TEN QUESTIONS UNCHURCHED PEOPLE USUALLY DON'T ASK

TEN QUESTION UNCHURCHED PEOPLE DO NOT OFTEN ASK

#1 – “What do you do to disciple people?” (This question is usually asked by people who want to ‘microwave” spiritually, not understand that they themselves actually became mature in the “crock pot.”)

#2 – “Who is speaking this weekend?” (They usually don’t care about the WHO…it’s the WHAT that matters to them.)

#3 – “Are you reformed in your theology?” (Most of them have no idea what in the heck this means!)

#4 – “Is your church spirit filled?”

#5 – “What version of the Bible do you use?” (Many unchurched people don’t even really know there are different versions!)

#6 – “What denomination are you affiliated with?”

#7 – “How many different activities can I sign my family up for in order to add to the insane schedule that we already have?”

#8 – “Does your pastor teach exegetically through the Scriptures?”

#9 – “Are there lots of crosses and pictures of Jesus in your church?”

#10 – “Are you guys pre trib, mid trib, post trib or partial trib?”

Everette Whisnant, my DAD

My Dad was my Dad and Pastor until he died in 1966. He was the rock of my life, and when he died in February of 1966, the year I was finishing up High School, I was really lost in my life, it took a while to adjust to him being gone. But by God's grace we were able to continue. Today I still miss him as much as I did when he died.

I was able to go back to Roanoke Virginia to preach the funeral of Frances Stultz Pruett (she was a Cooper when I knew here) I was able to visit with my long time play mates, who were Frances children, Buddy, Joyce, and Dolly and some of their family. My heart rejoiced.

I still have Dolly's phone message still on my phone at the office, and I play the message too.

Well, they were in our church when I was growing up, and Dad loved them very much.

Also I was able to learn that Margie Pugh was in town, but was not able to see her, but later I was able to call her on the phone. Her Mom and Dad were just a great part of our church in Roanoke, and we loved them so much.

I received a email from Margie today, and wanted to post what she said about Dad.

• Just thinking Everett's favorite topic was "Sitting on the stool of do nothing." He used this in many a sermon. I can still remember him saying Christians should always be doing something for Christ. He has a job for each of us and each and every job is important. Whither it be helping others, working in the church, teaching, preaching, etc. God did not mean for us to take our salvation and sit on our little stool of do nothing and wait for his coming...He meant for us to carry his word in words, action and deeds to our fellow man.

• I have used this sermon in teaching Sunday school, childrens church, and even in my home when I do lessons for the kids here a couple times a week in the evenings (even the grown-ups like to join in). Daddy particularly liked to join my classes here at the house.

Just thinking about this and had a minuet and thought I would ask.

What Did Jesus Really Achieve on the Cross?

WHAT DID JESUS REALLY ACHIEVE ON THE CROSS?

CHARLES E. WHISNANT

MARCH 28, 2010

What did Jesus actually accomplish on the cross? Who did He accomplish it for. Who did Jesus die for?

Some one asked, "What do you do?" I said, "I am a Teacher of Theology at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, in Minford, Ohio." "Oh! What is that may I ask?" I said, "I teach the Bible from God's point of view." "Really!"

 

Now we know that the reason why Christ died on the Cross was for the ATONEMENT OF OUR SINS. The death of Christ was necessary for God to be able to forgive us of our sins and make it possible that God could save us. Our sins were forgiven as a result of Christ's death on the Cross.

Today's message is a theological message. We all know about the Cross, we know that Jesus Christ did die on the cross. We know that Jesus Christ had to die on the Cross, even though we might not know why exactly.

 

We might know the why? But we might not know for whom did Christ die? And we might not know what did Christ accomplish in His death on the Cross. So let us look at this today.

Generally most people will say that Jesus Christ died for "everybody, of course!"

So we are going to look into this matter of whom did Christ die for.

Here is the question: Did Jesus die for those who had already died before the Cross?

Many people before 33 AD had died who were awaiting eternity in hell. And when Jesus die He knew it would do them no good.

Here is the question then: Did Jesus bear the punishment for their sins?

In the Old Testament, where the sacrifice offerings were made, just exactly did it do for the other nations? Did the sacrifice actually pay for, and cover the sins of everyone in the whole world? And if true, why was God still angry with these other nations? If Divine wrath is satisfied by ;means of the lamb's propitiatory sacrifice for sin, then God's anger is averted, and He is happy rather than angry with people, right?

Isaiah 53:4-11. Vs. 11. Whose iniquities does Jesus bear? Those who He made righteous. Cf. Matthew 1:21.

What was Jesus intention of the Cross? Jesus will save His people from their sins. Matthew 20:28. John 10:11, 14-16, 26-30.
John 17:6-11.
Jesus said, I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."

What are you saying Pastor, Teacher of Theology? Jesus's intercession here was not for everyone in the world, but for those the Father gave to Him

CHRIST ON THE CROSS DIED FOR HIS BRIDE.
Acts 10:28 and Ephesians 5:25-29.

So what did the death of Christ on the cross accomplished: "Christ died for our sins." 1 Corinthians 15:3.Which means that His death paid the debt those sins created. His death removed the wrath of God from me. His death purchased heaven for me. It really accomplished those thing!"

So the question is, what would the death of Christ mean to the unbeliever in hell. Was their debt for sin paid for? Why is he paying again in hell? Was the wrath lifted? The curse removed?

You might say, as I have in the pasted. "The only reason people go to hell is becauses of the sin of rejecting Jesus, not because of all the other sins of their life." Is this true? Well, not really. Colossians 3:5-6. So people will who reject Jesus really will be punished for their specific sins, not just for rejecting Jesus.

In what sense did Christ taste death for the sins of those in hell? Are they still guilty for their sins and still suffer punishment for their sins, and if so what happen on the cross for their sins? 'Was their sins cancelled?

Here is what Christ did on the cross. Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 9:28:
Isaiah 53:4-6. Jesus obtained by His blood is the wiping out of all my sins, covering them, bearing them in His own body, so that they can never bring me to ruin.

Did Christ's sacrifice perfect for all time everybody on the planet? Surely not. Unless you believe in universalism, that everyone will be saved.

John 15:13-16; Galatians 2:20.

So who did Christ save? Revelation 5:9-10. Jesus redeemed by His blood people out of every tribe, tongue, people and nation.

Revelation 7:9-10 tells us a great multitude that no one could number will be save.

Well what about I John 2:2? The whole world means people of all kinds, including Jews, Gentiles, Greeks and Romans..

John 6:37-38. The Son loses none of those given to Him by the Father.

Well what about Hebrews 2:9? Doesn't everyone mean everyone? No, not always. Note then verse 10-13.

Christ's work on the cross achieved all of the Divine purpose for it. From eternity God designed the plan that He would save millions and Christ died on the Cross not in vain, but gave Himself for His sheep, His Church and finished the work of redemption for all in this number. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, based on Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone.

 

 

HOW DO YOU WORSHIP AND PRAY

GOD IS YOUR ABSOLUTE LORD AND OWNER OF EVERY THAN YOU HAVE

• and therefore to be worshipped with the absolute resignation of yourself and all, and honored with your substance, and not hypocritically, with exceptions and reserves.As I serve the Lord, I often say, "Am I really giving my all to the Lord?" Too often we have departmentalize our life. Home, Family, Wife, Children, Work, and then Church life. When we approach the LORD its, well, let me take a few minutes here and talk to God about what I need to ask Him.

Can I say we need to learn better to speak to the Lord with our whole heart and give HIM our time. Rather than the quick minute we might have between meals. I am so guilty of that at times.

This is the LORD we are talking to, not some coach or boss or friend, this is the HOLY GOD, the Eternal Heavenly Father of our Salvation we are addressing.Focus clearly on HIM and clearly speak to Him in a way that is most holy, while we ourselves are holy in our attitude toward Him.
May I say, this is the focus of our thinking. Let us be careful how we worship HIM.

What About The Moral Folks

 

ROMANS 2:1-3

Charles E. Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher

Romans 2:1 Therefore you have
(2SPAI) no excuse, (KJV= "O man ) everyone * of you who passes judgment
(PAPMSN) , for
in that which you judge
(2SPAI)  another, you condemn
(2SPAI)
yourself; for you who judge
(PAPMSN)  practice
(2SPAI)
the same
things. (NASB: Lockman)

Overview: Those who have checked out on God, have been a banned by God.

WHAT ABOUT THE BASIC GOOD MORAL FOLKS?

• Those who agree with Paul's statement in chapter one
  
• Those who believe since they are moral people they believe they are Christians.
  
• But is it true that they are all that moral, really?
  

THERE IS THE KEY:

Many appear not to be idolatrous; they are the "professing Christian." While they agree with Paul they cannot maintain this outward virtue system of value. They cannot restrain their own sinfulness, so they cover over their real darkness with light.

Many people believe they are moral enough to get to heaven

THE WHOLE BASIS OF THE CHRISTIAN GOSPEL:

In order to appreciate the force of the apostle's reasoning in this and the following verses, it should be remembered that the principal ground on which the Jews expected to be accepted by God was the covenant which he had made with their father Abraham, in which he promised to be a God to Abraham and to his descendants after him. The Jews believed that this promise guaranteed salvation for all who retained their connection with Abraham through the observance of the law and the rite of circumcision. Therefore, they expected to be regarded and treated not so much as individuals, each dealt with according to his personal character, but as a community to whom salvation was assured by the promise made to Abraham. 

• Is only understood in so far as they understand that they stand guilty before God, whether they are listed in chapter one or not.
  
• The Jews in Paul's day believed they didn't stand in judgment with God, they were exempt.
  
• The Jews believed that God would wipe out the Gentiles but not them.
  
• The Jews believed salvation by works. Legalism. Because they were a nation that kept traditions.
  
• The Jews believed they were no consequences to their personal sins. They were under the covenant.
  
• The moral, self-righteous people are the hardest people to reach.
  

THERE ARE SIX REASONS FOR THE JUDGMENT OF GOD ON ALL MEN 1-16

2. Knowledge
   
3. Truth
   
4. Guilt
   
5. Deeds
   
6. Impartiality
   
7. Motive
   

 

 

1A    KNOWLEDGE: vs 1

Therefore (1352) (dio) is a term of conclusion could refer to what Paul has just said in the last half of Romans 1. the facts upon which Paul bases his conclusion ("you are without excuse") follow instead of precede the "therefore".

The Jews knew the truth.

"O MAN." Any man, any moralist, those who say I am not any of those in chapter one.

"INEXCUSABLE." They had a more complete knowledge.

"THOU ART THEY JUDGEST." If you know the standard whereby to judge then you know the standard.

For wherein thou judgest another, thou condemneth thyself for thou that judgest doest the same things:

• Matthew 7:1-3 (15-20) The Lord says…..James 3:1 says…
  
  • You are doing the same things as you judge someone else
    
• Matthew 5:21-32
  
  • What do you mean I have done these things.
    
  • Self righteous people make no mistakes.
    
    • They misunderstand the height of God's law
      
    • They misunderstand the depth of their sin.
      
• So, the logic of our Lord is clear and convincing. You who condemn others prove that you know the law. And in your knowledge of the law you condemn yourselves because you are doing the same things. The conscience that makes you aware of wrong in others, writes your own sentence. Pretty devastating, isn't it? To the self-righteous religious Jew and the moralist, He says you're just as bad as everybody else, you're just covering it up on the outside and God will judge on the basis of knowledge.
  

2A    TRUTH: 2-3

 

 

 

Correspondence Between Paul and Seneca, A.D. 61-65

Lucius Annaeus Seneca
^{http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/clsc50.html}

Born in Spain in 4 BC, Lucius Annaeus Seneca was educated in Rome and became famous not only as a playwright, but as an orator and philosopher as well. He served as tutor to the young Nero, and when the boy became Emperor in 54 AD, he retained Seneca as his advisor. For several years, Seneca exerted a calming influence on the young emperor. After he retired in AD 62, however, he lost favor with his former pupil, and in AD 65, he was accused of conspiring against Nero and was forced to commit suicide. Seneca was perhaps best known, however, for his scenes of violence and horror.

GOD IS PRESENTED AS SAVIOR

GOD IS PRESENTED AS SAVIOR

GENESIS 3:20-24

Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, Minford, Ohio

God by nature is a Savior of sinners.
I Timothy 1:1, 4:10, Titus 1:3-4,

• To save them from sin,
  
• to save them from the consequence of sin,
  
• to save them from the power of sin,
  
• to save them even from the presence of sin.
  

God is presented as a Savior: Genesis 3:20-24

• We find Him being introduced as the Savior
  
• We discover here the introduction of His plan of redemption.
  
• We hit upon here the indication that He is bringing salvation to sinful people.
  

FOUR COMPONENTS OF SALVATION:

From man's side there are essentially two components of salvation: faith and hope.

• Built into faith is repentance. And a belief in God that God would do what He said He would do.
  

From God's side two things are necessary: atonement and security.

• God has to provide a right way for the purpose of being able to give the atonement to cover our sin, and then he has to hold onto us to keep us saved until we get to glory.
  

THE INDISPENSABLE ELEMENTS OF SALVATION:

• The salvation of sinners.
  
• Their deliverance from sin.
  
• Their deliverance from death and hell. By faith and hope.
  
• Through divine atonement and security.
  

GOD PROVIDES A MEANS FOR SALVATION IN THE ATONEMENT.

• Genesis 2:21: God provides the means for sin."The Lord God made garments of skins."
  
• Atonement is a covering for sinners provides by the death of an innocent substitute.
  
• Isaiah 53 gives us the picture of Jesus Christ as the sinners substitute.
  
• God had every right to kill Adam and Eve instantaneously, but as Savior, He brings a substitute, slays the substitute and covers the sinners' shame and guilt by the death of a substitute; His judgment, His justice, His wrath being satisfied by the death of the substitute. Which is the purpose of the death of Jesus on the Cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21
  

So, then, the first element of salvation introduced to us is faith; faith in the fact that God has provided a deliverer. The second element of salvation, faith would be pointless, unless God has provided atonement, and He has. Now the third component, or building block in salvation is:

Salvation requires security: The assurance that salvation will not be taken away.
Vs 22 "Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; now, lest he stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.:

• Knowing good and evil in that Adam knew it, because he experienced it.
  
• Now knowing evil, Adam didn't like it, and would have tried to alleviate its circumstances.
  
• Now looking for some way to get out of the mess you have gotten yourself in.
  
  • The shame, dying, the moral, physical and spiritual consequence.
    
• Knowing the impact, how can it be rectify to turn that around? Head toward the tree of life!
  
• So, "Eve, we must get back to that tree of life, and we will live. If we eat of the tree of live we will live forever." Adam. Believing they would have counteract the effects of death.
  

Verse 22 is an introductory clause, but there's no completing clause. It's God just saying,

• "I know what he's going to do, he is going right to that tree of life, and he's going to reach out, and he's going to say if I can get that tree of life, and eat, it, I'll live for ever, and alleviate the consequences of my sin. Well, God said, I can't let him do that."
  
• Verses 23 "Therefore, the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden."
  

LITTLE FOOT NOTE HERE:

• The Garden of Eden was still there, the tree of life was still there, paradise was still there. And could have possible being there until the Flood, or long before that died out.
  

Had Adam and Eve eaten of the tree of life they would have lived forever.

• The eternal life in the tree of life is not in the botany of the tree. It's not in the chemical of the fruit. Simply by divine decree that tree would gave life.
  
• Had they eaten of the tree, they would have lived forever. Only one problem!
  
  • They would have lived forever as wicked, depraved, fallen sinners. That's not good.
    
• God has something much better. "Just go and die and I'll raise you in a new kind of life without sin." Good right? Right.
  
• ETERNAL LIFE AS A FALLEN SINNER, THAT'S WHAT HELL IS.
  
• If they had eaten of the tree of life, they would have sentenced themselves to the most gruesome kind of living.
  
• They had seen death. Remember? God had killed the animal. And they didn't want that.
  
• Death would have been a just punishment, God could have said, "Go ahead, and sentence yourself to a hell of uninterrupted, eternal wretchedness.
  

BUT GOD… He wouldn't do that? YOU KNOW WHY?

HOLDING FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE

 

 

CHARLES E. WHISNANT, PASTOR/TEACHER

RIVERS OF JOY BAPTIST CHURCH, MINFORD OHIO STATE ROUTE 139 AND SHADY LANE

 

It is church life like this [Philippians 2:16-30] that really conquers the world, as it did the ancient world.  Men and women saw something in the Christian society that they had never seen anywhere else."

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Life of Joy and Peace (Grand Rapids, 1989), page 225.

 

INTRODUCTION:

We have been learning in PHILIPPIANS the PATTERN FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING. Do we not understand the CHRISTIAN LIFE as LIFE, and REALLY LIVING LIFE? Does not the Bible teach us that being a CHRISTIAN is a transformation from DEATH unto NEW LIFE? Well the way many "Christians" live you would think they are still dead! You would think that many Christian's lives are filled with tragedies and calamities, lost jobs and horrible accidents. You would think from the lives of a lot of Christians that their lives have been hit with storms, drought and blizzards. Most of Christian living seems to be "partly cloudy with 20% chance of sunshine." Thus long-faced, heavy-hearted attitude has now invaded the ranks of Christianity.

The whole theme of Philippians is JOY. JOY "the gigantic secret of the Christian". Have you found Christians who are now rejoicing outwardly in their NEW LIFE IN CHRIST? Do you know many Christians who are genuine in their enthusiasm, and where their attitudes are uplifting and positive?

How many Christians do you know personally well enough that you can say that they really are expressing in conduct and content the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How many people do you know who are living above their circumstances. They possess a well-developed sense of humor, a smile on their face, and it causes you to say, "What is it that enables them to be like that?" They are essentially different! It's more than being moral, it's being spiritually alive.

We want to talk about those who are really holding forth the word of life in this twisted and perverse nation and what it means to be holding forth the word of life?

My prayer is that the Spirit of Christ will convict your heart and that you will pray that Christ will help you begin to hold forth the Word of Life in a new and refreshing way today.

*******************************************************************************************

THE CHRISTIAN'S DESCRIPTION IN THE WORLD AS A CHILD OF GOD: Philippians 2:12-16:

1A    THERE IS TO BE PURPOSE AND POWER: vs. 12-13

    The Christian life takes all you can do and all the power of God.

2A    THERE IS TO BE GOOD ATTTIUDE AND ACTION: vs. 14-16

    The Christian life is to have the right conduct and content.

3A    THERE IS TO BE SERIOUSNESS AND JOY: vs. 17-18

    The Christian life is a model of spiritual servants of Christ.

4A    THERE IS TO BE DISTINCTIVE QUALITIES IN THE TRUE CHRISTIANS 3:1-3

THE DESIGN OF PHILIPPIANS IS TO HELP THE CHRISTIAN REJOICE BEING A CHRISTIAN.

• Paul's thought in Philippians is serious, his analogy is often very serious, "I may never get out of this situation alive. It may be God's will that my life be poured out as a sacrifice. Even if that is so, even if it means the end of my life, this pouring out of my days on your behalf is worth every moment. Even if this imprisonment is my last, I rejoice every moment. "
  

THE CHRISTIAN IN THE WORLD IS TO BE:

1B    AS A CHILD OF GOD (Jesus Christ)

1C    AS LIGHT: Shining as a luminary (star, moon)

2D To stand out in society, to expose the hidden things of darkness and to warn people against certain consequences which will happen unless they pay heed and give attention to the Christian message.

3D To be the light upon which others can see illustrated the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2B     CURRENT TREND:

1C    The mistaken ideal that at the present time only preachers are to hold forth the Word of God and not each member of the Body of Christ

2C    It is no longer the habit or fashion for people to attend a place of worship.

3C    To assume that this country is Christian, and thus no need to preach the gospel. This is a false assumption.

3B    THE DUTIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIANS

1C    The propagation of the gospel.

4B    WHY ARE WE TO BE OBEDIENT TO THE WILL AND COMMANDS OF JESUS CHRIST.

    WHY ARE WE TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT OUR BEHAVIOUR AND CONDUCT AND ATTTIUDE?

1C    The ultimate goal is? So that we will have a believable message.

2C    It's all designed to enable us, ultimately, to hold forth the Word of Life into the world who needs the message of Jesus Christ.

3C    To expose the hidden things of darkness to a lost world.

5B    WHO THEN IS TO HOLD FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE:

1C    Good people. Moral people. Upright people. They can expose the hidden things of darkness, but most stop there. Our morality and ethics are but an introduction to our gospel.

2C    True Believers. All that I do and say, and all that I refrain from doing , is nothing but a kind of instruction to my soul.

6B    THE CHRISTIAN IN THIS WORLD AND LIFE:

1C    Is essentially positive in position. He not only exposes darkness but shows the light.

2C    As Christians, we are because of the gospel. It's to be perfectly plain and clear to everybody that the thing that is responsible for us is this gospel, this Word of Life. All our conduct and conversation, our behavior, our every activity should point to the gospel of Jesus and we are holding up, putting forth the Word of Life.

3C     The Christian man or woman has life.

7B    WHAT DOES 'HOLD FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE" TELL US ABOUT THE GOSPEL?

1C    The gospel is not philosophy. Colossians 2:8, I Corinthians 1:17. It is not a collection of thoughts & ideas.

2C    The gospel is a living Word. Hebrews 4:12, Jeremiah 23:29, Romans 1:16. It is not merely a theory, an idea, a point of view, something to be considered, something to be interested in, something to analyze.

8B    WHY IS THE GOSPEL CALLED THE WORD OF LIFE.

1C     First and foremost the Word that tells us about Life. Tells us that we are dead spiritually, and that there is another kind of life, and we are to live in communion with God, John 17:3.

2C    Secondly, it is also the Word that gives life: James 1:18, I Peter 1:23.

3C    Thirdly, it is the Word that supports life. I Peter 2:2

4C     Lastly, it is the Word that shows us how to live this life.

WHY SHOULD WE QUIT COMPLAINING?

WHY SHOULD WE QUIT COMPLAINING? PART THREE

Charles E. Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher March 14, 2010 Philippians 2:15

 

THREE REASONS WHY WE ARE TO LIVE A LIFE THAT GLORIFies GOD AND STOP COMPLAINING

1A    STOP COMPLAINING FOR YOUR SAKE: vs 15

    "THAT" YE MIGHT BE"

• BLAMELESS
  

  A life that cannot be criticized as to temper or conduct.
  

• HARMLESS
  

  A life that cannot be criticized as being mixed with the evil of this world. Unmixed with    the allos of this world. Matthew 10:16;
  Romans 16:19
  

• WITHOUT REBUKE
  

  Unblemished without blame or fault. Used as a tombstone inscription describing the character of a young child and those who died prematurely without the stain of life.. Pure, simple, unmixed, faultless. Why? We are the…….
  

• SONS OF GOD
  

  You are to be becoming a proper child of God. A believable kind of life that would say, "I am a real, pure child of God." John 1:12;
  11:52;
  Romans 8:16,17,21; 9:8;
  I John 3:1,2, 10; 5:2
  

  2A    WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE REASON FOR OBEDIENCE, IT IS FOR THE SAKE OF THE UNSAVED.
  

  • SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD: is the subject
    
  • IN THE MIDST OF :
    
    • Christ haters, morally warped world, spiritually damaged. Christians are in this kind of world.
      
  • A CROOKED
    
    • Hardhearted, mockers, and corrupt. A rebellious, disorderly or evil state.
      
  • PERVERSE
    
    • The nature of men, man's behavior is twisted by bad teaching.
      
  • NATION: GENERATION
    
  • WORLD
    
    • The fallen moral character. Man chooses to follow Satan rather than Christ.
      

    Humanity chose to follow darkness rather than light.
    

The whole culture has deviated from the standard of God which is righteousness, and in that deviation they have become distorted, and twisted, and their thinking is so convoluted that we would never expect the nature of man to understand the things of God. Those standards are to them foolishness.

We are to reach this perverse and crooked world in two ways:

1A    What we are.    2B What we say.

AMONG WHOM YOU SHINE AS LIGHT: Matthew 5:14, John 1:4, 8:12.

We demonstrate the light of God. The life of God. Life and Light are one. 2 Corinthians 4:6.
Eph 5:8.

You sent out an impulse of light. You light other people. They may feel the vibration of your own holiness. WE AFFECT EVERY ONE WE COME INTO CONTACT WITH EACH DAY.

'SHOW ME YOUR REDEEMED LIFE AND I MIGHT BE INCLINE TO BELIEVE IN YOUR REDEEMER."

Vs. 15 is our CHARACTER. Vs. 16 is our CONTENT.

• 'HOLDING FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE." Vs. 16.
  

To give attention to. Holding out, holding forth. What is that? Shine forth the light. The Gospel.

3A    THE THIRD REASON: FOR THE SAKE OF THE PASTOR: vs 16

    'THAT I MIGHT REJOICE IN THE DAY OF CHRIST. "

    THAT I HAVE NOT RUN IN VAIN, NEITHER LABOURED IN VAIN.

I want to glorify God., I do that best when I run, labour in this life to bring about His glory in others. So in that day when I have to give an account of my labour, I want to be able to say that my labour has not been in vain. Hebrews 13:17; 3 John 4; Romans 15:17-18;
Isaiah 49:6; I Corinthians 15:58.

As Paul looked forward to the Day of Christ: 1 Corinthians 3:10-23. The day of the Christians rewards.

Paul wanted a full reward, and he wanted to rejoice when he got to heaven. And he could do that if those under his ministry remained faithful while on earth. Paul said you will encourage my heart, throughout all eternity, by being faithful.

The greatest joy of any servant is the obedience of his flock..

Lord, whatever You are doing at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, don't do it without me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW WE ARE TO WORSHIP GOD

Offer God no worship that is clearly contrary to His nature and perfections, but such as is suited to Him as he is revealed to you in His Word.

Thus Christ teacheth us, to worship God as he is:

 

1A    GOD IS SPIRIT:

• therefore they that worship Him, must worship Him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23 and 24\\
  

2A    GOD IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE: and infinitely distant from us;

• therefore Him with admiration, and make not either visible or mental images of him; nor debase him by undue resemblance of Him to any of His creatures.
  

3A    GOD IS OMNIPORESENT: and

• therefore you may everywhere lift up holy hands to Him, I Timothy 2:8. And you must always worship Him as in His sight.
  

4A    GOD IS OMNISCIENT: and

• knoweth your hearts and thus let your heart be employed and watched in His worship.
  

5A    GOD IS MOST WISE:

• therefore not to be worshipped playfully as a toy, as children are pleased to do, but with wise and rational worship.
  

6A    GOD IS MOST GREAT:

• and therefore to be worshipped with the greatest reverence and seriousness; and not presumptuously with a careless mind or wandering thoughts or rude expressions.
  

7A    GOD IS MOST GOOD AND GRACIOUS:

• and therefore not be worshipped with backwardness, unwillingness, and weariness, but with great delight.
  

8A    GOD IS MOST MERCIFUL IN CHRIST:

• and therefore not to be worship despairingly, but in joyful hope.
  

9A    GOD IS TRUE AND FAITHFUL:

• and therefore to be worshipped believingly and confidently, and not in distrust and unbelief.
  

10A    GOD IS MOST HOLY:

• and therefore to be worshipped by holy persons, in a holy manner, and not by unholy hearts or lips, nor in a common manner, as if we had to do but with a man.
  

11A    HE IS THE MAKER OF YOUR SOULS AND BODIES:

• and therefore to be worshippied both with soul and body.
  

12A    HE IS YOUR REDEEMER AND SAVIOUR:

• therefore to be worshipped by you as sinners in the humble sense of your sin sense of His mercy, and all in order to your further cleansing, healing and recovery.
  

13A    HE IS YOUR REGENERATOR AND SANCTIFIER:

• and therefore to be worshipped not in the confidence of your natural sufficiency, but by the light and love, and life of the Holy Spirit.
  

14A    HE IS YOUR ABSOLUTE LORD AND THE OWNER OF YOU AND ALL YOU HAVE:

• and therefore to be worshipped with the absolute resignation of yourself and all, and honored with your substance, and not hypocritically, with exceptions and reserves.
  

15A    HE IS YOUR SOVEREIGN KING:

• and therefore to be worshipped according to His laws, with an obedient kind of worship, and not after the traditions of men, nor the will or wisdom of the flesh.
  

16A    HE IS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER:

• and therefore all these holy dispositions should be summed up into the strongest readiness, and rest in Him with the greatest joy, and thirst after the full fruition of Him with the greatest of your desires, and press towards Him for Himself with the most fervent and over-eager suits.
  

The Philippian Kind of Church

It is church life like this [Philippians 2:16-30] that really conquers the world, as it did the ancient world. Men and women saw something in the Christian society that they had never seen anywhere else.”

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Life of Joy and Peace (Grand Rapids, 1989), page 225.

I have loved preaching or teaching from Philippians over the last year. If we could become the kind of church body that Paul speaks of here in Philippians we would have the kind of church Paul had.

23 Results from God Releasing Man To Their Desires

Romans 1:29-31 give twenty three results of wrong attitudes when men ignore God and God and then God gives them over to their own desires.

23 Results of the Nature of Fallen Men 2 of 2 from Charles E. Whisnant on Vimeo.

THE RESULTS OF GOD RELEASING MEN PART ONE

The Result of Fallen Man Without God 1 of 2 from

From Romans 1:28-32 the results of men rejecting God as God and God releasing them to do the desires of their hearts.

Three Reasons Why We Should Not Complain To God

WHY SHOULD WE QUIT COMPLAINING? PART THREE
Charles E. Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher March 14, 2010 Philippians 2:15

THREE REASONS WHY WE ARE TO LIVE A LIFE THAT GLORIFies GOD AND STOP COMPLAINING

1A STOP COMPLAINING FOR YOUR SAKE: vs 15

2A WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE REASON FOR OBEDIENCE, IT IS FOR THE SAKE OF THE UNSAVED.
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3A THE THIRD REASON: FOR THE SAKE OF THE PASTOR: vs 16
‘THAT I MIGHT REJOICE IN THE DAY OF CHRIST. “

THAT I HAVE NOT RUN IN VAIN, NEITHER LABOURED IN VAIN.

I want to glorify God., I do that best when I run, labour in this life to bring about His glory in others. So in that day when I have to give an account of my labour, I want to be able to say that my labour has not been in vain. Hebrews 13:17; 3 John 4; Romans 15:17-18; Isaiah 49:6; I Corinthians 15:58.

As Paul looked forward to the Day of Christ: 1 Corinthians 3:10-23. The day of the Christians rewards.

Paul wanted a full reward, and he wanted to rejoice when he got to heaven. And he could do that if those under his ministry remained faithful while on earth. Paul said you will encourage my heart, throughout all eternity, by being faithful.
The greatest joy of any servant is the obedience of his flock..

Lord, whatever You are doing at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, don’t do it without me.

Adam and Eve Redemption By Faith Video

Adam and Eve's Faith in God 1 of 2 from Charles E. Whisnant on Vimeo.

What you have here in this amazing little section is the introduction of salvation, the introduction of redemption.
Outline from Charles e. Whisnant
Genesis 3:20-21

Here you have:

1. The true “proto” evangelism.
2. The first gospel.
3. The first promises of the gospel unfolded, the plan of salvation.

And here is the point: Adam had been lied by the serpent, and so had Eve, and they now knew it. They knew it because they expected to be like God. And instead, they were unlike God.

Instead of entering into some new level of relationship to God, they were totally cut off from God. They knew well now, that the devil was a liar, and they wanted him crushed and they wanted to be delivered.

BETWEEN THE CURSE THAT ENDS IN 3:19 AND THE NAMING OF EVE IN V 20 ADAM BECAME A BELIEVER IN GOD.

It is essential to understand here that Adam is exercising faith. The woman will have a son, and that son will triumph over Satan. And that Son will restore paradise, and that Son will rescue the lost. He didn’t doubt God’s promise. Just like Abraham did.

1. Adam couldn’t see it. Eve was the mother of absolutely nobody. But he believed that out of her would come a Savior to destroy Satan and rescue man from the devil’s tyranny. He believed it.
Adam named the woman “EVE”. And Eve accepted the name, they were exercising faith. Hebrews 11:1, and 2:11.

• And faith can’t really exist without repentance. Inbuilt in Adam’s faith was repentance.
  
• If you say you believe God, you have to say you no longer believe Satan.
• Adam was saying, I need a deliverer, I need a rescuer, I need someone to come and crush the serpent’s head, and I need someone to come and rescue me from the tempter.
  
• Repentance involved for Adam a dramatic change. His attitude toward Satan changed as much as his attitude toward God.
  
• Adam was no longer seduced and deceived by Satan.
  

THE DESIRE TO BE HONEST WITH WISDOM

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This Grow By Learning Blog or Weblog or really a Journal was and is to be about our personal experiences. I am keeping a journal of our experience over the last 50 years of our life. And I have done that. Of course I could have keep this Blog private, but have chosen to open this journey to whom ever wants to read it. A private look into the life of me. Its my blog and therefore will reflect my thinking and idea and experiences, from my view point.
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Too many (and maybe it is the way it should be) have a personification of what they want to public to see them as, when in reality they are just the opposite. The public seems to believe what they see in a person is what they really are, really. Of course we know that is rarely the truth.

How you see me preaching or teaching at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, and how I am when I am now at this writing, in the office on Wednesday could be a another story all together.

What I write in this blog or any of the other websites I am on, should reflect what I am, rather than what I hope to be. What I say should be the truth rather than having to back track my position the next day.

Of course there are times to keep quite is wisdom. I usually no not reveal all the fact went writing about an even in my life. Sometimes I forget all the facts.

Some have said, you know there will be those who will read your blog. Yes. I usually do not write thinking I might be better off not saying this because someone might read this. If that would be the case I wouldn't write at all.

And I don't write to paint a picture of myself in any other light than the light I think I am in.

With all that said, I am doing good. The reality of life is that sinful people to sinful things and sometimes sinful people cause you harm and steal from you and do hurtful things to you. On any giving day, I experience joy and happiness as well as disappointment and sorrow. But at the end of the day with Christ's help I lay down at night and think the Lord for His comfort he give me.

Every single day, I grow by learning that Christ is Lord, and I seek wisdom from the Lord daily that I might be where He wants me to be, think what He wants me to think.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF LEARNING THE WORD OFGOD

Now this is a wonderful little granddaughter, Briley Whisnant, I just wanted to put this photo on.

THE NEW OFFICE SCHEDULE: RIVERS OF JOY BAPTIST CHURCH. MARCH 2010

I must say, I am having to get adjusted to my new schedule. I have brought all my pastoral/ teaching and books and binders from the house over to the pastor's study and office. It is hard to believe that all the books, binders, and tapes, etc. that were in my house are not in the office. I had to buy four bookcases that have five shelves to put the binders on this week. That is in addition to the ones I already had set up. Now its wall to wall bookcases.

I remember in Fort Worth, Texas back in 1966 I had one bookcase. Then in 1971 at Madison Baptist Church in Minford, Ohio I had maybe four book cases. Then in 1980 at First Baptist Church in Altoona, Kansas, I had a room filled with binders, and books. I had come where around two thousands plus. Then in 1983 after going to the Shepherd's Conference, and again in 1990 I took a different approach to learning the Word and preaching/teaching.

Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. book "Toward An Exegetical Theology" Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching. I attended the Shepherd's Conference in October 1983 and my teaching took an 180 degree change. I had never heard or read a book on how to preach and teach the word of God, well in the form of this book.

Haddon W. Robinson's book "Biblical Preaching" The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages. Now these two books, was really different than what I had learned. I thought the best sermon material was from Oliver B. Greene, John R. Rice, and Charles H. Spurgeon. Now they were good, but as to how the were able to know all that stuff about Ephesians was amazing to me. The Holy Spirit didn't seem to give me that information, no matter how hard I prayed.

So I had to build a total different kind of Biblical library. If I remember I bought Fritz Rienecker / Cleon Rogers book: "Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament." I couldn't even say "LINGUISTIC", I practiced that word for days with Charity.

Of course I had never heard of such a book. To have a deeper understanding of God's Word was always a desire of mind. I have always loved the Word, and loved studying. But now I wanted to learn for myself these truths.

I learned that the Holy Spirit is the only true teaching of the Word of God. Nevertheless, the petition for the Holy Spirit does not exclude earnest and energetic study.

Over the next few years, our church, First Baptist Church was gracious to allow me to buy the needed books I needed for the teaching of the Word of God. And Kurt Nunnenkamp was gracious to build me wall to wall beautiful book shelves. I had a wonderful pastor's study office.

While I used John MacArthur, Jr. as the key to my study, I wanted to know how he did it.

So now since 1983 I have been learning this wonderful Word of God, in a new and wonderful way. Of course I have always loved to study since 1963, and read some great books but never had I known the joy of learning the Word of God in this new and wonderful way.

I didn't know what a CD or a DVD was, I didn't know about the Internet. Only books. It was not until 2003 did I get the Internet and another whole world open up for me.

Now I have generally technical books about teaching and preaching, and when I am in a book, like Philippians, I buy those books on the subject. And now of course there are so many great websites that have put the books on the Internet.

I don't believe the Holy Spirit is offended if we study a lot of other material to help us understanding the Word of God.

THE LORD IS PATIENCE WITH US WHEN WE ARE NOT

How could you not be glad with just a wonderful granddaughter

You don't want to say everything on Facebook or any other social network, of course. But there are some who like to know what we are doing from time to time. Personally I have a personal interest in my friends and family. I enjoy knowing how I might be of better service and how to pray better.

We live in a society of those who are not really interested in others, only themselves. To those we would hope the Lord will call them unto salvation.

Our home was broken into last week, and they took a lot of things, but they are things. A little shaken but we are find.

On another note, while I am sad about our personal experience, and lost, I will confess by joy out weight my sadness in other matters.

In every church I have been the pastor, what is so amazing, those who were responsible for me coming to the church, have over time decided to leave the church. Experience over the last 40 years have proven this out. Every time a pastor comes and a pastor goes, you aways have people to leave and come.

Those who say they would never leave the church no matter what, usually are the first ones to leave. From my first church I was the pastor in 1971, to second in 1980 and then in 1997 and 2001 and now in 2010. You are usually shaken and discouraged and believe you have failed in your effort and that you have failed the Lord. You believe the Lord's work is hurt and recovering is going to be hard to accomplished.

In every church that I have been the pastor, the church body was in disarray before I ever got there. I really don't know why the Lord challenges me with these churches.

And I go into the leadership positing with the idea that I might be able to pull out the church from disarray. And there is a group that is willing to work with you and see change, and then there is the other group that believes they don't need change.

What I have learned over time, those who really love the Lord and love the church and want to see the church grow and are willing to follow our leadership, the church does grow. On the other hand when those who will fight you on every decision you are making and changes you make, the church is in disarray and the spirit of the Lord is broken and the church can not grow.

Then in time you realized that the Lord was in the midst's and that He is watching over things, since the Church is His to began with, and in time He will correct the problem if we stay faithful and the people will follow the leadership of the Lord.

What I am most joyful about today is how our people have responded to disruption and change in our church. I am not one who will paint a good picture if there is not one. What I have learned that if the Lord is going to bless a church, then we need to trust Him in the process.

Today I gleam from the past, that the LORD is working in our midst, trust Him when you are discouraged, trust the Lord that He is guiding you, and what I have found He knows and we trust Him for the outcome.

I know you are thinking, okay what is going on. After Sunday, I can say, everything is going to be just fine at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church.