14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

Our country has had God's hand on it, but this is going to end if we don't turn back to God. Look at all the awful stuff happening in our country. This is the beginning of God's judgment. God's righteous right hand -- the favor of God. We have been protected by all kinds of evil. But, if we don't turn back He will discipline us. 

"25 Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, 26 and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span." Exodus 23:25-26

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalm 33:12

The United States -- it was built on Christian truth. It wasn't until the 1960s that people began saying this wasn't true. We were the first country to ever break away from a Super Power successfully. All state constitutions mention God. God ordained us to be a light to the nations, to this world. We are mocking Him with our flagrant sin and our choices. Look at what our country is putting out into the world. 

The Beginning Lines of the Declaration of Independence:
"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

God has given us warnings against falling away from God. 

13 The Lord warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” 2 Kings 17:13

God is warning us. We see the lessons in history. He warned his people over and over but they insisted on ignoring those warnings. One thing they did was worship Baal who demanded child sacrifice. Not much different than what people do now -- abortion on demand. Killing children for own benefit. 

"12 Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his attendants, his nobles and his officials all surrendered to him. In the eighth year of the reign of the king of Babylon, he took Jehoiachin prisoner. 13 As the Lord had declared, Nebuchadnezzar removed the treasures from the temple of the Lord and from the royal palace, and cut up the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made for the temple of the Lord. 14 He carried all Jerusalem into exile: all the officers and fighting men, and all the skilled workers and artisans—a total of ten thousand. Only the poorest people of the land were left. 15 Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. He also took from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother, his wives, his officials and the prominent people of the land. 16 The king of Babylon also deported to Babylon the entire force of seven thousand fighting men, strong and fit for war, and a thousand skilled workers and artisans. 17 He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah. 18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. 19 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as Jehoiakim had done. 20 It was because of the Lord’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence." 2 Kings 24:12-24

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalm 33:12

Is that us, the United States, now? No!

There was another time in history where we wouldn't discuss differences with each other; when all we did was divide ourselves and see others as enemies -- the Civil War. We lost more men in that war than ALL the wars combined America has been part of (and that doesn't include civilians). 

God has no use for America if we don't serve Him. 

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Galatians 6:7


"18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools" Romans 1:18-22

Sound familiar?

God's love is waiting for our return. 

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

What do we do?

"19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus." Acts 3:19-20

AND PRAY!!!

"2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:1-6

“The Lord is my strength and my defense[a];
    he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2

Webster's definition of worship: : 1. to honor or show reverence for as a divine being or supernatural power
2: to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion 

Songs, sacrifice, recognizing who God is and who we are -- all part of worship. Biblical examples are shown to us by Abraham, Moses, the prophets, the kings, even Jesus in the garden. Worship is essential to being a Christian. 

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song." Psalm 95:1-2

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    worship the Lord in the splendor of his[a] holiness." Psalm 29:2

"Come, let us bow down in worship,
    let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;" Psalm 95:6

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." Psalm 100:1-3

Worship God. Praise God all the time. Worship in heaven and yet to come:
"8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’[a]
who was, and is, and is to come.”
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
    and by your will they were created
    and have their being.'" Revelation 4:8-11

No matter who we are or how important we are in this world, we will always just be people and God will always be God. Every knee will bow. All creatures and all people will acknowledge Jesus as God -- either willingly or otherwise.



"11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
    to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
    and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
    be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!'" Revelation 5:11-13

Worship in Spirit and Truth

23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name." Hebrews 13:15

Worship is Doing

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Worship is a verb.

As a recipient of Christ's sacrifice, live your life in response to what you have received. Everything we do should be in response to Jesus's sacrifice.

Worship is Knowing

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." James 5:13-15

Worship is obedience. 

Worship is Telling

"5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”[b]" Romans 14:10-11

Doing, Knowing and Telling -- Each of us knows someone who doesn't know Jesus. We need to tell them.

Life of Worship:

“The Lord is my strength and my defense[a];
    he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14-17

If God tells you to do something and you don't do it, it's sin. If God tells you something and you make excuses you aren't following Jesus.

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them." James 4:17

The example has been given in Jesus Christ.

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15

Jesus went and found the people who needed healing, who needed saving. He kept on healing, kept on preaching, kept on forgiving no matter the reaction he got from others.

Have a servant heart

​"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

Everything we do should lead to this way of life (in above verses). We can't "sell" Christianity with earthly rewards. Jesus doesn't promise these. But the life is rewarding -- it is abundant life! Rewards for following Christ in deeds:

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Everyone of us are wealthy. We are doing really well compared to most people in the world. Put your hope in God, not in riches. The abundant life is living the life of Christ right now. 

The day is coming:

 "'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.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"
Matthew 25:31-40

The deciding factor is what they DID for Jesus. Don't just think or wish -- DO! When you don't do it to others, you aren't doing it for Jesus. How can we claim we know Christ if we don't live as He calls us to live?

Actions and Truth 

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

Pray for people right now. We have to put our hands on people -- get real, get honest, do, do, do.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:6-8

Everyone has gifts. Use them for the kingdom of God. Use what you've been given.

WARNING:

There is danger in inactivity. You can defend really well but you'll never win just defending. Unless you go on the offensive you will never gain, never win.

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26

Is your faith dead?

"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." Titus 1:16

"With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him." Daniel 11:32

Defense and offense. We have to be moving out -- moving forward. Step out. Do. We have no excuse to have faith without action.

 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23

"He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”" Matthew 17:20

Do! You're strong enough!
Pray knowing God is listening and working. Do the work. Our faith has to be a verb in our lives. This is what we are meant to do. 

Evaluate yourself -- work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 

What if Jesus asks you, "What did you do for me?" 

Even the demonws know who Jesus is but that's not faith. Faith without action is worthless. Be engaged wholly.

The world is lost. We all know the world is lost. If the world was honest the world would admit to being lost. So what do we need when we are lost? We need a way forward. 

Our way forward is Christ.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,God  did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:1-8

God went His son to fulfill the Law to make a way for us to be with Him in heaven. 

You have to choose -- the world or Jesus.

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

Jesus is the door!

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

Follow in His steps wherever He leads us.

The path forward is marked. 

The markers left by Christ are clear.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
  in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a]" Proverbs 3:5-6

"Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

Live in me as I live in the Father is what Jesus says. 

Do as I do -- Love as I love.

​"13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:13-17

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12

Resurrection makes all things new!

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:16-19

Jesus will physically return to earth!

Do as I do.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher." Luke 6:37-47

See in the above passage --  your action reaps. If you judge you will be judged. don't judge and you won't be judged; don't forgive and you won't be forgiven, etc....

They are Promises and Warnings.
“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. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49

Set your mind on the Resurrection. Don't be a fan. Be a follower.

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4

Don't be deceived. 

We are never left alone.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:4-6

Challenge: Be a well-trained student. Use discipline. Get into the Word. Do what Jesus does. Follow Him.

   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

"17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles[a] from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
​25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
35 Jesus wept." John 11:17-35

Storms in life -- the panic, the loss we feel in these times. Jesus has compassion. Jesus will be with us.

Why?
If God is all powerful....
If God is all loving....

Why does He allow suffering and pain?
Free will allows capacity for pain. 
choices have consequences. We are not robots. Sin was brought into the world by us. We brought it all into this world. We are going to have to deal with all this.

"12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned— 13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. 15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! 18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:12-19

Faith says we trust Him no matter what.

Saith must be applied -- Faith is hard when it gets personal.

World is not without pain for anyone.

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

David -- the man after God's own heart, said, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" Psalm 13:1

Absolute Truth vs. Feelings. Jesus feels our pain. God is always at work!

Absolute Truth #1: God holds us always.

"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.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:28-29

Sometimes there are storms.

 "Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Mark 4:36-40

Fear overtook what they knew. 

What part don't you get yet?  says God to us at times. Be strong and courageous!

Absolute Truth #2 -- He Has Plans for us.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

God promises to meet our daily needs.
And Jesus gives us hope.

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 3:9

This is mercy. We are given another opportunity to increase the kingdom.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

"what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?" Psalm 8:4

"As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—" Psalm 103:13-17

God understands how mortal we are -- how we will be forgotten.

Absolute Truth #3: The End

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:1-4

Faith Changes Everything!!