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Get your armour on! All of it! Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Enter the battle zone - get ready for the conflict ahead… The Lord is our strength. Our strong tower. Our defence. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. An enemy opposes the work of God. You are in the cross hairs. He is public enemy number one. The wiles of the devil are his tactics - what he does. We wrestle not against people… but against spiritual forces that are against God. What are some of the tactics the devil uses? • Temptation - lust, love of money • Pride - hypocrisy, man’s wisdom, philosophy • Discouragement - obstacles, hurts • Religion - good works Stand – hold your ground. Don’t give him an inch. Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. You can withstand all the devil’s threats… Get ready for a fight. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth… The Roman soldier’s belt was a wide leather band round his waist. It carried a scabbard, equipment and rations. The Lord Jesus prayed, in John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. The belt of truth. The Lord Jesus says, I am the Truth… In today’s world we have so many errors and wrong teachings. And having on the breastplate of righteousness. The righteousness of Christ protects us. We stand in His righteousness. Righteousness is imputed, by faith. We can stand in the righteousness of Christ. He is our righteousness. Jeremiah 23:6 …THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Christ’s righteousness is compared to a breastplate – it keeps guard over our heart and emotions. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace… Soldiers need to have good footwear. Our feet carry God’s good news – the gospel – that brings peace with God. We have the Good news of peace with God through Christ… Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. The Christian soldier's shield is faith. It is walking in the promises and principles set out in the Word of God. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Using the shield of faith we can claim the 7,000 promises of God. Stand with the great shield of faith in Christ… assured of His protection and shelter and His care and concern over you. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. And take the helmet of salvation… As a believer you have this wonderful salvation. So great salvation… A complete and finished work by His absolute, amazing, saving grace. The helmet covers our mind and thinking, our reasoning, our choices, our will... The enemy wants to play mind games with us, to bring discouragements and doubts. We have the helmet as a defence… The helmet of salvation tells of our confident assurance in our eternal future with God. Salvation keeps our thinking straight in a world without direction and full of confusion. …and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. God’s Word, like a sword, is effective when it is used to combat and defeat the enemy. As we use God’s promises and obey His Word we will have victory in our Christian life. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. We can walk in Victory. There's Victory for you because of the Cross, because of Him Who loved us. Faith sees that God is bigger than any giants we may face. Victory is certain. There will be times when you will feel weary and discouraged. God is still with you, though. You can personally know victory in your life. And as a church we can know that the gates of hell shall not prevail (Mt. 16:18). Our victory is in our full surrender to our Lord. 1 Corinthians 15: 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm so glad that the very same man who said, "0 wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" could also shout with joyous assurance, "I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord!" (Mr De Haan)

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Don’t be worried by daily cares. Entrust yourself to Him. What’s important for you in your life? What do you count as first? Number One? How do you show it? You show what’s important for you by how you spend your time - how you live your life. Is submitting to His Lordship something you consider first in decisions you make for your life? Lots of things can compete for your priority: people, possessions, power, prestige, pleasure, and other desires… God has said in Exodus 20:3 the very first commandment “Thou shall have no other gods before me.” We show what matters most to us by our actions… When it comes to finding time for God… Are we willing to put ourselves out and trust God? Do we obey Him rather than our selfish will? How about our commitment to meeting with God’s people? What is more important, my own comfort, convenience, or my obedience to the Lord? Am I willing to trust God, and put Him first? If you neglect your soul you miss what is most important of all in life. How is our devotion to God? Is He first, or maybe a close second, third? Behind some other good, some other commitment, some other interest? Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Imagine you have an invitation to attend a palace to see a King? To have an audience with His Royal majesty Himself! Not just that… but to be invited to have that as your home forever! This is a real invitation… Will you seek His kingdom first? Seek this King? So - what of THIS KINGDOM? What is it? And WHY is it important to SEEK IT FIRST? And how? To become a citizen of this kingdom there are certain… REQUIREMENTS RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES 1. REQUIREMENTS To gain admission to this kingdom you must first bow to the King. Think of the majesty and supremacy of our Lord. The King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. You need to bow to His authority. Come under His command. And allow Him to reign as King in your heart now. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts... Let Him rule – let Him govern… Surrender to His Lordship. Citizenship in heaven needs to be applied for. This King is perfect - and His government is true and just. The question is… Is He your King? If He truly is, then our King and our Kingdom are due our first and absolute allegiance. Being a part of the Kingdom of God means requirements. It means being subject to the rule of a new King. For Him to rule, the current ruler of your world – of your life - needs to be deposed, dethroned… There is a ruler of this world. A prince of this world. He wants to receive your service and affection. He wants to steal God’s rightful place. You must deny the devil. Deny self. Let Christ reign over the throne of your heart. This is the kingdom that will not fail - the kingdom of God… This kingdom has requirements. There are also: 2. RIGHTS Once you become a member of this kingdom you enjoy certain rights or privileges. You can approach the king as His subject. You can receive His infinite pardon. You can receive His fair and loving rule. You can meet personally with the Sovereign ruler of the universe and gain a hearing at His throne. Our Sovereign stoops to hear your voice, your very heart’s cry. When you become a child of the King you become a heavenly people, with a heavenly destiny, a heavenly father. The One Who extends His offer of Life everlasting… is One you can know… You have the right to be God’s own children… You have the right to claim a crown. 2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness… As well as REQUIREMENTS, and RIGHTS this Kingdom also brings… 3. RESPONSIBILITIES As a subject under His reign you have the blessing of serving the King and doing your duty for Him. Do you walk worthy of the King? 1 Thess 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. Beware of rival kings who will vie for your love and loyalties. Do you walk here below – in your life on earth – as would line up with one who will ultimately walk the streets of heaven? Where is your heart? God’s rightful position in our lives is FIRST. Do I place my own pleasure before Him? My comfort? How can I please God? The king is due our highest praise. Will you bow to Him? Give God His rightful place The first place. God deserves no less than our best and first. The “Royal Visit” is not far away. The King of Glory is returning to reclaim planet earth any day now. The kingdom of God - and advancing it - must be our chief and foremost concern – our utmost priority. Seek His righteousness… The righteousness of God tells of all that God is, all that He commands, all that He demands, all that He approves, all that He provides through faith in Christ. Determine to be Kingdom-minded. Seek the things of God first.

The Lord’s Prayer is a blueprint of prayer. It’s packed with profound eternal concepts. It tells us of a wonderful relationship, enormous blessing, and of Incredible power. The prayer talks of God’s Government, Grace and Glory. Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (10) Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (11) Give us this day our daily bread. (12) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Prayer is making petition to the supreme governor, God, our Father. A father who will hear us and have compassion on us. Prayer is for the child of God. We come to our Father - who knows and cares about us more than anyone else. We come to His throne by faith - to the very highest of Heaven. Hallowed be thy name. We honour Him. We magnify His name and give Him the highest place in our lives. He is holy. As we pray we are mindful of God’s kingdom. He wants to reign in our personal lives as our rightful ruler. We yield to God’s governance of our lives. His rulership. His control. Prayer is powerful petition to the greatest government and authority of all. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. You can pray that God’s will might be done through you! May we prayerfully seek God’s will, God’s way and God’s plan. Do we delight to do His will? Let us wait patiently on the Lord. Give us this day our daily bread. We can know His supply. We trust God will provide what we ask for. Our God has boundless resources. The only limit is in us. Our asking, our thinking, our praying are too small. Our expectations are too limited. - A. B. Simpson Everything that we have is thanks to Him. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. We trust God as our source. He supplies. When we have personally received God’s loving forgiveness in our lives how can we not forgive others? “Unforgiveness is a dangerous form of heart disease.” And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. We pray and ask for God’s protection – for Him to keep us from areas of temptation where we are weak and prone to stumble. We ask for His leading and direction in our walk. We pray for His deliverance and protection. We can know His presence and power to guide and enable us. We are part of His eternal plan. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. We bless God and give Him due praise and honour! Prayer is a wonderful privilege that we have. Prayer should begin and end with praise to God. Glory to God.

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1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? As a born again believer you are a living, breathing, walking temple. Where you go, God goes. You are God's Possession - you belong to Him. You have been purchased at a Great Price. 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price. He has paid an awesome, awful price for us. It says: therefore glorify God. We have good reason to Glorify Him... Give Him the Glory. 1 Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: Precious is the same word as "price". It tells of value. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. What is a temple? A dwelling place for God’s Spirit; a Holy place. A place of worship, of reverence, of prayer. You are the temple of God. 1. It is possible to DEFILE a temple… Some Christians mistreat their bodies and defile them. Let us search out ourselves and cleanse ourselves of impurity of thought or life. Your body has one main purpose - and that purpose is to "bring Glory to God." When making choices, can we ask ourselves, does what we do have God’s glory in mind, or not? 2. It is possible for a temple to become a DEN OF THIEVES. The Lord Jesus says that the temple was meant to be a house of prayer. Mark 11:17 …ye have made it a den of thieves. Do we just live with busy-ness and activity, but forget to give the Lord His rightful place? Are we become like a den of thieves – instead of a house of prayer? What are the thieves that can come into our lives? That hinder our prayer life? Thieves of our time? Of our love? Our devotion? Crowding God out. Robbing God of His rightful place. Paul rebuked the Corinthians: 2 Corinthians 6:16 …what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing… A temple is meant to be set apart. Sanctified. Not filled with different kinds of idols, but filled with the presence of God. Do we live like we are a temple? • Prayerful • Peaceful • Pure You can defile and dishonour your body. Defiling words may come out of your mouth. Sometimes idols can come in. A temple – and our lives – should be clean and holy, set apart, worshipful. 3. A temple can be DESTROYED. It can be misused and abused by our mistreating it. 1 Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Our Lord Jesus wanted to clear out the temple – cleanse it - of what was displeasing to God. How much more zeal we should have to keep anything or anyone from destroying God's temple - "YOUR BODY." Commit your body to the Lord. Present your body, as a living sacrifice. Treat your body with care. Look after the health of your body. We can damage our temple in lots of ways. Every time you are careless and carnal as a Christian you're tearing apart God's temple, misusing your time to serve God and throwing away God's money. God must be the One who is in control of what we do with our bodies. With our lives. Drugs and alcohol destroy God's Temple. Let the Lord control your passions and lives. Give Him full charge of the inside. We want to be a godly example to others, to young people. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:12-13, All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful... Now the body is not for fornication – for sexual immorality - but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. Your body is for the Lord. That is the first consideration. Your body belongs to God. It’s the dwelling place of God. So we want to bring Him glory. You can destroy the temple by ungodly living. You can damage your testimony and hinder your spiritual life. You can bring shame and disgrace into your life by not honouring the Lord with your body. How clean is your temple? Keep your heart pure. Keep your conscience undefiled. You cannot do whatever you want with your body as a Christian, because you are not your own... you were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You are a temple. A holy temple. It may be your body… But it is God’s temple, first and foremost. Dedicate yourself to God. Dedicate your body – as a temple – to be: • Prayerful • Peaceful • Pure For the Glory Of God. You have been designed to give God glory from your life. God lives in you. That’s what makes you a holy temple. You’re a representative of the Holy One - the Lord Jesus Christ. Give God the glory - in everything you do.

Psalm 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Bible tells of Foundations - for our home, society, and our lives. It is foolish to build a house “without a foundation” (Luke 6:49). A Foundation needs to be... • Strong - providing Safety from the elements. When they develop a building they first have to build down before they can build up. A building is only as strong and lasting as its foundations. Rains and floods test the foundation: Matthew 7:25 And the rain (above) descended, and the floods (below) came, and the winds (around) blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. For the believer, we can know the Rock of Ages - who is immovable: our Lord and Saviour. A foundation needs to be… • Stone (not Sand) - it has to be Rock Solid. As Solomon built : 1 Kings 5:17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house. A foundation has to be… • Stable - Sure, and Unshakeable Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone a precious corner stone, a sure foundation... Christ is that sure and tried stone. Precious. A foundation also needs to be… • Secure Job 38:6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof These are insecure times… People are searching for something Strong, and Solid and Dependable - Something - or Someone - they can count on. The foundations of society are Burning Down, Breaking Down, and Falling Down, all around us. The Foundations are under attack. We have lost Jesus. We have lost our moral compass. We have become materialistic, idolatrous, covetous and the most indebted society in history. The Handwriting is on the Wall. We have lost our Salt - our Saltiness. We have lost our Bible. We see idolatry, materialism, worldliness... Counterfeit spirituality, goddess worship, paganism. We have lost the Fear of God. There’s a falling away in the church. Family values are under attack. Marriage has been redefined in Australia to include so-called gay marriage. The very fabric of society is being torn apart. There’s many broken homes. The foundations of society are crumbling - Burning Down, Breaking Down, and Falling Down - all around us. The demolition crew is blasting away at the foundations all the time. The foundations are being destroyed. What are we going to do about it? Inscription on an old English church: "In the year 1653, when all things sacred in the kingdom were either profaned or demolished, this church was built to do the best of things in the worst of times." We must reveal the faulty, godless foundation that our crumbling society is building on. Expose the false teachers and worldly philosophies. It is our duty to reveal the false - to stand against error - so we can give people the Truth. The church needs to restore what it has lost. We need revival. Let us get back to grass-roots level, "shirt-sleeves rolled up" Christianity. Practical, lived-out, reaching-out Christianity. We need to restore Real, Biblical Christianity. The Fake and Phoney is all around us - People need the Real Thing. This Repair and Restoration is not just a "band-aid" job, it's "a complete overhaul" a complete rebuild. We need to get back to the Bible. Re-educate people in true Christlike Christianity. Ephesians 3: 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded (ie – speaks of the foundation) in love... Do we truly love the Lord - truly love the lost? Let’s put our Christianity into practice. What is going to happen when the storm hits? Are we built on a reliable foundation? If we are we constructing a life or a building without a foundation it will fall apart. There is a Stone - one Rock - one Reliable Foundation upon which we can build our lives, our homes. Someone Who offers us Safety, Stability, Security. Someone Who is Strong and Rock Solid... Someone Who we can safely build our lives upon... 1 Corinthians 3: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. The essential foundation for your life is the Lord Jesus Christ. WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO? What action are you going to take?

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What does the Bible teach us about baptism? The Importance of Being Baptised. Why Should I Be Baptised? Because Christ Commands it. (Matthew 28:19-20) "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." To follow the example set by Christ. (Mark 1:9) "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptised of John in Jordan." It demonstrates that I am a Believer. (Acts 18:8) "...many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptised." What is the Meaning of Baptism? It illustrates Christ’s Death, Burial, and Resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) "Christ died for our sins... He was buried...and He rose again." (Colossians 2:12) "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." It illustrates my New Life as a Christian. (2 Corinthians 5:17) "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new." (Romans 6:4) "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life!" Baptism doesn’t make you a believer — it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring — it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. (Ephesians 2:8-9) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God : not of works lest any man should boast." Why Be Baptised By Immersion? Because Jesus was baptised that way. (Matthew 3:16) "And Jesus, when he was baptised, went up straightway out of the water..." Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. (Acts 8:38-39) "...and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptised him. And when they were come up out of the water the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip..." The word "Baptise" is a transliteration of the Greek word baptizo means "to immerse or dip under". It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection! Who Should Be Baptised? Every person who has Believed in Christ. (Acts 2:4) "Then they that gladly received his word were baptised…" (Acts 8:13) "Simon himself believed also: and…he was baptised..." (Acts 8:12) "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women." (Acts 8:36-38) "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptised? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptised him." Credit: https://www.valverdebaptist.org/index.php/about-us/beliefs/the-importance-of-baptism

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. We should provoke one another to love. How is our love for the Lord? Are we loving Him - with all of our heart? Are we considerate of one another? There is a… Family bond – a glue that joins us together… We have a responsibility towards each other… Hebrews 3:13 says we are to exhort one another daily… We should provoke one another to good works. Let us urge one another to sound doctrine, faithfulness, prayer, holiness and witness. We can be provoked: • In our giving • In our use of time • In our family life • In our devotional life • In our words It says of Paul, "his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." Acts 17:16. This word about stirring is this same word for “provoke”. We are called to good works. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. God wants us to be “zealous of good works”… eager, enthusiastic. Find opportunities to encourage, and strengthen one another. Our verse reads on, Not forsaking the assembling. As the manner (habit) of some is… This is an assembly – a gathering together of saints. There’s something different about God’s people. We’re meant to be different – “peculiar people”. It is community. It is about forgiveness and hope. God’s Life. This assembly meets with a love for the truth. • With a love for the Word. • With a love for what is right and what’s honourable and pleasing to the Lord. We are a church with rock solid foundations that are strong and immovable. The pillar and ground of truth. The solid firm ground of the Word of God. It does not alter or get amended as time goes by. God does not revise it in terms of changing its message. It is everlasting. Man has to bow to the truth. As a church of God we will not budge with the changing fashions and fads of man. We will hold fast our course. We will not be thrown around on the choppy seas of doubts or blown about with the various winds of doctrine. The church is under attack… • There are enemies who are against us. • Some unwittingly promote wrong teaching in their ignorance. • It is a battleground. We must stand true. We must shine. God’s church is meant to be solidly squarely founded on the Truth, not shifting sands. What makes a healthy church… Truth must be central, pivotal, core… It is Christ Himself who must be the central focus… A fervent love for Christ and a heartfelt corporate worship of our Lord. As a church we have Foundations that stand… Founded strongly on the Word of God… We see Truth at work in people’s lives… People growing in Grace, in Holiness, Peace, the Lived-out Word of God, Understanding, Spiritual Gifts, Purity and Fellowship. Don't neglect to assemble! It's an essential.

The LORD is my SHEPHERD; I shall not want. The Lord is like the shepherd who saves the sheep that are lost. Sheep are helpless and vulnerable. So they need a shepherd. Like sheep, we are dependent beings - and without a shepherd we will be as sheep going astray. This shepherd seeks and saves his sheep: He goes out, looking for the lost lamb - into the darkness, down the thorny path, braving the cold wind. He goes out to rescue the one lost sheep. The LORD is my SHEPHERD; I shall not want. Not ‘a’ shepherd – but ‘MY’ shepherd… There’s a closeness - a personal relationship. I belong to Him – I am His. 17 times - the personal pronoun occurs in 6 verses. We are the object of his concern and care. God’s sheep never lack anything the Shepherd thinks is good for them. He is with his sheep all the time. He is sufficient. He is all I need. He gives grass and water - the two basic necessities of life for sheep. We are loved sheep - it’s a close, tender relationship. The Lord is a Shepherd to me. He cares for me. He watches over me. The sheep belong to the shepherd - and he looks after them. If the Lord is my Shepherd, then I ought to recognise his rights over me, and that I am not my own - I have been bought with a price. V. 2, He maketh me to LIE DOWN in green pastures: he LEADETH ME beside the still waters. We can REST in the Lord. The presence of the master puts us at ease. We can know a perfect security. A contentment. He gives Refreshment. He gives refreshing. He goes before His sheep… And they follow Him. Sheep have poor vision. A sheep cannot see very far ahead. So they can get into trouble. They need a shepherd to guide them. He leads me to quiet, restful, refreshing waters. V. 3, He RESTORETH my soul. There’s healing - a restoring – of peace, of life. The shepherd brings relief from wounds. Enjoy His deep peace for your soul. He will revive and preserve us. He leads – He guides – with the closeness and comfort of His own presence. V. 4, Yea, though I walk THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I will fear no evil: for THOU art with me. We all face dark times of difficulties. Yet, God is with us in our valleys. Those times of disappointment, and sickness. The darkest hours. He sustains us. I will fear no hurt, harm, danger - He is with us. The good shepherd is always close by. There’s Protection. Child of God, you have His promises: Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. When the Shepherd guides our way, we have His safeguarding. He is our Guard - our guardian, and defender. As a watchman He is vigilant. God is with us in our valleys. He is our shelter from storms. Know the tenderness of the Shepherd. Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Thy ROD and thy STAFF they COMFORT me. His rod and staff are the emblems of His care and support. The rod was a club - used against the enemies of the sheep – used to drive off wild animals. It was to protect the sheep from marauding predators. We can trust our Shepherd - and His strength and power. The shepherd uses his staff – a crook or hook - to aid sheep, to help gently free lambs from entanglement and harm - to guide and comfort. It’s symbolic of God’s Holy Word – for our comfort and correction. We can rely on Him to help deliver and sustain us. V. 5, Thou preparest a TABLE before me in the presence of mine enemies: The Lord our shepherd is preparing a banquet for us. The Word of God is corn, manna, honey, wine, milk, and strong meat for us. This is the cook book full of delicious recipes for God’s people. God is preparing a table – a prepared meal. A satisfying meal. Our good shepherd feeds our souls - He nourishes and sustains our spiritual life. There’s mention of enemies here. Sheep have many enemies – vipers, lions, bears, hyenas, jackals, huge birds of prey, and robbers and bandits. Even amidst enemies He is there, with us. Thou anointest my head with oil; my CUP runneth over. He is - for his sheep - a Doctor, and a Nurse. He is the Great Physician. He knows our injuries and hurts – he eases the pain. He anoints – he applies the healing oil; to guard against infection. My cup is full and spilling over – it is overflowing. God has filled our cup. Filling our cup to overflowing. V. 6, Surely GOODNESS and MERCY shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. We know the Saviour’s constant presence - His constant fellowship. God’s goodness and mercy are so rich and full… The House of the Lord shall be my dwelling place. His presence; “we shall ever be with the Lord”.

We are like runners in a race. Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. The Christian race calls for... 1. DETERMINATION Let us Run with patience - with perseverance and determination. This race is by faith. Be a steady Christian. Don’t be put off. Don’t let discomfort take away your hope and trust. Our race may mean pain, bruises, hurts, strains, disappointments and challenges along the way. Our race calls for stamina – grit – determination – character. Get up when you fall. Keep trusting. It will cost sacrifice and time. It will bring honour and glory to God. Also, we need: 2. DIRECTION This race calls for a purposeful stride. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Have a singleness of mind. Focus on Jesus alone. At the end of this Christian race we can expect to hear the author and finisher of our faith. To some He’ll say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23). We want to make sure we are running in the right direction. Look to Jesus. It is present tense – it is a constant attention. Focus continually upon Him. Fix your eyes on Him Keep the focus. Run with determination. With direction. And… with 3. DISCIPLINE Hebrews 12:1: “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” There are some Banned substances for runners in this race. Let us lay aside every weight. Those hang-ups we cherish Things that can hinder us – weigh us down. All of us have our own particular weights to lay aside. There are some things in my life that are not sinful, but my race forbids me from doing them. Weights are things that may not be wrong within themselves but may stand in the way of our faithful service to God. What things are hindering our spiritual progress? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal them. Let’s get rid of anything that is cluttering our life. Burdens, worry, unforgiveness, fear of others, fear of failure, selfishness, use of drugs, immorality, love of the world, pressures... Get rid of everything that hinders. Lay them aside. Throw them off. It tells of SIN that entangles. It will mar your performance and cause you to trip up and fall. Lay aside besetting sin- sin that so easily entangles. Be careful not to get tangled up and trapped. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: What is your life? James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: (14) Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (15) For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. What is your life? Are you making it count? You’re going to leave something behind. Make your mark Make your life count Run the race with patience.

Luke 15 is the Bible’s Lost and Found Department… …A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. …He took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. He wasted his wealth with wild living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. He had spent everything. A terrible famine struck. He began to be in need. He had nothing to eat. He wanted the bright lights. The big city. He went bush - he went out in search of love and happiness - BUT he was going in the wrong direction. He had lost God's presence. He was scraping the bottom of the barrel. He was facing starvation. Sin does not satisfy. He ended up tending to pigs. He had empty pockets, an empty stomach, and an empty soul. He came to his senses. He had gone as low as he could go. Hungering even for the pig slops. He had hit rock bottom. Sin is temporary madness. He came to himself! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. It was while he was coming to his father - his father was filled with compassion. He ran and threw his arms around him -and kissed him... He embraced him - ardently kissed him – covered him with kisses – fervently - tenderly – fondly - even though he was dirty and stunk like a pig! God is alike to the loving father in this story - He welcomes us with open arms. He “Repented”... • I will arise and go to my father ... • I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, • I am no more worthy to be called thy son ... The father was looking for his son’s return. The prodigal's search for love and happiness ended back at home. …the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: The Robe - was a special honour – it wasworn by kings, priests, persons of rank, and the redeemed of the Lord. The Ring – showed commitment and belonging to the family. Authority and distinction. The Shoes – showed his sonship and acceptance into the family God completely welcomes us into his family, even though we don’t deserve it. • The kiss, the sign of forgiveness. • The robe, the sign of honour. • The ring, the sign of authority. • The sandals, the sign of freedom. • The feast, the sign of a joyful welcome. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: Let's have a feast. This was the prized calf. The very best. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. He was a dead man. He has come to life again. Sin leaves us hungry and hurting. God gives us His total, fulfilling love. How much does God love you? • He loves you enough to let you go. • He loves you enough to let you hit bottom. • He loves you enough to let you come back. • He loves you so much that he will run to meet you. When a person receives salvation there is great joy in heaven; another soul is saved from hell! What joy! What blessing! Verse 32 He “was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” Salvation is a dramatic event of changing from death to life. From being lost to being found. What a joy and thrill we have! What a glad day! What rejoicing! And the angels in Heaven join in too!

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Do you want a full life? An exposition of David's song in Psalm 84 by Bro Jesse Trumble. Psalms 84:1-12 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. 4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. 6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. 8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Peter Gregoric exhorts on the importance of the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God gives us many pictures that describe the value and usefulness of the Bible for us: Honey, Bread, Strong Meat, Milk, Rock, Water, Mirror, Hammer, Fire, Light, Seed, and Sword.

YOU can know victory in your life. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. There is a victory that we can know. We have to… 1. BE BORN OF GOD We have to be born again. It is then that we become a child of God. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 2. BE A BATTLER WITH THE WORLD God says that they who are Born of God are Overcomers. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. We are waging war against a system that is anti-god. It is godless. It hates the truth. It hates the Gospel. The world should be dead to us. We should be dead to the world. No more love for it. No more attachment to it. Dare to stand against the world. Don’t be a conformist. 3. BE A BELIEVER Believe God. Trust God. 1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Know the Lord. Trust in God. Take a hold of His hand, by faith. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Doubt and unbelief just brings defeat. That’s where the devil wants you to be. And to stay. God's Word is jam-packed with the stories of heroes of faith. Real men and women of God who took a stand and believed God and His promises. Abraham - ""the friend of God"" followed the Lord, even when he didn't know where he was going. When his faith was tested he even went to the point where he would have even sacrificed Isaac, his son. Moses, the man of faith who turned his back on Egypt and all its treasures and pleasures, and chose instead the afflictions of the people of God. By faith he led Israel out of Egypt to the promised land. See the faith of Joshua. He crossed over the Jordan on dry ground. He circled Jericho for seven days and the walls fell down. By faith Enoch walked with God. He had this testimony, that he pleased God. By faith Joseph saw God deliver him, time and time again, through tremendous trials. By faith Noah built an ark to the saving of his house. By faith Rahab the harlot believed God. We know her now as a woman of faith, despite where she used to be. By faith Samson was a one man army against the Philistines. He failed, but he got ultimate victory. The Bible is filled with life after life of the victory of faith. Of faithfulness. See Elijah. He stood and confronted the king over his sin. Elijah was subject to like passions as we are, but he had faith. He prayed, and the heavens were locked up. He prayed again, and the rain came. Daniel's faith held strong in a heathen land. He was strong in the Lord, in faith, in prayer. When he was older he stood firmly to take a message of judgment to the king. Be men and women of faith. Victory will come. The good news is that Christ has already defeated Satan for us! 1 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. Since Christ is our Saviour and we belong to Him, we share in His victory over satan. The Lord Jesus has set us free from Satan's power. God wants us to have victory in our lives. As we learn to trust and obey the Lord Jesus who lives in us, the more we will be able to say ""No!"" to the world, the flesh, and the devil. Faith is the way to victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. Believer, you can know victory after victory. Victory after defeat. By faith you can rise up and stand and know victory even after you have failed. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Rest comes as you obey Him. 1. Come to me. He wants our response. This is our great need. All you that are sick of sin. Look to Him. All are invited and all are promised rest. Simply come. 2. Receive the yoke I give you. Yoke speaks of direction. Stop going your own way. Team up with Him. 3. Learn from me. Humble yourself. Release your burden and come to the Burden bearer. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. He say , I will give. Receive… 1. His Rest. He promises rest. He says to us, Shalom, Peace. He is our Peace. The Bible tells of entering into His rest. We can know a refreshing. For our souls. He gives eternal peace and a ceasing from striving. His peace is Himself. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. His rest is forever. Those Who know Him have an absolute assurance of rest forever and eternal bliss. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Our gracious redeemer provides us his rest. The rest comes as we no longer trust our own works. Receive… 2. His Yoke. He says His yoke is easy – it is not hard. This yoke is good for you. We are workers together with God. Serving Him is useful for you. And He works with you. Hear His gracious call. It is earnest and it is simple. Receive His rest, His Yoke, and receive… 3. His Burden. This burden is light. It is not going to weigh you down as the cares and labours of life can do. God extends an offer of peace today – you can make peace with your maker and be reconciled to God. Receive. It’s really what faith is. What it is to believe.

In this video, we'll be exploring the meaning and symbolism of the Altar in the Christian faith. This is an important lesson that you'll want to learn if you're interested in Christianity. The Altar is a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. By understanding the Altar, you'll better understand the power of Christ's love and compassion. This is an important lesson to learn, so be sure to watch this video and learn what the Altar means to Christians! There are over four hundred references to altars in the Bible. An altar is a place of sacrifice - a place to meet with God. There were two altars in both the Tabernacle and the Temple. • One was for sacrifices and • One was for incense – the symbol of believing and acceptable prayer, praise and worship (Hebrews 13:15). Our Lord is seeking worshippers. He wants our offering up of praise. Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. We see that in Elijah’s time the altar had been neglected. (30) …And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. The altar needed repair. The condition of the altar also represented the spiritual condition of the people. Their spiritual life was in disrepair. The altar speaks to us… • Of Giving and receiving • Of Worship • Of Giving up • Of Letting go At the altar… • We give up ownership • We put into God's hands Elijah repaired the altar in the name of the Lord - in v 32. (32) And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD… He restored what had been neglected. He wanted God to be glorified and honoured. The Altar speaks of Faith, of Prayer. He prayed a humble prayer. The prayer of faith. The fire of the Lord fell. (38) Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. Elijah claimed the old-fashioned power – the power of Prayer And the Fire fell. From Heaven. Will we lay down… • our desires • our will • our self • our flesh. At the altar we surrender – we die. We can sometimes say it very lightly, this expression of being ""On the Altar"". But - What does it really mean? • Totally giving over • Handing over • Death • Burning up There’s no need for us now to sacrifice our choicest animals. The perfect sacrifice for our sin has been made - our precious saviour. Yet, in a sense we are to be the sacrifice. At the altar we make a sacrifice. Sometimes the preacher invites people, spiritually speaking, to come to the altar. Come and do business with God. It’s like a decisive point people come to in their lives. To get things right with God. They are willing to lay their lives down… To consecrate themselves for holy service. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. God calls us to a sacred service. A decisive dedication. The altar speaks of us being dedicated to God. The altar is a holy place. We are called to be Holy and pleasing to God – consecrated – devoted. Will you come to the altar today and surrender your life, be the sacrifice - be all that God can make you to be - and find that service He wants you to render unto Him? At the altar we receive the call to service. As Isaiah did. We hear the call of God at the altar. The Lord calls. Who will go for God? May our motto be, as Christ’s was: ""To do His will"". John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. How about us? Do we want to be used of God – as He wills – to be available? To serve? As we serve we find tremendous fulfilment… • Joy • Abundant life • Blessings "