Services/Sermon in Glendale 21.04.2019

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Let us join our service this morning in opening prayer and thanksgiving.

Holy and righteous Father, we thank Thee for this day of grace, this special day that Thou hast allowed us to gather together with the celebration of Thy Son. We pray, dear Father, that Thou would yet be with us at our gathering, that Thou would yet give words unto Thy servant, that Thou would yet give us ears of the disciples, cause us not to be hearers, but doers of Thy word.

We thank Thee that Thou hast protected us to this very day, to this very moment, from the many dangers and storms on the way. We pray, dear Father, especially for those who are sick or ill, and are infirm and cannot make it to services. We pray, dear Father, on their behalf, that Thou would yet comfort them, lead and guide them, and encourage and uplift them on this way, by and through the preached word of the Gospel.

We also, dear Father, remember those many loved ones who are near and dear, perhaps children, or brothers or sisters, or even parents, uncles or aunts, nieces or nephews, those that are walking that broad path that leads to everlasting destruction. We pray, dear Father, that Thou would awaken them to their condition, and grant them the grace of repentance, to believe, even this, the greatest of all sins, unbelief, forgiven, in the name and blood of Jesus.

We also, dear Father, remember those loved ones who are experiencing difficulties, be it health issues, financial difficulties, or even getting to services, getting food for everyday life. We pray, dear Father, that Thou would yet remember them, help them in their time, and bless them as Thou hast blessed us so abundantly.

We also, dear Father, are thankful for the many blessings that we have received, this food that we eat, our shelter, our places of work, how we can travel from one area to another, and see our brothers and sisters in faith. We know all this comes from Thy hand.

We pray for our country and its leaders, that they would do good in Thy sight, that Thy kingdom would yet flourish, grant that the candlestick would yet remain here in this country, and go forth, yet growing. But above all, dear Father, we thank Thee for sending Thy only Son, that through Him we have the hope of eternal life in heaven.

And we pray that prayer that Thy dear Son has taught us. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

For our study this morning, we shall read a portion of God's Word, which is found in the second letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, the second chapter, beginning with the third verse through the end of the chapter. The words are as follows in Jesus' name. Amen.

Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or his worship, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Remember ye not that when I was yet with you, I told you these things, that I was not a servant of God, but that I was a servant of God. And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work. Only he who now letteth will let until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.

Even him whose coming is after the works of Satan, with all powers and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they receive not the love of the truth that they might be saved.

For this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness.

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, whereunto He called you by our gospel, through the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which He hath been taught, whether by word or our epistle.

Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, which hath given us everlasting peace. Comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. Amen.

Today, dear brothers and sisters, is a special day in our life as children of God. Even you young children have studied and read about the birth of our Lord and Savior, His suffering and death on that middle cross, but also the joy of His resurrection, how He rose victorious from the grave.

And it was foretold in Scriptures, hundreds of years before the event, and even Jesus Himself related of this. I remember one time when Jesus was visiting with the brothers and sisters in faith, and how there were some that said that what Jesus said was a hard saying, and they no longer walked after Him.

Jesus asked the disciples, "Will you also leave?" Will you leave? We remember what their answer was. "Lord, where would we go? Thou hast the gift of eternal life in heaven."

They believed that Jesus came into this world to die for their sins. He came in to suffer and die on that middle cross so we would have the hope of eternal life in heaven. Amen.

And Jesus gave much instruction when He was here for the children of God at that time. But we, dear brother and sister, know that the whole Bible is for all time. For we know Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

The Old Testament travelers waited the birth of our Lord and Savior. But they believed and trusted that He would be born. He would come into this world. And we certainly believe this to be so. Amen.

Often, we have seen many children here at our services this Easter weekend, how they are the perfect example of the greatest in God's kingdom.

The disciples many times were thinking with the mind. And we remember even how Peter, when Jesus came and asked him, "Who do the people say that I am?" And he said something like, "Thou art a prophet, or Isaiah, or Elijah."

But He asked Peter, "But who do thou say that I am?" And Peter said, "Thou art the Son of the living God, Jesus Christ."

And Jesus said, "Flesh and blood has not revealed it, but the Spirit of my Father which is in heaven."

The Spirit is what gives us life, dear brother and sister. When we think of this gift of the Holy Spirit, it's certain we heard in that presentation last week by our brother—I don't want to pronounce his last name, but he's a dear speaker brother from Phoenix—who gave that presentation about the triune God and the Holy Spirit, which is such a beautiful presentation that I hope all of you get a chance to read it and study it.

Because when we think of the time which we are living, we are living a time where there is much difficulty. We know there are some that have different thoughts.

And this portion which we heard read is saying here in this third verse, "Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come except there come a falling away, that the man of sin be revealed."

Throughout all time, there have been heresies. There are those that have left God's kingdom. Perhaps we have had children, or brothers or sisters, that have given up their faith, denied their faith by their life.

It comes to us, and it causes great sorrow to our heart. And we want to remember them in prayer.

We also know that this is the love from the Heavenly Father, that He loved us first. We didn't love Him first. He loved us first. He gave His Son so that we would have the hope of eternal life in heaven.

All that is, is that we place all our care and confidence in Him. Heavenly Father will carry us to the destination.

Apostle Paul says, we have this great cloud of witnesses where we can go to our brothers and sisters in faith.

And many times we find ourselves falling short of the glory that we need to hear that gospel. We need to hear that gospel.

Those name matters that may come upon the heart and conscience. As even James says, "Confess your faults one to another."

And this is how the Old Testament travelers made it to heaven. Perhaps some of your parents, our parents, those that have gone on, even that sister that just passed away a few weeks ago.

She did not make it of her own reason or strength, but by the preached word of the gospel. The gospel is the power of salvation to those who believe.

So this portion which we heard, we heard how the Apostle Paul is relating of the dangers that are present.

And he says in another portion of the scripture how there will be heresies, we may believe, that manifest among you.

We hope and pray that God can open the hearts and reveal His wonderful love so that none would be lost.

The most important matter is that we keep faith in a good conscience. There is nothing else we can do to merit salvation.

Reading the Bible, reading God's important letters are nice to do, but we need to hear that gospel. We need to be believing.

When we think of that lady who was taken in the act of adultery, all the scribes and Pharisees said, "What will we do to her?" She was taken in the very act.

First of all, they only brought one of the parties that were involved with this sin.

And Jesus stooped down on the ground and began writing. The Bible does not say what He wrote, but they left one by one, beginning with the oldest to the youngest.

Jesus had said, "He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone."

And when they all had left, Jesus said, "Where are thine accusers?" And she said, "They are gone."

And He said, "Neither do I accuse thee anymore. Go and sin no more."

Here, she received the grace of repentance. She was able to walk in the kingdom of God. Her sins were no longer upon the heart and conscience. They were drowned in a sea of grace.

She was a dear sister. And that is how the Heavenly Father is. He does not remember any sins that have been put away and forgiven.

And Jesus gave that special gift. He reminded the disciples. He breathed on them the Holy Ghost. And He said these beautiful words: "What is loosed on earth is loosed in heaven."

But He also said that "What is bound on earth is bound in heaven."

And we know, we do not hear much of anyone being bound. But it has happened.

And I will give an example of one time I was at a meeting, and there was a couple that had been brought in front of the congregation. The church law of Christ was being used.

And they didn't understand their sin. But they understood that if they did not repent, that they would be bound.

And so they begged for forgiveness. And they did repent. And they were able to hear that gospel.

And God revealed the sin, how they had fallen. And they were so joyous and happy that they were obedient unto the congregation.

That is the most important matter that we have, is that we hear what the Spirit has to say unto the congregation.

And here we heard how the Apostle Paul says, "Even him who is coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders."

There is much spoken in Revelation about God's children. And we remember how John was able to witness this.

And in chapter 8, in Luke 10, Peter says, excuse me, those that were robes with white garments.

And it was revealed to them, who are those that have had their garments sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb.

They are children of God who have died in faith.

And again, Revelation says, "Auke on you too."

And Jesus reminds even Peter, when Peter has said, "He will never deny Thee."

Peter had grown. Peter had stumbled. And Peter had said, "He should never go on that middle cross and die."

And Jesus said, "I have prayed for Thee that Thou will be converted."

And He said, "Go and strengthen Thy brethren."

Those disciples fell on this journey likewise like you and I do.

But they heard this Gospel message that son and daughter, be of good cheer. Your sins are forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus.

This is how they made it to heaven.

And Jesus said, "Fear Him who can take your life, your life of faith, the enemy of the soul."

He goes about like a roaring lion, as Jesus said. He wants to start out with just our little finger and get us to fall into sin.

Do not, do not believe the sermons of the enemy of the soul. But believe unto peace, joy, and happiness, this Gospel.

As you can believe even this very moment, all your doubts and sins forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus.

This is how we make it to heaven.

We have nothing else of our own but this old portion. This old portion which battles against the Spirit. This old portion which will never repent.

But how we need to humble ourselves before the hand of our Heavenly Father and believe through sanctification of the Spirit, the Gospel message that your sins are forgiven.

That is the good tidings of our Lord and Savior. The good tidings of our Heavenly Father to His children that ye need not die.

And He says this, "Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle."

You want to remember the words of our Heavenly Father, the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which have been written in this Bible by holy men as they were moved by the Spirit of God.

This is how we receive nourishment on this way, dear brother and sister, is by traveling here in this kingdom.

And this is how we can receive strength to battle against that threefold enemy, the world, our own flesh and blood, and the enemy of the soul.

The enemy of the soul is trying to do one thing, cause us to sin, wants to break love between brothers and sisters in faith.

And he is trying his hardest to, but isn't it wonderful that we can obtain mercy here in God's kingdom.

God's kingdom is a kingdom of pardoned sinners. There have been none that have walked without sin.

Jesus said, "All have erred, all have strayed, but God has loved us and given His Son, that through Him we could obtain mercy by and through this Gospel."

This is such a beautiful...

When we think of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, and it will be the resurrection for every child of God, this is what we look forward to.

We know we have no continuing city here on this earth, but we look forward to seeing our Savior face to face, seeing those loved ones who have gone on before us, and we can be content with our lot in this life, that we have the most reason to be joyous and happy, that our sins are forgiven, that our names are written in the last book of life, and this is all that is necessary for us, dear brother and sister.

I have been in your presence since Thursday, and I have experienced great joy and love being with you.

It has been so wonderful to be amongst you that I also have received care even from you, brothers and sisters in faith.

I have received comfort and strength by visiting with you, brothers and sisters.

I too ask that you would remember me when I return home, my family, a small flock of believers back home, and we likewise would do the same.

We promise to do the same.

The prayers of the righteous, the righteous availeth much.

And I even come in here this morning, ask again for my many doubts and sins, failures and shortcomings.

Can I yet hear that gospel and believe my own sins forgiven? I want to remain believing with you.

You too, at this very moment, can believe.

I give the last doubt and sin of the journey forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus.

I also too want to give greetings. My wife called me this morning. She also asked that greetings be sent.

I received a text from our dear brother, Keith Warnamey, and he also asked that greetings would be sent.

And also perhaps there may be some that were not here, but I want to tell you something.

Earlier from this week, there were greetings from Monticello. It was wonderful to hear what the Spirit has to say unto the congregation.

So, in closing, dear brother and sister, be ye uncomforted in this time which we live. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Good and gracious God. He is with us every day until the end of our journey. He has promised to lead us and guide us on this journey.

All that He asks is that we remain obedient. Obedient in faith.

And we know we all fall short daily. We perhaps may get impatient and become short or testy. Perhaps maybe say things that we probably shouldn't have said.

But isn't it wonderful that we could come and hear what God's Word has to say.

We could be reminded how we could hear this Gospel and believe all those sins forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus.

You young children too have permission to believe all doubts and sins of the journey forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus.

You parents, you brothers and sisters, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, likewise.

We live with this Gospel. There is nothing else that we can rely on.

This Gospel is the power of salvation to those who believe.

This mystery which is kept in God's kingdom of the Lord's salvation is the power of salvation in the name of Jesus.

In Jesus' name and blessed name, Amen.

Amen.

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His face shine upon us and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up His countenance upon us and give us peace.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.