“The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
    “when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
    and with the people of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
    I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
    though I was a husband to[a] them,[b]”
declares the Lord.
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
    after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds
    and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people." Jeremiah 31:31-33

God says he will live in them and they will live in him.  Context is everything. If you don't know where you came from you'll be lost.

"Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present. 7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
Luke 22:1-8

Jesus is looking forward to this last passover with his disciples. He tells them to set it up. This passover had meaning (still does). Passover is always the 14th of Nisan according to the Jewish Calendar.

"The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. 8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. 11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover." Exodus 12:5-11

Celebrate it yearly. It was solemn but celebratory! It pointed to Jesus's sacrifice. It was a symbol of what Jesus would accomplish on the cross. It is past, Present and future when Jesus celebrates with his disciples prior to his death. 

"Eat like you're going to leave."

“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. 14 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance." Exodus 12:12-14

Never forget you were saved by the Blood! We should never forget! That is why we celebrate the Lord's supper.

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

We memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.

So:

Remember who we are -- sinners saved by Grace.
Remember who Jesus was and is -- the perfect sacrifice for us.
With Great Desire He wanted to die for us. Remember this!
Remember who the Father is -- His great love for us. He willingly sacrificed his son so there was a way to Him for us. 
Be thankful. It's a celebration. He said ti is finished. A celebration of God's love.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17

We live in the post-truth society -- now what matters is how people feel. Even science is no longer based on absolute truth -- We need to get back to absolute truth. Start with

#1 The bible. It has never been disproven. In fact, the more that is found the more it is proven. 
We, in this country, are reaping what we have sown. But we can still turn back to God. 



#2 Jesus Christ.

He was and is. Not a question that He existed. And He left no room for us to just think him as a teacher or a moral person. We either accept Him as the Son of God or not.

No one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ. 

#3 Follow His Commands.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12

We will get persecuted. We won't be popular.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

We need to let our lights shine!

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?" Matthew 5:44-46

We need to love our enemies -- love everyone.

When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.

"34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'" Matthew 22:33-40

Start with loving God and then loving people.

"Paul was at the end of his life when he wrote 2 Timothy.

"6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timotht 4:6-8

A drink offering  -- once it is poured out it is gone. 

In the above passage, Paul mentions three things: Fight the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.

1. Fight the Good Fight
In a fight, the minute you drop your guard you lose your offensive position and go on the defensive.
The minute you surrender you lose.
You can't quit fighting.

Discipline and Disciple are from the same root word.

Grab hold of Jesus and continue to fight. Survival isn't enough.

"24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Not a "losing salvation" passage. A non-fruit kind of life when you don't run right.

2. The Good Fight of Faith
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." Hebrews 11:1-3

We fight based on faith. Our faith is something we can't see. You have to hold onto that faith. The finish line is not a funeral. Finish line is eternity. We each have a different fight. We have to be passionate about the role God has given us. Passionately follow Jesus!

"35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:35-37

Beat that fear down with faith and grab hold and walk the faith; run the faith.

The Fight is Worth the Struggle

" No man who is really a man ever could enjoy the easy task. There is no enjoyment in the game that is easily won. It is that in which you have strained every muscle and sinew to achieve victory that provides real joy."
Eric Lidell, olympic gold metalist

Finish the Race Strong
"13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

Philippians was the last letter Paul wrote. 

Run with Perseverance

 "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

He ran all the way so we could finish strong.

The Father's will is the completion of His purposes; for each of us to finish strong; to have that final kick.

Victory -- stand steadfast and immoveable

Consistency!

"57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 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 15:57-58

We try the hardest when we work toward the goal. Stick to that goal -- give yourselves fully to the completion of God's will for you.

Keep the Faith

​"6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 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 2:6-10

What we do with it. Continue established and firm.

"20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[a] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant." Colossians 1:20-23

You have to finish.

The Lord is Faithful

"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

God knows I can't do it -- But He can!
God knows I don't have the will -- But He does!
God knows I don't have the strength -- But He does.

Don't coast.  Sometimes it will be hard, but God is there. Just stay with Him. "Go ahead and puke. Just don't quit." 

No matter what -- even if you stumble -- keep going. 

 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Are you?

The early Church had to learn how to live in Christ's freedom too. They all lived in the Roman Empire and also prior to accepting Christ either lived by Jewish Law or pagan rituals (if they were pagan). Freedom in Christ is a completely different way to live. We too need to choose freedom over rule keeping.

"11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." 1 Peter 2:11-1

Peter was talking to the Church as a whole. 

HOW DO WE LIVE IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF IT?

"14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world." John 17:14

This world is full of sin and darkness. It has no hope. It is perishing. We need to be the light.

"11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11-12

Be different. Don't be like the world. People should see the difference. Live in the truth, in kindness, compassion, joy, peace.

YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD SO LIVE LIKE IT.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

"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." Romans 12:1

We are meant to live lives that honor the Father all the time. 

WHAT DOES FREEDOM LOOK LIKE?

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

There are still people fighting to get here (America) so it must be better than where they are from. So too, we are citizens of Heaven -- our home is much better than hell. So live like your home is in heaven. Let people see the different. Jesus's way -- loving, kind, joyful, peaceful, not in a hurry; patient, good, long-suffering, self-controlled.

"7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8

God's holding us to a high standard. Be an example for those who don't have Jesus yet.

WHAT ABOUT AUTHORITIES?

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people."
                                                                                                                                                1 Peter 2:13-15

Remember, the Roman Empire, where these Believers lived, was a cruel, violent empire. Lots of people were killed by the government. It killed Christians. It would eventually kill Peter.

"25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”" Luke 20:25

If the authority tells you to go against God, then don't do that. Otherwise go with the government. But always respect authority no matter how the person acts. We always can be kind and respectful. We should exercise our right to vote and however else God is leading you to take part in politics. But we aren't to be beligerant ever. We should be living to make our world better.

"7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”" Jeremiah 29:7

Pray for peace and prosperity where you live.

"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."
1 Timothy 2:1-2

LIVE OUR LIVES HAS VOLUNTARY BONDSLAVES TO GOD.

​"16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." 1 Peter 2:16-17

Doulos=bondslave

A slave who was bought and paid for; released but chooses to stay with the Master voluntarily. I want to stay with my master, he or she says.

THE PRODIGAL SON

"17 “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." Luke 15:17-20

We were bought at a great price.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1



"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Galatians 5:13

FIGHT THE DEVIL TO PRESERVE YOUR FREEDOM

"But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[a]? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?" Galatians 4:9

Don't go back to what God took you from.
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

​ "6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided," Exodus 14:21

Don't need to fear the night! God works in the night. God banishes all darkness.

"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided," John 8:12

No need to fear snakes or spiders:

"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Luke 10:19

"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[a] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[b]" John 3:14-15

And many people fear Death:No need!

"Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Death has no power here!

4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

It's painful and we mourn but for Believers death means heaven! Being with Jesus! 

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9

We are going to have struggles, but we can conquer any fear.

How to conquer Fear:

1. Be honest about the fear/challenge you have. Talk to God about it. Say, "I'm scared...."
2. Find the positive -- look into God's word
3. Act, confront the fear head on. Step out. Don't stay frozen and unable to move.
4. Live in God's will.

"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

Declaration of Independence and The Preamble to the Constitution acknowledge God. But our country has slipped away from these founding principles.

We have lost our way.

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1

Judgment may be coming. God doesn't want to bring down judgment.

"Do not move an ancient boundary stone
    set up by your ancestors." Proverbs 22:28

We have moved the ancient boundaries that our founding fathers set up.

The Guttmancher Institute of 2014 found out that the women who had abortions were:

24% Catholic
17% mainline protestant
13% Evangelical protestant.

54% of the abortions performed in this country were on self-proclaiming Christians.

We the church have let our country down. This is not what God wants for us.

"Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?" Ezekiel 33:11

God doesn't want to pass judgment.

Judgment is not on civil government. The judgment mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3 is on the churches, not the world. Let him who has ears let him hear is the statement Jesus says to Believers.

The Future depends on the church.

Lukewarm -- no power, spit out of the mouth of God.

On Fire -- full of the power of God and combat all

During the spring when churches went virtual, 49% of church people said they didn't even attend virtual church (the ones that could). They just let it slide.

"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


There should be no surprise if we get judged.

Who is our fight with?

"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

Satan is having a field day in our country! He is playing ball big time. We let satan run amok. God says He has given us the ability to change our land.

What can we do today?

He is telling us Believers to:

1. Humble ourselves. We are responsible.
2. Pray (pray for our country). Pray that it returns, that we the church become what we need to be.
3. Seek God's face -- see what God wants us to do.
4. Turn from our wicked ways.

What can we do to change ourselves?

Examples for today

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come." 1 Corinthians 10:11

We are the culmination of the ages.

"The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”" Acts 2:39

This is a promise forever! What is the promise?

"And everyone who calls
    on the name of the Lord will be saved." Acts 2:21

Two Examples:

Sodom and Gomorrah vs. Ninevah. Which country will we be?

"Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?”" Genesis 18:32

10 righteous people were not found in Sodom and Gomorrah so they were destroyed! God couldn't find 10 people who lived for Him. God doesn't want to bring judgment. God can't tolerate sin -- He has done all He can for us. He sent Jesus! If we choose wickedness, we will get judgment.

"When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened." Jonah 3:10

Ninevah on the other hand, chose to repent! And they were saved.

If we as a country do not change we are going to crash and burn. We will be under the judgment of God. It is up to the Believers to bring our country to repentance.

7" If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it." Jeremiah 17:7-10


God is whispering the possibility of judgment in our ears. Will we listen? Will we Believers do what we need to do? We have been blessed. Will we choose blessing or judgment? We need to turn back to God.

The mantle falls on us

17" For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17


"But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”
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 5:13-17

Therefore do not be foolish....