One of God’s faithful missionaries, Allen Gardiner, experienced many physical difficulties and hardships throughout his service to the Savior. Despite his troubles, he said, “While God gives me strength, failure will not daunt me.” In 1851, at the age of 57, he died of disease and starvation while serving on Picton Island at the southern tip of South America. When his body was found, his diary lay nearby. It bore the record of hunger, thirst, wounds, and loneliness. The last entry in his little book showed the struggle of his shaking hand as he tried to write legibly. It read, “I am overwhelmed with a sense of the goodness of God.”

Luke 18:18-30 “And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, looking at him with sadness, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” ESV

1. The question of mankind: “How can I live forever?” [WHY?]
a. By becoming a vampire?
b. By being the Highlander and “Being the Only One”
c. Finding the Fountain of Youth
d. Inventing some sort of electro-chemical process?
2. Far too many people think they can either work for or earn eternal life.
a. Be good enough
b. Be religious enough
c. Be legalistic enough
d. Be rich enough/give enough
3. In our text today, Jesus, in His humanity, tells us that only God is Good.
a. You may be good by human standards, but not God’s
4. You should keep the commandments – but cannot
a. All have sinned
b. I would have laughed out loud if I was Jesus and a sinful human told me they had kept all the laws
c. They are lying right there!
d. Jesus took this wayward man past the letter of the law he had broken and into the heart of the law: LOVE
e. Titus 3:14 “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” ESV
f. 1 John 5:1-3 “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.” ESV
5. We are not Good and cannot obtain eternal life on our own
6. We can only obtain eternal life through God
a. He alone is Good
b. All things are only possible through Him

Corrie ten Boom, Holocost survivor shared this: “Often I have heard people say, “How good God is! We prayed that it would not rain for our church picnic, and look at the lovely weather!’” Yes, God is good when He sends good weather. But God was also good when He allowed my sister, Betsie, to starve to death before my eyes in a German concentration camp. I remember one occasion when I was very discouraged there. Everything around us was dark, and there was darkness in my heart. I remember telling Betsie that I thought God had forgotten us. “No, Corrie,” said Betsie, “He has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: ‘For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.’” Corrie concludes, “There is an ocean of God’s love available–there is plenty for everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love–whatever the circumstances?”

You are in danger.  You may not realize it right this moment, but you are in danger.

1.      You are in danger from mankind

1. 1. There are evil people out there
      1.    Criminals and gangs
      2.    Cartels and terrorists
      3.    Politicians…oopss how did that get there?
2. There are careless people out there
3. There are dangerous people out there
   1. Just in driving there are people driving under the influence, people driving and texting or facebooking and people driving without brains.
4. They may not be who you think!
   1. Most child kidnappings and abuse are by family or friends

POPULATION      TOTAL       VIOLENT  per/100,000 pop

1960      179,323,175          1,887.2         160.9

2009      307,006,550          3,465.5         429.4

Is it any wonder that David wrote this in Psalm 71:4-6 “Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.  Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you.”  ESV

2.      You are in danger from our eternal enemy

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”  ESV

1. Satan is at work
   1. In our world
      1. His influence is easy to see on our TV’s, movies and publications
      2. His effect is easy to see in our inner cities and rural areas.
      3. He is constantly on the attack
   2. And even in the church
      1. The church and the Christians who form the church are satans preferred targets
         1. If the evil one can keep us fighting each other then we are not fighting him
         2. If the devil can keep us worn down by the sins that Jesus has already forgiven then we are not available to fight in the war against him.
         3. If satan can keep Christians hiding from their responsibilities then we are of no threat to him.
         4. Once we are unfaithful in our Christian walk the satan can declare a victory

Revelation 2:12-17 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.  “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.  Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”

The Church in Pergamum was dealing with the influence of evil in their midst: legalism and liberalism were damaging the church and its mission and ministry.

NEVER doubt that the church…that YOU are in danger from satans attacks.

But the danger he poses is not the gravest danger you face!

3.      The most danger you are in comes from…YOU!

1. 1. Your choices
      1. You choose day by day and moment by moment how faithful or unfaithful you will be
      2. You choose where you go and what you do
      3. You choose God or self
2. Your actions
   1.     What you do matters
   2.     Your character is defined by what you say, do and think when you think no one else is        listening

How do you find safety when you are in such danger?

a.      You need someone to RESCUE you

RESCUE =  to bring (someone or something) out of danger, attack, harm, etc; deliver or save, or; to free or deliver from confinement, violence, danger, or evil.

John Chapter 10:  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

b.      REPENT

i.      The first message of Jesus Christ was not love me or love them

ii.      The first message of Jesus Christ was REPENT!

Matthew 4:12-17 “Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:  “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  ESV

• Jesus knows that the greatest danger any person faces is the danger caused by their own sin.
• Jesus knows the greatest need of any person is their need to repent.

• You will not go to hell because of someone else’s actions.
• You will not go to hell because of Satan’s temptations
• You will go to hell because you choose to live with and in YOUR SINS and not believe in God and turn from your sins.

c.       RECEIVE

• Yes, you are in danger, perhaps grave danger.
• You need saved from the danger you are facing.
• But, who can save you?
  •  You?  No
  • Government?  No
  • Others?  No

Who then?     Only Jesus        We are saved by Grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone!

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  ESV

Come, step out of danger and into the Arms of Grace.

God is our Rescue.

Joshua 24:17  “For the LORD our God is the one who rescued us and our ancestors from slavery in the land of Egypt. He performed mighty miracles before our very eyes. As we traveled through the wilderness among our enemies, he preserved us.”   NLT

Psalms 68:20 “Our God is a God who saves!  The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death.”    NLT

 Sometimes, even in Rio Grande City, it rains and we all run for cover
 Sometimes, even in Rio Grande City, it gets cold and snows and we all run for shelter
 Sometimes, even in Rio Grande city, the wind blows so hard that shingles, toys left outside and other stuff become flying missiles; and we all head for protection.
 Sometime, even in your life, there are things that are capable of bringing harm and damage into your life.
o Maybe not the outer shell, but to the innermost parts.
 Where do you run?
• Do you ever feel the need to find a hiding place?
• Someplace safe and protected
• In the TV Show “Deadliest Catch” sometimes the weather gets so bad they have to run for safe harbor to ride out the storm. A place protected from the high seas and harsh winds. A refuge
• Life gets hard sometimes
• People get mean and stupid sometimes
• There are times when we need a refuge
o A safe harbor
o A protective shelter
o A force field if you will that protects us from all the pressing dangers

Deuteronomy 33:27 “The eternal God is your refuge (Dwelling Place – ESV) , and his everlasting arms are under you. He thrusts out the enemy before you; it is he who cries, ‘Destroy them!’ NLT

Safe place Lifting you up

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” ESV

Safe place Security, Strength Help when you need it

Psalms 62:8 “O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” NLT

God is our refuge
1. God is big enough to protect you
2. God is strong enough to protect you
3. God is wise enough to protect you
4. God is rich enough to protect you
5. God is caring enough to protect you
6. God is loving enough to protect you
7. AND, the best part is: GOD WANTS TO PROTECT YOU

Keys to finding safe harbor:

1. Trust God
a. The reason we run to our cars, our homes or other shelters in a storm is because we trust them to protect us
b. How much more should we trust God (The One who gave us these things to begin with)?
2. Pour out your heart to Him
a. Do not hold anything back
b. Pour your heart out to Him. This is REAL prayer!
c. If you hold back from God YOU are placing yourself outside of His refuge.
d. If you try to deal with all your problems yourself you will likely get damaged
i. Kinda like standing outside in a hailstorm and not seeking shelter.
e. Find the safe harbor you need: SAFE IN THE ARMS OF GOD

You can have Superman, Batman, Spiderman, the Flash and the Green Lantern bubba – GIVE ME GOD every time!

• In the garden, man was held safely in God – God was Adam and Eve’s refuge
• Man messed up, and they were expelled from their garden and needed clothing, food and shelter for refuge: But God remained their refuge
• Today, mankind is still plagued by sin, bad choices, bad influences, bad people and more, we need a safe harbor now more than ever.
• TODAY God is still our refuge, our safe harbor.
• One day Christ will return for His people and we will once again be kept 100% safe in the mighty refuge of God.

Bill Cosby tells the story about the difference between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. He insists that Mother’s Day is a much bigger deal because Mothers are more organized. Mothers say to their children: Now here is a list of what I want. Go get the money from your father and you surprise me on Mother’s Day. You do that for me.

For Father’s Day I give each of my five kids $20 so that they can go out and by me a present——a total of $100. They go to the store and buy two packages of underwear, each of which costs $5 and contains three shorts. They tear them open and each kid wraps up one pair, the sixth going to the Salvation Army. Therefore, on Father’s Day I am walking around with new underwear and my kid’s are walking around with $90 worth of my change in their pockets

• God made males first
• God gave men responsibilities and work to do
o Farmer – Work the ground
o Gardener – Keep up the garden of Eden
o Scientist – Name all the animals
o Keep one commandment
• God knew that man would be bored and get lazy just sitting around so He provided him work and the great outdoors to keep him busy
o The first man lived in the wild – farming, foraging, working outside.
o Going to Cabella’s and spending money on camping, hunting and fishing stuff is NOT AN OPTION…it is a God given need.
• God knew that the males could not survive without help so God made women to keep them alive
• Men need women – that is why men so willingly leave home and become one flesh with the wife God provided for them
o They literally could not live without them

Much has happened over the past few months to keep my mind on my mom and dad.

I heard someone at mom’s funeral say that my sister and I no longer have parents

They could not be more wrong.

1. I am my daddy’s son as long as I live. The commandment to honor your mother and father does not come with an expiration date.

2. The life lessons I learned from mom and dad are still important and valuable to my life today – perhaps even more than when they taught me.

3. I am a product of my mom and dad. God chose them for me. God chose to mix their DNA, education, experiences, temperaments, opinions, ideals, mistakes, attitudes, history and all the other parts of their lives together to form me and my sister.

4. Even though my physical parents have departed this earthly plane, I still have The Perfect Father in Heaven who loves me, cares for me, corrects me, builds me and, in fact, created me.

5. God is always there for me. No Dad is perfect and some are real goofballs; but Dads; here is the key to being a good dad – Be there for your kids through the good and the bad; play time and punishment time, when it is time to change their diapers, their bike tires or their car tires, when they are teething and when they get braces. BE THERE.

5. This Father’s day I am thankful that God gave me my dad here on earth for 46 years and for the influence dad had in my life BUT I am much more thankful for my eternal Almighty heavenly father.

God is the ULTIMATE Father Figure
1. God gives us life
2. God teaches us
3. God provides for us
4. God disciplines us
5. God spends time with us
6. God encourages us
7. God LOVES us

 Will the world end on Saturday May 21^st or in December of 2012?

No.

It could be much sooner than that

This world will one day end.

Science says it will

Science has long noted that stuff gets worse with age, not better

Cars wear out, mountains wear down, even the hardest of rocks erode

Energy levels drop with time, rotation slows and chemical reactions moderate.

This is a science lesson that we can see and know all too easily

God says it will

God designed this world with a finite time period.

So many scriptures tell us this that that are too many to list here.  There are a few of them at the end of this outline.

The timing of the end of the world is of great debate

Will it be Saturday?

Will it be in 2012?

The reality is that we do not know

Many point to the scripture in 2 Peter to make their predictions

A thousand years is like a day, a day is like a thousand years

They use this text trying to tie into the 7 days of creation or  the 7^th year

Jubilee when this text speaks to none of those.

This text speaks to the reality that God is not bound by time.

I think that God gave us time so that Baptist could know when to eat and be at church.

One big problem:  in an effort to make some prediction they miss the context of the text:

The text is saying that God is not bound by our time

The text is saying clearly that we do not and will not know

It will be sudden and unexpected:  Like a thief

This unknown end date is in agreement with other scripture, including that of Matthew and John.

One thing we do  know for sure is that if a man or men or mankind says that the end of the world is on a certain day then the world WILL NOT end on that day.

The procedure God will use at the end is hotly debated also

Among religions

Among Christianity

Timing of rapture, tribulation, great tribulation, end of the world are often debated.

World destroyed by earthquakes, fire, meteors, ???

Most Christians will agree that it will not be by flood..but that is about the extent of our agreement.

While I believe very strongly in a certain end times scenario, I am also strong enough of a believer to know that regardless of what I think or you think, God will do things His way on His time and He does not require my permission

I think that all of us who have any information/concept of the end of the world will one day experience God’s Plan and say “Oh!  That’s the way it was to be!” and see that God’s plan lined up perfectly with His Word.

So why is God waiting so long?

Shouldn’t he have already destroyed this world?

We are way more unrighteous that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah

Will God have to apologize?  No.

God is not being slow and has not left us

The answer is GRACE!

God is waiting for people to chose Him.

God is waiting for His wayward creation to accept His truth and repent.

God is waiting because God is not giving up on us yet…maybe even not giving up on YOU yet.

Should I be worried about the end of this world?

A believer is not worried about this event

Christians cry out for it

Christians should be driven by their faith in God and knowledge of this event that they are continually busy sharing the Gospel so that their, friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances and others might be prepared as well and not perish.

A person living without a faith relationship with Jesus Christ should be worried.

We do not know when the end will come

For the world in total

For us as an individual

Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, maybe in a year or ten or thirty?

While we do not know when, we can be certain it is coming.

Some say that the only 2 certain things are death and taxes.

Some may find away out of their taxes but none will escape the time when our physical bodies no longer serve us.

We are created for eternity

Like the Real estate business says, the main principle is “location, location, location”

Where will YOU be spending eternity?

There are only 2 choices:  Heaven or Hell.

Here are some basic scriptures to go with this rough outline.

2 Peter 3:1-13 “This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of  his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.  But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.  But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, butthat all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting fornew heavens and a new earthin which righteousness dwells.”  ESV

Matthew 25:13  – Jesus said: “ Watch therefore, for you  know neither the day nor the hour. “  ESV

Matthew 24:35-44 – Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.   “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. [neither do the Mayans, Incas, Nostradamus or any other church, preacher or religion.  **Pastor Bob]    As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [You will be going about your everyday life, the world will be operating in normal mode.  –Pastor Bob] Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.  Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.   But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.  Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”  ESV

John 3:16-19 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”  ESV

The end will happen, God has promised it will happen; our job is to be ready for when it happens!  How?  By developing a Grace dependant, faith based, God pleasing, Bible honoring, Jesus centered relationship with God.

Besides, my birthday is on Monday May 23^rd and I know that God knows my heart’s desire for cake.

Death is a part of war, and the leaders of our enemies must know we will never give in, never give out and never give up.  The American Soldier is built of tougher stuff than that.

Their actions are not a cause of concern.

Ours is.

Watching the reporting it is easy to see a people rejoicing in death.

Death is not the business of joy.

Taking the life of another person should always weigh heavy on a nation or a person.

Is it necessary to take the life of evil men so they do not harm innocent people.  Yes.

Is it necessary to take the life of terrorists, murderers and the like to protect others.  Yes.

While their death may be necessary and just, it should not be cause for joy.

War must be fought and victory achieved decisively, yet death is not to be reveled in.

Terrorist revel in death.  Murders revel in death.  Good people doing the hard work of justice and protection of human life must never revel in death.

Those who celebrate death probably have never been very close to death as it occurs.

We can support our soldiers, fly the flag of our country and stand in agreement with what has occurred, but American must never revel in death.

A culture that rejoices in death will reap that reward.

Ephesians 6:11-13 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” ESV

Proverbs 24:17-18 “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.” ESV

This is a spiritual battle, one that is not over yet.  A Taliban leader is gone, not the Taliban and not the terrorists we face.

Based on his beliefs and professions, Osama Ben Laden now inhabits hell and is experiencing everything God has promised to hells inhabitants.  Any hope of leading him to Christ are now gone.  Should we celebrate that?  Who is next?  We should be trying to share the Gospel with them NOW!

Texas House of Representatives “Pastor of the Day”  Friday April 15^th, 2011

I am deeply moved and humbled by the opportunity to serve the Texas House of Representatives as your “Pastor of the Day” on this wonderful day that The Almighty has given us.

On this day and in this Session, you will be challenged with difficulties and opportunities.  You will be required to make decisions that will affect the entire state of Texas for many years to come.  The power each of you hold is an awesome responsibility and makes me glad that it is yours and not mine.

I am reminded today that, although we tend to believe we are most powerful, the true Seat of power lies inside Heaven’s gates and I both beg and challenge each of you to seek God’s wisdom at every opportunity.  You are truly a chosen group of men and women; chosen by your communities and by God for this sacred service.

I bring to you today the thanks and appreciation of my family, the Church Family of First Baptist Church of Rio Grande City; the Community of Rio Grande City; the County of Starr and the citizens of the Great State of Texas.

Thank you for yielding so much of your life in service to us.                 Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father as we gather here in this solemn chamber today we stand before Your presence in the precious and powerful name of Your Son Jesus Christ.  Lord, we pray for your grace and wisdom to be upon every member of the Texas House of Representatives.  I pray that each of their decisions be guided by Your Spirit and centered in Your Holy Will for them and the State they serve.

Father, I pray for their families today.  I pray that You, in Your Divine Grace and Mercy, would protect their families, bless their children and build closer relationships with their spouses.  May each family represented here today know your presence and experience the fullness of Your joy.

Lord God, today Texas faces many challenges.  We are concerned about our finances, our future and our families.  Never before has the prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread” been uttered with such fervency and importance.

We call on You, O Lord, to be our protection and our provision.  Build the economy of this wonderful state and provide both employment and opportunity to our fellow Texans.  Build strong, healthy families who live in freedom and not fear.  Build Texas into the Great State of Your Holy Vision and Plan.

Lord, bless the men and women who serve You by serving in the Texas House of Representatives.  Bless their staff that works so diligently and everyone who serves day by day in their roles to support the mission of this body of government.

We cry out for Your presence in this Chamber, O God of wisdom, and ask You to direct the decisions of this honorable assembly; Lord, enable them to settle the business of Texas on the best and surest foundation, giving You glory all along the way.

Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they represent, the true blessings from above.   Build respect and unity among them so that they may reflect Your Kingdom.

O God, we ask for your divine protection upon the sons and daughters of not only Texas, but from all across our great country, those who have volunteered to serve in the armed forces of these United States.  We pray for the success of their missions and their safe return to their homes and families.  Build a hedge of protection around them, hold them safe in your hands and be their strong shield.

Lord, today we also pray for the Texas Senate as they conduct their business and for our Governor, Rick Perry and his family.  We thank you for them and their service.

Today Father I pray that you would wrap Your arms around the Texas House of Representatives and draw them in close to You.  May they know Your presence, seek Your Will and find Your peace.

All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Your Son and our Savior.    Amen.

1. 1. You will face Temptations
   1. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” NLT
   2. Luke 8:11-15 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. …. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. …” NLT
   3. c. Christians often face temptations when the lost do not

There is a story told of an old Christian slave in the South whose master was an infidel. One day the master went duck-hunting with his slave, and turning on him suddenly said: “How is it, Tom, that the devil never tempts me, and always worries you? Why should he tempt a Christian more than an infidel?”

Before the slave could find an answer, a flock of ducks came within shooting distance, and the master fired into them. He then directed the slave to make haste to secure the wounded birds first, and let those that were dead wait until last. When the slave returned to his mater he had found his answer.

“You see, master, I reckon it is this way about the devil. He thinks I am only a poor wounded soul that he wants to make sure of first, but you are surely his, and so you can wait!”

Perhaps the slave’s master thought he was getting a little too personal in his remark, but until a man is truly born again through faith in Christ, the devil can wait to expend any special attention on him. It is the men made alive by the Spirit of God whom he has to hound and harass in order to draw them away from Christ.

1. 2. God is not your tempter

James 1:13  13 And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. NLT

3. Satan is your tempter

1. 1. We are told to “Watch and Pray” and so we should. We can also be sure of this; our eternal enemy is on the watch for prey. Be watchful.

1 Thessalonians 3:4-8 “Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. …”

Matthew 4:1-11 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. NLT

4. Other people are your tempter

Matthew 18:7-9 “”What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.  So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.” NLT

5. You are your own tempter

James 1:12-15 “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” NLT

6. We have many defenses against Temptation

Luther said in his own pithy way: “I cannot keep birds from flying over my head, but I can keep them from building their nests under my hat.” We cannot keep Satan from plying us with evil suggestions, but we can keep from responding to them. Our Lord was sorely assailed of him, but He could declare that Satan, “hath nothing in me” (John 14:30).

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” NLT

Distance -

1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee sexual immorality…”

1 Corinthians 10:14-15 “Flee from idolatry.”

2 Timothy 2:22-23 “Flee also youthful lusts;”

• Prayer –

Matthew 26:40-41 “Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?  Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

• The Word of God-

Hebrews 4:12-13 “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

• Jesus –

Matthew 6:13 “ And don’t let us yield to temptation, but  rescue us from the evil one.” NLT