."
Furstenberg, Peterson, Nord, and Zill, "Life Course," 656ff. Cited on page76 ofThe Abolition of Marriage, by Maggie Gallagher

"The number of children involved in divorces and annulments stood at 6.3 per 1,000 children under 18 years of age in 1950, and 7.2 in 1960. By 1970 it had increased to 12.5; by 1975, 16.7; by 1980, the rate stood at 17.3, a 175 percent increase from 1950. Since in 1972, one million American children every year have seen their parents divorce. "
Brian Willats, Breaking Up is Easy To Do, available from Michigan Family Forum, citing Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1993.

"The number of children living with both parents declined from 85 to 68 percent between 1970 and 1996. The proportion of children living with one parent has grown from 12 percent to 28 percent during this same time span."
Quoted from Census Bureau's release about its report on MARITAL STATUS AND LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

When A Man Meets God

2009-10-30T20:24:00.002-05:00

When A Man Meets God
Isaiah 6:1-9a

by Estelle Nazary

It's one thing to know about God. It's an entirely different thing to know God. Isaiah was writing to people who understood those symbols. It was hard to put into words an experience with God, even salvation experience.

I. When a man meets God, he sees his condition.
1. He was a sinner.
2. He was a religious and moral person. In the midst of a personal crisis, he saw God. "Woe is me, I am lost" and he saw himself as he really was. A person doesn't really know himself until he sees God. A low concept of self. Person others think we are. Person God knows we really are. He saw himself when he saw Jesus and all He is.

II. When a man meets God, he experiences salvation.
Nicodemus - "You must be born again, " said Jesus. Greatest need is need for Jesus. We can't change our heart. Man need change from the inside out, not outside in. Only God can change the heart of a person. It's being born all over.

III. When a man meets God, he receives a commission.
Uzziah had ruled 52 years and had given security and stability to the people. He had died with leprosy. In the same type of feeling in our current time, 11-22-1963 - "They shot the president"... Americans felt sick because of the death of their leader and Isaiah felt sick because of the death of his leader, Uzziah. Isaiah went to church in this sick hour. Isaiah saw himself and was converted. He realized that God needed him. When I (we) meet God, he gives us a commission for life. Critical time in which we live - God says "Who will go for me?" Crisis affords us opportunity.

Do you know the Lord? John 17:3
Eternal life is knowing the living God.

When we meet God
We see ourselves -
We cry out for His help
We say what can I do?

A Happy, Wholesome Life

2009-10-29T12:15:00.002-05:00

A Happy, Wholesome Life
Philippians 4:4-9

Author Unknown - Too Good to Not Post!

1. Keep your emphasis upon what the Lord has done for you. Be positive!

2. Don't be insisting upon your own rights all of the time. Have a "sweet reasonableness".

3. Jesus is coming back! He'll set everything right, so let Him straighten out the inequities.

4. Stop Worrying. The things you have no control over - leave them to God.

5. Pray a lot more than you do. "When all is said and done, more said than done."

6. Fill your mind with good thoughts! Clean, beautiful, pure and sweet ought to be the things we focus our minds on.

7. Keep busy doing the things of God! Inactive church members aren't the happy ones, or the healthy ones.

Philippians 2:1-4

2009-10-27T12:09:00.003-05:00

Philippians 2:1-4
Sermon by Jack Nazary - Calvary Baptist 1984

Philippians 1:27 is an exhortation to unity that is elaborated upon in verse 2:2. This exhortation is given in view of 4 facts that should be heeded. The word "if" refers to a fulfilled condition. "Since" or "in view of the fact".

4 Facts are mentioned:

1. Certain Consolation - a certain thing - meaning supplication, entreaty, exhortation, admonition, encouragement, consolation, comfort, solace. The meaning determined by context. Here, exhortation, in view of the lack of unity among them. "A ground of appeal that exhorts" - be likeminded.

2. Comfort of Love
A word which comes to the side of one to stimulate or comfort him. "incentive, encouragement" Comfort has an element of tenderness and persuasion. Love - God's love - John 3:16;
1 Corinthians 13 - From God's love for them - that reached down and saved them - thus urges them to unity. The divine love produced in hearts of saints by Holy Spirit should cause them to so love each other with a love that impels one to sacrifice one's self for the one loved, that their differences will be ironed out, and will live in unity.

3. Certain Fellowship of Spirit
Fellowship - common, interest and a mutual and active participation in the things of God as joint participants. This results from the Spirit's work of regeneration and His control of those subjected to Him. If the saints are interested in the things of the Spirit - thus the same things - naturally follow a unity among the Philippians. The Holy Spirit by controlling each saint produces this unity and accord. (His Control)

4. Bowels of Mercy
Bowels - tenderness
Mercies - Compassionate yearnings and actions. these graces are present in saints - produces peace with one another, difference resolved, estrangements healed, bickerings ceased.

Complete, Fill, Full

Philippians 2:2 - Be likeminded - Think the same thing - General accord should exist among them.
A. Having the same Love - Unity of affections - heart agreement
B. Being of one accord - Soul with soul - Unity of sentiment
C. Of one mind - Thinking the one thing

Philippians 2:3 - Strife - factiousness
A. Vain glory
B. Empty, vain, to no purpose, futile
C. Opinion - empty pride -
Lowliness - humble, humility, does not exalt itself
Esteem - belief that rests
Better - having above - to excel or surpass

Philippians 2:4 - Look - to fix attention upon - with desire for and interest in - "to consult one's own interest" No one having an eye for his own interests alone, but for the interests of others.

The Secret of a Great Life

2009-10-26T12:03:00.003-05:00

The Secret of a Great Life
Philippians 3:13-14

Introduction: Someone has well said, "the greatest study of man on earth is the study of man on earth." The study of biography is a fascinating and helpful study. We are interested in lives of men who have succeeded. We would know all we can about them, their beginnings, their struggles, their habits, their viewpoints in life. Today, I would direct your attention to the most remarkable Christian of the centuries, the Apostle Paul. In a burst of confidence when writing to the Philippian Church he lets us into the secret of his great life. "This one thing I do... forgetting the things which are behind, reaching forth unto those things that are before...I press toward the mark..."

We will do well to look into that secret today.

I. The first element is whole-hearted concentration. "This one thing I do" No life can be very great, happy or useful without this element of concentration. Everyone should have his work to do, know what it is, and do it will all his might. Decision is energy and energy is power and power is confidence, and confidence to a remarkable degree contributes to success. Many have failed in life not because of lack of ability, but lack of concentration. The whole world is witness to its power.

One must be our master - Jesus. He says if you would be my disciple "I must come first", before father, mother, brother, or dearest love one. "No man can serve two masters", "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God", "Ye shall seek me and find me when ye search for me with your whole heart".... I must come before business, property, own life. "I must be Lord of all or not Lord at all"

Paul knew the 1st element of a successful life was indispensable to success.. "This one thing" Not a dozen, not two BUT ONE!

II. A second secret of his marvelous life is that he cultivated a wise forgetfulness of the past. Some things we are to remember
Some things we are to wisely forget

What are some of the things we ought to wisely forget...
1. Our blunders
2. Our losses - Losses of all kinds come to us. We need to learn how to get past them and forget them.
3. Life's injuries - In a world of competitions, frictions, and alienations it is difficult to get past the injuries that come in human life. But if you have hate in your life, you have lost the highest perspective of life as long as the poison of hate is allowed in your head and life. Big men do not cherish resentments - They put them out of their lives.
4. Our successes - More men have been spoiled by success than we can measure. There's danger in success anywhere for any man. If he can bear success he can bear anything.
5. Our sorrows - Sooner or later they come to us. We need to learn how to take these sorrows to the great refining, overruling master, and ask him to dispose, to rule and overrule in them and with them that we may come out of them all refined and disciplined, and better educated, and more useful because of such sorrows.
6. Our sins - If Paul had not learned how to forget his sins, he would have been crippled utterly to his grave. Paul consented to the death of Stephen, persecuted the church, was a ringleader in sin, and called himself the chief of sinners. If had not learned how to forget them they would have defeated him. "Where sin abounded - grace did much more", "As far as the east is from the west", "The blood of Jesus Christ cleaneth us from all sin" Jesus paid it all - All to Him I owe - Sin had left its crimson stain - He washed it white as snow.

III. Paul had a right anticipation - "reaching faith"
Paul had the right forward look - Forgetting and reaching forth
May I ask you what is your aim in life?
How are you using your life?
How are you investing your life?
What is the aim of your life?

I Met the Master

I had walked life's way with an easy tread,
Had followed where comforts and pleasures led.
Until one day in a quiet place,
I met the Master face to face.

With station and rank and wealth for my soul,
Much thought for my body but none for my soul.
I had entered to win in life's mad race,
When I met the Master face to face.

I met Him and knew Him and blushed to see
That his eyes full of sorrow were fixed on me;
And I faltered and fell at His feet that day,
While my castles melted and vanished away.

Melted and vanished and in their place
Naught else did I see but the Master's face
And I cried aloud, "Oh, make me meet
To follow the steps of Thy wounded feet."

My thought is now for the souls of men.
I have lost my life to find it again,
E'er since one day in a quiet place
I met the Master face to face.

Set Your Mind On Right Things

2009-10-20T12:26:00.004-05:00

Set Your Mind on Right Things

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...

Introduction: Minds are always set on some thing. It is important what a man thinks of...He should always set his mind on fine things.

1. Things that are true - Many things in the world are deceptive. they promise what they can never perform. They offer , but do not deliver. Man should set his mind on things which he can rely, things which will not fail him or let him down.

2. Things that are honest - Honorable, venerable, worthy, that which has the dignity of holiness -
There are things in the world which are flippant and cheap - attractive to the light minded, but the Christian must set his mind on the great, serious and dignified.

3. Things that are just - The righteous or just man is the man who gives to men and to God their due. Some set minds on pleasure, comfort, easy things, and easy ways, but the Christians thoughts are on duty to God and duty to man.

4. Things that are pure - That which is morally pure, undefiled, things that have been cleansed and fit to be brought into the presence of God and used in service of God. This world is full of things that are sordid, shabby, soiled and smutty. Many men get their minds on such a state that it soils everything of which it thinks - The Christian thoughts are to be so clean that they can stand the scrutiny and observing eye of God.

5. Things which are lovely - Things that are attractive, winsome, that which calls forth love. There are those whose minds are so set on vengeance and punishment, that they call forth bitterness and fear in others. There are those whose minds are so set on criticism and rebuke that they call forth resentment in others. The mind of the Christian is set on the lovely things: kindness, sympathy, forbearance, love so that the Christian is such a winsome person that to see him is to love him.

6. Things of good report - gracious, high toned, whatever has a good name, fair speaking, the things that are fit for God to hear - There are ugly words, false words, impure words, and far too many in this world.

7. Things of Virtue - Excellence of all things - could describe the ground of a field. Excellence of a tool for its purpose. Physical excellence of an animal. Excellence of the courage of a solider - the virtue of a man = "Think of your past life at its highest" to spur you on to new heights of the Christian way of life - The world has its impurities and degradation, but it also has its nobilities and chivalrous and it is of the high things that the Christian must think.

8. Things of Praise - In a sense the Christian should never think of the praise of men, but in another sense it is true that every good man is moved and uplifted by the praise of good men. The Christian should live in such a way that he will not desire or seek the praise of men, nor will foolishly despise the praise of men whose praise is a thing to be desired. Not praise of men, but Praise of GOD!

The Christ

2009-10-20T12:08:00.002-05:00

The Christ
Philippians 2:5-11

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Colonial Hills 1970

I. He entered the world miraculously - Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 2:1-7

II. He stayed in the world briefly

III. He died for the world willingly - Matthew 26:36-46; 27:24-38

IV. He arose from the world victoriously - Matthew 28:1-7

V. He is saving the penitent world freely

VI. He will rule the world eventually - I Timothy 6:13-16

What Christ Means to the Christian

2009-10-19T12:12:00.002-05:00

What Christ Means to the Christian
Philippians 3:1-21

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Ebenezer Baptist 2002

"I count all things but lost for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."

Introduction: To know Christ was Paul's determined purpose not only for his own edification, but that he might make Him known - Acts 16:10 - It could not be otherwise for those that truly know the Lord in the intimate way expressed in these verses must inevitably lead to a deep seated purpose to make him known to a needy world.

I. Christ is our confidence - Philippians 3:1-6
1. Paul repudiates sacramental efficacy - verse 2
2. Paul repudiates the religious import honored parent age - verse 5
3. Paul repudiates religious authority - verse 5b
4. Paul repudiates intense earnestness - verse 6
5. Paul repudiates the worth of ceremonial blameness - verse 6b

II. Christ is our hope - Philippians 3:7, 8
1. The paradox of losing in order to gain
2. Hope is not in things but in Christ

III. Christ is our righteousness - Philippians 3:9
1. Righteousness through Christ
2. Righteousness by faith
3. Righteousness of God

IV. Christ is our inspiration - Philippians 3:10-14
1. Inspiration of knowledge - verse 10-11
2. Inspiration of attainment - verse 12-14
a. There is obliteration of the past "forgetting"
b. There is consecration of all energies "this one thing I do"
c. There is untiring activity "I press forward toward the mark"

V. Christ is our Savior - Philippians 3:15-20
1. Salvation changes our companions - verse 15-19
2. Salvation changes our conversation - verse 20
3. Salvation changes ultimately our bodies

VI. Christ is our trust - Philippians 3:21
Trust means assured participation
1. He is our trust for Salvation
2. He is our trust for services
3. He is our trust for the second coming

Conclusion: Christ is all and in all for the Christian.

5 Signs of Salvation

2009-10-06T12:25:00.003-05:00

5 Signs of Salvation
Philippians 2:12-16
Sermon by Jack Nazary

Calvary Baptist - 1984 West Jackson Baptist - 1987 Yockanookany Baptist - 1989
Midway Baptist - 1992 West Carthage Baptist - 1995

Introduction: Evidence of Salvation - not in you and me. We're lost or in rebellion against Laws of Christ - Ephesians 2:8-10

1. Progress - Verse 12 (growing in grace)
2. Caution - Verse 12 (afraid will grieve the Holy Spirit, afraid to hurt one of God's children) - 'with fear and trembling'
3. Harmony - Verse 14 - "do all things without grumbling or questioning"
4. Purity - Verse 15 - "be blameless and innocent without blemish"
5. Witnessing - Verse 15b - 16 - "among whom you shine as lights in the world"

Verse 13 - God is energizing in you to will and to do.

I. Progress - In: Let's talk about progress
Do you....
Love word of God?
Read word more? Regularly?

Is your ....Prayer - sweeter than it has been

Do you...- enjoy private time - as opposed to group praying

Are you .....more loving - patient - tender - gentle - more understanding - more forgiving - tolerant - kind to those who spitefully use us - good to those who are nasty to us - love the unloving - love the unlovely - feel compassion for the lost?

Are we progressing? Most are not...

People in this world are getting nastier every year...more suspicious, more envious, more prejudiced, more ignorant, more ruptured relationships, less involved in the Lord's work, are harder and harder to get along with, fight at home - on the job - at church...

II. Caution - Verse 12 "with fear and trembling"
Do we have caution in our lives?
Are we afraid we will grieve the Holy Spirit?
Are we afraid we will say something that will dishonor God?
Word of God says - not to mention evils of gentiles - not even be named among you.

Are we more concerned with Grammy Awards - Oscars - who won the ballgame - go away on the weekends - instead of faithfulness to the Lord...

Do you talk about secular things all the time - is it unusual for a Christian to talk of the Bible and Christ???

What sins grieve the Holy Spirit? Where? - Ephesians 4:24-32

God gave do's and don'ts that our lives might be fruitful and powerful. We have a choice to submit to His authority or live in rebellion against God.

Look at our relationship to one another - are you cautious about what you think and say? or do you just say what you think..

We think we have a right to our feelings, opinions.. you may say you don't like choir - choir director, pastor, deacons...you run your mouth with negative talk and cause little ones to stumble. You just simply don't give a rip. But you better not hurt one of God's children...

Do you criticize God's child? "to his own master he standeth or falleth"

III. Harmony - Verse 14 - "without grumbling or questioning" - What about it?

Do we like harmony?
Do we like it when everything is going well?
Do we like it when things are not going well? - things dragging and you "Have you heard about Sally? then everything comes alive! I just want us to pray for her you may say but you lie! I love Sally..etc... If you did love her you would keep your trap shut and go to her - Galatians 6:1 to restore.. Is everyone only interested in shady conversation?

Flesh not Godly and doesn't like harmony. Flesh thrives on disharmony and dissention = on confusion and delights in controversy.

That is why we must be on our toes! That is why Paul says "Do all things without grumbling or questioning" or KJV refers to murmuring and disputing.

Murmurers are not aware of the importance of harmony. murmuring - gossip - fuss broken fellowship - after affecting the entire body of believers.

Anything that does not have harmony is not of God. God not author of confusion. Where is the difference? Much needed prayer.
When two disagree one or both is wrong - Holy Spirit does not vote No and Yes on the same issue.

IV. Purity - Verse 15 - "blameless, harmless, and without rebuke" Moral and ethincial purity - Can anyone blame us for their stunted spiritual growth?

"I'm not going back to that church because of __________ and what he said or because so and so got on the telephone and rallied a bunch to support him on some issue. Or showed lack of self- control in front of church.

Are we blameless by way we live?
Have we harmed anybody? Do you pay your bills?
Revival would break out it in _____ if every Baptist would pay bills...
I owe you a bill and I haven't paid it. Forgive me - I'm going to do without lunch every day...

Other areas: Bull-headiness, our stubbornness, ugly spirits, our desire to take advantage of someone - get back at someone!!!

What about the smokers hardly off church grounds before "lighting up" - liquor in cabinets...Tithe in our bank account - our car...Angry to someone...Grudge against someone.

V. Witness - Verse 16 "holding forth Word of life"
Being in cafe - thanking God for food
-talking about favorite team - loved
- talking about Jesus

Conclusion: If these signs are not in our lives we are lost or in rebellion against Lordship of Christ.

Verse 13 - For it is God that worketh in you both to Will and to do of his good pleasure. Pleasure refers - Ephesians 2:10 did - God has ordained the accomplishment of his work in us - predestined!

Predetermined to occur!!

"Whosoever will" to lost
But to saved - we preach salvation by sovereign will of God.

We are God's purchased possession.

Verse 13 - teaches that God is energizing us both to will and to do. He tells us what to do and performs it in us.

No excuse to say, "I cannot help being as I am" Weakness of my flesh - God is working in us to mold and make us in energy of his Son!

Philippians 1:21 - "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain"

Your Own Salvation

2009-10-05T12:14:00.002-05:00

Your Own Salvation
Philippians 2:12

Sermon by Jack Nazary

Colonial Hills -1967
Trinity Baptist, Carthage - 1967
Colonial Hills - 1971
Calvary Baptist - 1985

Introduction: Concern of and all important to all. Pray - Holy Spirit

I. The matter under consideration - Salvation
1. Deliverance from the guilt of past sins
2. Deliverance from the power of sin
3. Deliverance from present wrath of God. Sinners in gall of bitterness - condemned already.
4. Deliverance from future wrath of God. "Where death leaves us, there judgement finds us; where judgement finds us, eternity will hold us forever and forever."

What a comprehensive word - Salvation - triumphal deliverance from guilt of sin, from the curse of it, the punishment of it, power, and ultimately from the presence of it..

Most pressing of all subjects
God thinks highly of it - he sent his Son
Jesus thinks highly of it - he suffered, bled, etc.
Holy Spirit thinks highly of it - works continually
Church thinks highly of it
Ernest men and women praying for salvation
Angels think highly of it - "See rejoicing in heaven"
Devil thinks highly of it - "Goes about seeking whom he may devour"
Lost souls - rich man - "send someone"

Salvation more important than health, wealth, honor, reputation..

II. Whose matter is it
"Your own salvation"

1. Personal matter
sin is yours
guilt is yours
consideration is yours
need personal pardon

You must repent, believe, be washed in his blood or else there is no forgiveness, no acceptance, no adoption, no regeneration for you.

Reflect personally
- you must personally die
- tempted to forget your own salvation by thoughts of other people
- but now look at home - Yourself
- Thoughts of dead - asleep in Jesus neglect not to think of yourself.
- Death of those who lived in sin and blasphemy - think not carelessly

Some who need to think of own salvation
1. Official Christians - preacher, deacons, teachers, ...
2. Lookers for erroneous doctrines
3. Curious speculations - minimum - Antichrists - day when Jesus will return, etc.
4. Those who are always criticizing others - faultfinders, false bearers..

III. Objections concerning "own Salvation"
1. "But don't you believe in predestination"
2. Don's you believe in full assurance
3. Isn't this selfish "own salvation"

IV. Assistance to those who would be right "Have Salvation"
2 questions
1. Am I saved, if so - the subject of a work within you.
2. Does your salvation rest wholly upon Christ?
3. How can I be saved?
Repent - turn, forsake, change mind. "Repentance toward god
Faith - trust, believe, surrender, willingness to obey

You must work out, cultivate, carry out to the goal and fully complete your salvation.

With fear and trembling - reverence and awe and trembling (self distrust)

With serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ.

Learn to be Content

2009-09-30T16:35:00.001-05:00

Learn to be Content
Philippians 4:10-13

by Estelle Nazary

The joy letter... Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter of Philippians.

I. Negative
1. We should never be content with our achievements. God always has something for us to do.
2. We should never be content with our level of education.
3. We should never be content with our Christian maturity. Life can never be what it ought to be without some sense of contentment.

II. Paul said he had learned to be content.
1. Realistic view of life. People expect more of themselves than they can produce. We need to know what our limitations are. We expect more of others than they can produce. All of us have feet of clay.
2. A proper order to life's priorities. There is more in life than we can possibly do. Determine most important things in life. Approve--to put to the test. Excellent--the very best. Use your life for the best things. Planned neglect...Determine to do the best things first - ex. Martha is always busy in New Testament - Luke 10.
3. We must practice the Lord's presence. (We are never alone. He will never leave me)
"In Christ"
I've found confidence, joy, peace, hope in Christ. We received strength in Christ. I felt God's presence. I heard God's voice. Jesus is right here. "Another comforter or counselor to be with you." Always - "Thou art with me"

Forgiveness

2009-09-29T19:56:00.001-05:00

Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21-35

by Estelle Nazary

Forgiveness is not easy. The Christian life is very difficult. It is not easy to forgive someone who has wronged us. It is hard to go to someone we have wronged. However, it is impossible to be right with God and not have our sins forgiven. It is impossible to be right with God be wrong with our fellow man.

Learning how to forgive!!!
There are 6 words in the Bible that mean forgive-
1. to send something away - "scapegoat"
2. to lift a burden
3. to cover or cleanse, to cancel
4. to blot out
5. to lift from my heart a heavy burden and send it away - I John 1:9 "to admit what God already knows" confess
6. grace - Ephesians 4:32 - to treat someone graciously as God in Christ has treated us. Christ is our example!

We are so unkind to one another!

I. The first thing involved in forgiveness is gracious treatment. Makes a great deal of difference. Our sins do make a great difference and it does matter.

II. Reconciliation - restoring a broken relationship. Sin digs a ditch. Sin separates. Isaiah 59
Joseph - ego - brothers hated him then the famine in Genesis 45 a reconciliation with his brothers. If there has not been a reconciliation there has not been complete forgiveness. Some people will not live at peace. God always forgives us when we ask Him.

III. Forgetfulness
God knows everything.
God will not hold sin against us when we as for forgiveness. We don't have a resurrection service for sins. We forgive and forget our sins when we confess.

Matthew 18:23-35
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 to us 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 Christ who gives me strength.

The Christian Race

2009-09-28T12:10:00.002-05:00

The Christian Race
Hebrews 12
Philippians 3:1-14

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Colonial Hills Church 1966, 1968;
Fellowship Baptist 1994

Introduction: The Christian life compared to:
Putting off old clothes and on new
Fighting the good fight of faith
Following Jesus
Walking in the Light
Running a Race

1. The Christian Race
-a new race
-a race in which there will be testing
-a race with challenging opportunities
-a race with adequate provisions: faith, God's help, encouragement, & interest, The Bible, Holy Spirit's power and wonderful Christian examples of yesterday and today.
-a race with many uncertainties ahead: wealth, health, friendships, honor, etc.
-a race with wonderful certainties such as: Jesus Christ - the same, Church - the gates of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1 - "For we know that if our earthly house"), Love, Hope, Faith.

Christian warfare - a certainty
Enemy is - the prince of the power of air
Press toward the mark
Run with persistence

II. The Christian race has much to offer.
1. It furnishes us with a beginning again.

I wish there was some wonderful place
In the land of beginning again
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches
And all our poor selfish grief
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door
and never be put on again

2. It furnishes safeguards that human hands cannot provide. We will have trials, conflicts, losses, and disappointments, but he can make all things work together for good.

3. The privilege of earning eternal rewards

III. Some incentives for running the race well
1. The purpose of God for me
2. The host of witnesses
3. The needs of men
4. The glory of God
5. The love of Christ constrains

IV. Some unnecessary things that need to be discarded.
1. weights
2. sins
3. lack of purpose
4. eyes off the world
5. "Those things behind"

V. How to run this race well - Hebrew 12
1. According to God's instructions
2. With eyes upon Jesus - 12:2
3. With patience - endurance - 12:1
4. With assurance of wonderful victory - 12:12

Who is on the Lord's Side?

2009-09-27T17:22:00.003-05:00

Who is on the Lord's Side?
Exodus 32:25-26

by Estelle Nazary

Who is on the Lord's side...Come unto Me...

I. Moses recognized that not everyone is on the Lord's side.
Not everyone here is on God's side -
tither, workers, worshippers
For him or against Him..
Pretend to be on God's side when they are really not -
Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter into the Kingdom of God.

II. Moses couldn't tell who is on the Lord's side and who is not
A Christian is to be different, and that difference is distinguishable.
Jesus requires us to live a life of holiness.
Live differently, have different attitudes and disposition as a Christian. Demonstrate by the way we live that we have been with Jesus.

III. Everyone of you should be - whoever is on the Lord's side, come to me...
1. Being on the Lord's side teaches us how to live. Medical profession can help a man to walk, but only God can teach a man to live.
2. God wants the best for each of us. God will not bless sin. He will bless us, if we confess sin.
3. Only by being on God's side can we meet Him someday. We will stand before Him and give account of our lives. There is nothing to hold on to, but Jesus. If you are not on the Lord's side, you will have nothing to hold on to when you die and through eternity.

Peace of God

2009-09-25T11:51:00.002-05:00

Peace of God
Philippians 4:1-11

Sermon by Jack Nazary at 16 different churches from 1984-2003

Imagine a life where there is never worry, never upset, never loses his cool, do not get intimidated, always rejoice and are happy, nothing goes wrong. It's possible! The Bible says so!!

"Keep" - to stabilize and keep it level - emotions and mind - to all be born again!

Conditions to be met - result in Peace of God

Read the Word, pray, witness, gives, attendance, love each other...

I. Consistency (4:1) - "Continue steadfast in apostles doctrine"
Vance Havner said, "Most of God's people are so subnormal that if they ever got normal, we think they are abnormal."

"Steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" I Corinthians 15:58 - More than conquerors

Roller Coaster lifestyle - devil and demons mess up our lives by getting us disobedient to the word of God.

II. Unity (4:2) Euodias, Syntyche
"Do good unto all men, especially unto those of household of faith"

III. Service (4:3) Go to work for God - use your spiritual gifts that have been given to you. Romans 10:17 - Faith cometh
God expects us to work, serve, and minister.
Let's get up and go to work as long as we have life!
All men are hungering for God - none that doeth good Romans 3:10-19. We are saved by good pleasure of God's will.

IV. Praise (4:4)
Do it whether you feel like it or not. God is not as interested in our sincerity as our obedience.
The steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord.

V. Moderation (4:5)
"The Lord is at hand"
Gentleness, goodness, kindness - what is your home like?

VI. Thanksgiving (4:6)
Difference in giving thanks and being thankful. In everything give thanks, then you'll get thankful.

II Corinthians 3:17 - "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty"

The Bliss of the Sufferer for Christ

2009-09-24T18:11:00.002-05:00

The Bliss of the Sufferer for Christ
Matthew 5:10-12

by Estelle Nazary

Jesus came not to make life easy, but to make men great.

I. First Christians had to suffer

1. Their Christianity might well disrupt their work.
A. Suppose a man was a stone mason. His firm received a contract to build a temple to one of the heathen gods. What was that man to do?
B. A Christian was a tailor who was asked to produce robes for heathen priests. What would he do?
c. There was hardly any job which a man might not find a conflict between his business interests and his loyalty to Jesus.
D. Tertullian answered a man with this problem, "What can I do? I must live?" "Must you?," asked Tertullian.
E. If it came to a choice between a loyalty and a living, the real Christian never hesitated to choose loyalty.

2. Their Christianity would certainly disrupt their social life.
A. Most feasts were held in the temple of some god. Could a Christian share in these?
B. Even an ordinary meal began with a cup of wine poured out in honor of the gods.
C. The Christian must cut himself off from his fellows rather than by his presence give approval to such a thing. A man had to be prepared to be lonely in order to be a Christian.

3. Worst of all, their Christianity was liable to disrupt their home life.
A. Often the door was shut for ever in the face of the one who had accepted Christ.
B. It was literally true that a man might have to love Christ more than he loved father or mother, wife, or brother or sister.
C. Christianity involved a choice between a man's nearest and dearest and Jesus Christ.

4. Penalties which a Christian had to suffer were terrible beyond description.
A. Christians were flung to the lions or burned at the stake.
B. Nero wrapped the Christians in pitch and set them on fire as living torches to light his gardens.
C. Nero sewed them in the skins of wild animals and set his hunting dogs upon them to tear them to death.
D. Eyes were torn out. Parts of their bodies were cut off and roasted before their eyes.

II. Why the Romans persecuted the Christians?

1. Certain slanders were spread about the Christians.
A. Christians were accused of cannibalism - The words of the Lord Supper "This is my body" "blood"
B. Christians were accused of immoral practices.
C. Christians were accused of being incendiaries.
D. Christians were accused of tampering with family relationships.

2. The great ground of persecution was political.
A. The worship of the Emperor was compulsory - This the Christian refused to do - Christ was Lord.
B. The only crime of the Christan was that he set Christ above Caesar; and for this loyalty they died by the thousands and faced torture.

III. The Bliss of the Blood Stained Way

1. To have to suffer persecution was an opportunity to show one's loyalty to Jesus Christ.

2. To have to suffer persecution is, as Jesus Himself said, the way to walk the same road as the prophets and the saints and the martyrs have walked.

3. To have to suffer persecution is to share in the great occasion.
A. When a man suffers for his Christianity that is always a crucial moment. It is a great occasion.
B. It is the clash between the world and Christ.

4. To suffer persecution is to make things easier for those who are to follow. We enjoy liberty and freedom because men were willing to shed blood, sweat, and tears.

5. No man ever suffers persecution alone. Christ will be nearer to him than at any time. This is closest possible companionship to Christ.
Illustration of Shadrach, Mashach, and Abed-nego who refused to move from their loyalty to God.

IV. Why is this persecution so inevitable?
1. It is inevitable because the church when it really is the Church is bound to be the conscience of the nation and the conscience of society.

2. Where there is good the church must praise; where there is evil the church must condemn, and inevitably men will try to silence the troublesome voice of conscience.

3. It is not the duty of the individual Christian to find fault, to criticize, to condemn, but it may well be that his every action is a silent condemnation of the unchristian lives of others and he will not escape their hatred.

4. Insult awaits the man who insists on Christian honor.

5. Mockery awaits the man who practices Christian love and Christian forgiveness

6. Christ still needs his witnesses.

7. Christ needs those who are prepared not so much to die for Him as to live for Him.

8. The Christian struggle and the Christian glory still exist.

Some Things I Remember about Brother Wood

2009-09-22T12:33:00.003-05:00

Some Things I Remember about Brother Wood
by Jack Nazary

(From Aunt Nell's book- "The Ups and Downs of our Lives" by Ora Rachel Gregg Wood and William Henry Wood)

Not long after Estelle and I met, I learned that she loved her dad very dearly. Then after I was around him, I learned something of his devotion to our Lord and his desire to serve and glorify Him. And I came to love, trust, and appreciate him, too!

Soon after (just days), I returned from overseas duty in the infantry at the close of World War II, I became convinced of God's call upon my life to preach His word. Estelle and I were in one of the rooms away from the family. She and I talked, shared, and prayed about God's calling me to the ministry. I asked her to get her dad to come and pray with us.

There, that night in the parsonage at Hephzibah Baptist Church, I came to know God's will concerning my life's work, and I have never doubted it since. God made His will so plain to me ant that conviction has stayed with me these fifty-one plus years.

After Estelle and I met at Clarke College and her dad learned of my sensing God's call into the ministry, he invited me to come and preach in one of his churches. I really did not know for sure that was what I should do, but I accepted the invitation to his church to preach on Sunday morning. Apparently, the church did not know that he was expecting me to speak, but when he went to the pulpit, among other things, he told the people what a great preacher I was going to be in the future.

Upon reaching the pulpit and reading some Scripture, I spoke - Yes - and what a message it was! I spoke for a least five or ten minutes and told a joke that fell flat. I wanted to run or fall through the floor.

I decided that day that I would never attempt to bring a message again until I knew for sure I had a call from God to preach His word. I stuck to that too!

Almost four years later, as mentioned, I became convinced and assured of His call. Brother Wood believed in me, encouraged me, and asked me to preach in both of his churches that week -- Hephzibah and Oakvale. I don't know what I preached about, but I did have the assurance that I'd been called and sent! I'm grateful to God that Brother Wood trusted me again (after I'd failed so miserably previously) and asked me to preach in both churches.

When I was called to pastor the Chapel Hill Baptist Church a few weeks later and was needing to be ordained, I asked Brother Wood to preach my ordination sermon. He graciously did the job and did it well!

Through the years until his death, we had a good fellowship together. Prior to his death, he asked if I would see that the arrangements for his funeral, which were made by him, were carried out. I assured him that I would. He had the place of burial, the preacher - Brother Compere, the songs to be sung - all written down and I followed his instructions.

Brother Wood was to help me in a revival at Calvary Baptist Church west of McComb, Mississippi, but was unable to come because of sickness. A few weeks later, God called him home.

Estelle grieved so very much upon his departure, but about two weeks after his death, she shared with me these words, "I miss him so very much, but I would not call him back if I could. He's out of his suffering and with the Lord. It would be selfish for me to want him back suffering as he did." Yes, he was at home with the Lord.

Brother Wood was a good man, a good husband and father, a lover of his wife and children, a committed Christian, a faithful servant of the Lord, and a loyal, devoted, endowed preacher of the Word.

Prescription for Blessedness

2009-09-19T17:23:00.006-05:00

Prescription for Blessedness
Matthew 5:3-10

by Estelle Nazary

The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These seemed basic rights to the Founding Fathers and surely without them we would be miserable.

Happiness is a sometime thing, here today and gone tomorrow. God offers us something far better - that includes all the good we could hope for in achieving happiness and infinitely more, a permanent joy that is not affected by the ups and downs of life - a condition called blessedness.

In Matthew 5:3-10, we have a prescription for blessedness from Jesus. We must first experience the new birth, regeneration, repentance and faith in redemptive work of Christ of the cross. When we have this experience and forgiveness of sins, we share this experience with others and are a blessed person. In order for this blessedness to reach its peak and become a unique experience we must fulfill certain conditions. Christ gives us 8 steps that we must climb in order to reach the summit of heavenly blessedness upon this earth. We must aim at growth, maturity, and a full expression of dormant qualities that lie within.

What the Lord is giving us here is guidance on how to grow to that mark He has set before us even though we cannot fully attain it down here.

Blessed - Here is the way to blessedness

The degree of our blessedness is determined by our meeting of the conditions laid down by Jesus here. They tell of the natural consequences of our attitudes as Christian in this life. Persian legend - certain king needed a faithful servant and had to choose between 2 fine men. They each had fixed wages and where to fill a basket of water from the well. He would inspect work in the evening. One decided it was useless and quit. Other worked all day until he drained the well. Looking down he saw something shiny - a beautiful diamond - "Now I see the use of pouring water in a basket. If the bucket had brought up the ring before the well was dry, it would have been in the basket. Our work was not useless - Remember when God's blessings does not coincide with your expectations wait until the well is dry. Think twice every time when you ask God to bless you. You are asking for his promises to be fulfilled in your life and they bring both sunshine and rain. Both are needed.

There are no accidents in our lives just providence and whatever touches us touches Him first.
--Great Christian injured in auto accident regained consciousness, nurse said don't talk you've been in a frightful accident. He said, "There are no accidents in the life of a Christian, just incidents of God's work within"

Theodore Roosevelt had 2 pair of glasses because he was near-sighted and he carried them in a heavy steel case. When he went to Milwaukee and was shot, the bullet was slowed by the case and his manuscript. He had always considered the case a burden to carry and here it saved his life.

We may need to thank God for some failure, loss, and sickness in our life. It may be more of a blessing than we realize. It may be that God is working within you instead of the devil working against you. To be blessed is to live in a dark world with the light of Christ within...

1. All Christians are to be like this:
Read Beatitudes and you will find description of what every Christian is meant to be. Jesus never intended that a chosen few should reach this height of the Christian life and the rest of us meant to live on the dull plains. We are all meant to exemplify everything contained in the Beatitudes.
2. All Christians are meant to manifest all of these characteristics. It is not that some would manifest one characteristic and some another...No, every Christian is meant to be all of them and to manifest all of them at the same time.
3. None of these descriptions refers to what we may call a natural tendency. Each is produced by grace alone and the operation of the Holy Spirit upon us. These are not natural tempers, but given to each by the Holy Spirit. We are born differently, some are born aggressive, others are quiet, some are alert and fiery, others are slow. We find ourselves as we are, but God's spirit can help us grow and develop each of these characteristics.
4. These descriptions indicate clearly the essential utter difference between the Christian and the non-Christians. The difference between the two has become blurred, the world has come into the church and the church has become worldly. The line is not as distinct as it was. Our ambition should be to be like Christ, the more like Him the better, and the more like Him we become the more we shall be unlike everybody who is not a Christian. Find out what each of us is seeking and what we really want and it will tell where we stand with God. We must be consistent.
5. The Christians and the non-Christians belong to two entirely different realms. 1st and last Beatitude promise the same reward, "for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven," Our Lord starts and ends with it because we must realize we belong to a different kingdom.

Do we belong to the kingdom? Are we ruled by Christ? Is He our King and our Lord? Are we manifesting these qualities in our daily lives?

Verse 3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
This is key to all that follows, definite order in the Beatitudes. There is a spiritual logical sequence here. This one must come at the beginning for good reason that there is no entry into the Kingdom of heaven apart from it - There is no one in the Kingdom of God who is not poor in spirit. It is fundamental characteristic of Christian and all others are a result of this one. This one is an emptying, while the others are a manifestation of a fullness. We cannot be filled until we are first empty. Conviction always precedes conversion.

Poor in spirit does not mean nervous, retiring, weak, or lacking in courage. It's not those who stand in the background. I am a nobody, I don't count - not one who makes great sacrifice, nor retires out of life and its difficulties and responsibilities.

Look at the life of the Lord Jesus. He became a man. He was God, but he decided while on earth to live as a man though He was still God. He said, "I can do nothing of myself." I am utterly dependent upon the Father. Look at his prayer life. It is as you watch Him praying and realize hours he spent in prayer and you see his poverty of spirit and his reliance upon God. That is what is meant by poor in spirit. It means a complete absence of pride, a complete absence of self-assurance and of self-reliance. It means a consciousness that we are nothing in the presence of God. It is nothing that we can produce, it is nothing that we can do in ourselves. We look to God in utter submission to Him and in utter dependence upon Him and his grace and mercy. To experience what Isaiah did "Woe is me. I am a man of unclean lips."

The way to become poor in spirit is to look at God. Look at Jesus and his book. "Lord increase our faith" as the apostles prayed. You cannot truly look at Him without feeling your absolute poverty and emptiness.

Learn How to Live!!

2009-09-18T12:14:00.002-05:00

Learn How to Live!!
Luke 11:1-13

by Estelle Nazary

Learn how to pray!
Jesus is our authority!

We need to learn how to pray-
Pray with me!
Pray for me!
Jesus intends for us to pray..

Four E's

I. Example of prayer
Disciples were impressed by Jesus' prayer life. they discovered Jesus in position and posture of prayer.
1. Jesus is our example in conduct
2. Jesus is our example in circumstances of life. He prayer life was normal and relaxed.
3. Jesus is our example in confidence. He knew God would answer his prayers. "I thank you, Father, that you have already heard me." Jesus prayed at Lazarus death.

II. The essentials of prayer life
Jesus gave us the model prayer.
1. Reverence - "Our Father, hallowed be thy name." Isaiah - temple - Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts. Know who you are talking to!!!
2. Express concerns
"Thy Kingdom come" - Rule of God in our hearts
3. Expression of needs
Body - daily bread
Spirit - forgive our sins
God is concerned about us and our needs. - Philippians 4:6-7, 19

III. Earnestness of prayer
Man on outside knocking - Importunity - Keep on asking.

IV. Expectations of prayer
Ask, Knock, seek... God is good and He will answer prayers.

15 Steps to Financial Freedom

2009-09-16T14:44:00.003-05:00

15 Steps to Financial Freedom
Sermon by Jack Nazary

Introduction: More about finances in the Bible than any other subject because of the connection between heart and treasure. (Matthew 6:21)

I. Transfer ownership to God (Rights vs. Responsibilities)
1. "no place to lay your head" I Corinthians 6:19-20

II. Tithe as a reminder with offerings above
1. To God - Malachi 3:10 (Tithe...Prove me..Windows...Blessing...Devourer)
2. To Saints - Romans 12:13 (Distributing to necessity of the Saints)
3. To Poor - Proverbs 19:17 (Giveth...Lendeth...Given...He will Repay)
4. Result will be - Luke 6:38 (Give...Given)

III. Make life goal to present Jesus and gear expenditures to that end. Matthew 6:33

IV. With above (Glory of God) in mind, control spending with 3 considerations:
1. Sales resistance (Proverbs 20:14)
2. Shopping (Proverbs 31:16)
3. Prompt Payment (Proverbs 3:28)

V. Give God a chance to provide it before you buy it
1. To demonstrate His power (II Chronicles 16:9) in providing it.
2. To allow God to answer prayer (Philippians 4:6)
3. To confirm direction (Philippians 4:19)

VI. Avoid tempting God (Matthew 4:6-7)

VII. Get out of debt (Romans 13:8 "owe no man anything but to love..." Proverbs 22:7 - "The borrower is servant to the lender") Debt: liabilities exceed assets condition
1. list expenditures in priority
2. discontinue all "not necessary"
3. sell depreciating items owed on
4. begin buying on a cash basis
5. eliminate credit cards
6. consider additional work

VIII. Never borrow on depreciating items (home not included)
1. presumes on future (James 4:13, 17)
2. places in bondage to man (Proverbs 22:7)
3. produces pressure (I Timothy 5:8)
4. limits God in providing (II Corinthians 9:8-11)
5. limits God in withholding (Isaiah 55:8-9)

IX. Never co-sign a note (Proverbs 6:1-5, 11:15, 17:18, 20:16, 27:13, 22:26)
1. Pray - give what God allows - no loan - no co-signing

X. Never loan for non-essentials, but give to basic needs. Proverbs 19:19
Romans 12:31 - distribute to necessity to saints

XI. Develop sales resistance - get the best buy. Proverbs 20:14

XII. Develop skills for home maintenance

XIII. Determine God's reasons for lack of funds

XIV. Discern needs and wants - I Timothy 6:6-10

XV. Prepare for financial breathing - Philippians 4:12 "Know how to abound and suffer need"
Prearranged schedule of priorities

XVI. Be sensitive to God's direction in giving.
a. Is organization communicating a message true to Scripture?
b. Are people responding positively to its message?
c. Are the lives of leadership illustrations of its message?
d. Is organization reproducing itself?
e. Is there a standard of excellence along with freedom of waste?

What it means to be financially free!!!

Financial freedom is:
1. Realizing that true prosperity comes from God. (Deuteronomy 8:18)
2. Committing ourselves to God's purposes for money. (Matthew 6:30)
3. Recognizing and rejecting false financial concepts. (I Corinthians 7:22) Concept - "Be your own boss"
4. Responding to God's reproofs for wrong financial decisions (Haggai 1:9) (Riches with sorrow or the devouring of our assets)
5. Choosing to serve God rather than money (Matthew 6:24) "No man can serve"
6. Giving God's tithes and offerings (Proverbs 3:9-10)
7. Keeping out of debt (Proverbs 27:1) "Boost not thyself of tomorrow"
8. Learning how to abound and to suffer need (Philippians 4:12)
9. Having sales resistance (I John 2:16)
10. Recognizing and rejecting swindlers (Proverbs 2:12, 16)
11. Keeping accurate and useful records (I Corinthians 4:2)
12. Getting the best buy (I Timothy 6:6)
13. Refusing to lend or co-sign (Proverbs 6:1-3)
14. Developing full potential of home (Proverbs 31:10) Early Education, medical recovery, care of elderly family members, partial production of food and clothing...The key - a wise, Godly, and virtuous woman.
15. Choosing a good name rather than great riches (Malachi 31:10) When Israel experience famine King David discovered and removed it - I Samuel 21
16. Knowing how to receive funds through prayer (II Chronicles 7:13-14; Ephesians 3:20)
17. Having the courage to avoid partnerships (Daniel 1:8) Purposed to do right
18. Detecting and conquering slothfulness (II Thess. 3:10; Genesis 3:17-19) Work for life of ease Luke 12:19 - "Take thine ease, eat drink and be merry)
19. Listening to the cautions of your wife (Proverbs 1:5)
20. Knowing how to pass on an inheritance (Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 20:21)

Boy, if this does not get you to thinking. I believe my Granddaddy lived this out in his own life. Of course, we all made fun of him for being so "tight". I feel he was only trying to follow God's word on finances. He thankfully taught me a few things about being a good steward. I am not quite as bad as he was about spending money, but I can now happily proclaim by the grace of God I am debt free. I learned from the best who learned from the ultimate best - the good Lord!

Organs of the Body Used to Dishonor God

2009-09-14T20:17:00.002-05:00

Organs of the Body Used to Dishonor God
Romans 3:1-23
by W. H. Wood

Prepared in his study at the Hepzibah Baptist Church on June 14, 1946

I. The throat is a place to gather and hold filth and unholy things.

II. The tongue of the unsaved person is used to speak things that are fraud and untrue.
1. The slanderer injures himself. "The tongue defiles the whole body"
2. Slander is uncontrollable. "The tongue can no man tame." It "sets on fire the wheel of birth;" that wheel "which catches fire as it goes, and burns with a fiercer conflagration as its own speed increases, you may tame the wild beast; but you can not arrest the progress of that cruel word which you utter carelessly; that will go on slaying, poisoning, burning, beyond your own control, now and forever.
3. Slander is unnatural. "These things ought not so to be." It is a contradiction to nature, as much as for a fig tree to bear olives, or for a fountain to produce both fresh and salt water.
4. Slander is diabolical - outrageously wicked in character. "The tongue is set on fire of hell." The very name of Satan is "the slanderer".

III. Poison is gathered under the lips of some so called Christians.

IV. The mouth is filled with cursing and bitterness.

V. The feet are used to dishonor God.

VI. Such people do not know the way of peace in God.

Worry

2009-09-13T16:20:00.003-05:00

Worry
by Cindy Jones

I have a disease commonly known as being a certifiable worry wort. I can't stop it seems. I try, but the key word in that statement is "I". I can't stop by myself. After reading grandmother's devotional on worry, it really got me to thinking about exactly what the bible says well commands about worry. Simply put - Don't do it - Do not worry. It doesn't say it is okay sometimes just when you feel like it or you just can't help it - I mean really what else can you do sometimes if you don't have anything to worry about just think you might actually have peace. I suffer from the worst type. I have long since crossed the line between concern and worry. My imagination is a deep pit full of anxieties of the unknown, unsaid, and unbelievable. I have the uncanny ability to worry myself to death. I say all that to say this - I am slowly being cured of this pretentious disease. I have to constantly repeat it all day every day, but it is finally sinking in my very heart. Do not worry! Do not worry! I think all this means is I am not capable of handling anything apart from Jesus. I need him and he can take it all. He wants to, but I am stubborn and try desperately in my mind not to bother him. But...He says Do not worry and that should be enough for me. Which brings me to my next thought about the whole chapter in Matthew 6. Birds..."Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" Matthew 6:26. To continue he adds - "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" I think when we worry we actually decrease our hours because our bodies were not designed or equipped to handle the misery we constantly put on them by worry and stress. God designed us to rely on Him! We can't possible handle life without Him!

Today, we went to the Hummingbird migration festival at Strawberry Plains in Holly Springs. It was extremely cool. In fact, we watched them get banded and Olivia actually held one in her hand. It was so neat to watch this small, fragile creature rest for what seemed like minutes in her hand before embracing his freedom. It made me think of how all of God's creatures are so intertwined. And how God provides for us all... Even this precious bird whose heart was beating roughly 250 beats a minute as he laid so peacefully for those moments in her hand. But even minutes after he flew away, she could still feel his heartbeat in her hand. Amazing stuff! God has us in his hands if we just allow ourselves to rest peacefully before we fly off into the unknown world that awaits us. We are so quick to fly away. He doesn't want us to fly away but stay safely in his hands - in his arms where He takes our worries and burdens and we can truly rest knowing that He is with us always. He can feel our heartbeat in his hands forever because we have left it there with Him. We are no longer in control if we would just surrender ourselves - our hearts - our lives to His hands!

Worry - How not to Worry

2009-09-10T20:39:00.002-05:00

Worry - How Not To Worry
Matthew 6:25-34

by Estelle Nazary

O ye men and women of little faith!

Jesus always used examples...
Jesus goes from lesser to greater...

15 tons of aspirin are taken by Americans every day. Worry - what to wear, eat, do, worry because they are not married, others worry because they are married, etc.

I. Definition of Worry---
What is worry?
1. Worry is not the act of taking life seriously.
There is nothing about life that is unimportant.
2. Worry is not the act of considering the future.
Thinking ahead proves you have one.
3. Worry is not the act of being upset or disturbed.

Jesus said "Do not be anxious"
Anxious means to be filled with care. Being concerned means we are taking action. Worry renders us powerless! Men worry about things of the world - the downward pull of the world.

II. Declarations about worry
1. Worry is foolish
2. Worry usually has no foundation.
3. Worry never solves anything.
4. It is sin because it hurts - It will give you ulcers, heart attack, nervous system problems, etc. It will shorten life. - verse 27 - cubit is 18 inches.
5. It will not undo the past.

Worry is characteristic of lost people.

III. Defeat of worry
A child does not worry - knows mom and dad will take care of his/her needs.
1. We must re-direct our thinking. Philippians 4 - Paul said whatsoever is true, pure, good, etc. think of these things!
2. Live well in the present (TODAY) This is the day God has given us, use it well - Ephesians.
3. We must exercise the privilege of prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 - Worry about nothing, Pray about everything, Thank God for anything = PEACE.

Worry cannot live in a close and rarefied position with the Lord.

Matthew verse 6:33 - Seek first the Kingdom of God!!!!!!

Stewardship Lesson

2009-09-09T12:37:00.003-05:00

Stewardship Lesson
by Estelle Nazary

I. Basic Stewardship Principles
A. God is the Creator, owner, and sustainer of the Universe as well as the giver of all things. He gives life, time, abilities, wisdom, possessions, and opportunities. Genesis 1:1; Nehemiah 9:6; I Chronicles 29:14; Colossians 1:16.

B. Man is God's special creation. Genesis 1:26

C. We (Christians) belong to God by creation (Gen. 1:1), by redemption (I Peter 1:23), and by preservation (I Peter 1:5); John 10:27-30.

D. All that we have has been entrusted to us by God - I Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17. We must give an account of our Stewardship to God. Colossians 3:23-24; I Peter 4:10; Romans 14:12.
1. How we earn it
2. How we spend it
3. How we save it
4. How we give it

II. Some good stewards and some poor stewards
Good -
Zacchaeus - Luke 19:8-9
The Early Christians - Acts 4:32-35; Acts 2:43-46
Barnabas - Acts 4:36

Poor -
Ananias and Sapphira - Acts 5:1
Rich Farmer - Luke 12:16-20
Rich Young Ruler - Mark 10:17-22

III. Bible teaching about Tithe
1. Leviticus 27:30-31
2. Deuteronomy 14:22-23
3. Numbers 18:20-30
4. Matthew 23:23
5. Luke 11:42
6. Malachi 3:8-10

IV. Blessings of Tithing
1. The approval of conscience
2. Setting a good example
3. A worthy sharing in God's work through his church
4. Helping to win a lost world to Christ
5. Laying up treasures in heaven
6. Putting first things first
7. A partnership with God
8. Hearing His welcome and approval at last. "Prove me"

V. Motives for Giving
The love motive - John 14:15; II John 6
The fear motive - Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 16:6; Numbers 32:23
The blessing motive - Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38
The duty motive - Luke 17:10
The "prove your love motive" - II Corinthians 8:8
The "will of God motive" - II Corinthians 8:5
The "abounding in the Grace of giving motive" - II Corinthians 9:6
The "bountiful reaping motive" - II Corinthians 9:6
The "glorify God" motive - II Corinthians 9:13
The "example of others" motive - II Corinthians 8:8
The "Thanksgiving unto God" motive - II Corinthians 9:12
The "Need" motive - II Corinthians 8:4

VI. Quality of giving
Joyful - II Corinthians 8:2
Willing - II Corinthians 8:12
Purposeful - II Corinthians 9:7
Enthusiastic - II Corinthians 9:7
Sincere - II Corinthians 8:8
Sacrificial - II Corinthians 8:3

VII. Method of giving
Periodic - I Corinthians 16:2
Personal - I Corinthians 16:2
Provident - I Corinthians 16:2
Proportionate - I Corinthians 16:2

Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord. Malachi 3:10

The CTC Bible Club

2009-09-09T12:16:00.002-05:00

The CTC Bible Club
by Cindy Jones

In this negative, seemingly hopeless world, something miraculous has happened at my school. It is so easy to believe all the things you hear about all the bad in the world. However, not everything is bad in my world. Of course, I work in a public school as a counselor and frankly hear daily sad hopeless stories. It would be easy to focus entirely on the negative of this world until something reminds you that God is still ever present in this world. That he still is calling us to Him.

I guess this all started about a month ago when a student from Independence expressed her disappointment that she had to miss Bible Club at her school to come to the Career Tech Center. She said her grandmother told her she should start one at the center. She was telling me this almost jokingly when I said why not?! She said, "I could!" And that was just the beginning... The CTC Bible club is now in the 3rd week and we have already had to move into a bigger room with over 50 students showing up each week to fellowship together and learn more about Jesus. I am sure some just come to miss a few minutes of class or eat the homemade brownies, but they are there. Hearing the word of God! I did forget to mention that these are students from all the 4 high schools in the county. Our slogan at the center is "Bringing Students Together" - I think we have truly met that expectation. What a blessing it is to be a part of such a diverse group of young people who have so many issues, heartaches, etc., but come together each Wednesday to hear the Word!

Pretty cool that her grandmother suggested she start a Bible Club! Aren't grandparents the absolute best?!!!

Midnight Alarm

2009-09-08T12:15:00.001-05:00

Midnight Alarm
Matthew 25:6-13

Sermon by Jack Nazary
Apparently one of his favorites:
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Elkin, NC - 1983
Calvary Baptist Corinth, MS - 1984
Biggersville - 1984
West Jackson Baptist - 1987
Midway Baptist - 1992
West Carthage Baptist Mission - 1995
West Carthage Baptist Church - 1997
Ebenezer Baptist Church - 2005

Introduction: Engagement, Betrothal, and marriage (meaning of oil - Holy Spirit; works, faith) need to be:
1. Spiritually alert, ready...
2. Some things you cannot borrow:
a. knowledge
b. skills
c. repentance
d. faith
e. salvation
f. character
3. Confrontation with God (Matthew 25:34-40) You may meet God today - Suddenly!

I. Not all persons are saved who may think they are (Matthew 7:21-23)
Example - Luke 6:46-49

II. Not all persons are saved who my want to be - Virgins - verse 11

III. Not all persons are saved who may ask to be. - Lord, Lord - open to us, but the door shut - verse 10-12

IV. More to be lost than saved. Matthew 7:13-14

V. No one saved after death (Luke 16:19-24) This could be your last chance to be saved!

VI. Those not ready will be shut out.

VII. Those who are ready will enter in with HIM. "they that are ready went in with Him to the marriage" Matthew 25:10

Conclusion:
2 Corinthians 5:21 - "For he hath made him to be sin for us"

3 Fold Message of Bible about Burdens

2009-09-06T13:23:00.003-05:00

3 Fold Message of Bible about Burdens
by Estelle Nazary

People everywhere have burdens. Come sooner or later to us all!
Sometimes to be seen and known of all - sometimes to be borne which outside world knows nothing about! You are sitting beside someone who is bearing burden which you have never dreamed -weighty! The Bible teaches us lessons of patience, restraint, tolerance, charitableness, love, careful of our words, actions, and attitudes.

3 Things about Burdens

1. Every man shall bear his own burden. Galatians 6:5
2. Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
3. Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee. - Psalm 55:22

Whole story in the Bible...
1. Burdens are non-transferable
Born alone - die alone
Between cradle and grave much of life is alone. Duty is personal. Responsibility is personal. Repentance is personal. Sin is personal. Faith is personal. Salvation and judgement is personal. Each must give account of himself - No one can take your place. Obedience is personal. Christ sees the individual - the one - We must never loose ourselves in the crowd.
Jonathan Edwards: "Resolve that every man should live at this best always and everywhere for God and resolve whether anybody else does it, I will."
Behavior is personal.

2. Many burdens are social - Bear ye one another's burdens. Galatians 6:2
Paul saw a life out of its proper place - limb out of joint - don't restore it harshly - do it gently - spirit of meekness. Tomorrow you may have the burden...
* Sympathy for sorrowing
* Weighty burdens
* Heavy responsibility
Help lighten the burden by good cheer, sympathy, love, prayer, reinforcement...Help people in 2 ways:
a. live right ourselves - one good person with right attitude (spirit) all the time, everywhere can change a community or group in time.
b. make it a point to constantly encourage people. No person has a right to discourage others. Encourage - there's a way out of this burden - there's a way up the hill - Come on and let's go together - Speak like that all the time. Barnabas - son of consolation.

3. Cast thy burden upon the Lord. Psalm 55:22
I want to run away from it all. Where will you go? If you do go, you still have to live with yourself - memory, conscience, discord, troubles, burden, pressure... You can't run away from burdens. We must face them full fledged - straight forward.
Still small voice of God saying you don't have to face this by yourself. Take God into your plan! God is alive and He loves! He lives! Cast thy burden upon the Lord.
Personal burden which is heaviest of all - domestic burdens which is heart-breaking. Financial burdens, mental anguish, emotional illness, disconcerted plans, broken promises, disappointment in people, children, family members, and spouse, ill health - yourself or one dearer to us than life...Bring them to the Lord and He shall sustain thee!

How? One of 2 ways:
Either one will do..He may take it away. He may make you well or your loved one well. He may lift you out of the trouble. He may take it away. He may not - Then what?
"I will sustain you" - I'll help you through it! I'll take the bigger end of the load! I'll take all the load that is not best for you to take! He will overrule, sustain, and help!

Paul's thorn in flesh - messenger of Satan to buffet me - 3 times he prayed - No! I'm going to leave it, sanctify that experience. It will make a bigger man of you, better, wiser man, more sympathizing man.

He will take it away or He will sustain you to make you better, greater, more useful. Sanctify it to help you so you can help others! Whatever comes, God's will be done and in that moment peace is won!

One set of footprints.. God carried you through the troubles! Safe in the arms of Jesus..

Reflection:
1. Where is God? What would be your answer?
2. Why do people (especially Christians) suffer?
3. In what way and to what degree is God responsible for suffering?
4. If sin is the cause of suffering, Whose sin is it - the sin of the sufferer or of someone else? John 9:3; Romans 3:10, 23
5. Should we expect God to shield or protect us in some miraculous way from suffering or sorrow? Can we pray this without praying it for others? Can we become selfish in our praying?
6. Does God ever prevent or relieve suffering in some miraculous way?
7. What should we let God do for us and through us because of our suffering?
8. When a burden comes and a person is bitter, how can you overcome this bitterness? How can you give love? How can you give yourself?

Burdens or suffering will make us better or bitter. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, and shouts in our pain.

Forgiveness

2009-09-03T12:22:00.005-05:00

Forgiveness

Matthew 18:21-31

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Midway Baptist 1991

Proverbs 23:7 - "For as he thinketh in his heart so is he!"

You are not what you think you are; but what you think, you are! "Let this mind be in you" Philippians 2:5

Perhaps more than any other passage in the New Testament - this story in Matthew 18 sets forth clearly, unmistakeably and concisely the law of forgiveness on your part and mine.

Let's look at the story....

Should you not have had pity, compassion, and mercy? Should you not have forgiven him just like I forgave you? There Jesus put the clincher on the whole thing. That is what my heavenly father is going to do for you! Notice verse 31

That is an amazing story! The bottom line is: If you and I are not willing to forgive those who have wronged us, God will not forgive us!

The ugliest sight on earth is a Christian full of animosity and bitterness toward a fellow christian. It is a soul-destroying practice to have an unforgiving attitude! The Worst!

I'm convinced that one of the first things to show up at the judgement seat of Christ is that ugly unforgiving spirit.

I. Forgiveness is the basic principle upon which the Christian faith is founded.
Two distinguishing marks of a Christian are "giving and forgiving". In the garden of Eden when sin entered the human race immediately God offered a plan for man's redemption. It is based on forgiveness! He promised to send His son to die on a cross and all who believe in Him will be forgiven. So Jesus came, lived, died and offered forgiveness to every man. To reconcile, or reconciliation is mentioned several times in the scripture. Usually it means two people at odds moving simultaneously together coming for forgiveness - coming together. In II Corinthians 5:18-19, this context and in these verses it is different. Here you and I are - sinful, stubborn, rebellious, antagonist, full of iniquity and shame, at odds with and at a distance from God. Here God in the person of His son came to reconcile. We did not reach up to God. It was not two parties moving simultaneously toward coming together. It was God moving toward man reconciling us to himself. So God has forgiven our sins. God loved..so God forgave. From the cross, our Lord cried out, "Father forgive them" To repeat, forgiveness is the basic principle upon which the Christian faith is built.

II. The second thing about forgiveness: Forgiveness must be in accord with biblical principles
3 questions to be answered:

1. What should I forgive?
If someone - knocks me down, spits in my face, accuses me of being illegitimate, pulls out my beard, curses me, hits me in the face, lied about me, criticizes me....
What did they do to Jesus? Jesus on the cross prayed "Father forgive". Now if someone has hated you, lied about you, cheated you, you can and you should forgive him! Forgiveness must be carried out according to biblical guidelines.

2. How often should I forgive?
Read Luke 17:34, Look at the text in Matthew 18:21 - Seven - 7th - divine computation - seven spirits of God in Revelation, seven eyes, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven churches... Until 70x7 - 490 times. Am I to take that number literally?! 487,488,489, just one more time 490 and I can sock him on the nose! May I say, if you are counting, you are not forgiving. 70x7 is an indefinite number of times - on and on.. We are to forgive. If you and I are not willing to continue unending, unceasingly to forgive those who have wronged us, we should not expect to be forgiven.

3. Who is to take the initiative in forgiveness? When the injury began on his part, the forgiveness begins on ours. One person - you are to initiate the reconciliation = That is what God did! II Corinthians 5:19 What better example to follow! To err is human, to forgive divine! Ephesians 4:32 - and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you!
Example - Revival meeting
2 men nearing the end of the 2nd week, no lost saved, no Christians moved. 2 men at odds - come to hear word every night, sat on opposite sides of building, they go to the same church, sang same songs, worshipped in the same place - so mad they would not speak! 2nd night before revival was over, go things fixed, a revival came because two stubborn, hard-headed, backslidden, Christians decided they were no longer going to act like the devil, but start acting like Christ and learn to forgive.

Why no revival? It may be because you have a deep seated, hatred, bitterness or unforgiving spirit toward somebody. God can't and won't bless a situation like that! Until we can shake hands, smile and say I love you, I forgive you. We will hinder the blessings of God. Forgiveness must be carried out along biblical guidelines.

III. Serious consequences
The heart of the whole matter is a failure to forgive results in serious consequences.
a. you cannot have a good sound, healthy body if you have resentments, hatreds and grudges in your heart.
b. you cannot have the freedom to face the people against whom you have grudge.
- see a person - blood boils, your temper flares, crosses street to keep from meeting and speaking to him!
- attend funeral of person you have said unkind things about or mistreated pains of conscience keep on gnawing with every word.
- Two boys, hospital room = John and Bill = to nurse - that Bill is a meany. I will never forgive him as long as I live. Nurse said, "John, it's not right for you to feel that way, suppose you die in the night, you would be sorry you never forgave Bill." For a few moments John thought about it very seriously then said, "well, all right, if I die in the night, I'll forgive him, but if I don't die, Bill had better watch out in the morning!"

Strange how religious some get on their death beds - must forgive while you are living! A forgiving Christian never need to feel two-faced - when meeting anyone anywhere.. Bury the hatchet - SHUT YOUR MOUTH!

a. Matthew 5:23-24 - No freedom to worship until we are willing to forgive!
b. Mark 11:25-26 - No freedom to pray if you're not willing to forgive!
I Peter 3:7 - Husbands, wives
c. Matthew 6:14-15 - No freedom to ask God to forgive you - Luke 6:37 - If you do not forgive, God will not!

4 steps - a spiritual exercise
1. Pretend there is no one here but you
2. Clear your mind of all thoughts; just put your brain in neutral
3. Take 60 seconds to think if you know of any person anywhere toward whom you have any animosity, ill feelings because of wrongs
4. Resolve this moment that you are going to make things right with that person as soon as possible.

If you are not willing to do that, you are worse off for having heard this message today!

Powerful Lives

2009-09-02T17:44:00.003-05:00

Powerful Lives
by Estelle Nazary

There was once a sculptor who had a piece of marble. As he examined this marble he saw only flaws. He felt that he could not use it, so he tossed it aside. For many months it lay beside the road gathering dust. One day Michelangelo came along and saw this piece of marble. As he examined it, he did not see the flaws but the great beauty of it. He took it home and after four long, hard years of labor, he came out with a masterpiece, a statue of David. It was truly a masterpiece.

Jesus is seeking to make a masterpiece of each of our lives. He has the power available for us. He said in Matthew 28:18b, "all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." His great power is available for our lives as we yield ourselves to Him.

Often times we are prone to say, "There is nothing I can do. I have no special talent." But there are three areas of our lives, in which each of us may excel, if we allow the power of God to flow through us.

First, there is prayer power. Prayer power. You cannot do more than pray until you have prayed; you can do more than pray after you have prayed. Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance; prayer is taking hold of God's eager willingness. Prayer is winning the victory over the devil; service is gathering up the results of that victory after you have already won it.

Walking along the road, chopping a typewriter, working in the kitchen, doing anything that comes into the regular round of the day affords moments when we can commune with God and talk to him without speaking words. This is the type of prayer the Bible refers to when we are enjoined to "pray without ceasing". It is understanding God, enjoying his presence, sharing his love, feeling close to him, and being aware of his will.

Each of us can have this power flow through our lives if we are willing to pay the price.

Second, there is tongue power. You have a wonderful opportunity of meeting dozens of people in one day, many who are discouraged, depressed, lonely, or even sick, and only a cheerful word from you may give them a lift. I remember on one occasion, I went to the Poindexter Branch, feeling very despondent because the doctor had just told us our little daughter could not live. There was no hope for her. It was of necessity that I went to the bank that morning for I certainly did not feel like seeing anyone. The young lady at the window was so pleasant, cheerful, with such a lovely voice, it lifted my spirits. I went back home to Brenda with my heart a little lighter because of her happy spirit. Many are the opportunities we have of using this tongue power for our Lord.

Third, there is example power. Paul said on one occasion, "Be thou an example". If only our lives could be examples of Christian living, how marvelous would be our testimony for our Lord. Jesus is our example and we must pattern our lives from his, in love, in word, in action - It's difficult at times to be an example in every phase of our lives, but Jesus said his power is available for us.

The decision is ours, if our lives shall be powerful or not. Once there lived an old man who was supposed to be the wisest man who ever lived. People everywhere came to ask the old man questions and he could answer them every one. Once there were two little boys who decided they were going to stump the old man. They would ask him a question he could not possibly answer. They were in the garden plotting and planning what they would ask him when on little boy ran and caught a bird. He said, "now we'll go to the old man and I'll say, Old man, what do I have in my hand. And he'll say, a bird. I'll then say, is he dead or alive? If he says its alive, I'll squeeze it tight until its dead. If he says it's dead, I'll open my hand and it will fly away. Then we'll have the old man. He can't possibly answer this question. They went to the old man knowing he couldn't possibly answer their question. The little boy said, "Old man, what do I have in my hand?. The old man replied, "A bird". The little boy asked, "Is he dead or alive?" The old man looked into the face of each little boy before he replied. - Then he said, "As you will my son."

Even so, as you will, so can your life be. It can be powerful if you're willing to let the power of Christ flow through your life. May power of our Christ flow through your life to each person you meet.

Make Peace with God

2009-09-01T15:55:00.002-05:00

Make Peace with God
by Estelle Nazary

To Make peace with God:
1st step - Stop fighting God! Christ said, "My peace I give unto you." Just give up to God!

2nd step - Surrender to God. Stop being offensive. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God"

3rd step - Serve Him

These steps will be motivated by Faith and mingled with love.

We are made partakers of the fruit of the Spirit - To all who surrender to Him and serve Him, He gives the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Peace.

Then we can become peace makers - From God to others - From God to you - From you to others is a channel of peace.

2 deacons at an old line fence - One deacon can't read because he doesn't have his glasses. The other deacon says "Take mine". Through tears as he handed back the glasses - "Jim, that old line fence looks different through your glasses."
When we have the peace of God, we can see things through other fellows glasses and by doing that we can make peace. To be a peacemaker, you must know the Peace Giver.

What do you think?

2009-08-30T17:37:00.002-05:00

What do you think?
(About your thinking)

by Estelle Nazary

This could be a never-ending subject.

While we're awake, we usually are thinking most of the time, about something. Let's think for a few minutes about:
What we think
How we think
Why we think the way we do

I've been studying this subject for several weeks and have discovered there's considerably more than I realized in God's word dealing with our thinking.

Let's start with, Proverbs 23:7 (As we think in our heart, so we are). This brings up some hard questions:
Who am I?
Why am I the way I am?
It must have to do with the way I think!!!

Do you like who/what you are? Are there some things/areas that could use some improvement? I'm sure we can all think of some.

How we think affects our whole outlook/approach to life. Most everything we say/do begins with how we think. So, if we're wrong in the way we think about something, odds are, we'll be wrong when we say/do that thing. Someone has called this, "Stinkin Thinkin"

Well, it's clear we need to change our thinking if we hope to change our actions. We must have some standards/guidelines that we can use. Guess what? God has already provided some for us. Using our own standards gets us in trouble. We may think something is right and be very sincere about it, but we can be sincerely wrong! I'm certain we've all had experience with this.

How ever we think about things, let's measure them by God's word. That is the only true/certain standard for us to use. We tend to see things from our own perspective/viewpoint. ARE WE WILLING TO LET GOD CHANGE OUR THINKING WHEN IT'S NOT IN LINE WITH HIS??

Just think, if we had not changed how we thought about ourselves when we were in a lost condition, we would still be in that condition!
Do you look for what's right?
Do you look for what's wrong?
Are you an optimist or pessimist?

How does God want us to think about ourselves?? By the way, that's what many think about the most. Do you agree? Let's look at some examples:
Matthew 6:31-34 - Worry (one of our biggest areas of bad thinking)
Proverbs 6:17-18 - wrong thinking
Proverbs 3:5, 7; 14:12 - don't depend on our thinking
Romans 12:2-3 - new way to think, soberly, seriously
I Corinthians 10:12 - cautiously
Galatians 6:3-5 - humbly
James 1:26 - foolishly
Colossians 3:1-2 - things above
Philippians 4:8 - pure things

Paul said, "when I would do good, evil is present with me". (Think right) Romans 7:21
Satan roams about looking to devour us. If he gets us to thinking wrong, we're beat already. (I Peter 5:8)

Lord, teach us to think more like you, to see things through our spiritual eyes, so we'll see from your point of view and become more what you want us to be.

Christian Living

2009-08-28T12:19:00.002-05:00

Christian Living

"To me to live is Christ"

Matthew 5:8, 48 and Philippians 1:21

Sermon by Jack Nazary

1. Christian living is Christ living in you. "In Christ", belonging to him, behaving in mind, and deed like him.

2. The Christian life is life in the Spirit

a. The Spirit produces the new being in Christ - Titus 3:5; Romans 7:6

b. Makes possible knowledge of the Will of God - I Corinthians 2:12-16

c. Produces the fruit of Christian character - Galatians 5:22

d. Becomes the power of the New Life to give victory - Ephesians 3:16

3. Christian living is grounded in the experience of repentance. "Except ye repent"

"Renewing of the mind" - Romans 12:2

Repentance is the key to Christian living.

4. Christian living is in the area of the church and associated with those in the church fellowship. Fellowship with Christ leads to participation with other Christians in partnership of the gospel of Christ - II Corinthians 13:14

Worshipping for good of all - I Corinthians 14:26

Using the gifts of the Spirit to serve one another - Romans 12:5; II Corinthians 12:21,27

5. Love (not law) is the chief moral principle of Christian living. "The love of Christ constraineth me" "Love more excellent way of life" - I Corinthians 12:31

Free from law - Liberty not license

Limits on Christian liberty

1. Not as an opportunity for the flesh but to serve others through love - Galatians 15:13, 17, 25

2. Appropriateness - All things are lawful but all things are not helpful, profitable, fitting, appropriate to the good life - I Corinthians 10:23

3. Constructiveness - not all things build up the spiritual life - I Corinthians 10:23

4. Mastery - "Will not be enslaved by anything" I Corinthians 6:26

Must ask about moral action -

a. Is it an act of service in love?

b. Is it appropriate?

c. Is it the constructive thing to do?

d. Will it enslave me?

6. Righteousness another principle of Christian living.

7. Another principle is the example of Christ - Believers, to have the mind of Christ - Philippians 2:5

Christ to be imitated in his generosity and love - II Corinthians 11:1

Live according to Christ - Colossians 2:8

Not to copy him, but to emulate him in terms of the Spirit, inner conviction and concern for spread of gospel.

The Sinner's Friend

2009-08-24T12:05:00.003-05:00

The Sinner's Friend
Matthew 9:10-13

Sermon by Jack Nazary - West Jackson Baptist 1989, Midway Baptist 1992, and West Carthage Baptist 1997

Introduction:
Fact well established in the Bible, "Friend that sticketh closer than a brother." The earth's greatest man is the sinner's best friend." He is the centerpiece of the human race.

"I am far within the mark when I say that all the Armies that ever marched, all the Navies that were ever built, and all the Parliaments that ever sat, and all the Kings that ever reigned together have not affected the life of man upon the earth so powerfully as has that one solitary life" - an ancient writer. This is who he is the sinner's friend - the greatest individual - the greatest personality - the greatest lover - the greatest sympathizer - the greatest hearted man - the only saviour - he is the sinner's friend.

"Behold many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him"....
"They are that be whole need not a physician, but they are sick" Matthew 9:13
"For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

If Christianity is not primarily for the purpose of being a friend to sinners, then it has no purpose.

Jesus - is a friend of Sinners.

I. Jesus proves that he is the sinner's friend.
1. His words indicate the fact "neither do I condemn thee", "I come that they might have life", "I come not to call the righteous", "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bound." Yes he is the sinner's friend. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden" "They that are whole..." Remember that Christianity is redemptive. He can give you rest!

2. The Life of Jesus - shows that he is the sinner's friend.
See where he goes - most time spent among lepers, tax collectors, moral outcast, publicans, sinners, scavengers of the world.

Where do we spend our time? He was with rich - thieving unjust tax collectors, eating with publicans and sinners, among the lepers, the poor and adulterous woman at the well = all types in all kinds of places. He turned from the self-righteous to the unrighteous.

We can easily sit together in heavenly places, but need to walk and work together in unholy places among the lost of the world.

3. His compassion demonstrates this fact: When he saw the multitude he had compassion on them.

Example - Experience of Mr. Colgate in his church - Poor street walker saved as they had prayed - the congregation was reluctant to receive him - Mr. Colgate said, "We have been prying for lost souls. The Lord has heard and answered our prayers, but I guess we failed to designate to the Lord that we wanted only respectable sinners saved." All the congregation saw the rebuke and a newborn soul was received. They were not too good of a friend to the sinner!

4. Christ deeds prove his friendship to sinners.
"he received sinners and eateth with them"
"He saved Jews, publicans, - made apostles

Example - Dr. Scarborough preaching in Argentina = Christ was able to save the worst of sinners.

5. Christ death on Calvary confirmed the fact that he is the sinner's friend.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust. God's purpose in sending Jesus, and Calvary was the salvation of the lost everywhere. Jesus spoke "It is finished" from the cross. A cry of triumph for lost men, women, boys, and girls. What a glory! Blood ran freely to the ground, the sun refused to shine, the earth shook, the ground was opened.. all in the interest of lost sinners.

Come every soul by sin oppressed; There is mercy with the Lord, and He will surely give you rest, by trusting in His word.

6. His love seals his friendship for sinners.

"God so loved the World"
"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friend"

II. The Strength of His Friendship: 3 ways Jesus demonstrated the strength of friendship

1. In the multiplicity of his provisions - he is able to provide for salvation to sanctification to glorification.

His provisions measureless - Salvation for lost, liberation for prisoner, consolation for sorrowing, bread for hungry, water for thirsty, healing for sick, sight for blind, clothes for naked, riches for poor, hearing for deaf, peace to the troubled, cleansing for leapers, AND LIFE FOR ALL.

2. In Christ's timeless power the strength of his friendship is found.

"All power is given unto Me" Matthew 28:18

"And I, if I be lifted up" John 3:14

His power is seen in creation, in upholding all things, in healing diseases, in stilling the tempest, in his resurrection, but most in his forgiveness of sins.

He loves, woes, attracts, and saves sinners.

3. The strength and value of His friendship are seen in the plan of salvation which he made.

a. a simple plan b. an inexpensive plan c. the only plan - the old way, the new way, the narrow way, the safe way, the ONLY WAY.

III. The Blessings of the Friendship of Jesus

1. Christ is our illumination

Isaiah 9:2 "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light."

They saw him through prophecy, promise and faith. We see him as he enlightens the heart and lifts them from darkness into the glory of his sunlight. Christ is the illumination of soul in its midnight darkness.

2. The blessing of His friendship is seen in that He is our salvation "neither is there salvation in any"

How shall we escape....various days in life - good days, bad days, days of celebration, red letter days, but the day of all days is day you are saved.

Waft it on the rolling tide, Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves, Tell to sinners far and wide, Jesus saves, Jesus saves

To Zaccheus, Jesus said, "Today I must abide at thy house"

3. The blessing of his friendship is seen in that he justifies us

Made him in God's sight as if he had never sinned. restored to divine favor.

Romans 5 - Therefore being justified by faith

Martin Luther said - The just shall live by faith

Since He is the friend of sinners what should you do if you are not saved...Come every soul by sin oppressed, There is mercy with the Lord. Recognize him as your friend - receive him as Lord and Savior

What should Christians do? draw self-righteous robes about us and civilize the church - NO! Cease our halfhearted efforts and go to the limit for Him and the Lost in our work and service. He will then make our yesterdays cheerful and our tomorrows confident!!!

Why are we so powerless?

2009-08-19T12:13:00.004-05:00

Why are we so powerless?

Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-19, 23-29

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Ebenzer Baptist 2005

I found 3 outlines for this sermon. All had the same title, but slightly different points. I am going to combine them. One title had under it "why am I so powerless?"! I ask myself that question most of the time.

I. Christ has the power to save - Hebrews 7:25

II. The plight of sinners pictured

III. Powerless disciples

IV. Why have we failed?

1. Lack of Faith - Mark 9:19,23; Matthew 17:17, 20

Why expect God to do great things? Because of God's power, promises, and past performances.

2. Because of Sin - Matthew 17:16-17; Psalm 51:10,13; Joshua 7:12

What sin will do for a Christian?

a. Sin will destroy the Christian's joy of salvation and peace of heart. Defile and make a person unclean. - Psalm 51:12

b. Sin will make a person break fellowship with God.

c. Destroy joy

d. Stop him from praying - Proverbs 1:24-33; Psalm 66:18

e. Stumbling block - the sins of a Christian will cause him to become a stumbling block to other Christians and put him in the way of others coming to Christ. - Isaiah 57:14; I Cor. 8:9-13; Romans 14:13;21; Proverbs 18:19

f. Withhold prosperity from person or church - Proverbs 28:13

g. The sins of a Christian expose him to the chastening and scourging of God. - Hebrews 12:6
Rev. 3:19; Luke 12:47-48; James 4:17

h. Loss of reward - I Corinthians 3:12-23

i. The sins of a Christian will cause the defeat of the army of God - Church. Joshua 7:12-13

j. May kill you

3. Lack of Prayer - Mark 9:29

4. Lack of Concern

V. Are you powerful or powerless?

If we want power with God and with men, we must confess and forsake our sins. These conditions are set forth plainly in II Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

What Keeps God From Working Through Us

2009-08-17T12:21:00.005-05:00

What Keeps God From Working Through Us?

Matthew 17:1-21

I found this sermon in granddaddy's "Matthew" folder. I am not sure who wrote it, but I needed to read it. I know the answer for me to this question and it is surely ME! I am guilty of every point at least most of the time. I get in the way!

1. Unbelief - Matthew 17:17-20; Mark 9:24 - Lack of prayer

2. Unforsaken Sin - Matthew 17:17 - "perverse generation"; Psalm 66:18 - "If I regard iniquity"

3. Laziness - Proverbs 6:6-11 - "go to the ant"; Proverbs 10:1-5, 26; Matthew 25:26; Hebrews 6:12; Proverbs 18:9; II Thess. 3:10 - "What so thy hands find to do, do it with thy might"

4. Rebellion - Prodigal Son --- Absalom vs. David

5. Pre-occupied - John 4:32 "I have meat to eat that ye know not of"; John 4:34 - "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work"

6. Lack of Surrender - Jonah

7. Wrong sense of values - John 4:38

8. Lack of Prayer and Fasting - Matthew 17

9. Fear - "Don't know what to say"; "won't listen to me"; Don't know scriptures well enough"; "be called a fanatic"; "might make someone mad"; "run them further away"; "might rock the boat"

10. Unconcern
Luke 15:20 - "had compassion"
Luke 19:41 - "Beheld the city and wept"
Acts 20:31 - "Ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears"
Romans 9:1-3 - "I have great heaviness and continual sorrow"
Matthew 9:36 - "Saw multitudes - moved with compassion"

11. Hypocrisy - Ananias and Sapphira

12. Near sightedness - Lift up and look on

The Rejection of Jesus Who is Called Christ

2009-08-16T10:45:00.002-05:00

The Rejection of Jesus Who is Called Christ

Matthew 27:25-26

Prepared by W.H. Wood - October 1, 1946

Introduction: Here in Matthew 27:15-26 is the story of the final, willful rejection of Jesus, and his deliverance to the executioners to be crucified.

I. The motive for rejecting Jesus: Why was he rejected?
1. Pilate was attempting to shirk his plain duty and responsibility - to shift to others the responsibility of deciding Christ's fate.
2. When he could not shift the responsibility, he determined to delay the matter; put it off as long as possible.
3. All the while he was refusing to follow the plain facts - all of which he knew.
4. Fearing and heeding the wicked people instead of fearing God and his own conscience, Pilate finally wrecked his own soul and condemned Jesus (Matt. 27:26)

II. The manner of rejecting Jesus
1. Pilate cowardly yielded against his better judgement.
2. Refused to be warned by his wife.
3. Killed an innocent man in order to keep favor with influential Jews - Politics - if you please.
4. Washed his hands in innocence, but bathed his soul in the blood of Christ.

III. The meaning of rejecting Jesus: The rejection of Jesus was weighed with five tragic meanings:
1. It meant the overriding of truth and justice.
2. It meant the strangulation of conscience and good judgement.
3. It meant the rejection of all the good counsel of his wife and friends.
4. It meant the crucifixion and death of one known to be innocent.
5. It meant facing this same Christ in the final judgement.

Witnessing to the World

2009-08-14T12:22:00.002-05:00

Witnessing to the World

Matthew 5:13-16; 7:15-17, 20-21, 24-25

by Estelle Nazary

I. Every Christian is a witness regarding Jesus Christ

1. A Christian may command others to Jesus.

2. A Christin may indicate that Jesus is not worth following.

3. Every person has some kind of influence.

II. Christians are to be like salt - verse 13

1. Salt cleanses

2. Salt preserves

3. Salt adds flavor and tastiness

4. Salt creates thirst

5. Salt irritates

III. Christians are to be like light - verses 14-16

1. Light reveals

2. Light cheers

3. Light warns

4. Light guides

5. Light warms

IV. The fruit that gives proof - 7:15-17, 20-21

1. A person's whole pattern of life is the fruit of one's nature.

2. The nature of the tree is revealed by the fruit which it bears.

3. The presence or absence of fruit and its quality will show the condition of the tree.

4. Christians bear witness to the world by the fruit they bear.

5. Only those who do the will of the Father really acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

V. The builder who lays a good foundation - 7:24-25

1. Jesus said the wise builder of a life will build on the foundation of Jesus' teachings.

2. No one can do this without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Could Jesus Christ Be Elected President?

2009-08-12T12:06:00.002-05:00

Could Jesus Christ be Elected President?

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Ebenezer Baptist 2005

(I believe he read the article "Could Jesus Christ be elected president" by Howard Davis from the Good News - A magazine of understanding and adapted the points for his sermon. The article is excellent and can be found at http://www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn78/jesus-christ-president.htm)

Introduction: Jesus - respected leader, controversial leader. Some believed him a good, great man. He IS King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Could Jesus Christ be elected president today in America?

Simply answer is NO!

I. What kind of platform?

American people want:
* Religious freedom or freedom from religion
* Define God their way
* Freedom of choice - abortion, entertainment - films, music, books, television filled with violence and sex.
* Unrestrained sexual freedom
* Freedom of speech
* Define culture and lifestyle issues
* Freedom to divorce
* Define own freedoms and social values - fairness, justice, economic, and educational issues.
* Want a president to immediately bring utopia...BUT Their way.
* Claim to want fairness

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus is the "same, yesterday, today, and forever."

II. Redefining the mission of government

Jesus Christ would change the intent and nature of government
A new constitution would be written to fulfill the ultimate purpose of man - Eternal - designed to prepare people to live forever in the kingdom of God.
He would advocate a perfect society of peace, human development and love.
Govern all policies toward spiritual transformation of physical man created in the image of God, into the divine man with the nature and character of God.
God's constitution would be the framework for the development of human character in the divine image of God's nature. Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

III. Reaction to Christ's platform

* How would a new constitution authored by Jesus go over today?

Ten commandments are taught and serve as the standard for human behavior.
Matthew 5:17, 19
Some think 10 commandments are too invasive to personal freedom---1st commandment "you shall have no other gods before me" is deemed a violation of religious freedom.

People would scream if there was a breakdown in separation of church and state -
Matthew 19:17

Jesus was Jewish - an ethnic minority - prejudice in America

Jesus observed the Biblical Sabbath from Friday sunset until Saturday sunset. He even said He is "the Lord of the Sabbath" Mark 2:28.

Jesus claimed to be the Son of God which would offend Jewish voters.

IV. What kind of leader would He be?

1. Jesus' teachings and practices would make him a perfect leader. Perfect integrity, compassion, miraculous powers of healing, love for ALL, and the willingness to die for the sins of mankind - ALL PEOPLE OF EVERY RACE, RELIGION, AND ECONOMIC STATUS)
The ultimate model of leadership - uncompromising, but compassionate. Perfect ethics - taught fairness and concern for all. He demonstrated virtue and truthfulness. Taught value of the family - said marriage was inviolable. He directed that we honor and care for the elderly and disadvantaged.

YET JESUS - PERFECT IN HIS LEADERSHIP - WILL NEVER BE ELECTED PRESIDENT.

Christ - would never run for the office.
Christ - would never attack others for self-promotion
Christ - would not compromise the truth or ethics or values.
Christ - would not curry favor to special interests - campaign donations...
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world." "If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight...but now My kingdom is not from here." John 18:36

V. Destined for a higher office

Have no regret that He will never be president of the USA - He is selected to an infinitely higher office.
He serves at God's throne in heaven as the High Priest for Christians
John 18:37 - "you say rightly that I am king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Jesus is the perfect ruler - with ultimate love and concern for others. HE WILL BE OUR RULER! He will bring peace and prosperity. He will transform human beings into divine nature and state of being like Christ himself. He will bring all the earth's citizens directly under the governance of the kingdom of God. Then we will experience - Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!

John 10:10 - "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." HE IS THE KING. Believe the good news and accept Him as your leader both now and for all eternity. ARE YOU WILLING TO MAKE THAT CHOICE?

Living in the Present

2009-08-11T12:23:00.002-05:00

Living in the Present

Matthew 6:1-34

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Colonial Hills Baptist Church 1976

Introduction: Some live in the past; some build castles for the future; but we must face the reality of the present. In these verses, Jesus gives exhortations for present day living.

The Teachings of Jesus:

I. Concerning Pride (6:1-6, 16-18)

1. giving (1-4)

2. praying (5-6)

3. fasting (16-18)

II. Concerning Prayer (6:7-15)

1. Vain repetitions are heathenism (7-8)

2. Prayer directed to father (9-13)

3. Come from forgiving person (14-15)

III. Concerning Possessions (6:19-24)

1. Treasure should be laid up in heaven (19-20)

2. Treasure is the goal of the heart (21)

3. Treasure should be spiritual not material.

IV. Provisions (6:25-34)

1. An exhortation concerning values (25, 31, 32)

2. The examples of God's provisions (26-30)

3. The expectation of the Christian (33-34)

Innumerable blessings will come to us as we follow Him and His precepts laid down for us----

The Church and Its Mission in the World

2009-08-09T16:47:00.002-05:00

The Church and Its Mission in the World

Matthew 16:15-18

prepared by W.H. Wood on September 10, 1947

Introduction: What is a church? A body of baptized believers voluntarily binding themselves together for the purpose of advancing the kingdom of our Lord.

I. Our duty to the Church
1. To walk together in Christian love. This means that we are to love all the members of the Church, harboring no malice or unkind thoughts toward them.
2. To strive for the advancement of the church in knowledge, in holiness, and in comfort.
3. To promote its prosperity and spirituality.
4. To sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines.
5. To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry.

II. Our personal duties
1. To maintain family and secret devotions. (Take time to talk to God)
2. To religiously educate our children
3. To seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.
4. To walk circumspectly in the world. We are to be careful of our actions and so live that all who see us will know that we are Christians.
5. To be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our deportment.
6. To avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger.
7. To abstain from the use and sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage.
8. To be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

III. Our duties to others.
1. To watch over one another in brotherly love.
2. To remember each other in prayer.
3. To aid each other in sickness and in distress.
4. To cultivate christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech. Be kind to rich and poor alike.
5. To be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation.

Life's Greatest Blessing

2009-08-07T12:16:00.002-05:00

Life's Greatest Blessing

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Colonial Hills 1980, Pleasant Hill 1980, Fellowship Baptist 1993, West Carthage Baptist 1995

Matthew 19:16-22

Mark 10:17-22

Luke 18:18-23

Suggestions (what we want):

1. Popularity

2. Good Christian home

3. Financial Security

4. Friendships

5. Good Husband/Wife

6. Good Education

7. Power

We wanted to be wanted, be loved, and do a good job.

Eternal Life is life's greatest blessing.

What is it?

"This is Life Eternal" -- John 17:3

1 John 5:11-12 - This is the record.

Pearl of great price, treasure hid in the field. Matthew 13

Everlasting Life - quality, John 10:10 - "I have come"

People are lost, condemned, lonely without God, without hope, without purpose.

The rich man:

I. Sought Life's Greatest Blessing

II. Came to the Right Source - Jesus

III. Wanted it at his OWN price

IV. Rejected it because he was unwilling to accept it at God's Price.

My Daddy - William Henry Wood

2009-08-05T18:57:00.004-05:00

My Daddy - William Henry Wood

by Estelle Nazary

(Aunt Nell, I hope you don't mind. I got this devotional from your book "The Ups and Downs of Our Lives" by Ora Rachel Gregg Wood and William Henry Wood. I thought it was so good!)

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1. Thus states the writer of Hebrews.

This brief record gives the story of a man filled with this faith, exemplified by his life in his efforts for the risen Savior of the world.

Near Sullivan's Hollow in Smith County lived a poor, conscientious farmer, tilling the soil of the Maker. Nothing unusual appeared to be in the life of this young man. Neighbors thought of him as an honest, hardworking boy, but no great character was he in their eyes. God, however, had other plans and saw greater potentialities in this young man than did his neighbors.

Leaving Bay Springs, Mississippi, as the poorest man in the entire county, hardly owning more than the clothes on his back, and returning 25 years later as the Associational Missionary is a miracle few people can boast of.

William Henry Wood, adorned with talents endowed by his Heavenly Maker, has accomplished manifold achievements for his Lord.

This poor, roughly clad young man, the husband of Ora Rachel Gregg, and the father of six children at the time, saw a vision as did Isaiah of old, and answered, "Here am I, Lord, send me."

After replying to God in this manner, he auctioned off all his farm equipment and paid his debts, leaving him the gracious amount of $29.00, and entered school at Clarke College.

People on every hand discouraged this determined young man. Even his own family turned against him. He had entered politics, running for Supervisor in that section of Smith County and was assured a victory. But with a promising future before him, he listened to the still small voice of God and turned his back on these things and set his face toward the sun. It was far from a bed of ease he had chosen, but he was happy, knowing he was following God's will.

God sent a period of testing to this young man, even as he did to Kagawa, the great Japanese missionary, when he denounced wealth and went to the slums to serve God. Soon after arriving there, a son of poverty, suffering from a serious case of contagious itch, came and asked to spend the night. The only place for him was to share Kagawa's bed and bedding.

Kagawa looked at the itch blotches from head to toe on the man's body, and he thought, "This is God testing me," and he gladly made him his bedfellow.

Thus did W.H. Wood go through a decided period of testing, but it proved that he had faith enough to stand the test and some to spare.

My Great Grandfather...Wow... Every time I read this devotional, I long to tell more of his story. I think he and Ora (my "Granny") made incredible sacrifices for our Lord. Even with so many obstacles, you would think he would have doubted his calling, but he pressed forward. He had only finished the 6th grade and felt a calling. He packed up his family with hardly anything and moved to attend Clarke College 6 weeks into the 1st semester. I would have quit at that point. 6th grade education, a wife, 6 kids, no money, etc... but not Henry. It took him 5 years to finish high school and two years of college. 5 hard years! He then went on to finish his education at Mississippi College. From 1931 to May 1939, Henry had attended school and finally finished 8 years later. The family had suffered so much from sickness to hunger. There is so much more to tell about the struggles they endured during this time. Lots of testing...But Henry knew he was in God's will and went on to serve and greatly influence not only his own family, but countless others. I hope to learn more to share about the incredible testimony of W.H. and Ora Wood!

Christ, The Matchless Master

2009-07-31T20:27:00.003-05:00

Christ, The Matchless Master

Matthew 23:10

Prepared by W.H. Wood on January 28, 1947

Introduction: We speak in these moments about "Christ, the matchless master," using as a text the words in the twenty-third chapter of Matthew verse 10, "One is your master, even Christ." Christ is the Master in the spiritual realm. He has complete knowledge of all spiritual things. He has all authority in the spiritual realm.

I. Christ is master of self.
We hear him say, "I lay down my life, --I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." Jesus knew what to do and how to do it under all circumstances. He knew how to do act before the multitude, on the stormy sea, in the sick room, in the presence of the mob, before Pilate, and in the hands of the soldiers. Jesus knew how to control himself. Amid all trials and tribulations, he kept his patience, his purpose, and his power. Jesus was Master.

II. Christ was master over sin.
Jesus lived such life before men that he could say to all men, "Which of you convinceth me of sin?" Jesus me the fierce temptations of the devil in the wilderness and overcame each trial. He lived in a world of sin among sinful men and yet without sin. He was Master over sin. He would not yield to sin for one moment. He not only had power to overcome every temptation that came to him but he had power to command the evil one and he would go and power to cast out sin form the hearts of others. This is the glory of the gospel of Christ.

III. Christ is master in the realm of sacrifice.
The apostle Paul wrote of Christ Jesus, " He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Jesus gave up his place in glory with the Father and came to earth as a man and a servant. While he was on earth, he lived a life like the poorest of the poor. He had no place he could call his home, no cross of his own on which to die, and no grave of his own in which to be buried. He gave himself for others. He made the supreme sacrifice. "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities."

IV. Christ was master in the realm of suffering.
Jesus knew how to suffer and yet overcome. The prophet said of him, "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" Isaiah 53:7. The friends of Jesus did not understand his suffering. The enemies of Jesus stripped him, dressed him with a scarlet robe, struck him with reeds, crowned him with thorns, and nailed him to the cross, and no word of complaint came from his heart. He bore it all for sinful men. "The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6. Jesus knew how to suffer.

V. Christ was master in the realm of service.
Jesus went about doing good. He knew how to serve for the good of man and for the glory of God. He healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, comforted the sorrowing, preached the gospel to the poor, lifted up the fallen, saved the sinner, raised the dead, taught the believers, and blessed humanity with eternal hope and everlasting life. No other servant of the Lord can compare with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the example and ideal for all men who desire to honor God with a life of usefulness.

Who is My Mother?

2009-07-31T20:07:00.004-05:00

Who is My Mother?
Matthew 12:47

Sermon by W.H. Wood prepared May 10, 1939

I. Jesus was a devoted son.

1. Obedient to mother
2. Spent many years with mother.

II. Jesus was not ignorant concerning who his mother was...

1. His mother persuaded by her sons to accompany them to Capernaum to take Jesus if necessary.
2. Jesus busy in behalf of humanity
a. teaching people
b. would not permit interference

III. Jesus' Conception of motherhood

1. A challenge to motherhood
2. Bearing children only a part of motherhood

IV. Jesus said "he that doeth the will of God, his brother, sister and mother."

1. Jesus saw in motherhood the foundation of civilization.

2. Human relationships must not interfere with us doing the will of God.

V. Jesus loved his mother.

1. He expressed emotions in his speech.

2. His attitude toward mothers the example to mankind.

a. Lincoln - All that I am, or expect to be, I owe to my angel mother.

b. John Quincy Adams - All that I am my mother made me.

c. Napoleon - Let France have good mothers and she will have good sons.

Illustration: A lady who said she was engaged in the greatest business on earth, raising boys.

V. Mothers hold the key to the soul and stamps the coin of character.

1. Ezekiel 15:44 - As is the mother, so is the daughter.

2. A mother prayed all night for her son, resulting in his salvation.

3. The medal secured by a son in college placed on his mother.

4. Big Bill a great athlete owed it all to hi smother, she died that he might live.

VI. Jesus provided for the welfare of his mother while on the cross by committing her into the hands of John.

1. Surely we can ask the question with Jesus - who is my mother? and then hear the interpretative answer the King of Kings. " He that doeth the will of God is my mother."

The Case for Purity

2009-07-30T12:33:00.005-05:00

The Case for Purity

by Estelle Nazary

I. Sexuality as a gift of God. Genesis 1:26-27; 2:18, 21-25; I Corinthians 1:1-7
1. Created by God
2. The place of sexual intimacies in marriage.

II. The Wrong Use of Sex - Matthew 5:27-30; I Thess. 4:3-5, 8
1. Outside marriage
a. Lust
b. Permissiveness
2. Within Marriage - Exodus 20:14; 1 Thess. 4:5-6

III. Source of Christian Values - 1 Thess. 4:1
1. Life Pleasing to Christ
2. Sanctification
a. We are under the authority of Jesus Christ
b. We are to control our own bodies.
c. God's standard is purity.

Hightlights in the Life of Jesus

2009-07-30T12:28:00.003-05:00

Highlights in the Life of Jesus

by Estelle Nazary

I. The Birth of Jesus - Matthew 1:18-25
1. Divine origins of Jesus
2. Jesus "for He shall save his people from their sins."

II. The Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3:13-15
1. Jesus was the sinless Son of God
2. Baptism linked Jesus with John in preaching repentance

III. The Purpose of Jesus' life - Matthew 20:28
1. He came to earth, not to be saved, but to serve.
2. To give His life to free mean from sin.

IV. The Death of Jesus - Matthew 27:35, 45-46, 50, 54
1. "They crucified Him." verse 35
2. Agony of Jesus caused from his taking the sins of the world.

V. The Resurrection of Jesus - Matthew 28:1-6
1. The empty tomb
2. The risen Lord

VI. Truths for "me"
1. What does Jesus' resurrection mean in my life?
2. Have I accepted the authority of Jesus in my life?
3. Is my purpose to serve or to be served?