What is a Sanctuary

December 2011

WHAT IS A SANCTUARY

Tabernacle  or Tent of Meetings - I go back to Abraham:  In Gen 13:18 - Mamre, in the site where Abraham came to set up his tents to camp, built an altar, and was brought divine tidings, in the guise of three angels.

In 18: 1 – And the Lord and two angels appeared unto Abraham in the ‘plains of Mamre” and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. 

#168 - Tent means (O’hel) in Hebrew.  Meeting place, sanctuary and holy.  These were all the ingredients that went into the Tabernacle. 

#4908 - Tabernacle (Mishkan) in Hebrew. Residence or dwelling place.  The tabernacle was a moveable tent.

Purposes of the Tabernacle:

Exodus 20:19 – And the children of Israel said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will hear, but let not God speak with us lest we die……  Commentary says the people understood that Moses was Gods mediator and that due to the greatness of God they would not speak with God directly.  But I believe God heard the need of their hearts to have direct relationship and communication with him and the Tabernacle was the place for all to be in his presence, according to his rules for service.

Exodus 25:8 - God said And let them make me a sanctuary #4720 (miqdash) consecrated, hallowed part, holy place and  #6944 (qodesh) sacred place, holy thing, set aside for sacred use. -  that I may dwell among them. 

Exodus 25:22 – And there I will meet with thee and I will commune #1696 – (dabar) means to answer, speak, pronounce, say talk, teach, utter - with thee from above the mercy seat #3727 (kapporeth) a lid that covered the Ark of the Testimony, made of gold and decorated with two cherubim.  Only at specific times could the high priest come before the mercy seat. This room where the Ark of the Covenant was placed was separated by a vail.  The Holy of Holies area, which was to separate all men, even the priests, from the presence of God.

a.       Once a year - On the Day of Atonement – made atonement for himself, the tabernacle and the people y a sin offering, which included sprinkling of blood on this lid….

b.      The meaning was clear:  man was separated from God by reason of sin and could not approach him, only through blood which was presented by a priest.

c.       When Jesus died on the cross, the vail hanging in the temple was torn in two (Matt 27:51).  Jesus went beyond the vail (Heb 9:11; 7:23-28) taking His own blood (Heb 9:12) and making full atonement (Heb 10:10, 12).

It was to be a home to hold and protect the Ark of the Covenant or Ark of the Testimony #5715 – God’s Testimony - warning signs, the laws or precepts that God delivered to all humanity.                                                            

a.       Inside the Ark were - Tables of Stone that the 10 commandments were inscribed.  It was also said to include.

b.       Aaron’s rod. (Heb 9:4)

c.        A jar of manna – Edible substance that God provided to the people of Israel during their travel in the dessert.

4.      Ex 40:36-38 - The Lord will meet his people there and it will be filled with the Glory of God and His presence. 

5.      Levites (Priest) were responsible for the Tabernacle (Num 18: 1-8)

And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. 2And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. 3And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die. 4And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you. 5And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel. 6And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. 8And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

a.       minister #8334 -  (sharath) to serve, servant, contribute – host for God, service

b.      priest office #3550 – (khunnah) priesthood – makes sacrifices – mediate in religious services, to officiate.

6.      Ex 25-40 – God instructs how the Tabernacle, Arks of the Covenant is to be built and the responsibility of the Priest #3548 (kohen) to officiate, chief rule, priest, prince – functioning as mediators between God and His people.  Congregation #5712 (edah) family or crowd – assembly company multitude, people, swarm and #4150 (mowed) an appointment, fixed time or season, a festival, conventionally a year, the place of meeting, appointed, sign or time.

*January 2012 Lesson - will discuss what followed The Tabernacle

 (Temple, Synagogue and Church) and God's instructions for the functions and activities!

The Birth of Isaac - Genesis 21

What is God Saying About God

October 2011

Study Resources
·         Hebrew – Greek Study Bible KJV
·         Clarks Commentary – Old Testament
·         The Strong’s Concordance
·         The New Strong’s Lexicon  and  Vines Expository Dictionary

I went through the first 7 verses in Genesis Chapter 21 regarding the Birth of Isaac and researched what God was trying to tell us not about Abraham and Sarah, but what God was trying to tell us about Himself “God”.  
·         Key Points 
·         Key Words
·         The significance of the Geography of the Birth place.
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Genesis 21 - King James Version (KJV)

¹And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

Visited (paqad) in Hebrew – means to search out, commit to and care for.  And this word can be used for either good or for punishment. 

Has spoken (dabar) in Hebrew – means to arrange or promised.

But when you look at this first verse it says visited now if this were today for instance and someone was telling this story you would want to know more details.  That’s why we need to use these various different resources or tools to help us understand the cultural context, geography, holidays or celebrations and the economic and political environment.   

Who visited Abraham:  18:2 - 3 men (2 angels and God). 

Where was Abraham when he was visited his immediate location was in the door way of the tent and Sarah was inside the tent.  Tent means (O’hel) in Hebrew.  Yes it is a covering and dwelling place but the root word represents tabernacle, holy place or sanctuary.  Just like today we say My home is my sanctuary or suppose to be my sanctuary - that all comes from the Hebrew understanding of Tent. This was a sacred place/holy ground. 

Geographical Location:  18:1 – Plains of Mamre –  Isaac was born in the plain of Mamre. (Gen 13:18).   Mamre, lies approximately half way between Halhul and Hebron.   Mamre being the name of one of the three Amorite chiefs who joined forces with those of Abraham in pursuit to save Lot. (Gen. 14:13, 24).  The Oak of Mamre, also called The Oak of Abraham, is an ancient tree which, in tradition, is said to mark the place where Abraham entertained the three angels or where Abraham pitched his tent. It is estimated that this oak is approximately 5,000 years old.

²For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

God is in control – He said at the appointed time. (Gen 18:14) Set Time means place of meeting.  Old age is this case actually means old age or the number you would look at to represent old age.

Not at our time but in God’s time. 

³And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

His name was specified before he was born “And thou shalt call his name Isaac  (Gen 17:19)  What’s interesting is that Sarah is not recorded as laughing until (Gen 18:12).  God’s knows what we are going to do before we do it.

⁴And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Abraham is obedient, because he follows God’s commands and honors the covenant for the circumcision of all the males in his household including Isaac. God and Abraham Covenant and promise (Gen 17:10-14).  The action of the circumcision took place (Gen 17: 23-17).

⁵And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

God can bring dead things to life.  God performs miracles. God lets us know that nothing is too hard for God.  He can do all things. Omnipotent!

⁶And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.

Isaac’s name means laughter.  God understands that this miracle would be difficult for any human to truly understand and I believe that God didn’t take Abraham and Sarah’s laughter personal.  Abraham’s laughter was in amazement and Sarah was in disbelief….. but God counted it as a time of joy and celebration.

⁷And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.

God performs a miracle - that a child was born to them in their old age and furthermore Sarah is able to breast feed.

Key Points: 

Several Lessons are learned in the promises of God through the Birth of Isaac:

·         God is faithful to His promises and his word.

·         God is in control (At the appointed time) Gen 18: 14

·         That making our own plans will not supersede God’s plans.

·         God is in no hurry to the working out of His plans.  We must learn patience.

·         Nothing can hinder or thwart the outworking of God’s purpose.

·         Our faithfulness is tried and tested, in order to display its genuineness and love.

 God reveals to us through the Birth of Isaac:

·         He performs miracles in the supernatural

·         God is the source of bringing dead things to life.
·         We can only be reborn through God in the spirit.  Our natural flesh cannot bring about new life.

·         God is Omnipotent – He harnesses all the power and control.

·         He keeps His word and promises, He is the first example of faithfulness and all that He requires.  He makes Himself the example first – then continually places human subjects in the earth for us to follow.

·         His ways and understanding are superior to our human understanding
·         That the carnal ways and understanding are that of the flesh

·         That the supernatural ways and understanding are that of the spirit

·         God prepares us for what’s coming by giving us a living example and blueprint, so we can grasp the greater future gifts with some familiarity, through comparisons and prior connections.

The coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ was foreshadowed in the Birth of Isaac:
·         First, Isaac was the promised seed and son (Gen. 17:16)

·         Second, a lengthy interval occurred between God's first promise to Abraham and its realization.

·          Third, when Isaac's birth was announced, his mother asked, "Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?" (Gen. 18:13), to which the answer was returned, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
·         Fourth, Isaac's name was specified before he was born- "And thou shalt call his name Isaac" (Gen. 17:19).

·         Fifth, Isaac's birth occurred at God's appointed time (Gen. 21:2) "at the set time"; so also in connection with the Lord Jesus we read "But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman" (Gal. 4:4).

·         Sixth, as we have seen above, Isaac's birth required a miracle to bring it about; so also was it with the incarnation of Immanuel. 

·         Seventh, the name Isaac (given unto him by Abraham and not Sarah, Genesis 21:3), which means laughter, declared him to be his father's delight; so also was the one born at Bethlehem.

 Key Words:

·         Visited: 6485 – to visit, care for, count

·         Had spoken: 1696 – to arrange, to speak, appoint, command, declare, promise,

pronounce, teach, utter, tell and think

·         Old Age: 2208 – means old age

·         God: 430 Elohiym – the true God; judges; gods; great ones

·         Circumcised:  4135 – cut short, cut off, covenant and to destroy

·         Set time: 4150 – place of meeting

·         Laugh:  6711 – to laugh, to scorn, disbelief

·         Isaac:  3327 - laughter

·         Grievous: 7489 – to break, to be good for nothing

·         Hearken: 8085 – to hear – in this particular case it doesn’t mean (listen or obey)

The Souls of Black Worship

September 2011

Black Worship

What is Worship? Jesus said .... 'But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.' (John 4:23-24) .....

Worshiping God in spirit means we worship Him from the heart. God is the Truth and His word is alive.

• proskuneo "to make obeisance, do reverence to", "to worship, homage or reverence.
• sebomai "to revere," stressing the feeling of awe or devotion, is used of "worship"
• sebazomai akin to sebomai, "to honor religiously
• latreuo "to serve, to render religious service or homage.
• eusebeo "to act piously towards," is translated "ye worship".
• sebasma denotes "an object of worship".
• ethelothreskeia[-ia] "will-worship" voluntarily adopted "worship," not that which is imposed by others.

What is Praise? Praise - To express approval and commendation of; applaud, eulogize. To express adoration of; glorify (and God). Commendation expressed, as of a person for his virtues, or concerning meritorious actions; utterance of approval; honor given; also, applause. Thanksgiving for blessings conferred; laudation to God; worship expressed in song. The object, ground, reason, or subject of praise.

• Hala/Tehillah (1984) - the root meaning is connected to making a noise. Singing hymns.
• Yada – bodily gestures.
• Zamar (2167) – playing or singing music.
• Yadah (3034) – righteousness – lifting of hands – throw hands up
• Towdah – extend hands in admoration
• Shabach – to shout in a loud voice
• Barak – means to kneel down
In summary, worship and praise are intertwined. Praise is a form of worship. Worship involves the whole aspect of our awe, reverence, love, and respect for Almighty God.

Black Worship - During slavery, many slaves were stripped of their African belief systems and typically denied free religious practice, forced to become Christian. Slaves managed, however, to hang on to some practices by integrating them into Christian worship in secret meetings. These practices, including dance, shouts, African rhythms, and enthusiastic singing, remain a large part of worship in the African American church today.

The Black experience is a full engagement of various worship, intimate prayer, cathartic shouting, triumphant singing, politically relevant religious education, and prophetic preaching.

Prayer: Public and Private – Going before the Lord and petitioning for Him to move on our behalf, on the behalf of others, situations and circumstances in the earth and corporate prayer in public where we pray as a kingdom body.

Dancing: In to His joy – dancing with small movements of happiness, thanks, worship and praise and then. Getting what we call the Holy Ghost when we feel like we’re on fire and we have to moving in a fast pace rhythmic motion in one place or running in a specific area or circle.

Triumphant Singing: In the spirit – singing with joy and understanding and then elevating our singing to a level of personal reflection, when the words and the scriptures touch our lives and situation and we recall what He has done for us and the music becomes a tribute more then just a song. A communication of thanks as we raise and lower our voices in song.

Cathartic Shouting: Gestures of Praise - When the fire comes inside your belly and you can’t help but let it out in shouting motions, some speak in tongues and others blurt out without concern on how they look or are represented in God. Usually the words are repetitive and continue in a rhythmic motion. “Thank you Jesus” “Thank you Lord” “My God” “Yes Yes”

Bodily Gestures: Throwing up hands, clapping, kneeling, lifting hands and laying prostrate. When the fire and reverence is too strong to just remain physically calm. It’s as if the body has been energized and needs to make movements that increase your pulse rate and cause you to feel the need to give praise in a physical manner, where your body parts are communicating with a power outside of itsself.

Coming Up on the Rough Side

August 2011 - Bible Study Lesson

The Book and Life of Job
Scripture this morning will come from:  Job 28:12-13

And the KJV Reads:

But where shall wisdom be found and where is the place of understanding.  Man knoweth not the price, thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.

Let there be a blessing to the reading of His Holy Word.

Coming up on the Rough Side: Now that could refer to several elements of living.

• Could be the part of town you grew up on
• Certain Country you came from (or)
• A Certain situation or circumstance.

When I think about Coming up on the Rough Side:

• It makes me think about the Servant Job.
• Most of us know the story of Job

But let’s just revisit a few facts

• Jobs name alone means hated or persecuted one – so we know he already has something in common with the Messiah.
• The book from the Old Testament is considered one of the poetic books along with Psalms and Proverbs.
• Job’s great Uncle was Abraham – The Patriarchal Father of many Nations.

So what’s so poetic about the book of Job:

• First of all ancient Hebrew poetry contains almost no rhyming as we see and understand poetry today.
• But the Story is considered majestic because of the content and sound matching schemes of parrellism through thoughts and ideas.

Job was a very religious and pious man.  Very prosperous and very wealthy.

• He had 1 wife
• 7 sons and 3 daughters
• He was considered the greatest of all men in the East
• 7000 Sheep
• 3000 Camels
• 5000 Ox and Donkeys

The Adversary “Satan” – says to God.  The only reason Job is faithful is because you show him favor.  He’s a favorite servant.  If the favor were removed He would “surely” curse you – to you face.

That sounds very familiar to the walk and journey of many of us.  We praise Him when everything is going our way, but as soon as we encounter “The Rough Side”  We loose our faith and curse the light that took us out of darkness.

Just like when God freed the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage and slavery.

As soon as they encountered a little hardship in the wilderness.  They grumbled and complained and started to bite the very hand that feed them.

It was their choice to become better in the struggle – but instead they chose to become bitter.

God gives Satan permission to test Job’s righteousness and the story comes across the 6’Oclock news:

• “Why do the Righteous Suffer”
• “Why are the innocent and blameless stricken with pain”
• “Why are good folks done wrong”

But Jesus said – in this world you will have trouble, but take heart.  I have overcome the world and in me you shall have peace.

This takes place in the land called Uz – Sitting between Damascus and The Euphrates River.  One of the 4 river heads flowing out of the Garden of Eden.

Today that most likely would be between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Jesus said Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nest, but the son of man has no where to lay his head.  Jesus is explaining I am your only true refuge.  In times of joy and in times of pain.  When you pick up your cross and follow me.  My cause becomes your cause and my fight becomes your fight. 

I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you – to give you hope and a future.

But at the first sign of trouble we give up the Ghost – dissolve the partnership and join hands with the darkness.

Jesus said to the disciples in Gethsemane – Could you not stay awake and pray for me -just for 1 hour.

He’s saying to us Today

Can you not run away from my side at the first sign of trouble.

Don’t be so easily redirected and uprooted.

Have a little confidence that you represent the winning team.

My Word is not here to scare you.

It’s here to inform and guide you through this journey of the living.

Don’t get angry and pull away from the word.

Get determined and draw it closer and nearer.

God told Joshua – on the Mountain Top.  Don not let my word depart from your lips, your heart or your mind.

• But let it be a tool
• A Resource – an ever present help in the time of trouble.
• The Master Handbook
• The How to and what should you do – guide of all guides.

God Said you can take all his possessions – but you can not take his life.

What is God trying to say about God?

We sometimes miss this point because we are so caught up in the participants in the story that we miss what the author is revealing about the author.

• God is the Creator
• The Beginning and the End

He knows that   -   Satan knows that…..  But do you and I know that?

Life can change in an instant.

• The Only thing that’s forever is God.
• All other things will parish and pass away.

God Makes 3 major points in His teachings through the life of His servant Job – That tells us about God.

1. First Point - God’s wisdom, providence and benevolence.
1. In his wisdom

                                                              i.      There is not test that God can fail.

                                                            ii.      Whatever man meant for evil – God will turn it around for good.

2. In His providence

                                                              i.      God is the one who gives us life and wealth and meets our every need.  Jehovah-Jireh – mine and your provider.

We need to understand the meaning of the words we utter.  Life and death is in the power of the tongue.

Ignorance is no excuse.  He said study to shew thyself approved unto me.  Not man but unto God.  So hold onto that thought.

• Because after the study a test must come. 

3. In His benevolence

                                                              i.      He is our beneficiary – the one who provides life for us even after our earthly death.

                                                            ii.      Like a benevolence fund or insurance policy.  That pays to a group or organization for a period of years after your death, based on the amount you selected while you were living.  A continual voice coming forth from the grave in monthly increments.

1.      Saying even though you don’t see me anymore.

2.      Doesn’t mean you won’t feel me anymore.

2. The Second Point - Why God Allows Righteous people to suffer?
1. God said nobody is exempt from the test not even me.
2. He said I believed in Job just enough that I put the faith that I said I had in him on the line.
3. That my love would not return to me void.

                                                              i.      God said man looks at the outside – but I look at the heart.

                                                            ii.      I judge the motives of man not the consequences of the result.

4. Even God has His love and faithfulness tested.

If you say “I Love You” to your spouse or significant other. 

To your children or other family and friends.

It must be tested for truth.  -   True Love is the Truth.

Faith is the foundation for which Love exist. 

• If you can’t stand by me – then the truth is you don’t love me. 
• Whether it hurts or not the truth will set you free.  The truth is the truth.

Words without a test - are nothing more than a loud symbol - making noise.

I know you thought you meant what you said.  But real truth is how you stand in the fire. 

• Still hold on to His unchanging hands.

Because if you can hold on to His hands  - for just a little while - in the middle of a storm – then I know when I reach my hand out for you.  Then I know - I’ve got a Real Friend.

3. The Third Point
1. God wants us to know who’s really in control.
2. Who’s really the Head NIC.

                                                              i.      Satan only has the power you and I give him.

                                                            ii.      He works through our hurts and pains – desires and wants of this world.

                                                          iii.      He tries to fill us with despair and distrust (distractions and chaos)

His Favorite tune is “Surely” when you hear this deceptive sweet melody – you know the serpent has just entered the room. 

He tires to kill the very essence that keeps you connected and faithful “your love”.

He is the Tornado of relationships and family.

His goal is to conquer, kill and destroy.

Jesus said How can you know I’ve got your back.

If you don’t really know who I am.

How can you know the qualifications of Real Love – if you’ve never had it tested in the middle of a storm.

• Before a new automobile can be released on the Road – it goes though a series of crash test.
• Before a concrete center block can be used to support a new home foundation – it must go through a mortar stress test for durability and longevity.
• When you stand up and call yourself a man or woman of God.  That you Love the Lord, say hallelujah and praise His holy name.  You’re gonna go through a Faith Test.

When God was satisfied with the faithfulness and right standing of His servant Job.

• He restored it all – plus
• Love brought it all back

Wife, children, property, respect, status and health

• Yes – Job experienced some weariness and confusion
• He experienced some anxiety and nervousness
• He was hurt and full of sorrow and grief
• And his physical body was diseased with elephantiasis

But its not the trail and tribulations (alone) that make us strong.

But it’s the purification of the faith that confirms Real Love.

That keeps us fighting while where in the middle of the storm.

And that’s “Job”  - No matter how bad it was.  He still remained unified with the Kingdom and held on to God’s unchanging hands.

So We understand the faithful servant Job and his journey.

• That all God’s servants will be tested and this test is referred to as trouble, hardtimes, valley experiences and storms.

• We looked at the three major points of what God was saying about God, through the life of Job.

 Now what are we expected to do with this information.

• Coming up on the Rough Side…. – Means I’m climbing and whether it is a rough piece of terrain or a scattered and chiseled piece of rock – I need to be prepared to reach the top!

It doesn’t matter how hard I study if I show up at the exam center with out my identification, a notebook and a pen.  “I will fail the test” – not because I didn’t know the material, but because I wasn’t prepared.

When it’s time to climb the mountain its too late, to think about all the tools I should have had…

But God being such a gracious, merciful and loving God. Says I know you weren’t prepared the first, second or third time, but I’m gonna make an exception in your case.  I’ll let you take a make up exam.

 So you start to gather al the tools necessary to succeed.

• Some hiking boots
• Maybe a backpack and blanket
• Canteen, rope and a knife
• Some protective clothing and head gear
• A flashlight with batteries
• And Some food and water

To name Just to name a few

This brings me to think about the Movie Rocky…. I think there were 5 or 6 episodes

Beginning in 1976 and the final episode was in 2006.

But one in particular really caught my attention….

In case I didn’t tell you – I’m one of those people - who see - the revealing of God in everything….  I’m searching for it – just to hear him speak…

 So as I started to prepare myself for gathering the items necessary for my spiritual tool belt.

I saw 7 compartments that needed to be filed and God said I’m going to show you what you need in each one of them.  So Your always Prepared!

1. Compartment - My Word – your how to guide – when your coming up on the rough side.

2. Compartment - A few God Fearing - good friends to climb with you.  So you know you are not alone . In their names it will tell you the comfort that I offer, just like I did with my favorite servant Job.

3. Rocky laid out on the canvas in a puddle of blood and all I could see was the blood of the Jesus. The power that gives us strength day by day.  Yes Compartment #3 is The savior, the messiah, the King of all Kings. That’s when Rocky lifted his head and saw his wife Adrian – but I saw Jesus and we both got up to fight and to win. 

vs. 13 says:  man knoweth not the price…..neither is found in the land of the living.

4. Compartment - Wisdom – vs 12 tells us:  But Where shall wisdom be found and where is the place of understanding? – This comes from the Holy Spirit who allows knowledge and experience to be that 6^th sense – some call it discernment or intuition or I just felt that some thing - telling me to be still…. that something was the HS our spiritual guide.

5. Compartment - Courage – you Can’t be a Coward – You’ve got to be willing and ready to fight.  You’ve got to plant your feet on solid ground and say BRING IT… you might as well fight the good fight of faith – because its not gonna go away!  The adversary will show up again tomorrow…..

6. Compartment - You Need Song like the one by Marvin Sapp “He Saw the Best in Me”
1. Something to snap you back – replenish your energy source. 
2. A spirit of praise and worship - motivation and inspiration
3. When you’re just about – ready to give up and throw in the towel – the music of a champion comes on “Eye of a Tiger” you’re the cream of the fight…. Rising up to challenges of our Rivals…
4. And at that very moment you feel your help coming on….. and you know your headed for a come back……

7. Final Compartment - The Lord – God Says Make sure I’m in the front right hand pocket.  By your side every step of the way.  I will not leave you nor forsake you.  I’m calling for the front seat…. I’m riding Shot Gun today.

So you need to

• Know the Story
• What the Author is also trying to say
• And How to be prepared for the battle 
• So you can live to fight - another battle - another day!

Coming up on the rough side

Trying to Make it to the top - and always ready to fight – because you’re always trying to win!

God Bless and Amen...

Call for Salvation....

The doors of God's heart is always open.

Tomorrow is not promised……

Jesus said if you will be ashamed of me before Men, then I will be ashamed of you before my Father.

Today is the Day for Salvation…. Old things are passed away and all things become new.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

1 Timothy Chapter 4: 6-16 Apostle Paul is addressing and guarding the truth in the church, in the face of Apostasy and Timothy’s Personal Responsibilities. Apostasy: means abandonment or renunciation.

A Good Minister Scripture: Vs. 6 - If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. Introduction: What is a good Minister: 1. beautiful, valuable, honest, worthy and honorable. 2. Attendant, teacher, servant, and someone who works for God. Background: Titus who had love for the church for the Corinth brethren has volunteered readily for the task of leadership. He was the stronger and more mature of the two, but Titus was not Apostle Paul’s choice. Main Body: Apostle Paul is encouraging Timothy to continue on and not allow men to undermine his abilities in leadership. Point 1: Focus on the brethren – not on the distractions from the devil. He only seeks to divide. Point 2: Be honest and your brethren will see your value and know you are a worthy and honorable servant. Point 3: Remember what you and your brethren have in common (faith & truth). Conclusion: That being honorable is beautiful and that if you’ve been chosen by God for a task, it doesn’t matter to compare the qualifications of self or others. A pure heart for the love of your brethren, the fullness of the word and believing that you share faith and truth is what encourages another to follow.

A Good Doctrine Scripture: Vs. 6 - If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. Introduction: What is good doctrine: 1. beautiful, valuable, honest, worthy and honorable. 2. good for instructions, teaching, training, precept, delivering and divine ordinances. Background: Reminder: from the title: A Good Minister: We are dealing with Titus who had love for the church for the Corinth brethren has volunteered readily for the task of leadership. He was the stronger and more mature of the two, but Titus was not Apostle Paul’s choice. Main Body: Timothy shared in Paul’s spirit and example and therefore Apostle Paul felt that Timothy could teach effectively what was taught to him. Point 1: Your character should always remain honorable Point 2: God’s instructions are divine and require teaching Point 3: Teaching: a. Word of God b. Educate by training others to become disciples Conclusion: That a good doctrine is first delivered by an honorable person so that the recipients will find the teacher worthy to be heard. Then the instructions are to be divine and you must educate and duplicate by creating disciples to continue the teachings.

Who Do You Trust Scripture: Vs. 10 - For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specfically of those that believe. Introduction: 1. Who – The Living God 2. Why – Because He is the savior of all men and as the children of God we believe Background: Apostle Paul is talking about himself and Timothy when he says “we both”. The work of the kingdom will require a steadfast heart and trust in the one who sent you…. Until the day you will meet face to face and rejoice in heaven. Main Body: Part of your trust is who you believe in. Then you will believe in what they also stand for. That’s why a relationship with Christ is necessary to deepen the relationship and create a bond that you trust. It’s much easier to belief if you have a relationship and it’s built on solid ground. Point 1: You’ve got to believe or there is no trust. Point 2: This belief comes with two points. 1. Labor – work - 2. Suffering - pain Point 3: Jesus Christ is our savior that we will trust, believe and be should be willing to put in work and endure pain along the journey. For we know there is a greater reward in heaven. Conclusion: The price of our salvation is that we duplicate the journey and work of our savior…. And believe in the one that came in the flesh and died for us that we might have a right to the tree of life.

The Gift and the Gift Giver Scripture: Vs. 14 - Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Introduction: 1. What is your gift? 2. Who gave it to you 3. For what purpose? Background: Apostle Paul is speaking to Timothy about the spiritual gift to be a minister and teacher and how this was sanctioned and confirmed, by God. Main Body: This type of gift that Apostle Paul is speaking to Timothy about is not the gift to sing or dance. This is a gift of favor of charisma and Christian knowledge, a free gift, undeserved, but none the less given to Timothy. Do not neglect this gift or disregard its power. Use this gift as it has been specifically set aside for you. Point 1: This is a gift for the office and qualifications. Point 2: Endowment/Prophecy which means prediction or foretelling. Point 3: Presbytery – to sanction. The Estate of Elders or Council of Elders. The governing ecclesiastical body that manages the public affairs of the church. The laying of hands by the Elders was the reminder to Timothy to recall, his work is not that of mortal man, but one that comes with authority and approval from God c/o the Holy Ghost. Conclusion: By the means by which Timothy was ordained into the ministry. This gift was to be regarded as special and the power cultivated to perform the works was faithfully the duties of that office that Timothy received favor from on high. Do not forget to use all of your resources in your work for the kingdom. The gift is special because it comes from the Father and it has energy to accomplish what it was sent out for.

What Type of Example Are You? Scripture: Vs. 12 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Introduction: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Background: There is an overall concern about Timothy’s experience, age and ability to handle such a task of leadership. Paul is explaining that others may see you lack because of worldly qualifications. But when you have God on your side you are fully qualified in every task. Apostle Paul motivates, teaches and reminds Timothy to stay focused and allow God’s work in him to speak louder than any other worldly element of confirmation, and men will follow. Main Body: The church could be regarded with contempt and the ministry could be blamed and not honored for the lack of experience due to Timothy’s youthful age. So Apostle Paul tells Timothy that his example will speak for the lack of age that he offers as confirmation that he is qualified for this position. Point 1: Lead by example – your behavior and conduct should be blameless. With integrity, honesty and purity. Point 2: In spirit, in faith and in purity uplifting always. Point 3: Teaching nothing but the truth of God, because nothing but that will save souls. Conclusion: Be an example of the believers. A Minister of the Gospel. Live so that your people should closely follow your rendering and their salvation will be secure.

Amen!