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We are seeing, today, more Churches teaching the Church has replaced Israel God does not have a future plan for Israel, this has become their TRADITION! This has resulted in massive antisemitism, which is spreading rapidly Why is Replacement Theology wrong? GOD IS A PROMISE KEEPER! The Abrahamic Covenant, a promise from God, includes a land, seed, and blessing promise (Graphic of) Jewish land promise will be fulfilled in the Millennial Reign of Messiah Seed promise , from Abraham’s seed would come the Jewish nation Blessing promise from Abraham’s seed would come Messiah, the Savior of the world How does the Church benefit from the New Covenant? By being grafted into Israel Romans 11: 17 Ephesians 2: 1213 “The Gentiles should be fellow heirs of the same body, and partakers (not take over) of His promise in Christ through the gospel.” Ephesians 3: 6 The Church does not take over or replace Israel, but are partakers with Israel in the covenants The New Covenant was instituted by Messiah’s blood sacrifice Matthew 26: 27-28 Every communion service we remember remember what Jesus has done for us He redeemed us, we remember what Jesus has the price He paid for us, He died in my place! I remember His broken body, His shed blood I also remember I am betrothed to Jesus, wed to Him, awaiting the final phase of the marriage ceremony, the marriage supper What this means to me: - I am to be faithful - I will entertain no suitors, no rivals - I will stay fully devoted to my Bridegroom until He comes for me The marriage is for the Bride Church (Church) exclusively! Church, realize, you are forever special to Jesus! DON'T STICK WITH TRADITION STICK WITH THE WORD!!

God has graced us over and over in our lives! I must mercied us over and over in be one who gives grace and mercy to those who have wronged and mistreated me When we do the impossible, forgive those who have hurt us and give them grace and mercy, we are walking in concert with out Savior, as a grace and mercy giver! We are made in the image of God; we are to look and act like our God! Being in the imago Dei, the image of God, is a huge deal! This shapes everything that I say and do, I am an image bearer of God to a fallen world! Consequences of being made in the image of God 1) The image of God is affirmed for all persons - male and female - alike (Gen. 1:27), and, by extension, for every ethnicity (cf. Acts 17:26). 2) While distinct genders, both male and female are equal as persons and equal in value. 3) Even after the fall (see Gen. 3), all people still possess the image and likeness of God. This is affirmed in Genesis 5:1-3 for all offspring of Adam and Eve. Remember: 1) The image of God as a phrase is applied only to humans. Therefore, humanity is to be distinguished from the rest of earthly creation. 2) Humanity is, in some way like God. The copy is like the original creator in some way. Some view the image of God as attributes humanity has that are like God: Creative, communicative, morally responsible, intelligent, relational, spiritual, and free The image of God may imply more than simply attributes, it may imply status Our status was to rule and to govern the earth - Genesis 1: 26b What does it mean to say mankind is created in the image and likeness of God? The Rulership View 1) Because man is made in the image of God, he is charged and enabled to "rule" and "subdue" the earth on God's behalf (Gen. 1:26 and 28). 2) The Hebrew term for "rule", used twice in Genesis 1;26-28, is "raddah" and means "have dominion", or "rule". 3) Man is God's image bearer who functions as a mediator-king on earth. God tasks mankind to manage the world as His representatives. Today, fallen humanity still bears the image of God, tainted for sure - James 3: 9 When God saves an individual, He begins to restore the original image of God - Ephesians 4: 24 You must know that this earth age is ending; Messiah’s kingdom is on the near horizon In Messiah’s kingdom, you will be taken back to Genesis, so to speak You will then be in the image of God, the image of Messiah, glorified and perfect! You will be given ruling authority, dominion that was relinquished at the fall Our future is bright and exciting the Messianic Kingdom awaits you! Are you ready for the ride of your life? GET READY!! We can almost hear the FOOTSTEPS OF THE MESSIAH! HE IS COMING, CHURCH! WATCH AND BE READY !!! "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." - Matthew 25:13 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" - Acts 4:12 THANK YOU JESUS!!

How to Avoid Death - JESUS! Facing the future: What is death? * Death: its significance ... it will come not as an executioner but as an usher. It will come not as an end to life but as an entry to eternity. Then we will see Jesus, and we will wrrp at His scarred feet until He lifts us up and dries out our tears. Then death and dying, sin and sinning, tears and drying, will be no more, and we will shout for joy, "Oh death, where is your victory? Oh death, where is your sting?" FACT: JESUS entered this sin, misery, chaos and death world to save us from death! THE FACTS OF SALVATION * Those who are saved are not of the world - No conformity - No Identification - Radical separation John 17:14 - "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." Christians are WEIRD FACT: JESUS came so that we will never see death! * All who believe don't die - They are LIFED! All who want to avoid death, separation from God and hell forever, then to JESUS! JESUS always tells us the Truth! HE is the Only Way! HE is our Rescuer! HE IS OUR ONLY HOPE! JESUS IS A LIFE-GIVER; Satan is a life-taker, a murderer and a liar! John 8:44 - You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He 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 her is a liar and the father of lies. All who are trapped in the chaos and death of this life cry out to JESUS ! How to avoid death: ONE WORD JESUS ! The cry of all in the family of God “I Just Want To Speak The Name Of JESUS! I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE NAME OF JESUS!

JESUS THE RIGHTEOUS, OUR JUSTIFIER, OUR HERO! To be our Justifier, God/Jesus had to become one of us, a mere human “But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.” Philippians 2: 78 KENOSIS: a voluntary act of the Eternal Son to set aside His heavenly privileges while here Jesus took the form (“morphe”) of a bondservant (“dulos”) - His will consumed with Father’s will! Jesus was “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Can you say, OUR HERO !!! We use the words “hero”, “amazing”, “awesome”, “incredible”, so casually These are words we use to describe our JESUS! He, alone, is amazing! He, alone, JESUS! is awesome!! He, alone, is incredible!!! Jesus, in effect, threw Himself in front of the death bullet meant for me! JESUS IS THE GREATEST HERO OF ALL TIME!! Heroes are people who sacrifice to save a life. Jesus rose after His sacrifice to save every life. Never lose track of who Jesus is and what He heroically has done for you This is the reason we call Him Owner of my soul! JESUS IS MY HERO! Salvation is wonderful and free ! Purchased for us by our hero, JESUS!! GIVE HIM ALL THE GLORY HE ALONE DESERVES!!

What do all people need? - THE SAVIOR! - We are all drowning in our sin! What/Who can save you? - The Real Jesus - The Christ - The Son of God - GOD INCARNATE! JESUS, the Only One Who can save you! Jesus is the only One Who can save people. No one else in the world is able to save us. -Acts 4:12 GUILTY . . . . YES!! Declared innocent/righteous by faith in Jesus . . . . YES!! IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS! Believe and be saved from the coming wrath of God! IT IS REAL AND IT IS COMING! The ABC's of Salvation A - ADMIT - Admit you are a sinner and have made mistakes. B - BELIEVE - Believe the Jesus is God's SON, dies on the cross for you, and rose up from the grave on the third day. C - CONFESS - Confess Jesus as the Lord of your life. And commit yourself to a life of following Jesus, and serving others. (Romand 3:23; John 1:12; Romand 10:9) Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His Wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His Glory and Grace

HYPER-GRACE DON’T PRESUME ON GOD! Grace = “charis" = unearned favor; a favor done without expectation of return; the loving kindness of God to mankind Hyper-grace = presumes on the amazing grace of God! God has given believers super grace, an abundance of grace Hyper-grace teaching Romans 5: 17 Hyper-grace teaching Romans 5: 17 : I am saved; all of my sins are covered, I can live any way I want Hyper-grace presumes on God’s abundant grace! ANTI (against) + NOMOS (law) Antinomianism means "Against Law" The law has no place in a believer's life - WRONG! Believers are expected to obey the law out of love for Christ!! hyper-grace (noun) - A false teaching which perverts and distorts the grace of God into a license to sin or act immorally. symptoms of hyper-grace: * Downplays or even fully dismisses the Old Testament moral laws or the ten commandments * Frequently uses "do not judge" verse out of context to end any kind of moral correction * Often refers to those upholding the law as legalists or Pharisees * Over emphasizes the mercy and love of Christ * Does not feel the need to confess or repent because all sin has already been forgiven. * Focus on comforting, uplifting, and loving areas of scripture. * May even take pride in sin, shortcomings or failure. What does hypergrace sound like? FLESH RATIONALIZATION I can sin and enjoy it Those who are really saved have been crucified with Christ! Galations 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. Hyper-grace teachers maintain: 1) All sin has already been forgiven; there is no need for the believer to confess 2) We are not bound by Jesus’ teaching - WHUTT!?! Believers are not responsible for their sin Anyone who disagrees is a Pharisaical legalist 3) They pervert the grace of God into a license for immorality - Jude 1: 4 Folks, there is a time to pitch a fit, to say "WHOA!" to any hyper-grace teaching! To stand alone, if need be . . . The power of one who stands! 4) They claim the Holy Spirit will never convict Christians of their sin - WHUTT!?! The cure for presuming on grace - CONFESS! - 1 John 1:9 The grace of God screams COME! - Revelation 22: 17 “The Spirit and the bride say, hears say, “Come!” WHUTT !?! ! And let him who “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Do not presume on God's Grace! Bask in HIS grace!! God's GREAT GRACE! It flows over us. "Your grace abounds in deepest water. Your sovereign hand will be my guide. Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me You've never failed and You won't start now." GOD'S GRACE ABOUNDS!! BASK IN HIS GRACE!

There is confusion about what God is doing Jewish hatred is fulminating today; antisemitism is global and increasing in intensity Replacement Theology fosters antisemitism God does have a future plan for Israel This is wrapped up in Daniel’s 70-week prophecy in Daniel 9: 24 There will be a 7year Tribulation period; God will direct His attention back to Israel The Jewish people must do two things before Messiah will return: 1) Plead for Jesus Messiah to return 2) Admit their national sin of rejecting Messiah What will start the last week? (Daniel 9:27) "And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation. Until the decreed destruction is poured out on Him." Antichrist will assume rulership of the world Jewish hatred now is a precursor to this The entire world, including America, will turn on Israel and abandon Israel The nations are now aligned to destroy Israel Russia, Turkey, Iran are now aligned together as Ezekiel 38 states will happen The following verses refer to Tribulation stuff: (Luke 21:25-26) "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth destress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things with are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." We are in the stage setting time now “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21: 28 “If you see kingdoms rising against each other in turn, then give heed and note the footsteps of Messiah.” (Arnold Fruchtenbaum ) With what is going on in our world today, you can almost hear the “footsteps of Messiah” A good time to remember . . . . . . It is all about our hearts! Is our heart given to Messiah, our Savior and Lord? The stage is set . . . . . . . The King is Coming!! WATCH AND BE READY CHURCH!

Be thankful, believer, that your sins were placed on Jesus you are no longer GUILTY! You have been judicially pardoned, charges! THIS IS GOOD NEWS - innocent of all THE BEST NEWS!! Because Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe! May I live obeying Him and following Him, being conformed to His likeness This is the normal Christian life; this is what God expects of you! Careful with moralistic judging! Allow God to be God, He is the Judge!!

America must put to death the self and worship the True God! The cycle of self must be broken! Self-indulgence -- Self-justification -- Self-deception -- Self-deification -- Self-absorption -- Self-indulgence . . . (Photo of current Supreme Court Justices) - Pray for them, as well as others in leadership. God's promise to Israel . . . . God's principle for America today . . . . God to you, the people of God . . . . 2 Chronicles 7:14 Focus on the words: "humble", "pray", "seek", "turn" "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." ONE MORE TIME, LORD! PLEASE BRING REVIVAL AND RENEWAL TO AMERICA!! GOD IS OUR ONLY HOPE! Not the government god, not democrat, not republican, not independent, not more programs . . . . . . GOD !! God is not our last hope, BUT OUR ONLY HOPE!

Gaia (Mother Earth) Worship Gaia was the Greek goddess of earth, the ancestral, elemental mother to all life on earth The godless have found their god, the mother earth goddess, Gaia With God dismissed from the American culture, there enters another spirit, the zeitgeist spirit Zeitgeist - the spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of and age or generation Gaia is one of many gods flocking to replace the True God in the hearts of Americans Climate change has become a religion for many in our world today FACT: The climate will change, it is part of the fall! : Not manmade, but sin made! MY THOUGHTS: Christians are to be stewards, caretakers, of everything we have, including the environment The question is: Will manmade climate change destroy the planet? Globalists, governments, education, media, college students, and some scientists believe so The globalists want everyone to panic. The only answer a one world government!! Enter the True God : The GOD of the Bible, the Real and TRUE GOD! Genesis 8:22 screams loudly: "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." Also see Psalm 24:12 and Psalm 104:4 I ask you, Who is in control? -- GOD !! There will be climate change; not manmade, but God made This is a fact! This is coming!! Revelation 9:12 - the 4th trumpet judgment - GLOBAL COLD Revelation 16:8-9 - the 4th bowl judgment - GLOBAL HEAT The ultimate Global Warming 2 Peter 3:10-11; "The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destryed by fire, and the earth and everythig in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destryed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." Whom will you believe? Al Gore, Greta Thumberg , the media, governments, university Marxist professors? Even if I stand alone . . . . . . . . I BELIEVE GOD !! TRUTH!! - The end is coming, and it won't be manmade climate change! THE KING . . . HE IS COMING!! WATCH AND BE READY CHURCH!! Not humanity to the rescue, but God to the rescue!! GOD to the RESCUE Deuteronomy 31:6; "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be arfaid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." MARANATHA! Even so, come Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)

As our world changes, and the pressure mounts to compromise, our FAITH will be tested! Will we be ashamed of Christ or not? This remains to be seen! I must determine: I will not live by lies! I will not be silenced!! I WILL NOT BE ASHAMED!!! WHAT WE KNOW : The world will turn on the Jews; all nations will abandon Israel! World think will dominate; we see this in universities today with protests against the Jews Christians are next; hatred of the Jews will spill over to hatred of the True Church "A Description of the Land of Israel in 1881" - Mark Twain (eyewitness account in "Innocents Abroad" " . . . [a] desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds - a silent mournful expanse . . . We never saw a human being on the whole route . . . There was hardly a tree or a shrub anywhere. Even the olive and the cactus, those fast friends of the worthless soil, had almost deserted the country." "The Balfour Declaration" The Balfour Declaration was a letter Arthur Balfour wrote to Lionel Walter Rothschild and also a statement of British support for the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people. The letter was written on November 2, 1917 and approved by the League of Nations on July 24, 1922. This declaration was important to the Jewish People because it gave them a homeland to hold residence after centuries of persecution. “Faith to faith” is about to take on a whole new meaning for western Christians As we see friends and family members cave to group think, may we be grounded in Jesus think! Stay strong, stay together, this earth age is streaking to an end! A scary time to be alive . . . . . , but a wonderful time to be alive! It is an honor to serve our God at this unique time in history! When you feel down, when you feel alone... remember the geese! HONK HONK! Keep going! Never quit! DON'T STOP!! I Am Not Ashamed to Stand For My Lord!! Let the world know that you have been with JESUS! I AM NOT ASHAMED

"I Thank My God!" MY GOD! It's personal!!! My God, My Lord, My Master, My Savior, My King I am my God’s servant; a bondservant, my will is consumed with the will of my Master! I THANK MY GOD!! I THANK MY GOD for learning the truth about death "I thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness." - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart I THANK MY GOD - that Jesus told us what to look for prior to His coming I THANK MY GOD - that all of this is happening right before our eyes I THANK MY GOD - this is all true! I THANK MY GOD - for allowing me to live during these times Watch and be ready, Church . . . . . Our KING is coming! He really is!! I THANK MY GOD!!

SAINTS ARE CALLED TO BE DIFFERENT SAINTS are to live with the peace of God . . . . . . . . that’s DIFFERENT! As the world implodes, we do not implode . . . . . . . . that’s DIFFERENT! God’s peace, Christ’s peace, is available to every SAINT that taps into God’s peace promise (verse 7) There is no peace from God until there is peace with God!! Peace = untroubled, undisturbed, wellbeing; NOT freedom from stress, anxiety, irritation, or the crushing’s of life Real peace is available to all believers Peace is found in the presence of God! Practice the presence of God. How? - Meditate on His Word - Speak His Word to your soul! - Sing melodiously to your troubled spirit songs of God - Allow into your ear and eye gates only things that bring you closer to God - Get to the point where God enters, and all other thoughts fade away! Jesus knows you will go through the storms of life When the storms come, don't panic! PRAY!! In the midst of it all, there is JESUS! JESUS is our peace place! SAINTS, we are called to be DIFFERENT! We CAN live with peace! CHOOSE PEACE!!

Who is your master? We are all slaves to something or someone Are you living as a slave to your past? Some abuse or unfairness you have not let go of? Are those feelings controlling you, destroying your peace, robbing you of purpose? We must change from slave thinking to overcomer, freedman thinking! * I cannot control what has happened in the past (the pain is real) * I cannot control what is happening in our world (constant daily stressors) * I cannot control how others respond to what is happening in our world * I cannot control (the sky is falling) someone else (nor do I want to) Impact, yes! Control, no! ** What I can control is me - my responses, in the now! Paul, speaking of the abuse of the Jewish leaders: “ . . . . I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things, I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” ( Philippians 3: 8 ) NIV All the stuff of life is secondary to knowing Christ! Jesus is my power source, my peace source, my hope source, my change source! Is Jesus really your Master, or is some event or someone in your past your master? Is Jesus really in control of your life? What master controls you when your foundations are shaken? WHO IS YOUR MASTER? HOPEFULLY, YOU CAN SAY WITH VIGOR . . . . . THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!! Jesus - Kurios - Master - Ruler - Owner

We look for Four Essentials in a Leader : 1) Does the man have an observable calling by God? 2) Does the man demonstrate character qualities found in Scripture? 3) Does the man demonstrate competency for the position? 4) Does the man demonstrate the chemistry necessary to fit into the group? "Separation to God, separation from the world, is the first principle of Christian living." - Watchman Nee sub*mit /seb'mit/ verb to align my will with God's to find freedom, direction, and true purpose. MEN of GRIT Forging a Legacy of Strong Men grit [gr-it] noun Possessing a strength of character and fighting spirit. Having the drive and determination to push through regardless of the obstacle thrown your way until you succeed. "No reserves. No retreats. No Regrets." - William Borden (discovered written in his Bible after his untimely death) FYI: Christian character is cultivated in the trials, in the wilderness experiences of life. Those who come out of the wilderness are all in with God! Moses’ leadership character was cultivated in the backside of the desert. Leaders must be prepared to protect. Leaders must be prepared to sacrifice themselves. Paul’s leadership character was cultivated in the trials of life. It is in the trials of life, in the wilderness experiences of life, that your character is cultivated. "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply." - Aiden Wilson (AW) Tozer "Does it not seem strange that the generation with the most advanced technology and the easiest-to-read Bible translations is the weakest generation of Christians in the history of our country? Church attendance has never been lower, and the Christian influence in our culture never weaker." - AW Tozer Paul to the Ephesian Elders ( Acts 20: 1920) : “Serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials.” Humility is a character trait of Godly leaders! Paul taught the “whole counsel of God” Paul’s encouragement to all Elders ( Acts 20: 27 ( Acts 20: 28 ) ) : “Therefore, take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Biblical terms: Elder = older, mature man (wisdom) Bishop = oversee, supervise (governing, managing) Pastor = shepherd (teaching) Biblical terms: Elders are bishops (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7) and elders are pastors (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-2) Elders, bishops, and pastors (1) are always used in the plural and (2) are always used in the masculine (males). The Role of Elders Elders' work was defined for them in 1 Peter 5:2-4 "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." Elders are to protect the flock - “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” - Acts 20: 29 Elders are to protect from savage wolves - “Speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” - Acts 20: 30 Jude 3-4 puts it this way: "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." Calling all believers to WATCH and WARN!! “Therefore, WATCH and remember that for three years I did not cease to WARN everyone night and day with tears." - Acts 20:31 Satan’s tactic : To infiltrate believers with deceptive false teaching. How do Elders protect? “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God" - Acts 20: 27 Character Qualifications : - 1 Timothy 3: 17 - No one meets these character qualifications perfectly, except Jesus Christ - This should reflect the predominant way the perfect man conducts his life; Elders are not perfect The Elder’s Wife : Jason will need the support of his wife. God created woman to be a helper, an aid, a surround; one who understands the seriousness of his calling A man needs an understanding wife to help him the greatest he can be for God’s glory Be an Influencer for Jesus - Matthew 5:14

We look for Four Essentials in a Leader : 1) Does the man have an observable calling by God? 2) Does the man demonstrate character qualities found in Scripture? 3) Does the man demonstrate competency for the position? 4) Does the man demonstrate the chemistry necessary to fit into the group? "Separation to God, separation from the world, is the first principle of Christian living." - Watchman Nee sub*mit /seb'mit/ verb to align my will with God's to find freedom, direction, and true purpose. MEN of GRIT Forging a Legacy of Strong Men grit [gr-it] noun Possessing a strength of character and fighting spirit. Having the drive and determination to push through regardless of the obstacle thrown your way until you succeed. "No reserves. No retreats. No Regrets." - William Borden (discovered written in his Bible after his untimely death) FYI: Christian character is cultivated in the trials, in the wilderness experiences of life. Those who come out of the wilderness are all in with God! Moses’ leadership character was cultivated in the backside of the desert. Leaders must be prepared to protect. Leaders must be prepared to sacrifice themselves. Paul’s leadership character was cultivated in the trials of life. It is in the trials of life, in the wilderness experiences of life, that your character is cultivated. "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply." - Aiden Wilson (AW) Tozer "Does it not seem strange that the generation with the most advanced technology and the easiest-to-read Bible translations is the weakest generation of Christians in the history of our country? Church attendance has never been lower, and the Christian influence in our culture never weaker." - AW Tozer Paul to the Ephesian Elders ( Acts 20: 1920) : “Serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials.” Humility is a character trait of Godly leaders! Paul taught the “whole counsel of God” Paul’s encouragement to all Elders ( Acts 20: 27 ( Acts 20: 28 ) ) : “Therefore, take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Biblical terms: Elder = older, mature man (wisdom) Bishop = oversee, supervise (governing, managing) Pastor = shepherd (teaching) Biblical terms: Elders are bishops (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7) and elders are pastors (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-2) Elders, bishops, and pastors (1) are always used in the plural and (2) are always used in the masculine (males). The Role of Elders Elders' work was defined for them in 1 Peter 5:2-4 "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." Elders are to protect the flock - “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” - Acts 20: 29 Elders are to protect from savage wolves - “Speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” - Acts 20: 30 Jude 3-4 puts it this way: "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." Calling all believers to WATCH and WARN!! “Therefore, WATCH and remember that for three years I did not cease to WARN everyone night and day with tears." - Acts 20:31 Satan’s tactic : To infiltrate believers with deceptive false teaching. How do Elders protect? “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God" - Acts 20: 27 Character Qualifications : - 1 Timothy 3: 17 - No one meets these character qualifications perfectly, except Jesus Christ - This should reflect the predominant way the perfect man conducts his life; Elders are not perfect The Elder’s Wife : Jason will need the support of his wife. God created woman to be a helper, an aid, a surround; one who understands the seriousness of his calling A man needs an understanding wife to help him the greatest he can be for God’s glory Be an Influencer for Jesus - Matthew 5:14

Christianity rises or falls on the Resurrection "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith." - 1 Corinthians 15:14 If Jesus did not rise from the dead . . . . . . then we are still in our sins If Jesus did not rise from the dead . . . . . . He was not the Messiah, our Savior If Jesus did not rise from the dead . . . . . . He would be a phony If Jesus did not rise from the dead . . . . . . this would be the greatest hoax in history If Jesus did not rise from the dead . . . . . . He would indeed be a liar and a lunatic JESUS DID RISE FROM THE DEAD – HE IS LORD!! For all the doubters, there is observable evidence: - THE TOMB WAS EMPTY! How could frightened, terrified disciples steal the body? - John 20: 19 What about grave robbers? - No self-respecting grave robber would take the time to fold the handkerchief around Jesus’ head or challenge a Roman guard What about the eyewitness testimony? - Too many people saw the Resurrected Jesus for it to be a farce What about doubting Thomas? - Thomas believed when he saw Jesus - John 20: 27-29 What about the changed lives of the disciples? - They went from running away from the battle, to running to the battle - All died violently, or were tortured - None recanted under pressure – people will not die for a lie! What about your life? How has Jesus changed you? - Go ask anyone whom Jesus touched, their lives have been CHANGED!! We can view Resurrection Sunday as when a day of infamy became a day of VICTORY! A day when Satan (the despicable one), the deceiver’s head was crushed – Genesis 3: 15 Christ’s Resurrection assures our resurrection! John 14: 19 This Resurrection Sunday, may all believers rejoice! “HE IS RISEN!” “HE IS RISEN INDEED!!” WHAT A DIFFERENCE HE MADE IN MY LIFE! Jesus Made All The Difference

What was so good about Good Friday? Here's what . . .

REMEMBER: Doubting God is a flesh thing We cannot please God by doubting – Romans 8: 8 What must I do with doubt? View doubt as an ENEMY; doubt is a peace stealer, an anxiety producer Throw doubt off a cliff! When the doubt storm comes . . . . . TRUST GOD! You are here for a purpose; fulfill your purpose! Paul died bravely, believing and trusting Jesus! HE DID NOT DOUBT! His circumstances did not shake his belief Maybe you, too, can say with Paul . . . . . . . I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT! I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE! I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH! - 2 Timothy 4:7 Selah! Think about it!

CAUTION: Do not make the mistake the disciples made and spiritualize the Scriptures If you do, you will walk away with a faulty interpretation Jesus holds people responsible to know the Scriptures and to watch and be ready – Luke 19: 43-44 They did not know the Scriptures and what to expect of Messiah’s arrival Zechariah 9: 9-10 – Messiah’s first coming was lowly, riding on a donkey Messiah’s second coming speaks of a horse and battle bow; He brings peace by establishing His kingdom LESSON: To understand what is coming will require a literal application of Scripture One’s hermeneutics, how the Bible is interpreted, will affect one’s future view: Literal: This approach seeks out the “plain meaning” of the text Moral: This approach is supposed to reveal the ethics behind any text Allegorical: This approach focuses on stories that impart a lesson Devotional: This approach is on proper interpretation and application to one’s life The Golden Rule of Interpretation: Biblical passages are to be taken literally, as read, unless the text indicates otherwise The Law of Context: A text apart from context is pretext; a verse can only mean what it means in context Our Goal: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” - 2 Timothy 2: 15 EISEGESIS: The interpreter makes the Scripture say what he wants it to say. EXEGESIS: The interpreter makes the Scripture say what God has to say. Today, God is speaking; allow His Word to penetrate your soul and go deep into your being! This will help us: "I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in your statutes; I will not forget Your word." Psalm 119:15-16 Those immersed in the Word, and filled with the Holy Spirit, will have a spring of hope! HOLY BOLDNESS will mark their lives! Hated by the world yet loved by God! Shunned by the world, yet stand with HOLY BOLDNESS!! Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in. the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. - Psalm 84:10-11 This is our time . . . . . Make this the best of times! Make a difference Brothers and Sisters . . . . . MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! WALK WITH HOLY BOLDNESS!

The supernatural marked Jesus’ ministry and His death Miracles occur when God breaks into the daily and does things that defy the laws of science There is one coming who will defy the laws of science – he is the antichrist! He will do genuine signs and wonders that will mesmerize the world – 2 Thessalonians 2: 9 BE CAREFUL CHURCH: The supernatural will become more common place Be discerning, don’t get mesmerized by the counterfeit! What are we to do? TEST THE SPIRITS! 1 John 4: 1 1 Thessalonians 5: 21 Test = “dokimazo” = to try, to prove, to discern How do we test (dokimazo)? Test what is said or done with the Word of God! It is incumbent on every believer to act with discernment Discernment = to distinguish, to decide; to judge if true or false Why am I emphasizing this? America is in post-Christian apostasy; the True God is rejected in mass; the pantheon of false gods has returned to our shores The supernatural is coming . . . . . WATCH! BE PREPARED!! BE DISCERNING!!! BE STRONG IN YOUR GOD!!!! 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love." Don't ignore the realities of today. This is "bull in a blizzard" time!!

Does God get angry and wrathful? YES! God’s anger burns against the destructiveness of sin and rebellion against Him – Romans 1: 18 Wrath/Anger – we have all felt this! It is uncomfortable and unpleasant We must learn to deal with our anger! Anger is a basic human emotional response experienced by ALL PEOPLE! God's Anger is Precise and Accomplishes Righteousness People's Anger causes Chaotic Destruction and destroys lives, nations, friendships, churches, and families - Psalm 37:8 Fleshly anger = a characteristic of the flesh is outbursts of wrath (thumos) – Galatians 5: 20 Simmering, not dealt with anger (orge) can crescendo into thumus anger We must deal with our anger (orge) before our anger (thumos) deals with us – James 1: 20 Righteous anger = is directed at the consequences of sin - Ephesians 4: 26 If anger continues and marinates, it is not righteous, but selfish and bitter – Hebrews 12: 15 Freedom from anger is to realize freedom from anger, and we need the Holy Spirit's power to help us. Identify your triggers! Some are: Insults, Stress and Worries, Disappointment/Annoyance, Fears, Resentment, Frustration, Rejection, Hurt, Embarrassment, Having possessions taken or broken, Jealousy, Being teased or talked about, Low-Self Esteem, Grief, Home Life. Anger is a problem: * When it harms you * When it leads to aggression * When it harms people around you * When it disrupts relationships * When it is too frequent, intense and lasts long * When it effects your overall quality of life * When chronis, explosive anger spirals out of control Dealing with Anger: * Cool off, stay calm * Walk Away * Count to 10 * Take deep breaths * Use calming self-talk: "I can handle this. Chill. It's not as bad as it seems." * Imagine you are in a peaceful place. MY TWO CENTS: * Take a time out and turn to God - Forgiveness is an essential part of your recovery from anger - Recognize you have been totally forgiven by God - Forgive the debt and let it go FIDO = forget it and drive on - Confess your anger and unforgiveness to the Lord - Seek to reconcile if possible (not always possible) - Once forgiveness is given, NO TAKES BACK, don’t bring it up again! What does it look like to forgive someone practically? Forgiveness means you - 1) Don't seek revenge in any way 2) Cancel all debts 3) Don't criticize 4) Forgive unconditionally 5) Bless the person (blessings - wishing the best in life) ~REMEMBER THE HEART OF JESUS~ “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” You have been set FREE, so live free from the bondage of unforgiveness and anger! YOU HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT, you have the tools . . . . . NOW WALK IN WHAT YOU KNOW!! God Wants You Free Forgiveness is the JESUS WAY!

The greatest abuse a person can do to God is rejecting His Son, ignoring His Son! How does the average person, the passerby, abuse God today? 1) Any person that ignores Jesus’ claim to deity abuses Jesus 2) Any person taking Jesus’ name in vain abuses God 3) Any person that makes a flesh choice, not a faith choice, abuses God 4) Any person who does not speak for Jesus at crunch time, abuses God There you have it – the wrath of arrogant mankind on Jesus! This pales in comparison to Scene Two next week: GOD pours all His wrath on His Son Heartbreaking, but necessary! THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY!

Do not be like Pilate and be indecisive, ignoring the evidence BEHOLD, Today is the Day of Salvation! COME TO CHRIST WHILE YOU CAN! The ABC's of Salvation A = ADMIT THAT YOU ARE A SINNER. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23 B - BELIEVE ON CHRIST. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" - Acts 16:31 C - CONFESS YOUR SINS. "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation" - Romans 10:9-10

Fulfilled Prophecy – it’s all true! The Bible is true! Christianity is true! There is proof that you are believing the Truth! Consider: Daniel, whom many claim could not possibly have predicted, with such accuracy, the decline and ascent of the kingdom’s future. Consider: Judas’ betrayal of Jesus was predicted - John 13: 18. Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver as stated by Zechariah the prophet - Zechariah 11: 13. Judas threw the silver into the temple, just like Zechariah said he would. Coincidence? NO, fulfilled prophecy!! Consider: What Jesus said about Peter’s betrayal - Matthew 26: 34; “Assuredly I say to you this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” What happened that night? Peter betrayed Jesus 3 times, just as Jesus said he would. Coincidence? I think not – this is fulfilled prophecy!! Roughly 1/3rd of the Bible is made up of prophecies One calculation: There are 332 Messianic prophecies from the Hebrew Bible fulfilled by Jesus No other world religion has any fulfilled prophesies, NONE! Consider: Peter Stoner, in Science Speaks, demonstrates that coincidence is ruled out by the science of probability. Using modern science, in reference to 8 prophecies, we find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all 8 prophecies is 1 in 10 to the 17th power. Stoner gives an illustration: Fill the state of Texas knee deep with silver dollars. Included in this number is one silver dollar with a black check mark on it. Turn a blindfolded person loose in the sea of silver dollars. The odds that the first coin he would pick up would be the one with the black check mark are the same as 8 prophecies being fulfilled accidentally in the life of Jesus. 48 prophecies would be 1 in 10 to the 157th power. The number of electrons in the universe is around 10 to the 79th power. Jesus is who He said He is – GOD! THE ONLY WAY! – John 14: 6 JESUS IS STILL THE ANSWER! You can trust God’s Word! Hear Jesus, “Your Word is Truth” No one can deny how this One Solitary Life changed the world! I CANNOT DENY HOW CHRIST HAS CHANGED ME! Hopefully, you feel the same way!