FOR GOD SO LOVED

 Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

1. Today we are looking at the most well known portion of scripture in the Bible.  The background is that Nicodemus a well connected leader came to Jesus by night to learn truths that would set him and the religious world on their ear.  They would learn that good works, tradition, law and manmade ideas were irrelevant to God.  

2. Jesus told Nicodemus here that like the serpent in the wilderness so the Son of man must be lifted up.  Now this encounter was in the first year of Jesus’ ministry.  So Jesus is revealing the method here of his death which would be crucifixion.  Then Jesus reveals that whoever believes the word here has two meaning believe on Him as the object of believe and believe in Him which means you put your trust in Him.  You put your past, present future in His hands.  This is an act of saving faith.  You believe, trust, embrace and receive Him.  You believe that only through Jesus Christ you can have eternal life.   You reject all other ways.  You are no longer a universalist but put your whole life in the hands of Jesus Christ.  You believe he is the bridge between you and God.  You accept that Jesus is the way, truth and life and that no one comes to the father but by Him.

3. John 3:16, For God so loved the world.  God is love.  It is His character, nature and essence.  He is the beginning and end of love.  Jesus is saying, “God proved he loved the world by giving his Son.”  Jesus is the proof of love.  God gave His best.  He knew we could not save ourselves.  Our best effort still falls short.  God’s agape no strings attached love was proven by Jesus Christ.  Important truth Jesus is the only Son of God.  There has never been and never will be anyone who can claim this title.  Jesus also proved it by His resurrection.  

4. Jesus then says everyone.  This is the universality of the call.  It is also the free choice of the call.  Race, creed, color, social standing, riches or poverty has no bearing.  It is whoever and wherever and everyone.  I love this.  No matter what people may say.  This is a everyone message.

5. Who believe the Greek word is pistis which means salvation and regeneration comes by faith.  Your heart is literally made new.  A heart of stone becomes a heart of flesh.  It is a spiritual heart transplant.  A scholar wrote,  “True faith contains a number of components: acceptance, embracing something (someone) as truth, union with God and his Word, and an inner confidence that God alone is enough. “ 

6. You believe in Jesus Christ.  You do not perish, go to eternal damnation, separation or to hell.  You do not perish.  You have eternal life.  You pass from death to life.  You go into heaven.  You are with the Lord forever.  We all have a beginning but no end and where we spend that is up to us.  The ticket to heaven is Jesus Christ.  There are two trains in eternity.  You can determine which ticket you get and what train you take by the choice you make to believe in Jesus or not.  The writer of Hebrews says you have one life and then you face judgment.   Quoting Mike Warnke, He said. “that if you end up in hell that is because you paddle your own canoe.”

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

1. Jesus says God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world.  God does not want to judge, or pronounce sentence on mankind.  Condemn is a legal term.  It is justice.  It means to bring a form of punishment for crimes committed.  Remember God is complex.  He has a justice, righteous and holy nature.  He also is love, mercy and grace.  Jesus was the balance between the both.  Jesus is salvation and redemption.  Jesus bought us back with His broken body, shed blood, death burial and resurrection.  Through Christ we have had our freedom paid.  The sentence was pronounced on Him.  He became our substitute.  Talk about the judge and his son.

2. Now here are two truths.  Those who believe put their faith and trust in Jesus are not condemned.  They have escaped, been freed by another.  The payment has made.  So belief  or faith is the release.   Those who do not believe are condemned already.  They have been marked, judged and sentenced already.  The simple truth when you hear the gospel or truth immediately you become accountable to the truth.  Whatever form it comes.  This is why I do constant evangelism.  I do not want any to perish or be condemned.  

3. Now the reason is because they did not and would not believe in the name of the only Son of God.  Jesus is the only Son of God.  He is the only Messiah.  There is no other name given under heaven in which people can be saved.  There are multitudes of reason why people do not believe but with this choice come eternal consequences.  This is an act of the will.  They heard, they reasoned and they refused.  It was a choice and it brought their an eternal consequence.  

4. Jesus said judgment came because light has come into the world.  Jesus called Himself a light.  Now Jesus exposes why people hate light.  First they deeds are evil.  Their thoughts, words, motives, attitudes and deeds are evil.  It comes from having an evil heart.  It comes from  in alliance with the prince of evil. You only have two Kingdoms in this world.  God’s or satan’s .  Those who do not know Christ live in satan’s kingdom.  It’s MO is rob, kill and destroy.  Man heart and nature is sinful.  We inherited from Adam and only Christ can save us and only the Holy Spirit can change it.  Secondly those who love darkness and hate light is because they do not want their deeds sot be exposed by the light.  Light reveals truth of things.  Exposure demands change, consequences and humiliation.  The irony is we know we are doing wrong but we do not want to or cannot change.  The first step to change is admitting we have a problem.  The second is doing what is necessary to change it and be free.  Jesus brings that freedom.  Jesus brings to light why people won’t or will not change.  They see others as the problem not themselves.  So sad.

5. Jesus says those who come and accept the light.  It becomes clear that their deeds are done or directed by God.  We show our faith by what we do.  People of the light have consistent, faithful, moment by moment fruit.  Jesus said by their fruits you will know them.  The evidence is in the walk.  Gary Paxton said, “If you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convicted you.”  I pray that there would be.  

QUOTES FOR AUG 14, 2026

 

FOLLOW ME

 

John 1:43-51, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

 

1.      This is such a great story.  It has so many practical things that we are going to look at today.  We find Jesus in the community of Capernaum which was home to Andrew and Peter.  Jesus was in this town because of a divine appointment.  When you are following the will of God everything is a divine opportunity and appointment.  You know things that don’t just happen there is a reason.  Jesus was doing the will of His Father.   That is a theme I will mention times this next year. It is WWJD.

 

2.      Jesus walks up to Philip and says follow me.  I love these disciples.  They left to follow Jesus without hesitation.  This must be how our lives must be patterned.  We must be like the centurion when he was told to go he went and stay, he stayed.  The life of a Christian has been equated to the soldier who obeys his commander.  The athlete who discipline themselves and refuses to leave their strict training.  Church remember we are at war.  Our enemy has an agenda to rob, kill and destroy.  He will show no mercy, grace or love.  He does not care about you or your family.  He is relentless, ruthless, and never gives up.  He will destroy everything you love.  We have the weapons, armor, authority and power to defeat him.  Remember we are overcomers, victor and conquerors.  If the devil reminds you about your past remind him about his future.  Philip is an example for us to follow.  Our obedience should be immediate.  Andrew Murray says we are in the School of obedience.  Only when we follow our commander will we live a life of victory.  The Lord sees all and will help us see the traps and snares of the enemy.  Remember he is a roaring lion seeking who he may devour.  This is life and death church.

3.      Philip then goes and finds his friend Nathanael.  This is the pattern of the disciples they went to and family and friend.  We have only two things to do as Christians.  We are to go tell others and love.  Simple, direct and concise.  Philip tells his friend that they had found the one whom Moses and the prophets wrote.  They of course were Andrew, Peter and himself.  Philip knew something about the teachings of the Jews.  This was done by going to the house of the Lord.  We see this was a pattern of the Jesus, the disciples and the early church and it should be our pattern as well.  There are 300 Old Testament promises and prophecies about Jesus.   Philip had a divine encounter.  This was a work of the Spirit.  No one can come unless the Holy Spirit draws them.  Our job like Philip is to tell and let the Holy Spirit do the rest of the work.  Talk about the time I decided to do the work of the Holy Spirit with Corrie Velting.  Moses in the law and the prophets talked about Jesus.  Philip then states that the one who fulfills this is Jesus Christ.  Philip had found the Messiah and He wanted everyone to know it. 

4.      So Philip then introduces Nathanael to the name of the Messiah.  He is Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.  In Jewish protocol you were always introduced by your name, your family and where you are from.  This is a glimpse of the customs of the day.  Now this is interesting.  Nathanael said, “Can anything good come from Nazareth.”  Nazareth had a stigma as a backwater place.  It was a small community less than 500.  Not close to any major city.  Jesus would have been considered a small town bumpkin and hillbilly.  No claim to fame here.  He said it sarcastically.  Philip just ignored what his friend said and invited him.  We have to do the same.  Often our invitations are ignored, maligned, mocked, scorned and even attacked.  Just be like Philip, invite and leave the results to God.  Remember when we give the invitation in whatever form it is not us to defend it.  The only thing we are to do is give it.  Here is a reality of an invitation.  Someone hears and they become responsible for it.  The day they receive it they now know and cannot say they were ignorant.  I have given more than of two hundred invitations over my life time.  Were they all accepted?  No, but I gave and whatever happens after that is up to God not me.

 

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

 

1.      So Nathanael and Philip walked towards Jesus.  Jesus sees Nathanael and says, “Truly here is a man who has no deceit.”  Notice the difference between Jesus and Nathanael.  Nathanael spoke from his prejudice Jesus spoke from His love.  Jesus will always respond to a sincere seeker with love, grace, mercy and kindness.  Jesus saw that Nathanael was a truthful man, an innocent man, those who are free of guile are pure and upstanding.  They do everything with no hidden agenda.  They just wanted truth, no nonsense, clarity and honesty.  They like to keep it simple.  They prefer straight to the point.  They are black and white people. 

 

5.      Nathanael asks Jesus, “How do you know me?”  How did Jesus read him so quickly?  Quick lesson you may be able to fool others but never God.  He is all knowing.  Nothing is hid from God.  This is exciting because God know how to use you.  What talents, skills and knowledge you have.  How you can be best utilized.  That is so amazing.  Jesus knew how to fit Nathanael into his future Kingdom. 

6.      Jesus told Nathanael he saw him under a fig tree before Philip called you.  He gave location and setting to Nathanael.  This impacted Nathanael right away.  This convinced him that Jesus was who Philip said.  This was information only God knew. 

7.      Nathanael reveals three things about Jesus.  He is a rabbi, a teacher and spiritual leader which he was going to follow.  He was saying Jesus I want to be your student and disciple.  I want to learn from you to become like you.  You are my role model, mentor and guide.  Next, you are the Son of God.  You are God with a face, the incarnation and embodiment of God.  You are the Messiah, the awaited one, the Savior.  I accept you for who you are.  Lastly, you are the King of Israel.  You are the King and I swear loyalty to you.  “You are the Messiah. You are the long-expected Jewish ruler that will bring deliverance for Israel and establish God’s rule over the nations.”  This was an exciting moment for these young men.  They were becoming something bigger than themselves.  Everyone dreams of something great, significant and impactful.  This was happening to these young men. 

 

Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

 

1.       Jesus then questions Nathanael.  “Do you believe because I saw you under a fig tree?”  Jesus was telling him that his belief was in what he saw.  Jesus was stating that this was the first step of faith.  That is all God is looking for.  Simply believe.  One step at a time like the old song says.  Abraham was told to go to Canaan and he did.  Faith and trust is the first step.  Jesus then said, Nathanael you are going to see greater things.  This is just the beginning.  You haven’t seen anything yet.  You are going to see, experience and know supernatural divine things.  Things never seen before.  God is about to manifest in your presence.  You are seeing the Father and me.

2.      You are going to see the heavens open.   Divine, supernatural, and miraculous things.  Things that men have dreamed about.  All the beauty, holiness, power might and dominion of heaven. 

3.      You will see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of men.  This was going to be his experience.  What a great promise.  Nathanael would see this and more.  Jesus called Himself the Son of Man.  Jesus is referring to His humanity.  I am a God in human form.    It also means God's messiah destined to preside over the final judgment of humankind.  Jesus was saying I am a human being that you will see angels working with. 

 

Conclusion

 

1.      So enough talking what lessons can we learn?  God wants us to follow Him immediately.  Faith, trust and obedience.

2.      Tell others.  Don’t also be surprised when they don’t get excited about what you have.  You are called to go and love.  You are responsible for the invitation not their reaction. 

3.      Like Nathanael let’s be pure, straight forward, honest, truthful, pure and undefiled.  Keep it simple.  Jesus is who He said He was.  He is the only way, truth and life. 

4.      We are at war and we must win on behalf of ourselves and others.  We have the weapons, the armor and the power to defeat the enemy.

5.      Be open to the supernatural, divine and miraculous and you will see and experience them. 

FISHERS OF MEN

 

Mark 1:14-20, After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 

 

     This passage of scripture is so relatable to what is happening today.  Let me recap the times in which we live in.  Since November 2019 we have had Covid 19, 97 million have been infected, 2 million deaths.

In the US 25 million, 405,000,Canada 750K, 20K.  280 Trillion dollars, Canada 1.2 trillion. We have had 5 months of lockdown, erosion of personal liberties and freedoms.  Churches cannot meet in most countries, states and provinces.  There has been a rise of evil in social, cultural and economic realm and a loss of freedom of speech, political correctness and immoral behavior by all aspects of society.  That which is wrong has become right and that which is right has become wrong.  In the church we see apathy, procrastination, lethargy and apostasy.  Young people are leaving the churches in droves.   Pastors and churches are embracing lifestyle choices that the bible clearly states is wrong by the thousands.  Now this message is not commentary of social change it is about how we need the message that Jesus brought in His day and how it is so important for today.

 

1.       Mark tells us that after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee.  Galilee was His main based of operations.  He did travel three times to Jerusalem for the Passover.  That is how we know Jesus had a three year ministry.  Yet he spent the majority of His time in Galilee.  Jesus proclaimed the good news of God.  There are four things in the first moments of this message that we will look at today that is the core of Jesus message and why it is God news.

 

a.      The time is fulfilled.  The Messiah had now appeared.  He was standing and working in their midst.  They now had a full picture of who God is and what He is really like.  Jesus said, if you see the Father you see me and if you see me you see the Father.”  Everything Jesus, taught and lived was who God was.  There was no more waiting for the Messiah.  Jesus would fulfill all of the 300 promises of the Old Testament.  In the same way the time of the second coming is upon us.  Most if not all of the signs given in Matt 24, and other scriptures are being fulfilled right now.  Never in my decades of life and serving the Lord do, I feel  say an urgency to tell others about Christ as I do now.   One phrase that dominates my prayer life is this, “We are out of time.”  Is your oil lamp full, have you trimmed your oil lamp wick?”  The Bridegroom is on the way.  This time period is about to close.  Our world is being and has been prepared for the coming of the antichrist.  We have tracing apps, GPS technology, new reality slogans, world reset slogans, one world government education.  In Canada we are basically a cashless society 95% of Canadians use debit cards.  There is chip technology.  People are now spying and reporting their neighbors.  Traditional policing has changed.  The Bible taught us this and now we are there.  Hold on church the time is fulfilled.  Any moment Jesus can come back and most are not ready.

b.      The Kingdom of heaven has come near.  We know the Kingdom of God has been fulfilled because we have in our hearts the righteousness, peace and joy it brings.  The Kingdom of heaven is the fulfillment of God’s realm on earth is near.  We are moments away from the tribulation and after that, 7 years away from the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth.  It is near church.  Jesus was proclaiming it then and this message has a relevance for us now.  Right now the Holy Spirit is moving people to pray, to preach and the live holy lives.  Listen to this 70% of all new believers in Iran are under 30, in Asia alone 50,000 people are coming to Christ every day.   In China there are 260 million Christians.  It is growing by about 30K a day.  I know that God is right now getting ready to bring a revival to Canada and many will miss it because we are not ready.  Get ready, think, talk and live ready.  I will say it again, there is no more time.  The Spirit and the bride says, come just like they did in Revelation 22.

c.      Jesus then said repent.  The clergy, church leaders and church need to repent.  The disenfranchised, back slider and the lost.  2 Chron 7:14, is so applicable right now.  Repentance means to feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.  To change your mind.  Do a 180.  John told the people to live in such a way that people will know you are righteous.   Godly sorrow is being truly sorry for what you did.  Worldly sorrow is being sorry that you got caught and many in the church are expressing this more than godly sorrow.  Jesus was not just saying this He was and is expecting it.  The day of two face Christianity is over.  Be a Christian or stop pretending.  Jesus is looking for a church without spot or wrinkle.  Brides wear white not off white or shades of grey.  James says show your faith by what you do.  Walk the walk.

d.      Jesus said, believe the good news.  Trust the Lord, walk in faith, be an overcomer, victor and conqueror, live an eternal and abundant life.  Receive and live in all the benefits of heaven.  Live in health and prosperity even as your soul prospers.  You have armor, weapons and power over the enemy.  Our enemy has been defeated.  You have prayer, the word and the Holy Spirit.  You have victory in the blood the word and the name of Jesus.  All the benefits and help from heaven is yours just ask.  This is good news.  You are going to heaven, death, hell and the grave have been defeated.  This is fantastic, wonderful, tremendous, awesome good news.

 

  As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

 

2.      So Jesus is passing along the Sea of Galilee which is really just a lake but he saw Simon and Andrew his brother.  They were casting their nets into the sea.  They were fishermen.  Not the top profession but men who were special because they followed him as soon as he gave the invitation.  Jesus used a familiar phrase for them.  I will make you fish for people.  Their job was to catch the people.  It is God’s job to clean and prepare them.  We tell others.  God will do the rest.  Our part is to go and love.  His part will make them whole and complete.  If you are mechanic, Jesus says you bring the car and I will fix them.  As a plumber you bring the pipes and I will put it together.  The Lord takes our skills and uses us.  There are three parts to you testimony.  Tell what you were like before you got saved, how you got saved and what the Lord is doing for you now.  Simple, succinct and precise.  Peter would say later, “Silver and gold have I none but such as I have give I thee, rise up and walk in Jesus name.” 

3.      He did the same with James and John when they were mending their nets.  Immediately he called them and they left their father Zebedee in the boats with the hired men and followed Him.  In both cases both sets of brother left immediately.  No hesitation, just go.  Jesus said we have to be willing to leave family, houses and land for Him. 

 

4.      There are the characteristics of a disciple

 

a.      DISCIPLES UNDERSTAND THEIR NEED FOR A SAVIOR.

b.      DISCIPLES KNOW THE GOD OF THE BIBLE.

c.      DISCIPLES RECOGNIZE THAT THEY ARE MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE.

d.      DISCIPLES SERVE OUT OF LOVE.

e.      DISCIPLES SHARE THEIR FAITH STORY.  We are call to go and love.

f.       DISCIPLES WORSHIP REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCE.

g.      DISCIPLES DEFEND THEIR FAITH.

FOR UNTO US

 

Isaiah 9:6

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

     This is such a wonderful scripture for us to look at today.  Isaiah 700 years before Jesus was born gives us a description of his reign, rule and role.  We have so much to cover this morning so we will get started right away.

 

1.       Isaiah says for unto us a child is born.  Jesus came for all mankind.  His coming was both individually and universal.  He came for you and me and also for all mankind because we could not save ourselves.  The sooner we come to grip with that the sooner we will do something about it.  Until you see a need for a savior you will never get saved.  The tragedy is so many will never come to that knowledge.  He came to give you eternal and abundant life.  He came to bring healing, deliverance, salvation, restoration, forgiveness, anointing, empowerment, victory and freedom.  I love that part of Braveheart at the end where he cries freedom.  That is what Jesus did for us.

2.      For unto us a son is given.  Jesus was God.  He was the son, a second part of the trinity.  He was the firstborn of all creation.  He was the son who gave His life.  Allowed His body to be broken and his blood to be shed.  He died, buried and rose again so we could become like Him.  We are now called the Sons of God because of what He has done.  He was given to us, individually and universally.  Jesus is the door to eternity, the source of eternal life and giver of life.

3.      The government will be upon His shoulders.  The current ruler ship in your heart.  He must reign and rule in your heart.  He is your king.  He must be Savior and Lord.  His reign and rule must be in your home to have it complete.  The government, authority and power of the church His on His shoulders.  Jesus is the head of the church not someone in Rome.  One day He will rule both on earth and in the new heaven and earth.  The first two have already been realized the third is yet to come.  The exciting part is that you and I will reign and ruler with Him.  That is our present and future.

4.      And He shall be called.  The following are the names and roles He plays in our lives, our family, homes, churches and the church at large.  He is called wonderful counselor, in some translations there are separated but in the Hebrew text they are not.  Now Jesus is more than a good psychologist.  This is such a limited scope of who Christ is.  He knows all and sees all.  He sees what is in your heart.  He knows how to speak to you.  He uses the word of God which is the discerner of the thought intents of the heart.  The Holy Spirit is our counselor He leads us into all truth.  I want to stop for a moment and remind you that we believe in Trinity which means that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all have these qualities.  He wants to guide, lead, teach, direct and help you into all the truth.  He will take what He hears and give it to you.  You will never be alone.   You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  You have someone who will always lead you in the right path if you let Him.

5.      I want to give you our belief in the trinity.  That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;   Neither confounding the Persons; nor dividing the Essence. For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal. As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinites, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity; to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; So are we forbidden to say, There are three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none; neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created; but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten; but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before, or after another; none is greater, or less than another. But the whole three Persons are coeternal, and coequal. So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, let him thus think of the Trinity.

6.      Mighty God.  Jesus is God, He is the perfect union of God and man He was God with face.  Like we said that week Jesus lived and was tempted like us in every way yet without sin.  He was the complete union of the natural and the super-national.  He was 100%, God and man.  Jesus is God and man.  That is who He is.  Jesus is Word, the word who dwelt among with grace and truth.  The writer of Hebrew says, Jesus is the creator and sustainer of all things.  He is the force that keeps the atom from blowing apart. 

7.      He is the everlasting Father.  He is connected with the Father.  This word means the reign and rule of Christ on the earth and in the hearts of His people.  This is the temporal and eternal reign of Christ.  Jesus’ reign as the second person of the Godhead was before the creation of the universe and will continue for eternity.  He is creator sustainer of life as mentioned before.  He is the order and guide for creation.  He rules His people with love and care.  Nothing has been able or will ever overthrow or exterminate this King.  He is the ageless one who rules and reigns forevermore.  Like Handel’s messiah.  He shall reign forever and ever.  King of Kings and Lord of Lords.   

8.      He is the Prince of Peace.  Jesus is the giver of true peace.  Peace the world cannot give or take away.  His peace with eliminate inner conflict, war and strife.  Jesus gave us a right relationship with God.  The gap between man and God was bridge by Jesus Christ.  He is the bridge of peace.  He is the universal peacemaker.  He brought us into right relationship with ourselves and in turn we can be right with all men and actually become peacemakers.  He brought the three following things in your life.

 

a.      Restore every broken relationship.  This is done by forgiveness, having right attitude, refusing taking offence, living dead to sin and trespass.  That no matter what others to do you, you will not do the same to them.  You will love accept and forgive.

b.      Provides a well ordered and balanced life.  This means surrendering our anxieties, fears, doubts, and frustrations to Jesus that we may experience His perfect peace in our hearts.  Choosing to allow our minds to be renewed.  Keeping our thought life in line.  Thinking on pure, holy, just, true, honest, virtuous and praise worthy thoughts.

c.      Living in the assurance of salvation.  You have been set free.  Live a life worthy of Him.  Make a decision moment by moment to live for Him.  Live in the light of eternity.  Know at any second He could come back.  This brings peace.  You are saved so live like it.  Close with Pastor who woke each morning and night in anticipation of Christ’s return.  

QUOTES FOR AUG 12, 2026

 

RIGHT THINKING

 

Robert Dean Steel

Cornerstone Community Church

 

     Life can be both wonderful or damaging.  It can take you to the very best things or lay you low in the deepest sorrows.  So today I thought I would give you some simple principles to help you live the best life God intended.  Your thoughts are like boomerangs. What you pass along to others is what will come back to you.  You are more defined by what comes out of your mouth than what goes in it. The way you speak and the things you say can have such an impact so speak, love, grace, encouragement and blessing.  The journey of your success will always begin with the small step of taking a risk, in relationships, and in life, it all begins with a small step grounded in a desire to be better and do to God’s will.  Your education is never complete. Determine to live fully and continually learn. Prepare for what life has to teach by being open to the lessons in everything you do and experience and trust the Lord for guidance.  You have the promise from James 1:5, that if you lack wisdom God promises to give it liberally.

     Here are some more principles.  Don't allow the voice of your fears to be louder than the other voice of God in your head.  Make sure God’s voice of reason, belief, of confidence are all strong enough to drown out fear and remember the promise of 2 Tim 1:7, that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind.   A good reputation is more valuable than money. Your reputation is built on the foundation of your character; it entails the words you speak and the actions you take. Take care of your character above all other things and your reputation will take care of itself.

You never really lose until you stop trying. The words I can't never accomplish anything. I'll try, on the other hand, can perform wonders. Until you try you don't know what you can do.  Remember God is with you no matter where you go and what you try.  You get more by giving more. Success doesn't result from how much you get but from how much you give. If you want an abundant life, give as much as you can.  Let God rule your mind or it will rule you.  Paul tells us Rom 12:2, that when we submit our thought life to God we will know the perfect and acceptable will of God.  The choice is yours to make every day.  Great heroes are truly humble. Most of us underrate the importance of humility. It's an important skill because it keeps you teachable, regardless of how much you already know.

     Here are some final principles for winning in life.  Defeat isn't bitter if you're smart enough not to swallow it. At one time or another we will all experience failure. In fact, the more we are willing to risk, the more we will fail. The trick is to think of failure not as the end but as part of the process.  God has promised in Daniel 11:32, that those who know their God will be strong and do exploits.  Forgiveness benefits two people--the giver and receiver. The bravest and the smartest thing you can do in a bad situation is to forgive and move on. Don't allow grudges and grievances to add to the weight you carry on the road of life.  Forgiveness is a therapy.  It releases you to move forward.  God forgives us and we in turn must forgive others. Forgiveness is freedom.  Lastly, be grateful every day, there is a song that says, Give thanks with a grateful heart.  Practice turning your thoughts toward appreciation and thanksgiving, because that is where you will find, strength, power and an appreciation for what God has done.