On What Do You Feed? Matthew 3:13-4:4

Credit where due: I draw heavily for this sermon from John Piper's preaching on fasting. BJH

The Bridegroom is gone for a while. So we fast while He is gone and for His return. We also fast because Jesus fasted. Consider that as Jesus prepared for His earthly ministry, He fasted. As Jesus prepared to wrestle with the devil so that He could deliver us from bondage to sin and death, Jesus fasted. If Jesus had failed, salvation would have failed. If He cannot defeat Satan, everything is lost because no one can be crucified for my sin who cannot beat the devil.

You and I face challenges and neither of us is Jesus. If He prepared for and began His ministry by fasting, could it be that we as individuals and as a church ought to fast to meet the challenges we face? Could it be that the reason we are defeated by the same things over and over – such as a lack of boldness or lack of wisdom, the same sins, the same problems in relationship ... is because there is a weapon for the battle or a route of attack that we have overlooked? On what do we really depend? On what do we really feed for our strength? What is your “bread?”

“It is not surprising that Jesus was tempted by the devil immediately after his baptism which signified the formal entrance upon the Messianic work. That is a common experience for ministers [and I would say, ministries] who step out into the open for Christ.” A.T. Robertson

THE BAPTISM OF JOHN THE BAPTIZER (He was not Baptist)

• John

  • Filled with the Holy Spirit Luke 1:15

  • Fulfilling the prophesy of Isaiah 40:3

  • Calling people to change their attitudes and conduct

• Baptism

  • “It is his [John] office to bind them to a new life, symbolized by immersion in water.” Plummer (Anglican commentator) v.3:6

  • For those committed to God, not those following the crowd or … superstition (Pharisees) or ... ritual in carnal unbelief (Sadducees) v.3:7

  • Had been practiced for proselytes and therefore naturally repulsive to those born into Judaism

  • For Jesus it fulfilled righteousness

    • Not because he had sin to repent of

    • Put the stamp of approval on John's ministry of calling to change by His example

    • Initiated a new ordinance demonstrating being “set apart.” + high priest “washing”

    • Having already been circumcised (OT), and now baptized (NT), not for His own justification, as an example

THE SIGN AND THE SENDING vv.3:16-4:1

• The Spirit of God “in the form of a dove” Luke3:22

  • All three persons of Godhead present

    • Jesus – baptized + Holy Spirit – in a bodily shape + Father - a voice (from a different place)

  • Jesus had the Holy Spirit (at least as spiritual as John)

• Jesus led (driven Mark1:12) by Spirit (the Fortifier) to be tempted by the devil (“slanderer”) (see the word slanderer used in 2Tim.3:3; Titus 2:3; 1Tim.3:11)

• Being chosen by God is not being chosen to be comfortable

THE FAST v.4:2

• Produced hunger - After forty days of close communion with the Father

• Produced victory - Deuteronomy Defense – All the defenses Jesus used came from Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:16, 13

THE MESSAGES of Deu. 8:2-3 and Matt. 4:3-4

• Led (caused to go) to Wilderness; Forty; Testing/tempting; letting you hunger; as being led/leading to Promised Land

• Testing to see what controls you – measure of our slavery

  • “bread”? Other “medication”? Faith? To deal with life.

• Satan's temptation to make bread (as Jesus had made manna)

  NOTE: Before manna – man had no concept of manna- a God thing

  We Live - not by bread or anything else we know OR manna OR miracles

• RATHER We live by every thing that comes from the mouth of God = God

THE QUESTION When you hunger, what do you hunger for? Bread? “Spiritual bread”? What do you need? Bread? Manna?

OR The love of God?-(to which the manna pointed)

Satan is happy for us to work miracle and turn stones to bread – if we love the bread (we just made) instead of God.

After the Bridegroom is Gone Acts 13.2-4, Matthew 9.14-16

For the month of January, we are calling for a fast from supper Tuesday to supper Wednesday for the purpose of praying for God's will in planning for this year and the next couple of years. We will have a supper meal at the church each Wednesday at 6:30.

We are in a position similar to that of the first century church. We live in a world that is, at best, ignorant of Jesus Christ, or, at worst, hostile to Jesus. As a church, we must be involved in the increase of the Word of God and in the number of disciples (Acts6:7). As individuals, we are to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Peter 3:18). And in all, we are to “'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is“ (Ephesians 5:14b-17). Examples in the Bible and in church history tell us that fasting ought to be part of our seeking God as a congregation and a people of God.

FASTING:

CHANGED HISTORY Acts 13

• The Beginning of Organized Western Mission Work

  • Asia Minor, Greece, Rome, Spain

• Christianity became the dominant religion of the Roman Empire within 250 years

• 1.3 billion Christians today in virtually every country of the world (at least nominally)

• 13 of 29 New Testament books written to mission churches

IS HISTORICAL

• Some of the more Familiar: Moses – Exodus34:28; Elijah - 1Kings 19:8; Daniel – Daniel10:3; Esther and Jewish Nation – Esther4:16

• A Couple of Special Fasts:

  • Jehoshaphat - 2Chronicles20

  • Ezra 8:21-23

• Some more Recent History

  • Britain 1756 – France threatens to invade. The king calls for a day of solemn prayer and fasting...

    John Wesley wrote, “The fast day was a glorious day, such as London has scarce seen since the Restoration. Every church in the city was more than full, and a solemn seriousness sat on every face. Surely God heareth prayer, and there will yet be a lengthening of our tranquillity. “ ...and later added, “Humility was turned into national rejoicing for the threatened invasion ...was averted.”

  • Promise Keepers – 1990- Coach McCartney and 72 men prayed and fasted at lunchtime on Wednesdays for God to stir the hearts of men to pursue Jesus Christ....1991 – first PK 4,200 men at U of Colorado...1997 – 1,000,000 men on the National Mall, Washington, DC

IS APROPRIATE AS A GROUP (concern about Matthew6:16-18)

• The goal is to hunger for God, not the recognition of men.

• Group fasting is biblically historical

CAN BE DANGEROUS

• Isaiah58

  • Can bring out the worst instead of the best

    • Pride

    • Anger

  • Can focus on things other than God's glory

    • Force God's hand?

    • Old wine skins?

    • Set an example?

• Physically, it may not be an option for you to go without any food for 24 hours. There are other options

  • Partial food fast

  • Fast from other things that draw you. Daniel10:3

    • No delicacies, no meat, no wine, no anointing, no internet, no TV, ???

IS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND OUR SATISFACTION IN HIM

Since the Bridegroom is away.

This is only possible if you are “in Christ” 2Corinthians5:17

The Greatest Gift Luke 1:26-38; Romans6:23; Ephesians2:8; John4:10; John3:16-21

Most westerners say that Christmas should be more about time together with family and friends than about gifts. However, in 2007 spending on Christmas presents was in the neighborhood of $474.5 billion; each American spending an average of $923.36. With credit card rates often as high as 24 percent, that $923 cost the average consumer closer to $6458.87 when interest and finance charges are included.

This year, Americans and Canadians say they intend to spend 50% less, but it is still expected that Canadians will spend $28.7 billion this Christmas and US shoppers will spend $470.4 billion.

PNC Christmas Price Index 2008: the cost of the gifts in the holiday classic, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” have increased 8.1%. The greatest increase this year was in swans a-swimming with a whopping 33.3% increase due to scarcity. True Loves will spend $5,600 this year for Swans compared to $4,200 in 2007. However, gold rings have dropped in price by 11.4% to $349.95 from $395...

For the next few moments let us consider what is the greatest gift that could ever be given. What makes a gift a great gift?

A GREAT GIFT NEEDS TO BE A GIFT GIVEN OUT OF LOVE

• For God so loved

• infinite -- from before the foundation of the world – Psalm 103:17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, Psa 5:7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house.

• unchanging – same yesterday today forever Heb.13:8 Jas1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

• Holy --- be ye holy ... I am holy 1Pe 1:16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy.

• just and righteous Hos 2:19 And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.

• great – God so loved the whole world = Cosmos (186 times in Greek New Testament) = world full of sinful people – like us. ref. Romans3:23.

A GREAT GIFT NEEDS TO BE PERSONAL

• A couple in counseling; The man said,“I have given you everything” ...”Yes, but not yourself” Whereas God gave Himself and gave Himself to you.

  • Luke 2:11 “Unto you is born...a Savior who is Christ the Lord

• Unique (“one and only” NIV) No one like Him – No one His equal

  • uniquely begotten (virgin born),

  • become flesh,

  • eternal God in temporal flesh

• Best – not cast-offs (like we give to charities) We may give away some good stuff, but not our best.

A GREAT GIFT NEEDS TO ADD TO THE RECEIVER

• Not like - noisy gifts for nephews; pets that need up keep; cameras and gifts that need supplies to be enjoyed

• Does God's love for the whole world save the whole world?

  • No. God's love is sufficient for the whole world but

  • Only effectient for those who believe and receive eternal life by faith (the gift of God)

  • What about those who do not believe Jesus? V.17-18 – condemnation

Illustration: A fellow was given a private tour of the British Museum .... Masterpieces, sculptures, beautiful artifacts. … At end of tour the man said, “Well, I don't think much of your old pictures.”

The guide said quietly, “Sir, I would remind you that these pictures are no longer on trial, but those who look at them are.”

The fellow who thought the priceless treasures were worthless passed judgment on himself. What should have brought joy, wonder, and awe revealed his ignorance, lack of understanding, and his lack of appreciation. (William Barclay)

If one looks at Jesus and does not see the love and the blessing to his life and the deliverance from his lostness and just the beauty of the holiness of Jesus, that one's reaction confirms their condemnation.

NOTE The scripture does not say if you do not believe in Jesus you will be condemned or you will be lost. It says you will stay lost and condemned.

But Unto You God Gave His Only Begotten So that You Can Have Eternal Life in Place of Eternal Death

Responsive Reading

God The greatest Lover

so loved The greatest degree

the world The greatest company

that he gave The greatest act

His one and only The greatest gift

that whosoever The greatest opportunity

believes The greatest simplicity

in him The greatest attraction

shall not perish The greatest promise

but The greatest difference

have The greatest certainty

eternal life The greatest possession

And all God's people said, “Amen!”

(from Pastor David Jeremiah)

The Foundation of Reform - a Sure Word
2Peter 1:16-21

Peter points his audience to a standard by which to measure teacher, missions, and experiences. That standard is the Word of God. Peter had experiences to share, but the authentication of his ministry and his words was God's Spirit breathed holy scripture.

Many church folks are hoping for and praying for revival. But many times the our definition of revival is connected to feelings or experiences. Here, Peter does not express a desire to have another Mount of Transfiguration experience, instead he makes reference to that as a way of reminding listeners of the glory of Jesus, He then goes on to point to the fact that our present hope in Jesus and the hope of His coming again will be as real to us as is our confidence in Scripture as the sure revelation of God. Our lives will be as lively and our church will be as living and our evangelism will be as effective as is our faithfulness to holy scripture. Revival accompanies reform.

Let us consider what Peter would be preaching if he based his message on his experience.

HOPELESS in SIN Luke 5:2-8

• The presence of Jesus results in big catches of fish but such conviction of sin that there is no hope of fellowship or relationship.

RECEIVER OF HEALING MINISTRY Luke 4:38

• Invite Jesus into your home and your mother-in-law will not only recover from her ailments but will love your buddies and take care of them.

WALKING ON WATER Matthew 14:28

• The way to test for the presence of Jesus is to attempt to ski without skis or a boat.

CONFESSION OF CHRIST BY REVELATION OF GOD

Matthew 16:16

• Whatever you say is God inspired.

PROTECTOR OF CHRIST/ TOOL OF SATAN Matthew16:22

• You can be a bold protector of the faith … or can you?

TRANSFIGURATION Matthew 17:1-8

• God wants us to see visions of Old Testament saints

• and real Christians hear the audible voice of God

FISHING FOR TAXES Matthew 17:27

• Jesus commands us to figure our taxes and fish until we get enough to pay our taxes and our friend's taxes

DENYING JESUS Matthew 26:33-35; 74

• Jesus knows you are going to deny him so learn some worldly language and just roll with flow to protect your own tail.

However, Peter did not point to or preach his experiences. Instead he pointed people to the whole Bible, which points to Jesus as God in the flesh, virgin- born, sinless, loving sinners even in their sin but not willing to leave them there, substitutionary sacrifice, crucified Redeemer, risen Savior, resurrected Lord, seated in Glory, interceding for the saved, returning soon in victory... as told in the Old Covenant and in the New by men as they were moved (inspired to write) by God the Holy Spirit.

If your experience, your doctrine, your tradition does not line up with the “more sure word” of God then set your things aside in favor of God's Word.

2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2Ti 3:17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

2Pe 1:20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.

2Pe 1:21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Review for the Test 2Peter 1:12-18

How precious is the Word of God to you...to us as a church? Is it a delight to us? Do we hunger for it? Does it shape you? Is the Word of God something that is critical or essential to your daily life? Do you see it as important as the latest medical news or diet fad or answer to your nations economic woes?

Is the Word of God your standard by which you evaluate life and health and success and science and politics? Or do you use all those things to evaluate the Word of God?

The apostle Simon Peter expresses his belief that the greatest use of his last days on earth would be to remind people he loves and people for whom he is responsible of the Word of God, its content and its intent.

This morning let us consider Peter's approach to his urgent task and then consider our approach in view of some hyperbolic examples of Bible characters' attitudes toward God's Word.

PETER'S APPROACH Therefore(v.12) refers back to V.4: since you have been given...since you are partakers...since you have escaped...I will be:

1. Urgent in Reminding You v.12

• “not negligent” (NKJV) “intend always” (ESV)

• “shortly” v.14

2. Kind in Evaluating You

• “though you know” v.12

• “reminding you” v.13

3. Faithful in Carrying Out the Task

• “it is right” v.13 “the putting off of my body will be soon” v.14 (ESV)

4. Creative (or at least persistent) in the Presentation

• “that you always have a reminder” v.15

• God believes in repetition – Deuteronomy 6:4-9 H. Richard Niebhur's classic Christ and Culture. “Great Christian revolutions come not by the discovery of something that was not known before. They happen when somebody takes radically something that was always there.”

YOUR APPROACH

Most here would probably say, “I believe the Word of God. I believe it is inspired, inerrant, perfect, a guide for life.” ... But does your living match your profession?

A Couple of Hyperboles

1. King Josiah 2Kings 22:1-2, 8-11

• Josiah = grandson of Manasseh (2Kings 21:2, 16)

  • son of Amon (2Kings 21:18-23)

• The Word of God had been lost v.22:8

  • lost in the inside the House of God

• Josiah did what was right in the sight of the Lord because he had a heart for God

  • despite his background

• Josiah was broken and penitent (vv.11, 19)

  • No excuses about his environment

  • No accusations – He tore his own robes, not someone else's.

• Josiah was a godly king who was moved by God's Word – though he was out of bad stock. This means that our background does not hinder God. The background of those we meet, those we pray for does not hinder God.

2. King Jehoiakim (Eliakim) 2Kings 23:34-37; Jeremiah 36

• Son of godly king, Josiah

  • Godly environment 2Kings 23:1-25

• Disregarded the Word of God Jeremiah 36:21-24

REGARD FOR GOD'S WORD

• Broken By The Word

  • Remembering and Reminding

• Burning The Word

  • In whole

  • In part – You don't have to buy an album any more. CDs are on the way out because of downloading...just choose what you really like and ignore the rest. Do we do that with God's Word – choose what we like and reject the rest?

• There is Hope for The One Who Remembers God's Word

  • Personal repentance – tearing your own robes – not someone else's.

  • Diligent obedience – v.1:5

• There is Hope for the Nation Who Remembers God's Word. May presidents and prime ministers discover the lost Word of God and at least forestall God's wrath on their nation.

Not to gain salvation (2Peter1:12), but to show the sufficiency of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Death is not the test. At death, the test has been taken. The first part of the test is – Do you trust Jesus for your salvation or do you trust yourself? The next part of the test is – do you live out the life of grace? Do you bear the true image of God? Is His Word, interpreted by His Spirit, the guide for your actions and attitudes and aspirations?

The Supplements that Assure 2Peter 1:1-11

the first general letter of Peter was addressed to those who were dealing with the dangers of physical persecution. This second letter deals with the equally (perhaps more) devastating problem of false teaching which robs believers of the assurance of their salvation, their respect for scripture, and their expectation of Jesus' second coming.

In the first few sentences of this letter, Peter affirms the source and sufficiency of our salvation in Jesus Christ. He continues to assure believers of the certainty of salvation by faith in Jesus.

Because the believer has received all the exceedingly great and precious promises (v.1:4) and everything that pertains to life and godliness (v.1:3) there is an Appropriate Response which: Combats Doubt; Supplies Assurance; Produces Fruit

APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

to the gifts and promises of God in Jesus

• Diligence (v.5)- Not ...”Let go and let God.” rather – Make every effort to bring in or along side all zeal and eagerness with urgency.

• Add (v.5)– supply fully – supplement – minister (another epi word – epichoregeo) to your faith:

  • Virtue = purpose fulfilled – Bearing God's Image (not polished human image)

  • Knowledge = discernment – truth properly understood and applied.

  • Temperance/self-control = faith is not to be divorced from conduct Proverbs 25:28; 1Corinthian9:24-27

    NOTE Properly handling the pleasures of life

  • Patience/perseverance = Properly handling the pressures of life – enduring problems and problem people James 1:2-8

  • Godliness = to worship well – living above the petty 1Timothy 4:8

  • Brotherly Kindness = the companion of love for God – We love our brothers because of their likeness to us. John13:35; James2:10

  • Love = agape = sacrificial love – loving our brothers in spite of differences.

These characteristics do not point to the man or woman displaying them, but to the Spirit of God who produces them.

COMBATS DOUBT

• Why Doubts

  • The Sinfulness of sin

  • Failing to Trust Completeness of the Gospel Hebrews7:25; Romans8:30

  • The Past

    • Remembered – all forgiven? 1John2:1-2,12

    • Forgotten – the exact day

  • The Present – trials Count it joy... whom He loves He chastens

  • Willful Sin

• The Damage of Doubts

  • Enjoyment missed - assurance – obedience from love

  • Purpose missed Romans 11:29

  • Gratitude and praise forgone

  • Patience robbed Miss God's purpose in trials

  • Purifying hope missing 1John3:2-3

SUPPLIES ASSURANCE

• Growth is a sign of life.

• Living a life that can only be explained by God's activity.

• Progression in faith backs up your profession of faith.

• Avoid stumbling (v.10)into doubt and despair or fear

• Remembers purification

PRODUCES FRUIT

• Fruitfulness (v.8)= The kind of conduct and character God can trust with blessing

• Vision (v.9) = not shortsighted = seeing beyond your neighborhood John4:35

• True Knowledge of Lord Jesus Christ (v.8)= not just about Jesus, but saving, relational knowledge of Jesus

• Lavish provision of life in the eternal kingdom of Jesus

Some Christians will barely make it to heaven 1Corinthian3:15. But there is the option of lavish reward. Diligently add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, love to your faith in Jesus Christ.

Who Are You? 2Peter 1:1-11

As we begin our study of the second general letter of Peter, we first of all acknowledge the letter as being authored by the Simon Peter who was a fisherman called by Jesus to follow Him and become a fisher of men – the one who walked on the water to Jesus for a while – the one who saw Jesus transfigured on a mountain top along with Moses and Elijah – the one who denied Jesus three time – the one whom Jesus restored – the one who preached at Pentecost when 3,000 people became believers in Jesus – the one who first took the gospel to non-Jews – the one who became a leader of the church in Jerusalem – the one who authored 1 Peter to the Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Capadocia, Asia, and Bithynia - the one whose father, John, called him Simon, but whom Jesus renamed Peter (Greek) or Cephas (Aramaic) – that Peter.

That Peter, with all those credentials (and more), calls himself a bond-servant and missionary (apostle) of Jesus Christ and says of those he addresses that they have received the same kind of faith as his. Our question for the day is; “Who are you?” Are you one to whom Peter writes? Are you one who has the same kind of faith? If you are of “like faith” you have great cause for thanks. If you are not, you have great cause of thanks that today you will hear what this great faith is and hearing, have opportunity to respond in faith to God's salvation unto eternal life through the substitutionary atoning work of Jesus Christ.

THIS FAITH

• What is this “faith”? v.1

  • Objective - The gospel truth? The plan of salvation, The doctrines

  • Subjective - The obedient response to that gospel?

  • Received --- Both are gifts from God, not the reward or result of human effort or worthiness.

• “Same kind” indicates that Peter is speaking of the response of faith since there are various responses to God's call whereas there is only one gospel, one plan that saves.

  • “isotimon” = equal value or equal privilege

  • The gift - Ephesians 2:8-9; 1Corinthian2:5 1Co 2:5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

  • The response - to God's sovereign choice – Acts 16:14 ... One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. ; Romans 10:9-10 ... because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

• Where is it from? v.1

  • By the righteousness of someone else – Jesus Christ

  • who is our God and Savior. Philippians3:8-9... Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--

• ; Romans9:5 Jesus is God - ... To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

• How does it work? v.2

  • In the realm of Grace and Peace

    • Grace – God's gift of favor which no one deserves reconciled to God Romans3:24 Rom 3:24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

      ; Ephesians1:7 ... In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

    • Peace – with God and from God in all life's circumstances Ephesians2:14-15 Eph 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in
himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,

; Philippians4:7 Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• Through the knowledge (v.3) of God and of Jesus our Lord.

  • “epignosis” = intimate understanding 1)of a person – Jesus Christ; 2) of the work of Jesus Christ; 3) through the truth of His Word 2Timothy3:15-17 ... and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

• 
  

• Is it enough? vv.3-4

  • Enough for regeneration – Romans 3:24 (above), 8:16-17 Rom 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

:17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

• Enough to live the life – 2Corinthians9:8 2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

  ; Philippians4:19 Php 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

• Enough for sanctification – Ephesians3:17-19 Eph 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Romans8:29; For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

• Enough for glorification – Romans8:17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

  , V. 30 Rom 8:30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

• It is like a wedding feast - Matthew22:2-ff; Revelation19:6-9 a celebration with nothing spared.

IS THIS FAITH YOURS? WHO ARE YOU?

• Innocent? You don't need it.

• Lost?

  • Rebelling, putting all faith in yourself?

  • Listening?

  Acts 3:22 Moses said, 'The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.'

• Having faith that you received from Jesus Christ, God and Savior

DURING THE COMMITMENT TIME (invitation):

You may come to receive Jesus as your personal Savior

You may come to join this body

You may come make an altar of prayer at the kneeling step

You may come and receive communion (for baptized believers).