A&D Biker Ministries - "Growing the Kingdom of God . . . one Biker at a time"

June 28, 2025

Staying Young All Your Life

Introduction: There are some products out there on the market that we see advertised that promise age-defying results; miracle moisturizing creams and anti-aging products with Retinol; But the reality is that our bodies are going to age, and usually our strength and physical capabilities will diminish (Eccl. 12:1-5), but there are some attitudes that we can adopt and choices that we can make to stay young and strong in heart.

Bible examples of those that lived long lives and did amazing things with prolonged strength/stamina:

Many of the early patriarchs lived to be hundreds of years old. Methuselah, the oldest man to live on the earth, lived 969 years (Gen.5:27) Noah lived 950 years (Gen.9:29); He was 480 years old when he began building the Ark; He worked at building the ark for 120 years; he was 500 years old when he begat Ham, Shem and Japheth; he was 600 years old when he and his family entered the Ark, and the great fountains of the deep were broken up and the windows of heaven were opened- Gen. 7:11.

Abram was seventy-five when he departed out of Haran (Gen. 12:4); He was four-score and six years old when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram. Abram was ninety-nine years old when God appeared to him and consecrated him, and established his covenant with him, and he was circumcised. He was ninety-nine years old when Sarah conceived, and one hundred years old when Isaac was born- Gen. 21:5.

Caleb was eighty-five (four-score and five) years old when he made the statement that he “was as strong this day as when Moses sent me; as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out and to come in” (Joshua 14:10-12).

Yes, these are probably extraordinary cases, and exceptional people, but they are great examples nonetheless.

There are a few ways that we can still be “fat and flourishing” (productive) and young at heart:

We can still be young in our appetite for learning (referred to as “life-long learning)

Have a healthy appetite for God’s word.

Being nourished by both the milk and the meat of God’s word- Isaiah 28:9; II Tim3:16,17

The milk of the word (i.e. some “bible basics” basic foundational truths) I Peter 2:2
The Meat of the Word (i.e. some of the harder things to understand, that you have to “chew on” for a while- meditate on) Hebrews 5:12-14.

Psalm 1 describes the blessed one that delights in the law of the Lord, meditates in it day and night. The Word of God becomes his delight and his passion.
Gaining knowledge of Scripture should be our first priority, because gaining God’s perspective reduces our anxiety, and prepares us to do His will and fulfill His plan.

We are not to be like those described in II Timothy 3:7 that are “ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

We can still keep on laboring (serving ) the Lord

Our text says, “those that are planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God”. We are to be firmly planted in the church- That is where we will be most fruitful in our service for the Lord. Psalm 1 describes the “blessed” one that delights in the Law of the Lord, and walks in righteousness, is like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that

brings forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he does shall prosper.”

The priests in the Old Testament entered into their priestly office at age 30, and served in their priestly duties until they were 50 years old. These were their most effective years of service. After that they were in more supportive roles.

We can continue Loving as we have been instructed to do

Loving God and His word- Duet. 6:5; Matthew 22:37
Love others- “love thy neighbor as thyself” Matthew 22:39
Love enemies- Matthew 5:44
Love the fellowship of the saints- i.e. other believers-II Corinthians 8:4; Love the brotherhood- I Peter 2:17

We can still continue using our gifts, talents and abilities to influence, encourage and strengthen others. “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age…” Ps. 92:14

As we continue to grow older, it may be more challenging to keep up with changing technological advances, but we can still remain productive as we continue to use what God has taught us, as well as using our gifts, and talents that God has given use to bring forth fruit.
Just as certain fruit improves as trees age, years of walking with God should yield greater fruit. John 15:5.
Whatever your age, look for service opportunities through your church and other ministries. If God blesses you with many years, bless Him with your service. He wants to use you all the days of your life.

June 21, 2025

BREAKING FREE FROM SIN

John 8:36 – “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”

Romans 6:14- “For sin shall not have dominion over you…”

I John 4:4 – “Ye are of God little children and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Breaking free from the bondage of sin (addictions = i.e. addictive sin) is not easy, or simple, but it is possible for the Christian through the finished work of Jesus Christ which he accomplished on the cross, obedience to the word of God, and submission to the indwelling Holy Spirit of God.

I. Realize Christ is Your Sufficiency. We cannot do it on our own. II Corinthians 3:15 Many people get involved in addictive behaviors in the first place because they think, “I can do this and control it” “I can quit anytime I want”, “It won’t affect me that much…” They think they can handle it. The addictive activities begin because they believe they need something more than God can give them. That is how sin entered the world in the beginning, with a desire (lust) for more, and a deceptive self-reliance (The belief that I can make my own choices and live independently from God’s plan and purpose for my life) Genesis 3. The lie that Satan wants us to believe is that God is somehow withholding some good things from me that I deserve, or that I need. Another lie from the devil is that I can be self-sufficient and live independently from God without His help. Colossians 2:9-10 informs us that “In Him (Christ) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and YOU ARE COMPLETE in Him”. No matter what may come your way, Christ is able to” keep you from falling” (Jude 24) into that sinful behavior.

II. Reckon (consider as true) yourself dead to sin, but alive to God (Romans 6:11) Because Christ has set you free, because you are complete in Him, you are also dead to the power and rule of sin over your life. Give God control of your life since you have died to sin. A dead man cannot be tempted, a dead man cannot sin, right? As a believer in Jesus Christ you are not just dead to sin, but alive to God and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

III. Renew your mind (Romans 12:1-2) Because you are a new creature in Christ II Corinthians 5:17) you need to look at your life and your sinful activities that are enslaving you the same way God views your sin. Renewing the mind is the process of allowing God’s Word and the application of its principles to mold your thinking so that you can recognize when you are enticed to act contrary to the character and revealed will of God (temptation). When you see yourself the way God sees you, you will begin to act the way God wants you to act. This can only begin to take place as your mind is renewed (Romans 12:1, 2).

IV. Remain accountable to other Godly Christians. (Iron sharpens Iron) God created us with the need for fellowship, first, with God Himself, secondly, with other Christians. He ordained the church to be a fellowship of believers to nurture and grow as each member does his part (Ephesians 4:16). A local church support group can help as you seek to break free from your life-dominating sin.

May 31, 2025

Five Ways Believers Differ From Unbelievers
Text Verses: II Corinthians 6:14-18
I. Believers Differ in Fellowship- v. 14
A. Believers desire and find their fellowship with God and with other believers.
1. I John 1:3- “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that
you may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the
Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
2. This does not mean that we do not have friends that are unbelievers, for
we need to be friendly toward those that are unsaved. But to have
“fellowship", we must be in the same ship.
3. Just as Jesus was a friend of sinners, we must be friendly toward those
that are unsaved. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost; we
too should be seeking to win others to the Lord Jesus Christ. We can do
this by being friendly toward them as we seek to witness to them.
4. Our closest fellowship is with other Christians who have trusted the Lord
Jesus as their Savior, and are seeking to follow Him. We as Christians are
not to participate in ungodly activities, “what fellowship hath
righteousness with unrighteousness.” We should not be seeking our
fellowship in a bar, but in church or Bible study, small group meetings.
II. Believers Differ in Communion- v.14
A. “What communion has light with darkness? We have a contrast between
light and darkness.
B. We as Christians have been translated from the Kingdom of darkness into the
Kingdom of light. We are no longer to walk in the darkness of this world but in
the light of God's love and in God's word.
C. Therefore, our communion should be with other believers of like faith. When
we celebrate the communion of the Lord's supper, we are demonstrating the
fact that we are children of God and of like faith. I Corinthians 10:16,17, 21
III. Believers Differ in Attachment (i.e. concord)- v.15
A. As Christians our affections and our attachments differ from those of the
world. This is not to say we will not have some of the same interests, but the
things that really hold value and meaning and importance are different from
those that the world seeks.
B. I John 2: 15- 16- “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
“For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and
the pride of life- is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

C. “Therefore take no thought, saying what shall we eat? Or, what shall we
drink? Or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the
gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these
things.” But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:31-33
D. The old things of our past life before we came to faith in Christ do not hold
the same attraction for us. In fact, we have been delivered from them.
(Following a long list of the former things that the Corinthian Christians had
been involved in prior to coming to faith in Christ), the apostle Paul writes,
“And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified,
but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our
God.” I Corinthians 6:9-11
IV. Believers Differ in Partnership- v. 15
A. “What part has a believer with an unbeliever?”
B. Going back to verse 14, we are instructed to not be unequally yoked together
with unbelievers. That is to say that we should not be in partnership with
unbelievers. A Christian and an unbeliever are going different directions.
C. Regarding this, I don't believe a Christian should marry an unbeliever. Why?
Because this is an unequal yoke. The Christian partner would have a spiritual
mindset while the unbeliever has a worldly mindset. The Christian partner
would have spiritual goals of following Christ and seeking to serve him while
the unbeliever is seeking to serve the pleasures and things of the world.
V. Believers Differ in Agreement- v. 16
A. “What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of
the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I
will be their God, and they shall be my people.” v.16
B. “What? Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is
in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own. For you are bought
with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are
God’s.” I Corinthians 6:19-20
C. We have been purchased, and we have a purpose. We have been bought by
the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and our purpose is to live to serve Him.
D. “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we
live to the Lord: and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live
or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again,
that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” Romans 14:7-9
E. Therefore, let us live with the right kind of fellowship, communion,
attachments, partnerships and agreement.

May 24, 2025

Got Guilt?

I once watched a movie in which a prideful and opinionated lady used open prayer time in church as her soap box to publicly bash people she didn't like and to say that sinners should not be allowed in church. Her hatred was lovingly corrected in the end. Somehow this got me thinking about guilt. Maybe I’m weird.

I have felt guilty since I was a child. I believe a lot of Christians also carry around guilt with them. In fact, I believe that society sees Christianity as a religion of guilt. My life's journey has been one big guilt trip.

Do you feel guilty or ashamed:

about sins of the past for which you have been forgiven?
because you are still sinning?
about Jesus dying for your sins?

Does it make you feel worthless or inferior?

Then PAY ATTENTION!

When I became a man, I began to put away childish ways of thinking, just like in First Corinthians 13:11.

I Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

I thought to justify my own feelings of guilt and shame by believing that it was the Holy Spirit convicting me. That is a LIE.

The LIE

Feelings of guilt and shame are the result of conviction from the Holy Spirit.

I used a bold font on this slide because it is such a bold-faced lie. Let's define our terms.

Conviction is convincing you that you did wrong. It produces an awareness and understanding of one's sinfulness.

Guilt is feeling that you deserve punishment for real or imagined wrongdoing.

Shame is a strong feeling of humiliation or disgrace arising from guilt.

Which of these three can have a positive result? Thank about it.

Do you want to know the Truth? I’ll tell you the truth. The Truth is that:

Conviction makes us aware of sin
so that
we will confess it and repent of it.

I used a bolder font here because the light of Truth overcomes the darkness of lies.

Why is this difference important? In John chapter 8, we read...

John 8:32-36 (NIV)

32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" 34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

The LIE enslaves; the TRUTH saves.

This section of scripture shows us that the LIE enslaves; the TRUTH saves.

Let’s take a truth break. I’ll just quickly read through some verses.

Psalm 103:12 (NIV): as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 43:25 (NIV): "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

Psalm 32:5 (NIV): ...I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord " - and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Romans 8:1 (NIV): Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

Once we have been forgiven, the Lord separates us from our sins is far as the East is from the West and remembers them no more. For those who are believers, there is no longer any condemnation. There is no longer any conviction for what we have already been forgiven of. There is likewise no need for lingering guilt or shame. It is guilt that enslaves us. It is God’s grace of forgiveness that liberates us; it sets us free from the guilt of sin. As I read the Bible, I see that God is not the source of guilt and shame. These things are lies coming from the author of lies and we must not call God a liar by attributing these lies to Him. Satan is the accuser. When he lies, he speaks his native language. Satan wants to destroy you with his lies. Look at these scriptures:

John 8:44 (NIV): ...He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

I Peter 5:8 (NIV): Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

John 10:10 (NIV): The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Hate takes life / Love gives life

We saw from Romans 8:1 that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! But doesn't the church preach guilt? YES! Imperfect men with imperfect motives and imperfect understanding will sometimes say things in a way that makes you feel blamed and guilty. But the true source of the guilt lie is Satan, the deceiver. He will do anything to try and keep us away from God's love, but he cannot do it. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ! Let’s read this from Romans chapter 8.

Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)

31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 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." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen? Amen! Let all God’s people say Amen.

Satan likes to tell us that we are not good enough to be loved by this perfect and holy God. Satan wants us to feel unworthy and unable to be loved by God. While it is true that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, he made A WAY to take our sin AWAY; for us to be saved by his grace.

God made A WAY to take our sin AWAY

Romans 3:22-24 (NIV)

22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by

Christ Jesus.

Did you catch the emphasis?

Grace is unmerited favor. None of us sinners deserves to be saved or forgiven. But God does love us all and Romans 5:8 says that He demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

In doing so, this man Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law; The perfect Son of God was sacrificed for imperfect and unworthy sinners; He redeemed us by paying the price for our sin with his own blood.

Let’s summarize what we have learned by looking at John 14:6.

John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The WAY: God made A WAY to take our sin AWAY

The TRUTH: The LIE enslaves; the TRUTH saves

The LIFE: Hate takes life; Love gives life

We can see clearly now that: Jesus is the WAY to take our sin away; Jesus is the TRUTH that saves; Jesus is LOVE that gives us life. If you believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved and there is no longer any reason to remain a victim of Satan's lies. When you trust Jesus Christ, you don’t have to feel guilty or ashamed.

To God alone be the glory!

May 17, 2025

GREAT FAITH

Matthew 15:22-28 – the woman of Canaan’s daughter

Luke 7:1-10 (cf. Mt. 8:5-10) The Centurion’s servant

Luke 8:22-25 – The disciples with Jesus in the ship in the

midst of a storm (cf. Matt. 8:18, 23-27)

Here we have the three accounts from scripture, the first two are example of two individuals who had “great faith.”

The last account (i.e. disciples) is an example of some who should of had great faith, but didn’t.

Jesus asked them in Luke 8:25, “where is your faith?”

Matthew 6:30- Jesus says, “…O ye of little faith” after warning about trying to serve two masters (God & money), and worrying over what we eat, or drink, or what we will wear for clothing. He explains how God, our heavenly Father feeds the fowls of the air, and clothes the lilies, and grass of the field.

LET ME ASK YOU- HOW BIG IS YOUR FAITH?

Sometimes we lack faith concerning little things, but usually we lack faith when it comes to big things.

WHAT CAUSED THE CANAANITE WOMAN AND CENTURION TO HAVE “GREAT FAITH?”

They looked beyond their circumstances to see God

Great faith says, “I can’t, but God can!”
Great faith says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
If we are going to see great and mighty things done we are going to have to exercise faith.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us, without faith it is impossible to please Him (God).
The Bible is filled with examples of those who saw impossible things done through faith.

Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. Passing through the Red Sea as the walls of water stood up on both sides, and they walked through on dry ground.
Abraham and Sarah having a child in their old age as they trusted God to fulfill His promises. Romans 4:18- “…who against hope, believed in hope.” 4:19- “…and being not weak in faith…”

Sometimes when our faith is wavering we should pray as the disciples did, “Lord, increase our faith” Luke 17:5.
Jesus said on one occasion, “according to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29).
We must remember when our faith is a little shaky, that God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3:20).
Matthew 13:58 states that “he did not many miracles there because of their unbelief.”

They believed God’s word & trusted His promises

Romans 10:17- “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
The Centurion sent for Jesus after he heard of Jesus, and what he could do.
He asked “in faith” – James 1:6

They realized their own unworthiness Luke 7:6,7

The centurion said, “I am not worthy.” (twice)
The woman of Canaan said, “yea Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from the master’s table. (humility)
II Chron. 7:14- “humble themselves and pray.”
James 4:7- “…God resists the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.”

They recognized God’s Sovereignty- Luke 7:7,8

The Centurion said, “say the word and my servant shall be healed.” (He is able, He is able, I know He)
He was saying, “You’re able!” “You’re powerful!”
He recognized and understood authority & power.

They Never stopped believing- Don’t Quit Mt. 15:22,23

The Canaanite woman would not give up or quit. She had a persistent faith. A persevering faith.
Notice the disciples tried to send her away, but she would not be deterred. V. 23
Jesus said, “it is not meat to take the children’s bread, and cast it to the dogs” but she didn’t quit.
She kept on asking and requesting. Keep praying!

Quotes by Corrie Ten Boom:

“The wonderful thing about prayer is that you leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love.”

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.”

Are you a humble person of faith in a Great God? Pray to God in faith and you will see Great things done. Ask in faith, believing. Jesus taught that if you have a little faith (as a mustard seed) you can see Great things done (Comparatively speaking) e.g. mountains moved.

There is a concerning passage of scripture in Luke 18:8 which poses the question, “…Nevertheless when the Son of man comes will He find faith on the earth?

May we ask God to give us a greater faith in Him. As the Apostles said, “Lord, increase our faith.” Lk. 17:5

“for we walk by faith, not by sight” II Corinthians 5:17

May 10, 2025

The Forge of Our Faith- (The Refining Fire of Trials and Tests)
Main scripture verses: Romans 5:3; I Thessalonians 1:3-5; I Peter 1:7; I Peter 4:12-14;
“The Trial of your Faith, being much more precious that gold that perishes, though it be tested by fire.”
This verse tells us that our faith must be tested or tried if it is going to be purified or refined, and also if it is
going to be tempered, toughened up and strengthened. We all go through trials, afflictions and tests.
I. The Testing of our Faith is Necessary- It is Needful I Peter 1:7
A. It should be precious to us- Why? Because God is at work and using it to:
1. To purify us and our faith- like gold is refined. An interesting fact: The purer the gold (24k)
the softer the metal. The more durable gold (10k & 14k) used in rings, have other metal
alloys mixed in that makes it harder and more durable to withstand the wear and tear of
the rigors of everyday life.
a. This purifying process will make us more pliable- bendable or moldable which will
enable us to be conformed to God’s will for our life.
b. When we go through the forge of God’s testing , you and I can be more easily
conformed to the image of Jesus Christ our Lord. (i.e. become Christ-like)
2. To prepare us for God’s intended use.
B. It can bring praise, honor and glory to God- at the coming of Jesus Christ.
1. This should be our highest aim or goal- to bring glory to God. v. 7 (cf. Col. 3:17. I Pet. 4:11)
2. The text verse (I Peter 1:7) tells us that the praise, honor and glory will be revealed
eventually at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Hopefully, we will hear the words, “Well done!”
3. You and I were created for a doxological purpose: to glorify God. Ephesians 1:12, 14.
II. The Forge of Our Faith (i.e. the testing fire of trials) is not only for purification, but strengthening
A. Metals go through the extreme intense fire and heat to become tempered- “tempered steel” is
super strong and durable. “A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted”—Warren Wiersbe
B. Through the fiery forge of trials and afflictions our faith will become tempered- made stronger.
C. I Peter 4:12-14- “Fiery trials” (i.e afflictions and persecutions) not only strengthen our faith, but
allow us to be partakers of Christ’s sufferings. If or Lord and Savior Jesus Christ suffered many
hard and hurtful things, you and I will also have to encounter and endure the same things if we
are going to be like Him. We should endure these with joy. II Timothy 2:12- “If we endure, or
suffer, we shall also reign with Him.”
D. The apostle Paul stated his goal this way, “that I may know Him, and the power of his
resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made comformable to His death.”
Philippians 3:10.
E. II Thessalonians 1:3- *Notice: “Your faith grows exceedingly, and your love abounds toward
each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the Churches of God for your patience
and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is the manifest
evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of
God, for which you also suffer.”

The Forge of Our Faith- (The Refining Fire of Trials and Tests)

F. The apostles, after being beaten for preach in the name of Jesus, departed, “…rejoicing that
they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
G. The apostle Paul had a personal trial of affliction- “a thorn in the flesh” which he prayed three
times and asked God to remove, but God revealed to Paul His purposes for not removing it:
II Corinthians 12:7-8
1. Purpose one, that Paul would remain humble- “lest I should be exalted above measure…”
2. Purpose two, That Paul would rely on the Lord- “My grace will be sufficient for you…”
3. Purpose three, That God’s strength would be manifest through Paul’s weakness- “for My
strength is made perfect in weakness.”
4. Purpose four, that God would receive all the glory and praise.
H. We are not told what Paul’s specific affliction was, and I believe that is by God’s inspirational
design, so that you and I, and millions of other saints can relate to this in a personal way.
I. I believe that it was some type of physical affliction or infirmity. Some believe that it may have
been a problem with his eyes since he suffered blindness for a time following his encounter
with the Lord and seeing a great light from heaven on the road to Damascus.
J. Paul’s response was to accept and acknowledge that God was using “this thorn in the flesh’ to
bring glory Himself. II Corinthians 12:9-10
1. Paul said, “therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me.”
2. “Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in
distresses, for Christ’s sake.”
3. Paul realized, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
K. Romans 5:3- “…but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produce
perseverance (patience), character and hope.”
Poem: Pressed – author unknown
“Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;
Pressed so intensely, it seems beyond strength;
Pressed in the body, and pressed in the soul;
Pressed in the mind, till the dark surges roll.
Pressure by foes, and pressure by friends—
Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.
Pressed into knowing no helper but God;
Pressed into loving the staff and the rod.
Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;
Pressed into faith for impossible things,
Pressed into tasting the joy of the Lord;
Pressed into loving a Christlife outpoured

May 3, 2025

FAITH- The Biblical Basics & How to Build Your Faith

Introduction: Faith is essentially Trust. Who or What do you Trust? What is your trust in?
Quote: “Faith Honors God and God Honors Faith” -- Unknown/anonymous
I. The Foundation of Faith-
A. The foundation of our faith is God and His word
God is the foundation – The Psalmist, David expressed this in Psalm 18:2 ; 46:1; 56:3 and many other
references. You can pick up on the personal nature of the David’s declaration of his faith in the personal
pronouns that he uses: “I, and my.” Examples” “What time I am afraid I will trust…”, “My rock, my
fortress, my shield, my refuge (or shelter), my stronghold.” These are his personal expressions of his
trust in his God.
B. David’s faith was personal and profound; it was also pronounced or proclaimed. Our personal faith in
God should be proclaimed as well. Share it! Declare it! Shout it!
C. David’s faith was public- It was evidenced or put on display. When he faced the giant Goliath, he
declared- in front of the armies of Israel and the Philistines, “you come to me with a sword and with a
spear, and with a shield,: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of
Israel, whom you have defied.”
D. God’s word is the fountain, or source or supply of our faith. Romans 10:17- “So then Faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
II. The Focus of Our Faith- It is on God: His Power, His Might, His Works (evidenced in His Word)
A. In the words of the great hymn- “To God be the Glory, Great things He hath done…!”
B. As a cautionary tale, we should take note that Israel apostatized, or turned back from following God, or
doubted, not because they forgot commandments or laws of God- they forgot the mighty works that
God had done. (e.g. the parting and crossing of the Red Sea; providing water and food in the desert)
Psalm 72:18; 78:3-7, 10.
C. Don’t focus on your own resources- i.e. your abilities, your accomplishments, your strength.
D. Instead, focus on God and His resources- i.e. His Power, His Strength His resources are limitless and
inexhaustible.
E. Biblical Definitions of faith:
1. Believing there will be a fulfillment of those things that are told us- Luke 1:45
2. Believing that it will be just as was told us- Acts 27:25- Read this verse.
3. Not wavering at the promise of God, but being fully convinced that what He has promised He is able
to perform- Romans 4:20-21.
4. Judging Him faithful who has promised – Hebrews 11:11
5. The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen- Hebrews 11:1
F. Focus on God’s word- His promises and His Powerful Fulfillment
1. Numbers 23:19- “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent.
Has he said, and will he not do it? Or, has He spoken and will He not make it good?”
2. II Peter 1:3-4- “by which have been given us exceedingly great and precious promises…”
3. We are to add to our faith- II Peter 1:5-8.
4. Ephesians 3:20-21- “Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that works in us. To Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to
all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Charles Wesley, studying Abraham’s faith described in Romans 4:13, wrote a hymn of eleven stanzas. Most popular is
the verse, “Faith, mighty faith- the promise sees and looks to that alone, laughs a t life’s impossibilities, and cries, “It
shall be done.”
III. The Fountain (or Source) of Our Faith
A. Romans 10:17- “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
1. The word of God is the source.
2. It is the supply- If you need more faith, get in God’s word.
B. You can also ask God for more faith- Luke 17:5
C. Hebrews 11:6- the belief in God is the basic indispensable component of faith.
1. You must believe that “God is…”
2. This verse promises that, “God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
3. Faith pleases God; and without faith you cannot please Him. Hebrews 11:6
4. We are to build up ourselves up on our Holy faith- Jude 20.

April 26, 2025

The Prayers of Jesus in John 17
Lately I’ve been looking at and reading the prayers of Jesus recorded in the gospels, which have led to some messages
that I have shared recently: There’s the “Not My Will” prayer (Matt. 26:36-46) that Jesus prayed in the Garden of
Gethsemane a few hours before he was betrayed and led to the trial of Pilate’s judgment hall which would lead to his
ultimate pain, suffering and death by crucifixion on that Roman cross. Then there were the three prayers that Jesus
prayed while He was on the cross (Luke 23:44-49).
Today we will be looking at the prayer recorded in John 17, which is known at His “High Priestly Prayer”- That is because
Jesus is going to His Father on our behalf. But as he does so, He first prays for Himself (“Father,…Glorify your Son”) and
His intended purpose (“ that Your Son may Glorify You”).
I. Jesus Prays for Himself- “Father,…Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You” John 17:1
A. “Jesus spoke these words, lifting up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come…”
B. Jesus is saying that he has come to his defining moment, the time to fulfill the Father’s will and the plan
that They had from before the foundation of the world. i.e. His sacrificial death on the cross.
C. He prays that the Father would glorify Him (The Son). He is not praying in an egotistical manner, but,
rather, that He is praying that His Father would glorify him that He might Glorify the Father. v. 1
D. Jesus had stated at various times that he did always those things which pleased His Father. John 8:29
E. Jesus stated, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by me” John 14:6
F. On several occasions God the Father had spoken, and said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well
pleased (Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5; Luke 3:22).
G. Jesus gave his life (His sinless, perfect life) as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind, and by His
substitutionary death, and triumphant resurrection He did everything necessary to provide redemption
and salvation (including forgiveness of sins and eternal life) to all who will believe by faith. vv. 2,3
H. The purpose of Jesus’ sinless life and selfless ministry, and His sacrificial cross-work, was to provide
eternal life and make the Father known. v. 3 “I and My Father are one.” John 10:30; “he that has seen
Me has seen the Father.” John 14:9
I. The glory which Jesus prayed for was the glory which He had shared with His Father before the world
was existent. vv. 4,5 To “glorify” means to magnify, celebrate, render excellent and honor. Just as
Jesus made it a priority to use every opportunity to glorify God the Father. We, too, ought to glorify the
Father by listening and being obedient to His will.
II. Jesus Prays for His Disciples- John 17:6-19- “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You
have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, and You gave them to Me, and they have kept
Your word.” v. 6 “I pray for them…” v. 9
A. Jesus prays for His disciples, whom the Father had given Him, that they would be kept through the
Father’s name. Jesus said that while He was in the world he kept them through the Father’s name.
B. What a blessing to know that they, and we, are kept by our Father’s name and His power /authority.
C. Jesus prays that through His spoken words, they might have their joy fulfilled. Fullness of Joy. Jn. 15:11
D. Jesus next prayed for His disciples to be protected from the evil one. This reminds us that we are in a
spiritual battle fighting against evil forces and our chief adversary- The Devil. Eph. 6:11,12- we wrestle
or oppose principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in highplaces.
E. After Jesus’ departure from this world, He knew that the disciple’s unity would be under attack.
Therefore, He prayed that they would be kept as one, just as He and the father were one. v. 11 His
disciple’s future success in transforming the world depended greatly of the Lord enabling them to work
as one. i.e. oneness of mind and heart, oneness of purpose, fellowship and ministry. Unity is Essential.

April 19, 2025

The Indispensable Component of the Resurrection

Introduction: The three main components of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are His death, His burial and His resurrection. While each of these are vitally important, it is the resurrection that was the final key component that is the crowning action that proves the effectiveness of Christ’s sinless life, his vicarious suffering and atoning death. In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian Church, he gave a description of The Gospel in chapter 15, verses 1 through 4. Then, in verses 12 through 19 he gives some suppositional statements which present the ramifications of the proposition, “If Christ be not raised…” What are these important ramifications? Let us look at them together.

The first supposition is, “if there is no resurrection…then is Christ not risen.” v.13

Remember that Paul is presenting supposed propositions to answer the argument- If there is no resurrection as some suppose… It is a technique used in apologetics. Apologetics is the religious discipline of defending religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse.
If there is no resurrection as some suppose…then there is no after-life and no eternal life.
If there is no resurrection then is Christ not risen. The final part, or piece of the gospel would not be complete. The Savior’s sacrificial suffering and death would be pointless or meaningless.

The second supposition is, “if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain.” v. 14

Without Christ’s resurrection, we really don’t have a message to preach or proclaim.
Why is that? Because is Christ did not rise from dead, that would mean that His sacrifice on the cross was not complete or sufficient to eternally pay for our sins. Sin and death and Satan would not be the defeated foes that they are now- because of Jesus’ triumphant resurrection.
Christ’s resurrection is proof positive that he had accomplished everything necessary to totally pay for our sins. He had secured redemption for lost mankind, and salvation is now available to all who will turn to Him in repentance and faith and believe and call on Him for salvation. (Hebrews 9:12-15, 26,28; 10:10-14; Romans 5:8-11)
If the resurrection was not real, and Christ’s resurrection was not accomplished, we would be guilty of propagating a falsehood, or proclaiming an untruth. We would be deceivers, or liars.

We would be fraudulently promoting something felonious. We would be false witnesses, But Thank God- Jesus is risen! vv. 4-6.

The third supposition is, “if Christ be not risen our faith is vain.” v. 14 & v. 17

Our faith would be vain because we would have nothing to believe in. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that saves v.2, and if the resurrection was not accomplished, the gospel would not be complete. It would not be real, relevant, and effective to provide for our salvation.
But, Thank God- Jesus did rise from the dead- “and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” Jesus said, “no man takes my life, but I lay it down of mys
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