Sermon Title: Scriptures Most Triumphant Statements (pt 1of2)

Sermon Text: Various

Preached: February 20th, 2011 (Midway Baptist)
Rob Fleshman

Today we are looking at some of the most triumphant statements in all of scripture. In contrast,
next week, well have a strong evangelistic message as we look at some of the most tragic
statements in this Book; but this morning, you can breathe a sigh of relief as we are focusing on
the triumphant statements! Triumphant statements made by ordinary men and women in the
Bible who experienced extraordinary, triumphant victory in Christ.

I Triumphant in Securing Salvation (Mark 5:28)

Mark 5:24-28--24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. 25
And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things
of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew
worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28
For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. The fallout of this illness affected
this woman in the following areas:
Mentally: Picture with me if you will, a woman in the early NT times. Firstly, even a healthy
unmarried woman on her own had a tough, uphill road ahead of her in a very much male
dominated society. But to make things far worse for her, she was not healthy, as she had been
hemorrhaging for more than a decade12 years. And by now, everyone knew it. Some
illnesses you can sort of conceal, but not this one.
Religiously: You would think that she could perhaps take some comfort in religion. But
unfortunately, the Law declared her to be ceremonially UNCLEAN, and as such, she was
forbidden to go to the temple to worship.
Physically: 12 years of continual hemorrhaging. The pain of such is rivaled only by 12 years
of seeing doctor after doctor, and it says in v26 that she suffered MANY things of MANY
physicians. It would be speculation as to what kind of crude remedies the doctors advised, but
suffice it to say, in Bible times, there was no take two pills and call me in a week if you are not
any better. The recommended treatments where not only ineffective, they were painful and a
decade of such had taken their toll on this womans life physically, as it says she grew worse.
Financially: But not only physically, all of the visits, and all of the remedies had taken their
toll financially, for v26 says, that she spent all that she had. She is mentally exhausted,
religiously abandoned, physically tormented, and financially devastatedEver been there?! In
every way imaginable, she is at the end of her rope, but she is not at the end of her hope! For she
had heard rumblings of this Man Jesus, and she knew that somehow, someway, if she could just
manage to get to Jesus that she could be healed. She had faith to believe that the one Great
Physician could provide the healing that countless other physicians could not.

Hey, let me give some biblical encouragement to the one this morning who finds themselves in
dire straits as this woman; everyone has problemsbut the root problem is a spiritual one. The
problem of sin. And we can go to doctor after doctor, or person after person, but we will not find
the lasting help we need. Luke 8:43--And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which
had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, But then one day this
woman, in the midst of her despair, heard about this Man Jesus, and His miraculous, healing
power, and she knew that if she could just somehow get to Jesus, then He could heal her. She
knew if she could just someway get a little closer to Jesus, then He would make everything all
right with her. But it wasnt easy for her. The Bible says in v24 that the people thronged about
himmeaning that there was a great crowd of people pressing him on every side, She had to
work and wrestle past others to get close to Jesus. And this same Jesus is the One that offers
lasting help and permanent healing to all who desire such and will come to Him today. Matt
11:28-30-- 28 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.

But I must tell you that it isnt going to necessarily be easy to get to Jesus. Whether you are a
backslidden Christian or one who has never trusted Him as Savior, there will be some amount of
effort on your part to get close to Him. True, you dont have to wrestle past other people to get
to Jesus, but YOU DO have to get past yourself and over yourself, which is a far more difficult
task than working your way past others. YOU DO have to wrestle free of your pride. YOU DO
have to love and want Him MORE than you love and want your sin. YOU DO have to humble
yourself and come to Jesus as a little child; an exercise which most folks believe to be well
beneath them. And above all, YOU DO have to do so in faith. If you dont come to God through
Jesus Christ by faith, then you dont come to Him at all. Hey, many, many people that day were
clamoring to get close to Jesus, but how come scripture doesnt say that many were healed that
day? There were scores of others in need of healing amidst the pressing crowd that day. And
who like her, no doubt rubbed shoulders with Jesus, but this woman alone received the healing
she soughtwhy? v34, And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in
peace, and be whole of thy plague. Do you have the all surpassing burden to get closer to Jesus
this morning? Do you have the faith to make it possible? This woman did, and she was
triumphant in so doing.
II Triumphant in Living Life (2 Cor 2:14)
2 Corinthians 2:14--Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
Can I tell you what I believe to be one of the most common and crippling mistakes that I see
Christians make over and over again? When we get saved, we know that there is no other way to
go to Heaven than through Jesus Christ, and so we turn to Christ. But somewhere shortly
afterwards, we lose sight of the fact that the very One who died that we might live triumphantly
for all eternity, also died that we might live triumphantly for this life as well! John 10:10b--I
am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. So, why is our
walk with God sometimes reduced to a crawl? Why the lack of passion for our Saviour who
gave His all for us? Why the lack of victory over sin in the average Christians life? Why the
lack of triumphant power to shake this world for Christ? Because we forget our position IN
CHRIST. which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, About two minutes after salvation,
we start going through life in our own power again, and we experience defeat. But IN CHRIST,
we triumph. Because of what Jesus did, and the power of Jesus, we can live triumphantly. Col
2:14-15--14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary
to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and
powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. You & me living in the
power of our flesh = defeat. You & me resting in the power of our position in Christ = triumph!
Romans 8:37-39--37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that
loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor
powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

III Triumphant in Dealing w/ Death (2 Tim 4:6-8)

2 Timothy 4:6-8--6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I
have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is
laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at
that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Illustration: The story is told of two brothers who were well known around town for their
crooked business dealings and underworld connections. They were as mean and cold-blooded as
you could imagine. Eventually, one of the brothers died, and the surviving brother wanted to give
his dead brother a funeral fit for a king. He called the funeral home and made all the
arrangements, then he called the towns minister and made him an offer. He said, Ill give you
$10,000 to put that new roof on the church if, in eulogizing my brother, you call him a saint.

The minister agreed. The whole town turned out for the funeral, and the minister began: The
man you see in the coffin was a vile and debauched individual. He was a liar, a thief, a deceiver,
a manipulator, a reprobate, and a hedonist. He destroyed the fortunes, careers, and lives of
countless people in this city, some of whom are here today. This man did every dirty, rotten thing
you can think of. But compared to his brother, he was a saint!

Here is Paulperhaps just days away from breathing his last breath. Death is knocking at the
door. And there is a complete absence of any and all fear. He does not need someone to make
stuff up about him at his funeral, He says, I am readyI have fought a good fight, I have finished
my course, I have kept the faith: Quote: When John Quincy Adams was eighty years old, a
friend said, How is John Quincy Adams? He replied, John Quincy Adams himself is very
well, thank you; but the house he lives in is sadly dilapidated. It is tottering on its
foundations. The walls are badly shattered, and the roof is worn. The building trembles with
every wind. And I think that John Quincy Adams will have to move out of it before long. But he
himself is very well.

I think that was in part what Paul was saying. My body is worn out beyond my years, but I
myself am well. I have secured salvation through Christ. I have lived life triumphantly, for the
cause of Christ. And by that same power of Christ I am now ready to deal with death. Death is
knocking on my door, and I do not fear him. I am ready to go. No wonder Paul could declare, 1
Corinthians 15:55-57--55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting
of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Turn to Rev 21. These words of scripture in 2 Timothy were the last words that Paul ever
wrote. And I believe the very first words that he heard when entering Heaven were Matthew
25:21-Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I
will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Which brings us to our
last point of triumphtriumph in securing salvation, living life, dealing w/ death, and

IV Triumphant in Entering Eternity (Rev 21:4)

Revelation 21:4-- And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more
death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are
passed away.
Any pain, any amount of suffering, any disappointment, any sorrow, will one day end and give
way to triumph! For the born again child of God, there is a triumphant day coming when
entering eternity, where you will have endured your very last pain, and suffered your very last
heartache, known your very last disappointment, and cried your very last tear.
Lifes day will soon be ore,all storms forever past;
Well cross the great divide, to Glory, safe at last!
Well share the joys of heaven:a harp, a home, a crown;
The tempter will be banished, Well lay our burdens down.

Chorus: It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus!

Lifes trials will seem so small, when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race, till we see Christ.

Invitation:

THE LOST BOOK

Preach the Word reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears 2 Tim. 4:2-3
During the reign of Manasseh, the Word of God was misplaced. It was misplaced
because it wasnt being consulted. Many years later under the reign of King Josiah, it
was found (2 Chron. 34:15-33). Where was it found? The same place it was lostIn
the house of God.
Unfortunately, many modern churches have also lost the Book. It is lost in the
church. It is no longer consulted or preached. The blessed King James Bible is being
forsaken for perverted versions that have no cutting edge. The great Bible doctrines
that early church gave their lives for has become irrelevant to the modern church.
The preachers of the Book have been replaced by entertainers, self-help teachers,
gurus, and drama teams. The thundering voice of Gods preachers that shouted,
Hell is hot Heaven is sweet Salvation is free, has been replaced by the
monotone voice of syrupy lecturers who give lessons on how to feel good about
yourself. Pastors today need to quit promoting the book of the month and get
back to preaching the Book of the Ages!
I cannot speak for other preachers or churches, but as for me and Bible Baptist
Church, we havent lost the Book. We still got it... we still preach it and we aint
gonna lose it! If you want it, come and get it!

The Art of Marriage

Part 1 The Foundation for a Successful Marriage
Genesis 2:18-24
February 13, 2011
Pastor Brian La Croix

Me: I enter this series with much fear and trembling, and my mind goes back to a cartoon I
saw once where a pastor and his wife were driving home from church, and he says to his wife,
You know, my sermons would be a lot more powerful if you wouldnt say Ha! after each
point.

I often mention the fact that Ive been married for going on 23 years. In fact, next
Sunday is our anniversary, and immediately following lunch, my bride and I are going
away to our yearly Pastors retreat with the other pastors in our District, but also taking
a few days just for ourselves.

But Im fully aware that I dont have it all figured out yet, and that my application of
even the stuff Im going to share today can be lacking greatly at times.
 So please dont think that I think that Ive got a total handle on this stuff. Im still
working on it.

We: I think that all of us married types, if were honest, would have to admit the same thing.

We realize that were not the perfect spouse all the time even as we realize that our
spouse isnt the perfect spouse all the time.

New Deal: Tim Timmons maintains that there are basically three stages in marriage.
Stage #1 is the Ideal. Thats when everyone is excited, when love is grand, and our
marriage is going to be different! But then along comes stage #2. The Ideal becomes
an Ordeal. This is when we realize that our Prince Charming has warts, and that our
Sleeping Beauty is not nearly so lovely once she wakes up. Then, far too often, along
comes stage #3. And thats when either one of the spouses begins wishing for a New
Deal. Have you noticed that trend in our culture?

Well, let me tell you that Gods plan is that we should have a marriage that blesses both
spouses and honors God.

You might be sitting here today with what you would describe as the perfect marriage.
Youre getting along (for now), and things seem to be going well in every aspect of
your marriage.

If thats you, then praise God! But you can still learn from our Scripture passage today.

But some of you might be on the other extreme: your marriage is falling apart. Your
spouse and you can barely be in the same room as each other without screaming.

And youre wondering if youre going to make it as a couple.

And if thats you today, then my prayer is you will take what you will learn today and
over the next couple of weeks, and determine to make them part of your marriage.

Because I believe that if you do, God will bring healing to you as individual spouses,
and to your marriage overall.

Most of us are somewhere in between those extremes, and we want to learn how to
move over to the side where marriage is mostly a joy, right?

I think that Gods Word has some hope for all of us, no matter where were sitting at the
moment.

And by the way, this will also be helpful for those of you who arent married yet.
Keeping these things in mind will help prepare you to be the best spouse possible. So
you may want to pay attention.
 And for those of you who have already gone through the pain of a divorce, then my
suggestion would that you would pray for the marriages represented here today, that
they might not know the pain youve had to deal with, and my prayer for you is that you
will find healing as you continue your journey.

God: Much of what Im sharing with you today is from a message I found entitled, Making
Marriage Work, by Pastor Mark Magee out of Delaware.

It was kinda like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way.

And so I thought it would good to share some of what he had to share. I am grateful for
his willingness to share this material, and I hope God will use it in your life today.

Just like the foundation for following Jesus is the ScripturesThe foundation for a
successful marriage is Gods Word.

Genesis 2:18-24
18
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper
suitable for him."
19
Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all
the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and
whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave
names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall
into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed
up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken
out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
23
The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be
called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man."

And here is the verse that I want us to focus on for today:

24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and
they will become one flesh.

Here we find Gods original design for marriage: one man, one woman, for a lifetime of
commitment.

This is the same design affirmed throughout all of Scripture, and by Jesus Himself in
Matthew 19:5.

This has always been Gods plan, and as much as society tries to re-define marriage as
just a piece of paper or something that can happen between two people of the same sex,
the fact is that God designed marriage and this passage of Scripture gives us that
design.

Its focusing on His design for marriage that helps us gain not just an understanding of
marriage, but also gives us a blue-print for making a successful one.

I want to suggest that verse 24 is the foundational verse for marriage.

In fact, from this verse we will learn that marriage is designed by God to operate
according to three fundamental priorities.

I cover much of this during the pre-marital counseling session before I do a wedding.

I insist on counseling. People will spend literally thousands on a wedding, but put
absolutely NO investment even of just time with a pastor into their marriage.

And I think all of us here would recognize that a glamorous wedding does not guarantee
a great marriage,

Every now and then Ill get a couple who says, Weve both been married before we
dont need pre-marital counseling.
Actually, if its a second marriage, the divorce rate is at least 60% - greater depending
on the source, and third marriages have a divorce rate at close to 75%. Believe me
you need pre-marital counseling

Every couple entering marriage should spend a number of hours with a pastor who can
help them catch Gods design for marriage and give them tools to help them live it out
for their own sake and for Gods glory in their marriage.

Why? Because marriage done Gods way works.

Its not always easy, but it works if well put God and our spouse ahead of our own
wants, it works.

And by the way I do a lot of what II call missionary weddings. These are weddings
for people who dont yet know Jesus.

Some pastors will only do weddings for members of their church or only for people
who are already Christians.

I respect their decision, but I see it as an opportunity to present Jesus and the tools to
have a successful marriage based on Gods design that the Justice of the Peace isnt
allowed to give, and that a liberal pastor might not give.

And I think these things are too important to leave to chance in a world that is too quick
to shove Gods Word and Gods design to the side or ignore them altogether.
So I want us to look at three instructions from verse 24 that if followed, will bring
blessing.

Some of you may have seen this outline in one form or another, but I think youll find it
useful no matter how long youve been married or if a wedding is in your future.

Instruction #1: Leave.

If your marriage is going to be what it ought to be THERE HAS TO BE A LEAVING!

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother.

Now, that is not a reference to abandon or forsake your parents because we know
from other Scriptures that we must always honor them.

But its a statement to remind us that that when you establish your new home, you are
to loosen your dependency on mom and dad.

What this means is that we need to sever the emotional umbilical cord. Whether its an
emotional dependency or even a financial dependency, a physical dependency you are
to leave them.

Some people just cant cut away from mom or dad, and they drag that dependence into
the marriage.

They wont make a decision for their family without asking mom or dad first, or they let
mom or dad control their family where to spend the holidays, how to raise their
children, how to spend their money, or whatever.

And when something goes wrong in the marriage or they need to complain, who do
they go to? Mom and Dad.

If you find that youre dependent on your parents for things that should be handled
between and with your spouse, then there are two words you need to hear:

GROW UP!!

Mom and dad, realize that your child was given to you but only for a time for a very
limited period of training.

Listen, by the time your child is 12 years old, 2/3 of your time is gone!

Unless, of course, you have raised them to think that success is found in mooching off
of you instead of learning to live on their own, in which case youve handicapped them
and your marriage.
If you have done your job right, youve been preparing your child for mate selection
from infancy. If youve waited until she was 16, its too late.

And when your child comes to you and says, Mom, Dad this is the person that God
wants me to marry...., when that decision has been made, when your counsel has been
given and the wedding march begins to play thats when you are to give your child
back to the safe-keeping of God.

And thats when you let go!

Pastor Magee, in his message refers to a preacher friend of his who said that on his
wedding day, his dad came into his room and said, Son, youre on your own, now. Im
here for counsel when you need it. But you wont hear it unless you ask. And if you
dont make it work with you new wife, dont come running home to us. Were moving
on with our lives. And its time for you to do the same. Youre a man now. I love you
but you are on your own. That was probably the greatest wedding present he could
receive!

So Im not saying you shouldnt ask for their advice and input.

What I am saying is that you and your parents need to understand that your spouse is
number one in your life, and that you will do life together based on what the two of you
decide, not what they decide.

For some of you thats going to be incredibly hard.;

The principle of this leaving is this.... NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ON

EARTH, IS TO TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR
SPOUSE.

And when it does, you are in clear violation of the first fundamental priority of
marriage. That leads us to the second instruction from this verse, and that is to

Instruction #2: Cleave.

If your marriage is going to be what it ought to be there also has to be a cleaving!

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother.... and be united to his wife....

The KJV put it like this.... he shall cleave unto his wife.

Now, lets make it absolutely clear that this has nothing to do with a meat cleaver. The
word, cleave has nothing to do with slicing and dicing.
The word cleave means to cling or glue to something. To keep close to something
and remain bonded to it.

This same word is used in 2 Kings 5:27 to describe leprosy which clings to the body.

Its used in Job 19:20, describing bones that cling to the skin.

In Ezekiel it describes scales clinging to a fish. Now, scales cling to a fish and bones to
a body and leprosy to skin because they are joined as one. They are merely different
parts of the same thing!

And thats the point. God, at the very inception of marriage, said: THIS THING IS FOR
LIFE! The marital bond is a permanent, lasting, never-to-be-severed bond!

When you stood before the Lord, whether it was in a beautiful house of worship or a
justice of the peace, and said, I take you to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold
from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in
health, to love and to cherish until death do us part, you were making a covenant with
the future.

A vow to God! A vow of permanence. Malachi 2 says to remember the wife of your
youth. Keep your marriage covenant. Cleave to that union.

In the eyes of God cleaving means wholehearted commitment, first of all spiritual, but
flowing over into every area of our being, so that the cleaving is also intellectual,
emotional and physical.

This is waaaaaaay more than a slip of paper, dont you think?

Its a recognition that you are making a commitment that doesnt just go away when the
going gets tough which it will from time to time if only because youre in it!

It means that youre going to do whatever it takes to keep that bond from breaking
because it breaks the heart of God, it breaks the heart of your spouse, it breaks the
hearts of your kids, and it leaves everyone involved damaged and hurt because you
have chosen to abandon this principle of cleaving.

I told you I insist on pre-marital counseling. But also believe in counseling while
youre married.

If you need help then get it. Sometimes the help we need might be beyond your own
ability to fix it and you need outside help.

Thats okay theres no shame in that. Get the help of someone who is capable of
helping you identify and address the issues that threaten that cleaving.
Heres

Instruction #3: Weave.

Finally, if your marriage is going to be what it ought to be, There has to be a Weaving!

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife.... and
they will become one flesh.

Note that it says, they become one flesh. In other words, they weave themselves into
each others life, and not just in a sexual sense.

And thats a process not an instantaneous event.

One flesh doesnt happen just because the preacher says, I now pronounce you
husband and wife; it doesnt happen when you sign the legal documents; it doesnt
happen in a motel ten miles down the road.

It is a life long process! And it is built on the two previous principles.

Men, according to a recent survey 84% of women feel they dont have intimacy
(oneness) in their marriages.

A large majority of female divorcees say their married years were the loneliest of their
lives.

God has called us to love our wives as ourselves and to lay down our lives that we
might be one with them. Even this verse seems to place the responsibility on the man.

Gods plan for marriage is that two become one. And this is much more than just
sharing the same residence, the same food, and the same bed.

This is two people giving themselves to one another until their lives are woven together
into one.

Husband, wife, let me ask you. Are you developing true companionship in your
marriage? Is your marriage more than a joint checking account and the children?

God wants much more than that for you. He designed marriage for companionship!

Here are some elements necessary for weaving two lives together.....

A Vow: only when you make a covenant vow to cleave unto your wife will you
be willing to so blend your heart with hers that you become, in every sense of the
word a TEAM!
TIME: Only as you make room in your life for you mate can you weave your
life into hers/his.
 And again you dont find time, you make time.
Hard Work: Marriage is hard work hardest task youll ever attempt! But its worth
it.

Forgiveness: You will be hurt, disappointed, and offended by your mate. And the only way
you can recover is to commit now to granting forgiveness.
There are 12 words that will keep any marriage together: I was wrong, I am sorry,
please forgive me, I love you. And those words must be spoken often in marriage.

Prayer: your marriage better be a matter of prayer with and for one another.

Fun: Do things that are fun. Laugh together. Enjoy life.

Rodney Dangerfield said, We sleep in separate rooms, we have dinner apart, we

take separate vacations were doing everything we can to keep our marriage
together.
Thats not weaving!

Are you on your way to oneness? Lets close with two powerful suggestions......

1. Accept the fact that your marriage will never be perfect.

The only ideal marriage in history was Adam and Eves and even they blew it.

Even the best of marriages know times of breakdown, doubt, disillusionment, anger,
distress and conflict.

Remember, youre in the marriage, so its already not perfect.

But you dont have to be help prisoner by those imperfections.

With the help of God, you can work through them and even thrive through them.

2. Realize that success in marriage is not so much as finding the right mate, as it is in being the
right mate.
You may think that you married a dud but have you ever looked in the mirror?

The truth is, you probably married over your head. And even if you did marry the wrong
person, you can treat her like the right person and make that union work!

You: Take one of these three things: leaving, cleaving, and weaving, and intentionally pray
and think through how strong or weak you are in each of them.
This week would be a great time to do that, tomorrow being Valentines Day and all.
Its not always fun, because we all fall short in some ways in all of these.
And Im not saying you should spend a bunch of time beating yourself up.
Im saying get with God so He can help you be the best husband or wife you can be
along Gods design.
And as God speaks to you about this, then ask for His help in strengthening the
weakest one, as well as strengthening the strongest one so that you can get even
better at that.

We: Marriage is the fabric of society. When we have healthy families, we have a healthy
society.

And vice-versa. Unhealthy families make for an unhealthy society.

It truly starts with you and me as we work to build strong marriages of our own and
model strong marriage to those around us, especially our kids.

When you have a godly, Christ-centered marriage, it makes people stand up and take
notice.

And you may have the opportunity to influence someone else outside of your own
children who sees the love, joy, and commitment in your marriage and determines that
that will be the hallmark of theirs as well.

God wants you to enjoy your marriage. He wants to prosper your marriage and make it
more fulfilling as the years go by.

As that happens, God is honored. And His kingdom is advanced as people see the love
Jesus has for His church being lived out in the individual lives of His people.

Lets pray.

The Art of Marriage

Part 2 Lessons for Husbands
Matthew 1 & 2
February 20, 2011

Me: I mentioned last week that I come to this series of messages on marriage with fear and
trembling.

Mainly because I know how far short I fall in many areas.

So today Im going to preach about stuff that Im absolutely perfect in. Then I can feel
better about myself and concentrate on making you feel like a loser!

Hows that for motivation to listen up, guys?

Today Im focusing on the guys mainly, so Im going to ask that you ladies keep your
elbows to yourself, keeping in mind that next week Ill be addressing you with some
 things that you can bring into your marriage that will help it grow and flourish, much as
the guys can bring.

We: I think that every married guy wants to have a great marriage, right?

I dont think any guy looks at marriage and says, How can I make my life and the life
of my wife as miserable as possible?

Or, My goal in life is have a bad marriage. I wonder how many kids we can bring into
it?

I think every husband would like a better marriage, even those of us with good
marriages.

The problem is that most guys think that the way to a better marriage is for their wives
to get in gear and start making their husbands happier. Then everything will be better in
their marriage.

But as I mentioned last week, the key isnt that you have the right spouse, its being the
right spouse.

And guys, thats where it has to start. With us. The husbands and prospective
husbands.

If youre looking at your marriage and recognize it can use some improvement as all
marriages can, then I think youll find some things that will both challenge and
encourage you as we go through the message today.

God/You:

I want us to take a look at the life of Joseph, Jesus foster dad, to find some lessons for
being a good husband.

All we know of Joseph comes from these two first chapters of Matthew and some brief
mentions in the first three chapters of Luke.

We dont hear anything about Joseph after the episode in Luke where Jesus is found
sitting among the scholars in Jerusalem asking them questions, except in one little
reference to him that Ill show you a little later we find in the gospels.

We dont know if he lived to be an old man, although its pretty certain he didnt since
he is not mentioned as being with his wife, Mary, at Jesus crucifixion.

We just dont know.

 But what we can know about Joseph from the Scriptures paints a very good picture of
him.

Today I want to point out four things about Joseph that all of us guys can latch onto in
our efforts to be the best husbands we can be.

First off

Joseph cared for his familys protection.

There are three examples of when the angel told Joseph to do something, and he did it.
One of those examples was a command to get up and get his family out of harms way
because the king was out to get baby Jesus.
Chapter 1:13-14
13
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said,
"take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going
to search for the child to kill him."
14
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
Joseph could have said, Look, Mr. Angel, Egypt is a loooooong way away. Ive got a
business to protect, I dont have a lot of money oh wait, one of the magi dudes
brought gold scratch that, but anyway, it would be a whole lot easier for us to stay
right here in Bethlehem, dont you think?
I could put them up at my Aunt Ethels house and theyd never find them I know because I
got lost there for 2 weeks when I was 6
Nope. Joseph didnt make excuses. He did what he needed to do to protect his family.
Now I understand that in spite of what some extremists would say, the government is
probably not plotting to kill your family.
So what are the things you need to protect your family from nowadays?
How about harmful things on your computer? Have you installed a filter or something
that can keep you and your family from stumbling on certain types of garbage that are
out there?
If not, I would suggest you do that today. You can get the b-secure filter from the
American Family Association, which is what my family uses, or go to internetsafety.com
and buy a filter to protect you and your family.
You dont need to wait until tomorrow you can do it online today.
Intrusive in-laws?
Scams that can hurt you financially.
The wrong friends for your kids.
Yes, violence if thats an issue where you live.

Joseph cared for His familys provision.

Joseph was a guy that took care that his familys needs were met.
The only mention of Joseph after Jesus was twelve years old is a mention of him when
some of his hometown folk were getting on Jesus after He did some miracles and they
were offended.
Matthew 13:55
Isn't this the carpenter's son?
This might not seem like a big deal, but its the only mention of Josephs occupation we
find in Scripture.
What I want to focus on is the fact that the people could point to the way Joseph
provided for his family.
Notice they didnt say, Isnt that the slackers son? Or, Isnt this the son of the guy
who gambled away his familys entire savings away so they lost their home?
No Joseph had an income as a carpenter.
Guys I believe we have a Scriptural responsibility to provide for our family as best we
can.
Before I go further, let me say that on the surface, some of what Im going to say may seem
heavy-handed and maybe even a bit unfair, but I want you to hang tight and hear me out, okay,
because I think youll get where Im coming from.
One of the passages of Scripture that has formed the basis for my thinking for this over
the years is 1Timothy 5:8
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has
denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Guys I dont think it gets any clearer than this. Were supposed to provide for our
families.
If we can work, we need to work. Whether thats by holding a job, owning a business,
or whatever.
We need to do whatever it takes to make sure our family is taken care of.
And I mean with things like food, clothing, and shelter. Not necessarily cell phones with
unlimited texting plans or cars for your kids.
Nothing wrong with those, but I think this passage is talking about the basic stuff of life
not basic cable
Okay heres the disclaimer:
There is a difference between can work and wont work.
I understand that times are tough in the job market, or that there may be some physical
reason you cant work.
Im not talking about those who cant work. This passage is talking to those who wont
work.
Heres some good news or it might be bad news, depending on your perspective:
As tough as jobs are to find, there are jobs to be had. You may have to lower your
standards a bit to find something that will pay the bills.
Heres what I tell guys who say theyre looking for work but cant seem to find anything:
First of all, just about every fast-food place in town is hiring at any given moment.
Second, if you cant get the job you want, you have to take the job you can get.
And third, you may have to take more than one job at a time to provide for your family.
Believe me, I understand that deal, having done that for most of the last 20 years.
Im not saying the wife shouldnt work outside the home to help.
Im saying that the guy should be the one to make sure that the family is provided for
through his own efforts primarily.
Joseph provided for his family and husbands should do the same thing. If for no other
reason than the fact that our ladies need to know that they are being taken care of.
Heres the third lesson we can learn from Joseph:
Joseph cared for his wifes reputation.

Heres something that Im not sure we talk about enough as guys and that maybe we
should make more of a priority nowadays.

Lets look back at chapter 1, verses 18-19

18
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be
married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child
through the Holy Spirit.
19
Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to
public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Joseph saw that Mary was in trouble, and he tried to do what was best to her by trying
to help her avoid public disgrace.

Remember, they werent actually married yet, but ancient world betrothals had the same
commitment level and breaking up was, in fact, a divorce.

But Joseph wanted to do it in a way that would allow Mary to save face.

And then, on the word of the angel, he married Mary and all of a sudden, Mary is no
longer an unmarried pregnant teen.

Shes the wife of a solid citizen who had a reputation as a righteous man.

Guys, let me ask you: if someone were to say something negative about your wife, how
would you respond?
When I met with the board about coming here as the pastor, I made one thing very
clear: I would not tolerate grumbling against my wife.

My wife is not perfect. She makes mistakes from time to time.

But if someone has a problem with her, they need to go to her about it, and not grumble
about her behind her back.

Not too long ago I came across a situation where someone (not from this church) did
just that by sending out an e-mail to a bunch of people that was critical of my wife.

I confronted this person and told them to knock it off.

If someone says something negative about your wife, and especially if its false, you
need to step in.
You do it graciously, but firmly, and you let that person know that you wont tolerate
your wifes reputation being dirtied by anybody.

She is your wife. She is part of you. You are to cherish her like Jesus cherishes the
Church and died for her.

Your wife and everyone else needs to see that youll protect your wifes reputation,
even if it costs you your own.

Joseph put his own reputation on the line to help Mary. Your wife needs you to do the
same thing.

And the most important thing we carry away from Joseph as a model of a good husband
was that

Joseph had a right relationship with God.

This, guys, is the foundation of what made Joseph a great husband.

Back to verse 19

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man

Earlier I talked about how Joseph was in tune with God so that he could understand
how God was orchestrating the events around his marriage to Mary as well as the birth
of Jesus.

This is the basis of that in-tuneness.

Joseph had a relationship with God that formed his character in ways that show up
through all the stuff weve looked at today.

Joseph was a righteous guy.

His righteousness was based in his belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and
in the coming Messiah.

His righteousness was displayed in how he obeyed God and the Scriptures. Not only in
how he handle the whole pregnant Mary/Jesus-in-danger situation, but in how he
followed the Scriptures in presenting Jesus at the temple and bringing Him to temple on
what must have been a regular basis, since thats where Jesus naturally went when He
went missing when He was twelve.

He honored God as he honored his family.

He was a righteous guy.

This is why Joseph was so in tune with God.

Joseph knew enough about God to be able to recognize that the angels instructions to
Him were from God Himself.

From chapter 1
20
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream
and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,
because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
24
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and
took Mary home as his wife.

Then again from chapter 2

13
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up,"
he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you,
for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."
14
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,

Five verses later

19
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and
said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who
were trying to take the child's life are dead."
21
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

Three times in these first two chapters of Matthew, an angel comes to Joseph to give
him encouragement and instruction regarding Mary and Jesus.

And what did Joseph do each time? He believed and obeyed the instructions.

How does that happen? How do you get to the point where when God says to do
something you just do it even when it doesnt make sense right away?

Well, first of all you have to have the right relationship with God, which Ill cover later
in the message.

Second, it happens as we become more familiar with Scripture by spending time

reading, studying, and applying it in your life.
 Then you will be able to tell when the input you receive from others is actually from
God or from other source that you should ignore.

Guys if we want to be the best husband and the best dad we can be, we need to have a
solid relationship with God based on the Scriptures.

Start today to get into the Word of God if you arent already, asking the Holy Spirit to
open your heart and mind to understand them so you can obey them the way you
should.

And I really mean today.

Its too important to just blow off. You need Gods Word living and active in you if
you want to be the husband God wants you to be and that your wife needs you to be.

It starts with you putting your faith in Jesus, if you havent already.

Give your life to Jesus, committing to live for Him from this point on, and allow Him to
use His Word to make you a great husband.

Two more applications

Okay so there are some lessons we can learn from Joseph.

But I want to mention a couple other things that arent mentioned in our passage, but
that I think you need to hear while Ive got you in the seats.

There are a couple things that I still struggle with that could really take my marriage
and yours to the next level.

1. Spending time ALONE with your wife that has nothing to do with the bedroom.

Where you could talk and reconnect.

Where you can squeeze her hand and look into her eyes and tell her you love her.

And yes, your wife needs to be told. She needs to hear it from your lips, and not just in
how you provide for her, or from the printed words of a card.

My wife knows I love her she doesnt need me to tell her.

Yes she does. And she WANTS to hear it from you.

2. Praying WITH your wife and not just at the supper table.
 To hold her hand and either kneel together or just sit together and ask God out loud
to bless her and help her with whatever shes facing, and thanking God for putting her
in your life.

Praying that God would give her the strength to take care of all she needs to do and
the strength to put up with you in spite of your shortcomings.

Her hearing you pray for her as you pray with her will be a major blessing.

And you know what? Ive got some really great excuses as to why I dont do better at
these things.

And guys theyre the same excuses you use. Gotta work late, tired from work, gotta
pay the bills, stressed by paying the bills, an important game or TV show or movie is
on, or whatever.

I have found that Im really good at coming up with excuses.

But you know what it really is? Sin. Because I am not honoring my wife like Scripture
says to.

She deserves better than that.

And here, in front of you all, on my anniversary, Im committing to her that I will work
harder at these two things in particular.

You can ask her down the road if Ive gotten any better at them and she has my
permission to let you know if I have improved any.

We: Guys, I said last week that families are the backbone of any society.

You have weak families, you have a weak society. You have strong families, you
have a strong society.

But guys, it starts with you and me. Us guys taking responsibility to be the men the
husbands and dads we need to be.

The husbands and dads that God commands us to be and who God wants to help us to
be.

The question is whether or not well step up and do it, or if well just live by default and
watch our marriages be average.

And if the current state of marriage in our country is any indication, then average if
pretty bad.
 Guys God wants more for us and our marriages than just average.

Remember, He invented marriage and He wants it to flourish and be awesome

because it reflects our relationship with Him.

So whaddya say we throw average out the window and go for awesome.

Lets show the people that marriage is more and better than what we see on TV sitcoms.

Lets show them that when we love God as we should then we love our spouses as we
should, and marriage will be something thats not made fun of, but something that we
can love and enjoy, till death do us part.

Lets pray.

The Art of Marriage

Part 3 Lessons for Wives
Ephesians 5:33
February 27, 2011

Introduction
This is the last in a 3-part series on the Art of Marriage.

Weve talked about the foundation of a marriage being Gods design laid out in
Genesis. (Newspaper panel)

Last week I visited with the guys about using Joseph Jesus foster dad as a model of
someone who took care of his wife and children.

Today I want to visit with the ladies.

And the issue I really want to address today is the issue of respect for your husband.

Im going to talk much more about what that means here in a little bit, because I want
you to understand that Im not saying you ignore his shortcomings and do whatever he
says to do, regardless of whether its good for the family or not.

Thats not a Scriptural view of marriage. But the Bible does command wives to respect
their husbands, just like it commands husbands to love their wives and provide for
them. Okay?

Modern culture, and especially TV programs, doesnt model respect of a wife toward
her husband.
 Just watch almost any current TV sitcom. The husband is, in most cases, a bumbling
idiot who can do almost nothing right, especially when it comes to understanding and
loving their wives.

Commercials are the same way.

Just watch TV on any given night or during any sporting event and tell me Im wrong.

And I would hope that reasonable people would see the humor in that and at the same
time see how false that model is.

Ladies, as we go through this time today, I want you to hear me loud and clear:

Your respect for your husband will affect the strength and success of your marriage.

And to the degree you disrespect your husband, you can expect a weakening and
walking toward failure of your marriage.
Ladies you can make or break your husband and his willingness and ability to fulfill
Gods expectations for him as the husband and leader of your family.

You play such a key role in our success as men. And this whole deal of respect is
essential to that.

So I hope youll catch what I believe God wants to tell you today from a very short
passage of Scripture.

God/You:

Ephesians 5:33

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must
respect her husband.

This short verse will be the foundation of everything Ill be sharing with you.

Im going to be sharing a number of things, and while I wont be putting a Scripture

passage with them, all of them are principles youll find throughout Scripture.

Respect can be a rather loaded term, so I want to start by defining it a bit before we
go on to how it applies to respecting your husband.
Respect is both a noun and verb.

Definition of respect:

Noun (Merriam-Webster) 3a High or special regard.

 Verb (M-W) 1a. To consider worthy of high regard.

Some positions in life are automatically due respect:

- Police officers
- Fire fighters
- Military personnel and their superior officers
- Judges
- Sports officials
On a personal level, some may not deserve your respect. Believe me, I get that.
Weve all heard stories of police officials, judges, military officers, and referees who, on
a personal level, were nothing but slimy jerks.
But their position gives them an authority that in and of itself deserves respect.
One other position that deserves that respect: husbands.
Wives I KNOW that all husbands are jerks some times, and that some husbands are
jerks all the time it seems to be programmed into their DNA to be selfish idiots who
push other people around, including their wives.
The only answer for that is quite frankly, for God to do a miracle in that guys life which
Ill talk about a little later.
How can a wife show respect for her husband? Let me give you 3 ways you can really
make a difference in the life of your husband and therefore your marriage.
Heres the first one:

1. Allow him to lead.

I know its not very politically correct nowadays, but the fact of the matter from Scripture
is that the man is the head of the household, as Christ is the head of the Church.
The bottom line of what that means is that God is holding him responsible for the
direction right or wrong of his family.
That, ladies, is a huge burden for the man who understands that.
Its so important that you allow him to lead the family, especially financially (in providing
for you if he is able), relationally, and spiritually.
You can do that in a couple of ways:

Understand your unique role as a helpmate.

Here is where misconceptions abound, in society and the church.
People see this helpmate thing as being a second-class citizen, and
nothing could be further from the truth.
I mentioned last week that God brought all the animals to Adam to see what
he would name them, and it says that among all of creation, there was no
suitable helper for Adam.
Until Eve.
Only a woman created in the image of God can fulfill the role of completing
the man.
Women are uniquely created by God to help us be the men we need to be
and do the task God assigns us.
 When you come alongside him in any number of ways, including this thing
about respect, you are fulfilling a God-given role that only you as a woman
can fulfill.
And in talking to many women over the years who grasp that, I find that they
are the most fulfilled in their marriages.
Because they see that they are doing exactly what God called them to do
support their husbands.
And their husbands respond with love, caring, and respect toward their
wives, as well as the stuff about providing for their needs.
Ladies, if you only knew how often Debra has saved my bacon because she
brought something into the discussion I hadnt thought of, or brought a
perspective on something that I had absolutely no clue about, youd
understand how much I value her and how much I value the fact that God
has gifted us men with you.
Please dont ever think of helpmate as anything other than an honored and
honorable task that God has uniquely equipped and gifted you to do.
Trust God for the results.
What I mean is this: as your husband makes decisions and looks to take your family in a
particular direction whether it be financially or spiritually, or whatever and you allow him to
do that, then you can trust God to take care of you, even when his decision is wrong.
Even when the decision brings harm. God can bring beauty out of that as you trust Him
by letting your husband lead.
Obviously you should give your input, but in the end, God will be holding him
responsible, not you, as you obey God in this.
Heres the second way you can show your husband respect:

2. Speak well to him and about him.

Encourage him both privately and publicly.
Ladies you have no idea how powerful your words are to your husband.
He literally craves to hear honest, sincere praise and appreciation from you.
He might get compliments all day long at work, but one negative comment
from you blows it all away.
It knocks him out and takes all the steam out of him.
It takes away his motivation in every area of his life and marriage.
On the other hand, a complimentary word from you fills his sails and lifts his
spirits, and give him the motivation to keep going.
Encourage him with your words, and do it when youre alone and in front of
others.

Watch how you talk to him, especially in front of the kiddos.

A lot of wives not only wont encourage their husbands, theyll spend all their
energy talking negatively to them and about them, contradicting them
anytime he says anything, and talking to their husbands like their little kids.
But you are his wife not his mother.
Dont talk to him like a child. Talk to him like hes the man of your life.
 This vitally important for your kids to see as well. They need to see you
talking well to your husband.
It builds security for them, and just as importantly, models something that
they can bring into their own marriages down the road.
And you know what? If you dont respect your husband, your kids wont.
And as devastating as it is for you to disrespect him, having the kids
disrespect him will be the final straw and youll lose your man even if he
never moves you.
Its vitally important that you speak well to your husband and about him in
front of the kiddos.

Let others hear.

Vocalize your love and respect for your husband in front of others, even
when hes not around.
Its a clich about how women will get together and complain about their
husbands over dinner at the restaurant.
If youre in a situation like that, thats a perfect opportunity to say something
complimentary about your husband.
Itll shock and stun them that youre refusing to join in the husband-bashing,
and youll be modeling something positive for them as well.
Dont speak negatively about your husband to your circle of friends even
at Bible study and prayer meeting.
Yes, I know your husband needs prayer. We all do. We all have
shortcomings and weaknesses and issues that need prayer.
But you can share stuff without belittling your husband or giving people
negative impressions of your husband.
I hate to tell you this, ladies, but guys have egos. And they are easily
bruised by our wives. We need to know that youre not trashing us behind
our backs.
Speak of the positive aspects of your husband.
Heres the third way you can show respect for your husband the respect he so badly
needs:

3. Pray for your husband.

(And WITH him, if hell let you)
Obviously, if there is anybody in your life who needs prayer, its your husband.
And we know that. So we WANT you to pray for us.
Here are some things you can pray for your husband:

His spiritual health.

Pray that He would follow Jesus in every area of His life, that he would be in
the Scriptures regularly, learning and applying them so he can be the man
God wants him to be and the husband and father you need him to be.
Maybe he doesnt know Jesus yet. Well, thats a great place to start praying
for him, dont you think?
 I mentioned before that some husbands are just engrained jerks and that it
would take a miracle for him to change.
The good news is that Jesus is in the business of transforming people
including husbands who arent living up to the standards that God has for
them.

So heres what I suggest:

Pray that Jesus would become his savior and master.
When that happens, the Bible says that he becomes a new person. Just like
you become a new person when Jesus enters you.
This is an act of God!
You cant make him a new person. Only God can do that.
And the good news is that He WANTS to do that in both of you!
It starts with being spiritually healthy. If a husband is spiritually healthy, he
will be a healthy husband and father a healthy leader that you and your
children can follow with confidence that God will take care of everything.

Energy and strength to provide for the family.

Most husbands arent afraid to work to provide for their families.
But we get tired from time to time, especially when we see the bills piling up
and were not sure if our paychecks are going to cover it.
But with your encouragement and prayers, were ready to go slay the
dragons and kill that bear so our families can eat.
So pray for us in that regard. You can also pray that your husband

Takes initiative in spiritual leadership.

I talked about this last week when I talked to the guys, but we can use Gods
help to take that leadership, so we value your prayers.
Dads who are new believers in Jesus really need your prayers because
taking intentional spiritual leadership is new to them.
So encourage your husband and pray for him as he takes the reins of
spiritual leadership in your home.
Another thing you can pray for is that your husband

Models biblical character, especially to his children.

Ive said over and over again that especially with children, more is caught
than taught.
So its critical for dads to demonstrate growth in Christlike character.
He cant do it alone, ladies. He needs you.
He needs to know that youve got his back as youre before the throne of
God in prayer, asking God to help your husband be transformed by His
Word into a godly husband and dad.

Okay allow him to lead, speak well to him and about him, and pray for him.
Now let me talk for a few minutes about what respecting your husband does for him:
Gives him a desire to work even harder to provide and protect.
Boosts his confidence in leading the family in the right direction.

Gives him a greater desire to deepen his own relationship with Christ
Which leads to greater wisdom in leading, decision-making, and parenting, as well as
being an even better husband thats what Id call a win/win!).
He will work harder than ever to earn your respect as a man and not just a
figurehead.

We need your help to be the husbands and leaders that God has called us to be.

We wont admit it very often, so Im admitting it on behalf of every guy here and every
guy youll ever know and especially your husband.

We need to know that you love us and respect us that youve got our backs.

When we know we have that, we want to conquer the world for you. And well have
the confidence to do it.

Any husband with a shred of common decency will give his right arm for a wife and
children who love, respect, and appreciate his efforts for them.

Its highly motivational for us to be thought highly of by our wives and kids. We need
to know that our wives hold us in high and special regard, even when we make a
mistake or a wrong decision.

When we know our wives respect us, we try harder to learn from those mistakes and not
repeat them.

We try harder to please our wives, because we know its appreciated.

You cant believe how motivational that is for guys.

You have the power to be used by God to mold us to be your man as we become Gods
man.

So look at this issue of respecting your husband

We: I mentioned earlier that the media stereotypes husbands as bumbling idiots who dont
have the respect of their wives.

Its especially sad because it also undermines marriage in general.

Ladies, you have the chance to show the people around you that marriage is something
you cherish because you cherish your husband.
 We need it and when you choose to respect your husband in spite of his shortcomings,
you honor your husband and you honor God.

And God has a way of blessing those who honor Him.

My hope is that youll open yourself and therefore your marriage to Gods blessing.

Lets pray.

Sermon Prepared by James McCullen

Email Preach Him with Dr. Jim
The Five Crowns
1Thes 2:19; 1 Cor 9:25; 2 Tim 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4

Introduction
The Bible talks about five different crowns that are rewards to the
faithful Christian. I had a deacon one time that said "I don't
like talk about rewards, crowns and the like; I am not serving the
Lord for rewards." I responded "good you will probably have many
then." This is God's Word and he tells us it is possible to receive
rewards.

The song the Old Rugged Cross says "my trophies at last I lay down."
In the book of Revelation it says . . . And when the living
creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the
throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders
will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him
who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the
throne, saying, Rev 4:9-10 NAS. So let us look at the verses
that speak of the crowns.

I. Soul Winners Crown

1Thes 2:19
19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even
you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? (NAS)
 1Thes 2:19
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even
ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (KJV)

1Thes 2:19
19 For what is it we live for, that gives us hope and joy and is our
proud reward and crown? It is you! Yes, you will bring us much joy as
we stand together before our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes back
again. (TLB)

II. Crown of Self Denial

1 Cor 9:25
25 And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in
all things. They then {do it} to receive a perishable wreath, but we
an imperishable. (NAS)

1 Cor 9:25
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. (KJV)

1 Cor 9:25
25 To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would
keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble
just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly
reward that never disappears. (TLB)

III. Crown of Righteousness

2 Tim 4:8
8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and
not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. (NAS)

2 Tim 4:8
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to
me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing
KJV

2 Tim 4:8
8 In heaven a crown is waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And not just to
me but to all those whose lives show that they are eagerly looking
forward to his coming back again. TLB

IV, Crown of Life

James 1:12
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been
approved, he will receive the crown of life, which {the Lord} has
promised to those who love Him. (NAS)
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to
them that love him.
KJV
James 1:12
12 Happy is the man who doesn't give in and do wrong when he is
tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life
that God has promised those who love him. TLB

V. Crown of the Under Shepherd

1 Pet 5:4
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading
crown of glory. (NAS)
1 Pet 5:4
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown
of glory that fadeth not away. (KJV) 1 Pet 5:4
4 and when the Head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-
ending share in his glory and honor. (TLB)
CROWN
(kroun): The word crown in the Old Testament is a translation of five
different Hebrew words, and in the New Testament of two Greek words.
These express the several meanings, and must be examined to ascertain
the same.

1. In Hebrew: The five Hebrew words are as follows: (1) qodhqodh, from
qadhadh; (2) zer, from zarar; (3) nezer, or nezer, both from nazar;
(4) aTarah, from `atar; (5) kether, from kathar.

(1) Qodhqodh means "the crown of the head," and is also rendered in
the King James Version "top of the head," "scalp," "pate." It comes
from qadhadh, meaning "to shrivel up," "contract," or bend the body or
neck through courtesy. Both the Revised Version (British and American)
and the American Standard Revised Version, in <Deut 28:35> and
<33:16>, translation it "crown" instead of "top" as in the King James
Version. Jacob in his prophecy concerning his sons says: "The
blessings of thy father .... shall be on the head of Joseph, and on
the crown of the head of him that is prince among his brethren" (<Gen
49:26> the American Revised Version, margin). Other references are:
<Deut 33:20; 2 Sam 14:25; Job 2:7; Isa 3:17; Jer 2:16; 48:45>.
Translated "scalp" in <Ps 68:21> and "pate" in <Ps 7:16>. (2) Zer
means a "chaplet," something spread around the top as a molding about
the border, and because of its wreath-like appearance called a crown.
"That which presses, binds" (Brown-Driver-Briggs' Hebrew Lexicon).
Comes from zarar, meaning "to diffuse" or "scatter." It is used in
<Exo 25:11,24-25; 30:3-4; 37:2,11-12,26-27>.

(3) Nezer means something "set apart"; i.e. a dedication to the

priesthood or the dedication of a Nazarite, hence, a chaplet or fillet
as a symbol of such consecration. The word in the King James Version
is rendered "crown," "consecration," "separation," "hair." Comes from
nazar, meaning "to hold aloof" from impurity, even from drink and
food, more definitely, "to set apart" for sacred purposes, i.e. "to
separate," "devote," "consecrate." It is found in <Exo 29:6; 39:30;
Lev 8:9; 21:12; 2 Sam 1:10; 2 Kin 11:12; 2 Chr 23:11; Ps 89:39;
132:18; Prov 27:24; Zec 9:16>. (4) `ATarah means a crown in the usual
sense. Comes from `aTar, meaning "to encircle," as in war for offence
or defense; also actually and figuratively "to crown." Rendered
sometimes "to compass." It is used in <2 Sam 12:30; 1 Chr 20:2; Esth
8:15; Job 19:9; 31:36; Ps 21:3; Prov 4:9; 12:4; 14:24; 16:31; 17:6;
Cant 3:11; Isa 28:1,3,5; 62:3; Jer 13:18; Lam 5,16; Ezek 16:12; 21:26;
23:42; Zec 6:11,14>; "crowned," <Cant 3:11>; "crownest," <Ps 65:11>;
"crowneth," <Ps 103:4>. the Revised Version (British and American)
translations "crowned," of <Ps 8:5> "hast crowned." The American
Standard Revised Version prefers to translation "crowning," in <Isa
23:8>, "the bestower of crowns."

(5) Kether means a "circlet" or "a diadem." From kathar, meaning "to
enclose": as a friend, "to crown"; as an enemy, "to besiege."
Variously translated "beset round," "inclose round," "suffer,"
"compass about." Found in <Esth 1:11; 2:17, 6:8>; "crowned," in <Prov
14:18>.

2. In Greek: The two Greek words of the New Testament translated crown
are: (1) stephanos, from stepho, and (2) diadema, from diadeo, "to
bind round." (1) Stephanos means a chaplet (wreath) made of leaves or
leaf- like gold, used for marriage and festive occasions, and
expressing public recognition of victory in races, games and war; also
figuratively as a reward for efficient Christian life and service (see
GAMES). This symbol was more noticeable and intricate than the plain
fillet. Only in the Rev of John is stephanos called "golden." The
"crown of thorns" which Jesus wore was a stephanos (woven wreath) of
thorns; the kind is not known <Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2,5>. Luke
makes no mention of it. Whether intended to represent royalty or
victory, it was caricature crown. Stephanos is found in <1 Cor 9:25;
Phil 4:1; 1 Thes 2:19; 2 Tim 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10;
3:11; 6:2; 12:1; 14:14>; plural in <Rev 4:4,10; 9:7>; "crowned" in <2
Tim 2:5; Heb 2:9>; "crownedst" in <He 2:7>.

(2) Diadema is the word for "diadem," from dia (about) and deo
(bound), i.e. something bound about the head. In the three places
where it occurs (<Rev 12:3; 13:1> and <19:12>) both the Revised
Version (British and American) and the American Standard Revised
Version translation it not "crowns" but "diadems," thus making the
proper distinction between stephanos and diadema, such as is not done
either in the King James Version or the Septuagint (see Trench,
Synonyms of the New Testament). According to Thayer the distinction
was not observed in Hellenic Greek "Diadems" are on the dragon <Rev
12:3>, the beast <Rev 13:1> and on the Rider of the White Horse, "the
Faithful and True" <Rev 19:12>. In each case the "diadems" are
symbolic of power to rule.

3. Use and Significance: There are five uses of the crown as seen in
the Scripture references studied, namely, decoration, consecration,
coronation, exaltation, and remuneration.

(1) Decoration.-- The zer of Ex, as far as it was a crown at all, was
for ornamentation, its position not seeming to indicate any utility
purpose. These wavelet, gold moldings, used in the furnishings of the
tabernacle of Moses, were placed about (a) the table of shewbread <Exo
25:24; 37:11>; (b) the ark of the covenant <Exo 25:11; 37:2>; (c) the
altar of incense <Exo 30:3-4; 37:26-27>. The position of these crowns
is a debated question among archaeologists. Their purpose other than
decoration is not known. The encircling gold might signify gratitude,
parity and enduring worth. (2) Consecration.-- The nezer had a twofold
use as the crown of consecration: (a) It was placed as a frontlet on
the miter of the high priest, being tied with a blue lace <Exo 39:30>.
The priestly crown was a flat piece of pure gold, bearing the
inscription, "Holy to Yahweh," signifying the consecration of the
priest as the representative of the people <Exo 29:6; Lev 8:9>. (b)
Likewise the Hebrew king <2 Kin 11:12> was set apart by God in wearing
on his head a royal nezer, whether of silk or gold we do not know. It
was set with jewels <Zec 9:16> and was light enough to be taken into
battle <2 Sam 1:10>.

(3) Coronation.-- The ordinary use of the crown. There were three
kinds of kingly crowns used in coronation services: (a) The nezer or
consecration crown, above referred to, was the only one used in
crowning Hebrew kings. What seems to be an exception is in the case of
Joshua, who represented both priest and king (<Zec 6:11> the American
Revised Version, margin). (b) The `aTarah, and (c) the kether were
used in crowning foreign monarchs. No king but a Hebrew could wear a
nezer-- a "Holy to Yahweh" crown. It is recorded that David presumed
to put on his own head the `atarah of King Malcam (<2 Sam 12:30> the
American Revised Version, margin). The kether or jeweled turban was
the crown of the Persian king and queen <Esth 1:11; 2:17; 6:8>.

(4) Exaltation.-- The `atarah, the stephanos and the diadema were used
as crowns of exaltation. Stephanos was the usual crown of exaltation
for victors of games, achievement in war and places of honor at
feasts. The `atarah was worn at banquets <Cant 3:11; Isa 28:1,3>,
probably taking the form of a wreath of flowers; also as a crown of
honor and victory <Ezek 16:12; 21:26; 23:42>. Stephanos is the crown
of exaltation bestowed upon Christ <Rev 6:2; 14:14; Heb 2:9>.
"Exaltation was the logical result of Christ's humiliation" (Vincent).
The Apocalyptic woman and locusts receive this emblem of exaltation
<Rev 12:1; 9:7>. The symbolic dragon and beast are elevated, wearing
diadema, <Rev 12:3; 13:1>. The conquering Christ has "upon his head
.... many diadems" <Rev 19:12>. See further Tertullian, De corona.

(5) Remuneration.-- Paul, witnessing the races and games, caught the
vision of wreath-crowned victors flush with the reward of earnest
endeavor. See GAMES. He also saw the persistent, faithful Christian at
the end of his hard-won race wearing the symbolic stephanos of
rejoicing (<1 Thes 2:19> the King James Version), of righteousness <2
Tim 4:8>, of glory <1 Pet 5:4>, of life <James 1:12; Rev 2:10>. Paul's
fellow Christians were his joy and stephanos <Phil 4:1>, "of which
Paul might justly make his boast" (Ellicott). Long before Paul, his
Hebrew ancestors saw the `aTarah of glory <Prov 4:9> and the `aTarah
of a good wife, chilclren's children, riches and a peaceful old age
<Prov 12:4; 14:24; 16:31; 17:6>. For Apocrypha references see 1 Macc
10:29; 11:35; 13:39.

WILLIAM EDWARD RAFFETY

(from International Standard Bible Encylopaedia, Electronic Database
Copyright (C) 1996 by Biblesoft)

CROWN
Special headgear used to symbolize a person's high status and
authority. Several different words in the original Hebrew and Greek
languages of the Bible are translated as crown. Persons in the Bible
who are described as wearing crowns include Vashti <Esth. 1:11> and
Esther <Esth. 2:17>. The high priest and the king in the early history
of the nation of Israel also apparently wore crowns as a mark of their
office and authority <Lev. 8:9; 2 Sam. 1:10>.

The wreath of leaves awarded the winner of an athletic competition in

the Grecian games was also described by the apostle Paul as a crown <1
Cor. 9 25; 2 Tim. 4:8>. The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus on the cross
by placing a crown of thorns on His head, taunting Him as "King of the
Jews" <Matt. 27:29>; (also <Mark 15:17; John 19:2,5>).

The Book of Revelation portrays Christ with many crowns on His head,
signifying His kingly authority <Rev. 19:12>. Our inheritance as
Christians who follow the will of our Lord is also described
symbolically as a crown. As a reward for our faithfulness, we will
receive an imperishable crown <1 Cor. 9:25>, one that will not wither
or fade away, and a crown of eternal life <James 1:12>. (from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)

CROWN
CROWN. This ornament, which is both ancient and universal, probably
originated from the headbands used to prevent the hair from being
disheveled by the wind. Such headbands are still common, and they may
be seen on the sculpture of Persepolis, Nineveh, and Egypt; they
gradually developed into turbans, which by the addition of ornamental
or precious materials assumed the dignity of miters or crowns. The use
of them as ornaments probably was suggested by the natural custom of
encircling the head with flowers in token of joy and triumph (Wisd. of
Sol. 2:8; Judith 15:13).

Several words in Scripture are rendered "crown":

Nezer (lit, something "set apart," "consecration"; hence consecrated

hair, as of a Nazirite) is supposed to mean a "diadem." It was applied
to the plate of gold in front of the high priest's miter <Exo. 29:6;
39:30>; also to the diadem that Saul wore in battle and which was
brought to David <2 Sam. 1:10>, and that which was used at the
coronation of Joash <2 Kin. 11:12>. The crown was in universal use by
priests and in religious services. Egyptian crowns such as that worn
by Tutankhamen were elaborate and richly adorned with royal emblems.
The crown worn by the kings of Assyria was a high turban frequently
adorned with flowers, etc., and arranged in bands of linen or silk.
Originally there was only one band, but later there were two, and the
ornaments were richer.

`Atara, "circlet"; (Gk. stephanos). A more general word for crown and
used for crowns and head ornaments of various sorts. When applied to
the crowns of kings it appears to denote the state crown as
distinguished from the diadem, as, probably, the crown taken by David
from the king of Ammon at Rabbah and used as the state crown of Judah
<2 Sam. 12:30>. As to the shape of this Hebrew crown we can form an
idea only by reference to ancient crowns. The diadem of two or three
headbands may have signified dominion over two or three countries. In
<Rev. 12:3; 13:1; 19:12>, allusion is made to many "crowns" (KJV;
NASB, "diadems") worn in token of extended dominion.

Kether, "diadem," refers to the ancient Persian crown <Esther 1:11;

2:17; 6:8>, which was, doubtless, the high cap or tiara so often
mentioned by Greek historians.

Other Heb. terms rendered "crown" are zer, a wreath or border of gold
around the edge of the Ark of the Covenant (<Exo. 25:11>, KJV, etc.;
NIV, "molding"); and qodqod, the crown of the human head (<Gen.
49:26>; etc.). The Gk. word stemma is used only once in the NT <Acts
14:13> for the "garlands" (NIV, "wreaths") used with victims.

Figurative. The crown was a symbol of victory and reward, victors

being crowned in the Grecian games. These crowns were usually made of
leaves that soon began to wither. In opposition to these is the
incorruptible crown (<1 Cor. 9:25>, NASB, "wreath," cf. <2 Tim. 2:5>),
a crown of life or of glory <James 1:12; 1 Pet. 5:4; Rev. 2:10>. The
meaning of the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus <Matt.
27:29> was to insult Him under the character of the king of the Jews.
The crown is also used as an emblem of an exalted state (<Prov. 12:4;
17:6; Isa. 28:5; Phil. 4:1>; etc.). (from New Unger's Bible
Dictionary)
(originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright (C) 1988.)

In 1517, Martin Luther questioned the some practices of the Catholic Church like
salvation by works, papal infallibility and the sale of indulgences. In 1520, Pope Leo X
demanded Luther retract all of his writings. Luther's refusal led to him being brought
before the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and civil and church authorities at the Diet
of Worms in 1521. The issue really had to do with the truth and integrity of the Gospel.
At 38, Martin Luther was a priest, the son of a simple miner.
His writings had been published and spread throughout Germany. The people who
were saved as a result considered Luther a hero. They were ready for revolution.
When the council demanded he recant his writings, Luther replied, "Unless I am
convinced by Scripture and plain reasonI do not accept the authority of Popes and
Councils, for they have contradicted each othermy conscience is captive to the Word
of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither
right nor safe. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me.
As a result, Martin Luther was excommunicated from the Catholic Church and
charged as a dangerous heretic by the emperor. He had the courage to stand up for
what is right regardless of the cost to him. His leadership was forged by using his
influence as the person God wanted him to be. His relationship with God gave him a
good testimony before others. The Bible tells us about the testimony we should have in
Titus 2:7, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works."
You and I are not only called to believe the message of the Bible and also to be living
the message of the Bible. It is not merely something internal, but we must work to
externalize what the Bible teaches. The Gospel is not just something for Sunday but for
every day.
In our scripture today, Peter visited the church at Antioch where Paul was working. It
was a great visit until some other Jewish people from Jerusalem came to visit. Peter
caved to social pressure and thereby gave credence to a dangerous division in the
church. God had not intended this distinction between Jew and Gentile to spill over into
the church, but it had. Paul blames and confronts Peter for his actions.

CAUTION-
Each of us have influence on someone, but what kind of influence are we?
Peter was generally a great influence, but sometimes his influence was negative
Peter, as a Jew, had learned that God put Gentiles on the same level
He was fellowshipping and eating with the Gentiles, which most Jews found offensive
When the Jews arrived from Jerusalem, Peter was afraid of the repercussions
The word withdrew here means to cower, shrink out of sight or to conceal
Several of the Jewish believers including Barnabas followed his lead
Other people are impacted by what you do: your children, weaker believers, unbelievers
Peters actions distorted the Gospel message and justified Jewish prejudices
How often do we feel that same pressure to conform and do the accepted thing?
Maybe you are at work or school and someone tells an off-color joke or racist joke
Maybe you are with a group of people who use foul language and you feel pressured
Or perhaps people pressure you to skip church to spend time with them
People are watching how you deal with being put on the spot like Peter. What do you
do?
Peter supplies the key to our decision in Acts 5: We ought to obey God rather than
men.
Paul reminds us that we cant please men and serve Jesus at the same time
And Jesus tells us that no man can serve two masters
Proverbs 29:25-26 The fear of man bringeth a snare
How would you have felt if you had been one of those Gentiles? Offended?
Why was I good enough a minute ago but not now?
Peter was sending mixed signals to the Gentiles and the Jews and he knew better
Peter said in Acts 10:28 Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew
to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I
should not call any man common or unclean.
He baptized Cornelius and his family in Acts 10 and stood up for them in Jerusalem in
Acts 11

CONFRONTATION-
We find Paul confronting Peter for his actions
I know many people who would gladly take charge of the ministry of confrontation, but
there is an art to doing confrontation Biblically
Don't use this as justification to get in someones face and criticize them
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good
works:
Similarly, Jesus said that the motive has to be to gain back a brother or sister
We have been called to speak the truth in love
If you cant wait to jump on somebody you probably dont have a bit of business doing it.
We learn some things about leadership from Paul here
Sometimes it is necessary to confront someone who is doing wrong
When you have something to say, say it directly to the person
Stay problem-centered. Don't make it personal
Why did Paul confront Peter publicly? Because Peter's error was public and because
others were swept up in his error. His actions were contagious by virtue of his
leadership position.
We find many examples of Jesus confronting the religious leaders publicly for the same
reason
In Matt 18, Jesus gives an example of dealing with offenses privately over personal
issues
In Acts 18, Aquila and Priscilla pull a pastor named Apollos aside privately
They were able to handle it privately because his errors were unintentional

COURAGE-
14 Paul saw that they were not walking uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel
He had a choice or letting it go and going with the flow or taking a crucial stand
At stake was the Gospel and the function of churches
Paul exhibited the courage to stand up to the racism and say what needed to be said
He may have faced backlash for doing what is right, but he risked it
It takes boldness to be a leader for God, to use our influence for the kingdom
Peter showed the courage of admitting he was wrong
Peter repented of his actions here, and, in Acts 15, he boldly addressed the Jerusalem
Council. Peter declared that the Gentiles should be recognized as equals without the
Jewish law being imposed upon them.
Conclusion: He doesnt want you to compromise who He created us to be in order to be
popular or accepted. God's acceptance should be more important to us. Will you
commit to believe and be living the Gospel?

FAITH MAKES THINGS POSSIBLE, LOVE MAKES THINGS EASY

John 12:1-8
New Haven Baptist Church, March 6, 2011 A.M. Svc.

Barely a week before His death, Jesus was honored by a small group of His friends in Bethany.

These friends made a supper or a banquet in honor of the Saviour.

Jesus loved to be invited into homes of His friends and on this occasion He was with some of His closest
friends.

In Johns gospel we discover one of the choicest of all characters found in the New Testament records of
the life and ministry of Jesus Christ: Mary of Bethany.

Visitors to the Holy Land almost always visit Bethany and the church that has been built on the tradition
site of the Home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary.

If a person ever loved Jesus it was Mary. We would do well to measure our love for Jesus along side that
of Mary.

In this message we are going to discover a wonderful truth: Faith Makes Things Possible, Love Makes
Things Easy.

Most of our problems in our lives as individuals and in the life of our church would be resolved if we loved
our Lord more truly and more deeply.

I Want Us To Look A Little Closer At The Story In John 12:1-8.

I. FIRST: WE SEE A GUEST IN THE HOME. JOHN 12:1-3.

Jesus has traveled to Bethany to spend some time in the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. His
disciples are with him and their hosts are entertaining them.

Jesus was held in high honor in this home in Bethany.

A. WE SEE MARTHA SERVING. John 12:2.

There they made Him a supper; and Martha served.

Martha was in her element. She served. She was in charge.

No doubt she had been up the night before, getting things ready so at earliest dawn she could fire up the
oven and begin to cook the food she would serve her guests.

Martha got out her very best recipes; prepared the food and brought it to her guests and they enjoyed
every dish of food.

This was Marthas way of worshiping her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Martha Served.
1. Her service was motivated by loving gratitude to Jesus
2. Her service was motivated by a desire to generously honor Jesus in the best way she knew how.

Have you ever considered the many ways you can worship Jesus?
1. Cooking a meal and sharing with others can be worship
2. Fixing a bicycle can be worship as you help others
3. Taking a test in school and doing your best can be worship
4. You can worship Jesus as you go through your daily routine
5. Cooking the meal on Wednesday at church and helping clean up afterwards can be an act of
worship.
6. Your attitude is the defining factor.

ONE MOTHER HAD A SIGN HANING OVER HER KITCHEN SINK THAT SAID, DIVINE SERVICE
HELD HERE 3 TIMES A DAY.

Martha Served.

B. WE SEE LAZARUS SITTING.

Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him (Jesus). Vs. 2.

1. What did they talk about as they enjoyed good food and fellowship?

2. Maybe they talked about what Lazarus saw during the time he was dead and in the tomb.
3. Lazarus may have said something like this: You should have seen how big Simon Peters eyes
were when I came out of the tomb after Jesus raised me back to life.

John may have mentioned Lazarus to prove to one and all that he was not a ghost or a spirit but that he
was alive and well with a real body of flesh and bones and all the wants and conditions of a body.

C. WE SEE MARY SHARING.

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped
his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. (vs. 3).

1. Mary Brought Into The Room A Flask Of Perfume.

2. We Could Easily Say Mary Brought Her Flowers To Jesus Before His Funeral.

3. The Perfume Was A Special Oil Extracted From The Root Of A Plant Found In Egypt.

4. Mary Took The Bottle Containing The Perfume, Broke The Long Neck On The Bottle And Poured
The Perfume On The Feet Of Jesus.

5. We See Loves Extravagance As Mary Share The Most Precious Thing She Had. She poured out all
of the perfume on the feet of Jesus because she loved Him with all her heart.

6. Bible Students Tell Us The Value Of The Perfume Mary Put On Jesus Feet Was Equivalent To One
Years Wages. The Cost Of The Perfume Would Be What A Man Made In A Whole Year.

7. Love Gives All And Only Regrets There Is No More To Give.

8. We See Loves Humility. To Anoint A Persons Head Was An Honor; But To Anoint A Persons Feet
Was An Act Of Humility.

9. Marys Hair Would Have Been Bound Up. Now She Lets Her Hair Down And Wipes The Feet Of
Jesus. In Those Days No Respectable Woman Would Appear In Public With Her Hair Down.

10. Mary Is Not Concerned About Public Opinion; She Is Only Concerned About Honoring and
Worshiping Her Saviour.

11. Mary Lived In A World Of Her Own. Mary Loved Jesus So Much that It Was Nothing To Her What
Others Thought About Her.
JOHN MAKES A SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT IN VS. 3: THE HOUSE WAS FILLED WITH THE ODOR
OF THE PERFUME THE OINTMENT.

A Christian Should Change Things As He Travels Through Life.

The presence of a Christian should change the atmosphere of any place at any time.

G. Campbell Morgan said, I would rather be a successor to Mary of Bethany than to the whole crowd of
the apostles.

II. NEXT: WE SEE THE GALL OF HYPOCRISY. JOHN 12:4-6.

These Are The First Recorded Words Of Judas In The Bible.

A. JUDAS IS A TRICKSTER.

Martha represents work.

Mary represents worship.
Lazarus represents witness.
Judas represents wickedness.

Judas was a greedy person. It is amazing how benevolent a greedy person can become when they see
money used for a cause they did not approve.

B. JUDAS IS A THIEF.

John said Judas didnt care about the poor. He wanted more money to go into the bag he carried so he
could take more money out of the bag and spend it on what he wanted.

C. JUDAS IS A TRAITOR.

Judas only had eyes for the almighty buck.

He never took time to smell the roses.
He was the type who would sell em but never smell em.

Judas Had An Unsaved Heart.

Judas will soon betray our Lord, wreck his life for a few pieces of silver, commit suicide and go to hell.
Judas: had a stilted soul, a barren spirit, a critical tongue and an unconverted life.

When Judas kisses Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, He kisses the door to heaven and later walks
through the door into hell fire.

III. LAST: WE SEE THE GAIN OF HONOR. JOHN 12:7-8.

A. THE LORDS DEFENSE. JOHN 12:7.

Jesus said, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

Some who heard Judas may have thought: Hes right. What a waste.

Jesus nipped that in the bud. He put things in their proper order quickly.

The morality of an action depends upon the motive from which it springs.

B. THE LORDS DEPARTURE. JOHN 12:8.

Jesus said, For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Jesus Said: I am only one week away from my death on the Cross.

Mary has seized her opportunity to do something for me and she has done a very good job.

Jesus said, You will have opportunities to help the poor when I am gone back to Heaven.

C. THE LORDS DECLARATION. JOHN 12:8.

Jesus Said: Seize The Opportunities You Have As They Come Into Your Life.

C. S. Lewis Said: Our Future Is What We Are Rushing Into At A Rate Of 60 Minutes An Hour.

Hell Will Be Floored With Good Intentions And Roofed With Lost Opportunities.

THERE ARE 3 THINGS WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE READY TO DO AS CHRISTIANS:

1. EXPRESS OUR LOVE

2. SHARE OUR LORD

3. YIELD OURLIVES TO JESUS.

SIX VITAL PREREQUISITES TO REVIVAL

2 Chronicles 7:14

I. FIRST: THE IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE.

(IN SERVICE).
If my people, which are called by my name.

It goes without saying that the people who must meet Gods condition for revival are Gods people.

The only people who can pray In His Name are those who are called by His Name.

The getting ready is not merely oen of a well-oiled machine or elaborate plans or gimmicks.

It is in the readiness of people.

Gods People.

II. SECOND: THE IMPORTANCE OF PROSTRATION (IN SUBMISSION).

Shall humble themselves.

Humility is vital if God is going to get the full glory that He deserves.

He will not share His glory with others.

We must get out of the way and let Him work as He is pleased to work.

We can onLy do this when we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord (James 4:10).

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God (I Peter 5:6).

Seventy-five percent of all church trouble comes from insidious pride.

Pride always precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

III. THIRD: THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER.

(IN SUPPLICATION).

And Pray.

Perhaps the single most important element in revival is prayer.

No great revival has ever taken place that was not born in prayer.

Every great revival began with a burdened group of individuals who poured out their hearts before the
throne of grace.

Sometimes the group was small in the beginning, but God honored the faith of the few and made heaven
come down.

We must pray, and pray, and pray, and pray.

Then, we should pray.

IV. FOURTH: THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS PRESENCE

(IN SEEKING).

And seek my face.

To lay hold on the Lord in heavenly presence is to have Him lay hold on us in earthly power.

To seek His face and then in Heavens Throne room to see the world as the Lord sees it, with a burning
passion, and with a holy zeal is a vital secret for revival.

V. FIFTH: THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTING.

(FROM SIN).

And turn from their wicked ways.

What is important here is that if we are prostrate, prayerful, conscious of His presence, we are sure to
turn from any known sin in our lives and forsake it.

It is not turning from sin to God, but as Paul presented it to the church of the Thessalonians, it is turning
to God from idols (I Thessalonians 1:9).

To be occupied with Him is to turn from sin.

To be occupied with Him is to turn from sin.

In order to have revival it is vital in the light of His presence and in the throne room of prayer to confess
any known sin to the Lord and get right.

He will only work through vessels unto honor.

VI. SIXTH: THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS PROMISE.

(THATS SURE).

Then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

May the Lord speak to our hearts that we meet these vital prerequisites for revival.

Source:
Dr. Charles U. Wagner
Temple Tidings
April 1, 1976.