In Acts 3 Peter and John are used by God to heal a man who was lame from birth. As a result of this miracle they were given a platform to speak from. And this is the response from the people:

"The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand." Acts 4:1-4

Standing Firm in what they Believe. Sharing what they know
This led the authorities to question them. This again gave them an opportunity to speak  the truth:

"7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed." Acts 4:7-10

The more Peter was challenged, the bolder he became. 

"18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.'" Acts 4:18-20

Still standing!

"12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed." Acts 5:12-16

The stronger the testimony, the greater the miracles. More and more people believed. All were healed. 

"17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out." Acts 5:17-19

They would rather keep their power then let God in! God told Peter and John to do it again!

Who Will You Obey?

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:29-32

When you are a witness in court you will be attacked by the opposing side. Expect to be attacked. use a challenge to grow bolder and bolder.

In the World Today:

13 Christians are murdered daily.
12 Churches are attacked daily.
12 Christians are unjustly arrested and imprisoned daily.
1 in 6 Christians in Africa are persecuted.
2 in 5 Christians in Asia are persecuted.

Persecution makes us bolder and stronger. A lot of prayer went into the founding of the United States. Where are we today?
18% of all pregnancies end in abortion. That is almost 1 in 5!
Rampant sexual immorality
Apathy in and outside the church
Where are we Believers when all this is going on?
We should be much more than we are. We have let our country down.

Are we standing firm?

"19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

When you buy a tractor for your ranch you expect it to do the work it needs to do. You would be mighty upset if it didn't work. God bought us with a very high price -- the price of His Son's life. What are we doing with our lives? What are we using our bodies for?

"9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:9-11

Make Noise

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Be strong!

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:10-13

Put on your armor and get to work. Don't try to find a way out. Find a way to use your armor and the Word more effectively.

Be a prayer warrior

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Ephesians 6:18-20

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate." Luke 15:17-24

The father took his son back -- didn't tell him to clean himself up before the robe was put on him. The father didn't yell at him for squandering the money. The father didn't ask for the prodigal son to even say sorry. He just took him back. God takes us back the same way. God takes us back in the condition He finds us in. After the relationship is there then God works with us to become who He created us to be.

Why did Jesus tell this parable?

"Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2

He was responding to the Pharisees and teachers grumbling about Him loving and welcoming unsavory people into His presence. Jesus is showing them the way God works with us.

Who are we?

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:1-3

We have an obligation to bear with the failings of others -- God did this with us (and continues to). Why would we act any differently? 

Ask yourself: Am I acting like a pharisee or like Jesus?

Who are we to judge?

"Lord, hear my prayer,
    listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
    come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
    for no one living is righteous before you." Psalm 143:1-2

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3

Sin is sin is sin.

The Order of Things.

In Luke 19 Jesus calls up to Zacchaeus and says he is going to eat at Zacchaeus's house. We are called first. We accept and the relationship begins. And then after that comes the change. God brings about the change in us -- not we ourselves. Our responsibility is to open the door and let them in (as a church). 

Change comes after the relationship

Is that not the blueprint that Jesus gave us?

Not ready but willing -- that is an individual's responsibility -- to be willing to receive Jesus. We need to be a safe haven for all who are broken -- the church needs to be that safe haven. Are we a church with open doors?

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4

Equation for Salvation:

Come as you are + Jesus = Salvation.
Endurance + Scriptures = Hope.

Day to day we walk. We pick up our cross daily.

This is the example of Jesus.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:4-7

Do what you can within your sphere of influence. We Believers need to be the ones to make the change.

A Church family of hope.

Our hope likes in the promises of Jesus.
Where there is hope, there is life.
​Open the doors of the church. Open the arms of your heart. There is no better place, no better people, no better time than now.

"11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him." Ecclesiastes 3:11-14

King Solomon wrote this as he looked back at his life. 
-- The work we do is a gift of God!
-- We don't endure forever -- our lives on this earth are finite.

Time is Fleeting.

"13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”" James 4:13-15

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
    and the number of my days;
    let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
    even those who seem secure.[a]
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
    in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
    without knowing whose it will finally be." Psalm 39:4-6

Time is short for us.

God only knows the time we have.

"Our days may come to seventy years,
    or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
    for they quickly pass, and we fly away." Psalm 90:10

"Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

We have a limited amount of time. Make each day important. When you number something it's important. Each day, each year, each hour is important. Our days are important. If we don't make the most of each one we lose it. Each breath, each second can be a offering to God.

Time is a Blessing.

"8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9

God wants us to live as much as we can -- see as many souls saved as we can. Now, now, now -- is what we humans think. God's timing is perfect! When we think it isn't, we are arrogant and so very wrong. God has grace and mercy -- He doesn't want to lose anyone. Time is a blessing -- another opportunity to love and share.

Time will end.
 
"For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:5-8

Don't focus on things happening around us. Focus on Jesus and loving people for Jesus.

​“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’" Matthew 25:31-36

Don't be caught off guard not watching.
If someone important was planning on showing up at your house you would prepare and watch. How much more should we do this for Jesus.

"41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’"Matthew 25:41-45

Time is Ticking.
"Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

The clock is ticking on every human life.

The Urgency of Time -- Be Intentional.

"15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Ephesians 5:15-17

Live it with drive, with intention. Live for Jesus. Love God will all of yourself. Love everyone wholly. Love on each other. Be wise. Make the most of every opportunity to love. Nobody is going to care what you did at the end. They want to know if they are loved. They need to know Jesus and believe in Him. 

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4:5

If You knew, what would you do?

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." Galatians 6:10

Am I living intentionally for Jesus? There will be no do-overs when we stand before Jesus.

What does God want you to do?
"As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work."
John 9:4

​We have limited time and limited opportunity.

The Day is Coming.

"31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left." Matthew 25:31-33

At the end we will be separated by what we did for Jesus. 

"41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’" Matthew 25:41-45

You did not do what you were supposed to do.

What have you done with the time You have been given?

What are we waiting for?

All you gotta do is get moving.
"36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”"
Matthew 12:36-37

Let's see what you did for me.

"Empty words." 

"So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Romans 14:12

What matters is what I did with my life for Jesus. 

If you choose NOT to do what is right that is a sin: a sin of omission. 

We deserve nothing. He gave us everything.
We deserve hell. He offers heaven.

Time is short.

 "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." Philippians 2:1-2

Whatever you got, give it out. If you've received it give it out to others. Assume everyone is your friend.

A "works-based guy" comes to Jesus:

"On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”
28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”" Luke 10:25-39

This guy is testing Jesus. When he asked who his neighbor was he was looking for a loophole. If we're trying to get out of something God tells us to do, we're wrong.

Compassion -- show mercy.

THE PARABLE

Context -- Who is my neighbor?
Setting -- Road to Jericho. It was 18 miles downhill. It was known as "The Way of Blood" because it was so dangerous.
Characters -- Priest, Levite, Samaritan, Jewish victim

"31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side."

The priest was supposed to be the person closest to God. He avoided the victim. This priest was born into ministry. The Levite was also born into ministry. Levites served priests. Both were leaving Jerusalem so both had time. 

Actions vs. Appearance.
Compassion vs. Self-interest.

The "expert in the law" didn't object to the priest's and the levite's actions in the story. It is like he almost expected them.

"Charity is more popular than compassion. Compassion has a cost, and charity is tax deductible." Anonymous

Compassion costs.

What cost? 

33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’" Luke 10:33-35

The costs:

Emotional -- Samaritan took pity on the victim. He's traveling. There is a risk to the Samaritan for him to just go over to the man. Intention -- went to the victim
Effort -- bandaged his wounds. Took time to take care of the man.
Resources -- oil and wine. These weren't cheap. Oil for softening. Wine for disinfecting.
Labor -- Lifted him and put him on his riding animal. This took a lot of strength.
Money -- brought him to an inn and paid for his care.
Personal Responsibility -- long-term care if needed.
Time -- this hadn't been the Samaritan's plan at all. He put aside his own agenda and served this man.

Compassion is an action 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

God led us through an action -- God didn't hold back. 

"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20

Go out and do. Do what I did. You will be able to do more than I did.

Henry Durant. Born 1828. Started 1st chapter of YMCA (Young men's Christian organization) in Switzerland when he saw how many boys and young men needed help and guidance. Durant had a successful career. One day he had a meeting with Napoleon III. As he was going to see him he saw 40,000 men wounded and dead in a field. No one was helping them. He convinced a local church to set up a makeshift first aid station for the soldiers. For the next several weeks he stayed and helped heal the soldiers. When he returned home he wrote letters to many country leaders and this brought about the First Geneva Convention. At this convention they decided doctors, nurses and ambulances were off limits that is how the Red Cross started. This was prior to WWI.

When you say, "Somebody should do something" maybe you are the somebody who is needed.

​Give as we have received.

"We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do and more in the light of what they suffer." Diedrich Bonhoeffer

If someone is suffering, help. We need to value people and not why they may be suffering.

Everything God has given us we can give away -- Go and do. 

Am I doing something?

Feeling and saying don't help the receiver. Do what I've asked you to do. When we have the ability to help, that is a gift from God to help. HELP.

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Consequences can be very serious.

"Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. 'Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith." Mark 6:1-6

They knew He did miracles and knew He preached truth but instead of believing in Him they were offended by Him.

"17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled[a]; yet he liked to listen to him." Mark 6:17-20

John is preaching the truth. Even though Herod knows John is right and righteous, to make Herodias happy he imprisons John. It's easier to go against John than Herodias. Herod is actually going against God.

Expectations vs. Reality

1. Israelites escape slavery in Egypt: God got them through the Red Sea. They had a great celebration -- a few days later they were grumbling.

"22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.[a]) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”" Exodus 15:22-24

Moses is so overwhelmed by their sinful grumbling he sins himself and doesn't get to enter The Promised Land!

2.  Jesus Calls the Disciples: They think -- miracle working Messiah, Yeah! Life will be Good.

"17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:17-22

Consequences are a natural result of a fallen world.

"23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23

Consequences of sin? Of course.

Consequences of truth? Are you ready for them?

"20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a]23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:20-24

We are called to be dead to sin.

Consequences after ...Happily ever after? Christ was arrested, tried and crucified. He told them it was going to be rough.

"19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." John 20:19-20

You're following -- you will lead. Spirit gives us new perspective. Truth is more important than consequences. Salvation, Forgiveness and the Love of God -- preaching this is our job but there will be consequences. Speaking the truth -- earthly consequence is death.

2021 -- more martyrs in our time than ever before. Will you speak the truth irregardless of consequences? Our life, our goal is to stay steadfast. Be good soil.

"7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, 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 is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:7-11

Everything in my life is gone. Good riddance. And then He met Jesus. Jesus, I'm Yours. Then everything else was rubbish. Finish the race. That is our happily ever after. 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Go, go go. Get rid of the junk. And go. Run the race. 

14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

"Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

Speak the truth. Don't blow it off. Just speak. Help me to step out in boldness. I'm not here to make the world happy. We need to keep running our race -- never stop

7 "So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him." Luke 5:7-11

They dropped what they had and followed Jesus: careers, families, businesses; this is commitment. 

What are you willing to give up for Jesus? We've been really blessed in America not to have to give up much to follow Jesus here. This is going to change. We haven't had to pay the cost other believers have had to pay. But I think that is going to change. We need to prepare for this. Get rooted in your faith. Everything taught in hopes I won't need to use it (in defensive fighting training).

If you follow Jesus you know what you're getting into. Jesus never has promised us cushy, easy living. 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

Jesus knew this was a battle. We have to fight. If we don't fight spiritually than the enemy is winning in our lives. 

Is this our time?

​"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy," 2 Timothy 3:1-2

Does this sound like our country? Our world?

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

False Teaching

"At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." Matthew 24:23-24

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." 2 Timothy 4:3

It's all better now....to go along to get along we will have to surrender Bible principles. Ask yourself now where you stand on this.

We should follow our authorities unless what they are telling us to do disagrees with the Bible.

The Time Is Coming

We will be asked to give more than ever -- it will cost us. The majority will take the easy route. But easy now means we pay later. Jesus doesn't call us to the easy route.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[a] but only the Father." Matthew 24:36

Things will get worse. Jesus promised this.

 "“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:42-44

They will do the same th ing. If you know its coming you can be prepared. Get prepared. It is coming.

A lot of people may say, "Surely not us. Surely not now." 

"While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once." Luke 19:11

"21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”" Matthew 16:21-23

"It will never happen to me." This is a stumbling block. Jesus never hid the cost of following Him. Never.

"25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:25-27

It wasn't nice. The disciples were all martyred horribly (except for John who was exiled on an island).

It's all or nothing.

The Cross

"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full." Luke 14:33

We need to be serviing and loving Jesus.

Cheap grace?
"Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Jesus must be first or nothing. The cost of Him leaving heaven was huge! And that was just the first thing He gave up.

Cheap grace is easy to fall into.

Cheap grace will be paid for eventually -- The easy way will cost you eternally. A lot of people can do miracels but taking up my cross -- 100% commitment is much more important than miracles.

Jesus was disgusted with those who lead others astray.

When the time comes . . . 

Jesus asks for it all, and gives all.

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus promised we would have trouble. Act on the truth. Do right. That's the cost of that's coming.

If you're not willing to accept Christ fully you will pay the cost in the end.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

We have a job to do. Do-gooders can't lead anyone to repentance. We should be broken people.

We humans have been blaming others for our bad behavior since the beginning of time.

Adam blamed God and Eve for his sin.

"The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”" Genesis 3:12

Eve blamed the serpent:

"The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”" Genesis 3:13b

No matter how others treat us we are responsible for our responses. 

And Jesus said:

"There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day." John 12:48

He will ask each of us individually, Did you do what I told you to do?

46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built." Luke 6:46-48

If we rely on someone else's faith it will fail. The world and Satan want to destroy yourr foundation.

Seek Maturity:

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," Philippians 2:12

Salvation -- what you do with it is how you mature.

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble," 2 Peter 1:10

Practice! Practice! Practice! Practice your faith. It will get stronger and deeper the more you practice it.

When you get into the Word, when you get into a study you are practicing your faith.

"for each one should carry their own load." Galatians 6:5

We are so blessed! The Word is one of the biggest blessings God has given us. We have such a good Father. We have every resource we need to mature spiritually.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

"But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48

Do something with what God has given you. 

In the parable of the talents, the 3rd servant blamed the master for his own lack of action. You are responsibly for how you respond to other people's actions (good or bad).

"Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,[b] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so." Hebrews 6:1-3

Don't keep building the foundation over and over. Build on the foundation.

Seek Mature Spiritual Food:

"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:11-14

Again ..... Practice.

Be who you are supposed to be! It's okay to be nervous to take the first step. The steps get easier and easier the more you take. Don't stop growing.

Be filled with knowledge and understanding:

9" For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God," Colossians 1:9-10

Knowledge, practice and education will help mature you spiritually.

"until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." Ephesians 4:13-15

Grow up.
 
Self Evaluation:

Where am I at? How can I get closer to Jesus? Where do I need to go today? Is there anything holding me back from getting closer to Jesus?

Everyone starts at the same place spiritually -- 0. What would you like to have more of in your spiritual life?