Are you in, out or not far from the kingdom of God?

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM MONDAY 7 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

MARK 12 VERSES 28 TO 34

Everyone wants to be in heaven. It is the hope the Christian has. That one day we will spend eternity with Christ. There are many great hymns about heaven, the kingdom of God. 

Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

There's a land that is fairer than day
And by faith we can see it afar
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there

In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus
Sing His mercy and His grace
In the mansions bright and blessed 
He'll prepare for us a place.

Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face—what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?

In our chapter we have read of a man who was not far from heaven, not far from the kingdom of God. Are you ready? Maybe you would say "I am not far, almost going to make it." There are 3 groups of people and their positions, where they stood in relation to the kingdom of God.

Firstly, there are individuals who are in the kingdom of God. The vast majority of people tonight have a testimony of saving grace. They could tell how they met the Lord as Saviour, experienced the miracle of new birth. Salvation is a miracle. I am not ashamed of the gospel, not ashamed to tell others in my work place, family and community. "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." You have accepted the gift of the Lord, you serve the Lord, you have repented of your sins. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." The true Christian is different from the world. They don't go to the dens of the world. They act different, talk differently. They have come in repentance, turning from living the old life and turned to Christ. Our sins are forgiven. We are adopted into God's family. To know Christ as Saviour, to talk to him, worship him, to love him and live for him every day. 

O what a wonderful, wonderful
day, day I will never forget;
After I'd wandered in darkness
away, Jesus my Savior I met.
O what a tender, compassionate
friend, He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, with
joy I am telling, He made
all the darkness depart.

Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul,
When at the cross the Savior
made me whole;
My sins were washed away and
my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory
filled my soul!

The Christian has a joy, a peace that passeth all understanding. Many throughout the world are Christians. "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The most unlikely people are in the kingdom of God. Think of Paul's conversion. He persecuted Christians, was out to destroy the early church. In Acts 9 he met the Saviour and everything changed for him. He said "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain." That was his motto for life. Think of the woman at the well, the dying thief, the woman caught in adultery - they all met Jesus and were all changed. We have met Jesus and he has done something in our lives. There will be people from every background, tribe and tongue worshipping God in heaven one day - will you be there? Maybe there is someone who is praying for you. They want to see you in the kingdom of God, to get right with God. The true Christian wants to see you into the kingdom of God. They see lost souls perishing and they want to go after them and ask them "is it well with your soul?" Have you compassion for the souls of men and women? People have known days of pain, sorrow, loneliness, despair. They have had trials and temptations. Maybe you are going through something that no-one else knows about. It will all be over when we get to heaven. Annie Johnston Flint was a schoolteacher and had to give it up when she ended up in a wheelchair. She wrote these wonderful words

And in the wondrous city there shall be no more night;
Forever and forever the Lamb shall be its light;
And oh, the joy of knowing, as the Lord's redeemed can know,
While through the dark and dangers of the earthly life they go,
There shall be no more trouble; there shall be no more wrong
There shall be no more sighing, stilling the glory-song;
There shall be no more sorrow, for God shall dry all tears;
There shall be no more sinning, through the eternal years!

I often go into nursing homes and talk to elderly saints who are no longer able to get out to places of worship. As you read with them, pray and talk of blessing through the years, they will often say "i am ready to go home." They have lived for the Lord and served him. They are ready to meet Christ. The Christian doesn't pass away, he goes home. Absent from the body, present with the Lord.

There are individuals who are outside the kingdom of God. They are not Christians. They are not living for the Lord. They have never accepted the Lord as Saviour. Many don't want to hear about the kingdom of God. If they die in their sins they would be lost for ever. It is terrible to be lost. Out of Christ, without a Saviour. Many enjoy their sin. They live for the world, the flesh. They have no interest in spiritual matters. Many are seeking fame, fortune and are climbing the social ladder. They are thinking of themselves. They never think of God and eternity. Today the places of the world are packed with people. They are on the broad road leading to hell and destruction. It is sad. It breaks your heart. Many today claim to be atheists. They have no time for the bible or Christians. They say it is boring, a nuisance. They are accountable to no-one. They live life as if God doesn't exist. We see it in every magazine, social media, television. They all promote a lifestyle that is against God's word. Could the Lord do a revival again? Could he breathe on us? When you get a touch of revival it is hard to settle for ordinary meetings. God is moving and working. Paul to the church in Corinth in chapter 6 verses 9 to 11 says "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you ..." Deep dyed sinners outside of the kingdom of God. Paul went and preached the gospel of the blood of Jesus Christ, the resurrection from the dead. He uplifted the Saviour and many people outside the kingdom were saved and brought in. Some times the most difficult people to reach are church people. People like Nicodemus. They have never been converted, never born again of the Spirit of God. John Wesley said "I went to America to convert the Indians; but oh who shall save me?" Anyone who is saved and knows the Lord needs to warn people to repent and be converted. The preacher is not here to impress people but to warn them of the wrath to come. W P Nicholson was sitting waiting on his mother to make his breakfast one morning when the Spirit of God came on him. There and then he cried out for mercy.  This could be your last opportunity. "My Spirit shall not always strive with man."  Tonight it could be now or never for you.

There are individuals who are not far from the kingdom of God. There are people who will never come to a gospel mission. But you have come because God has brought you. There is a longing and a desire to get right with God. What brings a person near to the kingdom? Faithful preaching. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God." "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?" In Jesus' day many of the religious leaders were blind to the truth. Many are brought near to the kingdom by godly parents. They saw a difference in their parents from a young age. Death and sickness can bring people near the kingdom of God. A gospel mission can bring a person near the kingdom of God. The Lord comes near night after night. The singers, testifiers, preachers of the word of God. A marriage break-up can bring you near the kingdom of God. Financial crisis or a business collapsing can bring you near. The loss of a child - God works in mysterious ways. A godly partner can bring you near the kingdom of God. You know they love the Lord. It is amazing how the Lord works.

Whatever group you are in tonight I pray you don't miss the kingdom of God. The alternative is hell and the lake of fire for all eternity. It is not just for a few years but all of eternity. Maybe the Lord is speaking to you. You are not far from the kingdom of heaven.

The Greatest Statement Ever Made

 

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

JOHN 14 VERSES 1 TO 6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." verse 6

Powerful words from the Saviour. Life changing, inspirational words. Over the years many have made great statements. Neil Armstrong said "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Martin Luther said "I have a dream". Winston Churchill "Never, never, never give up." Muhammed Ali claimed "I am the greatest". Nothing compares to these words made by the Saviour. It is one of the great "I am" statements. Jesus said "I am the bread of life", "I am the light of the world", "I am the door", "I am the good shepherd", "I am the resurrection and the life, "I am the true vine." When Jesus speaks we must listen. Maybe the Lord is speaking to you already through the choruses and testimony. The bible says "Today if you hear his voice harden not your hearts." The Lord makes it clear he is the only way to heaven. Everyone wants to be in heaven, no-one wants to be lost, in hell for all eternity. The only way to heaven, to the Father is to have your sins forgiven. There are many people with a past. They have done things they would never admit to. Wouldn't it be lovely to live a life knowing we are cleansed and washed in the blood of Christ. 

Jesus is the way and that is the way for the lost. For men and women, boys and girls. They are spiritually lost. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." We are all on a journey, all heading to eternity. We might live 50/60/70 years. You are on the broad road that leads to destruction. There is a narrow way that leads to life, heaven and home. "Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat." Do you want to go to heaven? I am sure you would say "yes". How many are willing to live their lives for Christ? Think of your street, your community, your school, college, university - how many are Christians? Born again of the Spirit of God, converted? Have you ever been lost as a child? It is an awful feeling. To be spiritually lost is an even worse feeling. We read of Jesus "he was moved with compassion". William Booth told his young followers "If I had my choice, I wouldn't send you to school, I'd send you to Hell for five minutes, and you'd come back real soul winners.” There is no second chance. Many people sat in the very pew you sat in for years, heard great preachers from this pulpit but they got up and left this church. They are lost for all eternity. Maybe you made a profession years ago but tonight you are lost. You are outside the family of God, do not attend the prayer times or bible studies. You need to get back to your first love. There are many who say that all religions lead to God, that if you do your best everything will be all right. Jesus says there is no other way - verse 5. Thomas wanted to be in heaven and it is no different for us. He wanted to be sure. A lot of people are not sure if they are saved or not. Are you a Christian? Converted, born again of the Spirit of God? Make sure you know for sure. The story is told of Albert Einstein who lost his ticket on a train one day. The conductor saw him on his hands and knees trying to find the ticket. He came to him and said "it is alright, everyone knows who you are Mr Einstein, don't worry about it." Einstein replied "I know who I am, I just don't know where I am going."  He didn't know the stop he had to get off at. Many are like him. They don't know where they are going. Many end up in hospital with a consultant telling them they have only weeks left to live. They panic, they are on the verge of eternity. Not every one gets time and space. It is so important that you make sure you are ready for eternity. Heaven gives you hope. Death is not the end. We know as Christians that death is not the end. They are going to spend eternity with the Saviour. I know for sure that one day I will see Jesus. But there is no hope for those on their death beds. They have nothing to cling to. It was said of John Wesley's converts that they died well. Revelation 21 verse 4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things have passed away." Maybe you have people who prayed for you. What a reunion it will be one day. Won't it be awful if you were not there? Many have a head knowledge but it has never becomes a heart knowledge. That is the greatest journey in life - from head to heart. People know it in their head but don't have it in their heart.

Jesus is the truth and that is for the learned. There are many educated and learned people today. Think of the most intelligent people ever. There was a recent list of the 5 most intelligent men - first was Johann Goethe, an 18th Century German polymath. Second was Albert Einstein, then Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton and last James Maxwell, a Scottish mathematician and scientist. I wonder - how many of them are Christians. For all their intellect do they know Christ as Saviour?  3 men who lived 200 years apart were Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. How many know what they taught? Yet a little child could come up here and tell us what Jesus taught. Are you in love with Jesus? Is he your Saviour? Was there a change in your life when you accepted him as Saviour? Do you take a stand for him? "No man cometh unto the Father but by me." No matter your background, whether you are rich or poor, what religion you have. It is a big statement and he could say it. He was God manifested in the flesh. He saves us, keeps us. The Spirit of God comes and lives in us when we accept his salvation. He can save you and keep you. He can satisfy you. "The Spirit of Christ beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Does anybody talk to themselves? Remember there is someone inside your body. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. "He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall rush torrents of living water." We all have trials, battles, storms in life. Maybe you are going through difficult times even now. There have been many tragedies over the years. Isn't it good to know that the Lord has been with you. When death comes he will be with us.

Jesus is the life and that is for the longing people. I meet a lot of people who are bored with life. They don't want to get up each day and live. They have nothing to live for. I see people going up and down the street getting a bottle just to get through the day. Life only begins when you accept Jesus as Saviour. Many drink alcohol, take drugs, are involved in all sorts of relationships, are living for the next holiday, a new car. Only Jesus gives true satisfaction. The devil is described as a thief. The devil comes to steal and kill and destroy. "I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly." We have eternal life through Jesus Christ. Little Zacchaeus in Luke 19 - his life changed. Legion was cutting himself, he was in torment and not wanting to live another day. Jesus appeared and changed him. Mary Magdalene had 7 devils inside her. She was a lost cause. One day she was released. At the cross Mary was there watching Jesus die. All the other disciples were hiding for fear of the Jews but she stood by her Lord to the end. What was she thinking? "That man changed me, set me free." The dying thief lived a sinful life. At the last moment he cried for mercy - "remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom today." Jesus replied "today you will be with me in paradise." Do you want a new life? Do you want to go to heaven one day? The Spirit of God is searching hearts right now. This message is for you. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

Come to Jesus by the way of the cross. The national anthem in hell is "I did it my way". Will you live for Jesus? The news will not make the headlines in the Belfast Telegraph or the BBC News but it will be recorded in heaven. Is your name in the Lamb's Book of Life? Will your name be there? If you are saying "no" make sure tonight. Make sure your name is in that book, that is the most important thing of all.

The Unlikely Soul Winner

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2025 - MR JOHN WEIR

JOHN 4 VERSES 4 TO 42

Rodney Gipsy Smith was born on 31 March 1860. He was born in a tent in Epping Forest just outside London. He would become the greatest evangelist ever known. He travelled all over the world preaching the gospel. Many came to faith in Christ as a result of his outreach. The most unlikely soul winner. He had no education. His family made a living out of baskets, tinware and clothes pegs. His mother died of small pox and his father Cornelius ended up in jail for various offences. It was there in jail that he received Christ and Rodney also went on to make a profession of faith as a result of his father's conversion. He heard D L Moody and Ira Sankey and was greatly influenced by John Bunyan. After his conversion he had a great desire to serve the Lord, to be a soul winner. Many have been the same, they met the Saviour and they want others to know about him too. Gipsy Smith taught himself to read and write. He used to practise his preaching to the turnips. They say Billy Graham practised with his cows. He loved to sing hymns and was known as the singing gypsy boy. William Booth heard of him and asked him to join the Salvation Army. Gypsy Smith held many crusades and missions with the Salvation Army as a result. He died at 87 years of age on 4 August 1947. He famously once said "The way to Jesus is not by Cambridge and Oxford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Socrates, Plato, Shakespeare or the poets. It is over an old-fashioned hill called Calvary." He also said, "St. Paul’s cathedral is nothing but a glorified quarry if Christ be out of it, and my old gypsy tent is a cathedral when Christ is in it." Someone once asked him how to start and revival and he said "Find a piece of chalk, and find an empty room. Go into that room and shut the door. Draw a circle on the floor with that chalk, kneel down in that circle, and ask God to start revival right there." We pray that God's people might be stirred up, challenged to reach out in these days. I don't want to have any regrets when I stand before my Saviour and I hope you don't too. If the Lord could use this woman he can use you and me.

Many of the Samaritans believed because of a woman who shared her testimony.

Her past didn't hinder her - verse 18. She had had 5 husbands and the man she was now with was not her husband. She had a past. One relationship after another. Heartache and pain. Disappointment after disappointment. Many of us have deep scars. This woman was known by many in Samaria. Her past didn't hinder her. She was living with a man who was not her husband. People laughed at her. They mocked her. She was probably avoided in the street. It was a lonely life. Sin causes heartache and pain. Sin takes us in a direction we never intended to go. Someone once said it is like throwing a stone into the river - there are many ripples. Many don't want to get up in the morning, the sin of the past is catching up with them. Sin pays out terrible wages. Sydney Murray the evangelist used an illustration of the time he went to Blackpool with his wife Lily. He saw a woman going into the house of mirrors. The woman got trapped, she kept banging her head. Everyone laughed at her. She had paid to get in and couldn't get out. The man who owned the place went in and took her by the hand to lead her out. It is the same as when we were in sin. Jesus said "the man that has been set free is free indeed". The woman was only existing, not living day after day. In verse 27 we see the disciples marvelled that Jesus was talking with her. They were in shock but didn't say anything to the master because they knew he was in control of the situation. Maybe you have past skeletons in the cupboard, you have done things you are ashamed of. The Saviour is here where the 2 or 3 are gathered together in his name. Maybe you want a fresh start, a new life - then get on your knees and ask the Lord to forgive you of your sin. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." It is lovely to know our past sin is forgiven. Where would we be if the Lord hadn't forgiven us? People can bring up our past but if God has forgiven us then we are forgiven. "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." The bible says we are called to be witnesses in these last days. That is why we have a mission - to reach others with the good news. The majority of people converted at a mission are because Christians have brought them to it - 90% of conversions are that way. It is hard for people to walk into a church on their own so it is good to bring a person in with you. Our past is forgiven.

The place she was from didn't hinder her - verses 4 and 5. Sychar was in the region of Samaria. Commentators don't know a lot about Sychar.  The Samaritans built their own temple to Yahweh on Mount Gerizim, but the Jews burned it around 128 B.C. This obviously made relations between the Jews and the Samaritans even worse. Read 2 Kings 17 verses 24 to 33 and you will find out more about Samaria. The Samaritans married into the Gentile nations and this woman knew something about this - verse 20. She was not totally ignorant. Jerusalem is the place where they ought to worship and she knew that the Messiah would come one day - verse 25 "when he is come he will tell us all things." Here she was with the Messiah himself. Verse 9 reminds the Lord of the division between the Jews and Samaritans. Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim - Jesus is the friend of sinners. The Lord welcome everyone no matter their background. We can invite people in from all parts of our community. The Lord taught about the Samaritan man in Luke 10. In Luke 17 we read the story of the 10 lepers, the one who came back was a Samaritan. In Acts 1 verse 8 Jesus told his disciples to go into Samaria. In Acts 8 Philip saw revival in Samaria. No doubt the disciples felt uncomfortable in Samaria as Jews among the Gentiles. They believed there was strength in numbers - that is why in verse 8 they didn't go alone to find food. The gospel makes people uncomfortable and I have felt uncomfortable at times sharing the gospel. I remember once going to Dublin and sharing the gospel on the streets. I met many from Mountjoy prison - they stood on the streets with tears coming down their cheeks when they heard the gospel. The Lord can work anywhere. He can work in unimaginable ways. Remember what Nathaniel asked "can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Samaria had no bible colleges, no churches, no mission conventions yet the Lord walked through this area and many of the Samaritans believed on him because of one woman's testimony. We all have this knowledge, could debate theology and doctrine, we have the best bible commentators and can listen to find preachers but are our lives making an impact? Are you doing anything for the Lord? When you see this woman giving her testimony and there are many believers as a result do we think - is my life making such an impact? We are only here for a short time. Hudson Taylor said "I have but one candle of life to burn and would rather burn it out where people are dying in darkness than in a land that is flooded with light."  We need to burn out for God. Nicky Cruz was brought up in a devil worship home but he met David Wilkerson on the streets of New York. His life was changed and he came to know the gospel. Don't let the place where you come from hinder you from preaching the gospel.

The waterpot didn't hinder her - verses 28 and 29. Soul winners can have hindrances. This was her hindrance. She was determined to travel light and had to leave her water pot behind her. The water pot may have slowed her down. She was wise to leave it behind. The Lord's work requests haste. John Wesley was out of breath chasing after souls. He was part of the Methodist movement - they fasted all day on a Wednesday and a Friday. They held prayer meetings at 4 am. John rode on horse back and went everywhere. If we are winning souls we will not have time to gossip. We will not be able to sit about criticising others. It is good to leave the water pot behind. She was determined to get to Samaria. No doubt the disciples and Jesus would have loved her water pot. They were thirsty. It was valuable to her. Sometimes we need to leave a water pot behind to win a soul for Jesus. It can be a sinful habit that mars our testimony. Maybe you have some sinful habit that is burdening you. Why not ask the Lord to give you victory over it? A certain job takes up all our time. We work, work, work. Our job demands every part of our lives. The taste of money can be a hindrance. A friendship can hinder us. Or a relationship - we are not equally yoked. A certain church can hinder us - no burden for the lost. We get into a rut and don't grow spiritually. A business partner, a worldly desire, ambition - what water pot do you need to leave behind? The devil will always ensure there is a water pot that we need to leave behind. There are many gifted young people today who just cannot leave home. For W P Nicholson it was what others thought of him that caused him a hindrance. One day in Bangor he met 2 Salvation Army women and he admitted to them his fear of others. He got down on his knees and asked God to take this fear away. For blind Bartimaeus in the bible it was an old garment that he had to cast aside in order to come to Jesus. 

The people of Samaria didn't hinder her. She was bold, courageous, showed no fear. She just wanted the people to know about this man who changed her.  Verse 29 "come see a man which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" Then look at verse 30 "Then they went out of the city and came unto him." This woman was now making an impact. The men must have seen a change in her. Many believed. She just gave her testimony. No theological debate. She pointed people to Jesus. Do you know any Christians who have that glow about them? You know they have met the Lord. Dr Bill Woods served the Lord for 60 years in the Amazon jungle. He swam up rivers filled with crocodiles just to share the gospel and treat people with leprosy. He had a burden for precious souls. His life has made a tremendous impact around the Amazon. Leonard Ravenhill said "The greatest miracle that God can do today is to take an unholy man out of an unholy world and make him holy, then put him back into that unholy world and keep him holy in it."  Not promoting a denomination or a religion but Jesus. The kingdom of God is all about those who are saved and born again.

Her predicament didn't hinder her. She was living with a man who was not her husband. She probably thought to herself "I have to go home and face this man." She knew she couldn't continue to live in sin. She goes and tells the people about Jesus then sorted out her home. Verses 17 and 18. She knew the Lord would sort out the situation for her. The Lord can solve impossible situations. Jesus became her perfect man, her seventh man. When this woman went into Samaria do you think the man she was living with was among the men she told? Maybe he got saved. Maybe the man she lived with was among the men who believed. God does amazing things and has a wonderful way of working in individual lives. We all face issues and battles. None of us have the perfect life. We still need to be soul winners. We still need to keep pressing on. We have talents and gifts we need to use for the Lord. The Lord will give the strength we need. Paul had a thorn in the flesh. He asked for it to be removed but the Lord told him "my grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  We need to keep our eyes on the prize before us. 

The dangers of running from God - the prophet who was humbled

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SUNDAY 30 MARCH 2025 - MR PHILIP ROBINSON

JONAH 1 VERSES 1 TO 17

Jonah was a prophet of God. We all know his story from our childhood, we have heard sermons and Sunday School lessons on his story. Jonah holds a great challenge for us all. Going on for God and serving him is the main theme. How often in our lives the Lord gives us opportunities to witness for him yet we all find something else to do. We avoid what God has give us to do. Do we obey God's command? Jonah brings a challenge for us to learn from him. We can relate his story to our times today. There are 2 sections to this book. He is a minor prophet with a major message. The first section is chapters 1 and 2 - the first calling of Jonah. He rejects God and ends up in the belly of the fish. In chapters 3 and 4 God gives him another chance, a second opportunity. Even when he had turned his back God spoke to him again and told him to go to Nineveh. That is where God wanted him to go. One of the cities which was the main enemy to Jonah and his country men. A wicked city, known for their brutality and cruelty to people. Historical records prove this. We can understand why Jonah did not want to go there. He knew what would happen if he was taken captive by them. They were the sworn enemies. It made him afraid to go. The Lord chose Jonah to take this message to the city of Nineveh. Matthew 12 verses 39 to 41. Jesus likens himself to this prophet Jonah. even today we can liken ourselves to Jonah, particularly in our day to day lives.

The prophet who was disobedient - verses 1 to 3. God has called him to go to this wicked city to share the message he had for them, if the people did not repent from their wickedness God would destroy them in 40 days. There is an urgency behind this command. Notice the 2 words in verse 2 - "arise, go". It was not "when you finish your day's work" or "go in a couple of months time". God was not giving him an option of whether to go or not. Go straight away. God will destroy them if they don't repent. There were 120,000 people in this city and God would destroy every one of them because of their wickedness and sinful ways. Mark 15 verse 15 has the same word for us - "go". It is the great commission of God to our hearts. The urgency behind this command. We are to take the good news of the gospel into all the world. It is amazing how you can reach so many countries today on social media from the comfort of your own home. It is amazing we can share the gospel to people thousands of miles away through the internet. We have that command to preach to all the world. Whe reason why we have an urgency to take the gospel is because none of us known when the time will come when we will be taken out of this world. Many people have made plans to get saved and never actually have the opportunity to do it. Some say they will wait until their deathbed but then were taken suddenly without warning. When we think of the wickedness of Nineveh, God knew that this was a sinful city. He had compassion on them. He knew what they did, where they did it and to whom - Nahum 3 verses 1 to 7. We can see the same sinfulness even today. The things of God are not the focus for some people on the Sabbath day. How our times have changed - my grandparents tell me of days when no shops opened on a Sunday and no-one went to work. The things of this world are now placed before God today. As Christians we have joy in our heart knowing God as number 1. In verse 3 we see the disobedience of Jonah the prophet. Notice how the words "went down" are repeated 3 times in the opening 8 verses. He went down to Joppa, found a ship that was going down and Jonah went down into the ship. 1 Kings 10 verse 22 and 2 Chronicles 9 verse 21 shows that this ship docked only once every 3 years. The devil was doing everything to take Jonah out of the task God had for Jonah. How often the devil will bring distractions for us in our lives. Think of the times when we get down to prayer or read God's word.Something else crops up and we are distracted away. If God asked us to do something for him - that neighbour that needs to hear the message of the gospel, a family member who is still unsaved or a work colleague. What do we do? God sometimes asks us to do something outside our comfort zone.

The prophet who was sleeping - verses 4 to 7. As he went down into the ship he probably thought he had succeeded in going in the opposite direction. Then we read God sent a storm on the sea. Jonah had ran from the sight of the Lord but the Lord sent a great wind on the sea. It is not pleasant to be in a ship in the midst of a storm. Little did Jonah know that God was preparing the way to not have the opportunity to run from him. He wanted to remind him that there was no escape from God. In Genesis 3 Adam and Eve tried to hide from God  but God knew exactly where they were. Jonah was doing the same. He tried to hide from God but God knew exactly where he was. The ships in Jonah's day were made of wood.  Notice we read the prophet Jonah slept while the storm was raging. These sailors were from different nations and when the storm arose they called on their gods to save them. Little did they know that Jonah was worshipping the true God. They had probably seen many great storms in their lives but none like this one. Imagine the panic setting in. These men made their living from this job. They depended on this job. All during this time Jonah was fast asleep. It is hard to sleep on a boat that is rocking. This is a reminder to us as Christians - we can be sleeping spiritually even as we are here in church today. Perhaps we are just coming to church out of habit. Are we ready to reach those around us with the good news of the gospel? In verse 6 we see a confrontation with the captain and Jonah. He had told the sailors to call on their own gods but they didn't realise that Jonah was serving the true God. They then decided to cast lots to see why this storm had started, who was responsible. In John 19 verse 24 we read that they cast lots for Jesus' garments. For these sailors, they believed someone caused this storm. This was all part of God's plan for Jonah. In the midst of the storm the prophet was sleeping. We can be sleeping spiritually today even as Christians.

The prophet whose sin found him out - verses 8 to 16. We read of the conversation between Jonah and the other sailors. Imagine that as the storm raged - he told them he had run from God. The sailors asked why he had done that. Imagine the panic setting in on them. This was their livelihood. Verse 14. The men cried out to God. Imagine the fear in their hearts. They didn't want to perish. Jonah had run from the presence of God and came down into this ship going in the opposite direction to Tarshish 25,000 miles from where he was told to go. The men took Jonah and cast him into the sea. They thought by doing so the sea would be calm. These men lifted Jonah up and threw him into the see. The sea stopped raging immediately. Put yourself into Jonah's mindset. He asked to be thrown overboard. Imagine the sailors as they did what they were told to do and then the sea calmed immediately.  What a witness to the testament of the power of God. God is in control of the land and the sea. His power were clearly seen. God is in control of everything even in today's society. God is in control as Jonah was thrown into the sea. The sea calmed. They no doubt stood there and watched in amazement. They realised that this is the one true God Jonah was serving. None of their gods could cause the sea to calm. They decided to make a sacrifice to God, to the power of God. They had many pagan gods yet here they saw a demonstration of the one true God.

The prophet who God saved - verse 17. There is a sermon in this verse alone! The prophet who ran from God, turned his back and ran in the opposite direction, got on board a ship to Tarshish. The last verse shows he was swallowed by a great fish. There is a debate whether it was a great fish or a whale. All we know is that scripture tells us it was a great fish. We see God's hand throughout the whole situation. As he went down into the boat I am sure Jonah thought he had got out of the task God gave him. Even when the storm arose on the sea and the sailors thought the boat would sink, the Lord had his hand on the prophet. Even though Jonah turned his back on God, God still had a plan for him. He didn't say "if you are not going to do it Jonah I will find someone else." God gave Jonah a second chance. The Lord had prepared the fish. He sent it to Jonah. As Jonah was thrown over the side of the ship the men thought that was the end for Jonah. This fish was sent by God. It was not just a coincidence, it was all part of the plan of God. Even then God spoke to Jonah. Sometimes God does that to us as Christians. He chastises us. If we step outside of God's will, step outside of our comfort zone, try to find excuses to do what God asks, God will bring us back to himself. Nineveh was outside Jonah's comfort zone yet God used Jonah to bring revival. It is important as we face the mission next week to think about the people around us. God could use us to witness for him at this particular point in time. God commands us to share the good news of the gospel. God gives us help. If God calls us to do something for him will we do it? Are you willing to go forward with God in this year? Or are we going to turn our back on God? In chapter 2 we read that Jonah cried from the belly of the fish. God used that opportunity to give him time to come back to himself. In chapters 3 and 4 we see the great revival in Nineveh - every single person turned from their wicked ways and turned to the Lord.

Caleb - a man who wholly followed the Lord

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

Sermon notes from Sunday 22 July 201 - Mr Ian Booth, Faith Mission

Numbers 14 verses 5 to 9, 22 to 24 and Joshua 14 verses 6 to 15, 15 verses 13 and 14

Caleb - a Gentile by birth, the son of Jephunneh. he was of the same people that Moses had married into. He was outside the nation of israel. We too are born outside of the family and fold of God. Even though he was disadvantaged by his birth he went on to be a man of God, did exploits for God. 

"And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins, wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." 

Ephesians 2 verses 1 to 3.

In the life of Abraham God promised this great land. He was alien to those promises. Caleb at one time was a possessor of a different spirit. Whenever we come to trust and put our faith in Christ, the Spirit of God came into our lives, we are the possessor a new Spirit, born again of the Spirit of God. Our lives are changed as a result of what God has done.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood!

We cannot follow the Lord unless we are born again of the Spirit of God. we can never see the Kingdom of God unless that has happened Caleb had a different spirit, a spirit that changed his life and brought him into the family of God.

Caleb enjoyed a surrendered life

The challenge of his heart - the proclamation of his heart. He said with absolute assurance "I will wholly follow the Lord." His life was changed as a result of having that different spirit. Everything that God said Caleb was going to do it. Look at verse 10 "And now behold the Lord hath kept me alive as he said" and again in verse 12 "if so be able to drive them out as the Lord said."  Caleb despised half heartedness. he had seen the richness of the land. The other spies had talked about the giants in the land and how they were so large. Caleb was different. He had his eyes fixed on the Lord of heaven. It was all for God or not at all. Caleb's name means surrendered to God. Sometimes it is easy to say the words but to live it out is a different matter altogether. Caleb doesn't say it in a boastful way or from assumption. He had a heart that is fully passionate for god. He was fully in God's plan the moment he had handed his life over to God. You and I, we must never be satisfied just with intellectual awareness of how we can live for God. "But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving your own selves" James 1 verse 22. Caleb knew he had been promised the land. There is no substitute for personal obedience. As God speaks to us we must do as he asks.

The confirmation of his surrender. Moses said in verse 9 "because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my God." Moses was someone to look up to. He had been educated in all the mighty wisdom of Egypt, he had spent 40 years in the wilderness. Moses knew without a doubt that Caleb wholly followed the Lord. A lady once made a claim that she had surrendered into a deeper relationship with God. A sceptic asked her "have you any more power in your life as a result?" The woman said "no I don't think so." The sceptic asked again "so have you any more great plans or positions you need to fulfil in life then?" The woman replied "my friends are beginning to ask me more questions about spiritual things, asking me to pray for different situations in my life." The woman had given more of her life to God and it was displayed in her life. There was a difference. When we surrender to God others will see the difference and begin to ask questions. A life that is surrendered to God - what a confirmation that others have seen it.

The commendation for this surrender. We read in Numbers about God speaking and God has spoken about the nation of Israel disobeying his commands because of unbelief, they would not surrender to God. God said "But my servant Caleb because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully ..." (Numbers 14 verse 24)) What a commendation from God regarding Caleb! Caleb knew what it was to present his life as a divine sacrifice. "I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to his world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12 verse 1 The world will put pressure on us to do all kinds of things but Caleb didn't care, he wholly trusted the Lord. what a challenge to us all today. Do we all stand for God in a day when we must be counted? We need to re-examine whether we are surrendered to the will and plan of God. George Mueller said "there was a day when I died, utterly died - died to George Mueller, his opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends - and since then I have only to show myself approved to God."

Caleb enjoyed a separated life

Caleb was separated from discouragement. In Joshua 14 verse 10 Caleb referred to the 40 and 5 years the Lord had kept him alive. While Caleb and Joshua spied out the land they were spared from discouragement. it didn't matter how much opposition or trials they faced they never lost faith in God. Today there are many who can discourage us. The bible tells us to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Sometimes people get discouraged because of the numbers attending meetings, because of individuals who are perhaps of a different religion. Numbers don't matter much to God, it is the presence of God that makes the feast. These men were spared from discouragement. Caleb stood up amongst the people and quieted the people. 

"Never be afraid to stand with the minority when it is right but always be afraid to stand with the majority when they are wrong." William Jennings.

If you focus on the problems alone they will get bigger and bigger. Joshua and Caleb looked beyond the problems. God is able to fulfil all that he has promised. His eyes were fixed on the God of heaven.

So amid the conflict whether great or smal

Do not be discouraged, God is over all

Count your many blessings! Angels will attend

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end

God is still on the throne today as he was in the day of Caleb and Joshua. There is no need for us to be discouraged. the way to overcome discouragement is to get on your knees and fix you eyes on the God of all glory.

Caleb was separated from disbelief. All the children of Israel who were aged 20 years and over didn't enter into the Promised Land because of the unbelief. God is still with us today. Caleb laughed at the impossibilities and cried "it shall be done because God had promised."

Caleb was separated from death too. For 40 and 5 years God had kept him alive. God kept him alive that he might fulfil his promise. God has given us tremendous promises if we believe he will. God had promised Caleb he would enter into the promised land and he cannot lie. God has promised us life after death. In John 11 we read of the resurrection of Lazarus when Jesus himself said "i am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth on me, though he were dead yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" John 11 verse 25 and 26. God will spare us for eternity so that we may enter into His promised land. For a Christian who is dead spiritually his life will be a wilderness and barrenness experience. Yes you will enter into the promised land but you will die never having borne fruit in your life.

Caleb also knew a strong life

As we think of this man and the strength he had at 85 years of age it is not humanly possible to have the same strength physically but spiritually he was still able to live for God. The Anakims were cast out of the land - there were 3 giants that Caleb drove out, the 3 sons of Anak "Sheshai and Ahiman and Ralmai". These 3 giants are seen as the passions, pressures and power of the flesh. They can be devastating even in the life of the church. No-one is beyond temptation - that is why Paul said "take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand." Ephesians 6 verse 13. So many today live for the things they can see but the unseen things are eternal and those are what we should be seeking after. Man is essentially a show off. He always likes to be number 1. That is why everyone is looking for that bit of power and fame today, to become socially powerful. People accumulate knowledge to impress others around them. We need to stand against them but can only stand against these in the strength of the Lord.

Caleb knew a satisfied life

Joshua gave unto Caleb "Hebron for an inheritance." Caleb enjoyed peace. God has give us every spiritual blessing in Christ. Are you satisfied with all God has given to you? An old man went on a cruise and to save some money he took his own food with him. On the last day he decided to try out the food that was available on the ship. He asked if he could have a meal and was told "yes everything was paid for at the beginning of the cruise". The Lord has given us all things that pertain unto life. Are you satisfied with all that you have in Christ? Caleb was satisfied because he was strong in spirit and his life was surrendered to God.

The deceitfulness of riches

Notes from a sermon on Sunday 22 January 2012

Matthew 13 verses 1 – 9, 18 – 23
“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”

Maybe as we read the word of God we thought this was an unusual portion of scripture to be reading, surely we tend to look at this passage nearer the harvest season but it wouldn’t be much of a farmer if he didn’t begin to plan ahead for the year. So too we as individuals are starting to plan for this year ahead. The farmer mentioned here is going out to sow. We know all about where the seed falls, what happens to it and the application of it. The sower sows his seed, scatters his seed and does it diligently. He wants to see the best of the harvest. He sows the seed, scatters it wide and far and does it indiscriminately. The results of that sowing – some of the seed he scatters falls on hard ground. It didn’t get much chance. “Some fell upon stony places” ie the plate of stone just under the soil. “And some fell among thorns.” The Holy Spirit tells us this thorny ground choked the good seed. “but other fell into good ground and brought forth fruit.” Verse 22 shows the interpretation of the seed. Interpreting it to you and I today as we go out into another year. The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches are mentioned here in Matthew whereas Mark adds “the lusts of other things” (chapter 4 verse 19) and Luke adds the “pleasures of this life.”(Mark 8 verse 14)

The treatment of the field. We realise that the sower goes forth to sow but there is a lot of work beforehand that needs to be done – he has to plough the field up, dig it deep. There is a lot of work involved by the Holy Spirit before the word of God takes root in our hearts. In Acts 2 verse 37 we read how Peter on the day of Pentecost was telling the people that the Lord took his life for them, that they took him to the cross but there were those who turned their backs and rejected the message. A section of the congregation though were changed, “pricked in their hearts.” Just like the farmer was going into the field digging up the hard ground, getting rid of the weeds and anything that would hinder the seed going into the ground and producing a harvest, to get saved is more than sitting in a gospel meeting, putting up your hand or looking at a minister. There is more to God’s salvation than that. Whenever the Holy Spirit comes and begins to break up that heart of yours, of anything that would hinder you receiving God’s salvation, sometimes the Holy Spirit will show you that you have to go back in your life. Perhaps an apology has to be made or maybe there is a debt lying that hasn’t been paid. You have got to go back. The sower makes sure he has the best of seed and applies that seed to the field. The seed is God’s precious word. The sower scattered the seed far and near. He wanted the best seed. Some of the seed brought forth one hundredfold, some sixtyfold and some thirty. The seed is the word of God and many a time you have sat under the word of God and listened to it. You have sat under God’s word for so long yet there is no fruit in that life of yours. The writer to Hebrews said “for unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (chapter 4 verse 2) Sometimes that can happen. The word of God has no effect on your life – why – because not being mixed with faith in that heart. We have got to accept the word of God in our hearts. Joshua brought the children of Israel into the land of blessing and challenged the people “but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” (chapter 24 verse 15) Here was the field, the field was treated and the sowing was down. There was nothing wrong with the seed on this particular patch. The weeds needed to be treated before they could make their way through the soil and choke out the seed. The trouble is what is in our hearts. The Psalmist said “the words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” (chapter 12 verse 6) You have something that is perfect. That is the explanation of God’s word. The problem you and I have today is we have a heart that is deceitful and desperately wicked. There is something underneath lying in the depths of the heart waiting to draw you away and choke you. Imagine the children of Israel a few days out into the wilderness moving on to a land flowing with milk and honey. Moses had been called up into the mountain because God wants to speak to him. Sometimes God has to do that – to separate us. He takes us away from responsibility of people, work places, anything that hinders us – why – because he wants to speak to us. Moses was up in the mountain with the people down in the valley. The people are starting to get worried and concerned. “make us gods” they told Aaron. “We don’t know what has happened to Moses.” Sometimes that is what happens. God takes some one from us, someone we have looked up to help us in our Christian experience through the difficult times but all of a sudden they are gone. The people of Israel looked and Moses was no longer there. They said “give us something we can see and touch.” The cares of this world were beginning to gather around them. This is the same people who trusted God to paint the blood on the doors because if they did that they would be safe. They walked out of Egypt believing in the promises of God because of what he had just done. They had listened to Moses who told them to come out into the wilderness. Now they are crying out for gods. The cares of this world were gathering around them and they were afraid. Will we die in this wilderness? Will God takes us into the land of Canaan? We should never have left Egypt, at least there we knew what we had. They were losing a grip on God’s word. The rich young ruler knew the deceitfulness of riches had caught him out. He had everything this world could offer. Position, possessions, finances, everything that he would need in this world. One thing he knew he didn’t have – he didn’t have eternal life. He knew that if anything ever happened to him it wouldn’t be absent from the body and present with the Lord. It is a great thing to know we are lost spiritually and on our way to a lost eternity. When God comes and saves us he saves our souls for all eternity. Always be ready to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, to tell someone of their need of salvation. Here’s this young man who comes to Christ and asks “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Now he was told – give up his riches, give everything away and follow Christ. Not the riches but rather the cares of this world. That choked the seed in this field. The young man wanted to be saved. How would he cope without his money? These are the things that crop up in our hearts because the devil doesn’t want to see you going through with God. What are we to do with the cares of this world? Natural thing to have cares of course. Spiritual answer is found in God’s word. 1 Peter 5 verse 7 “casting all your care upon him for he careth for you.” The deceitfulness of riches is one of the thorns that crops up in our hearts. Judas asked the leaders “what will you give me if I cast this man down to you?” He has 30 pieces of silver in his hand so goes and betrays the Lord. The warnings were there for Judas. Remember the woman with the alabaster box. She broke it in Jesus’ presence. Judas was the first to say “what a waste”. He knew the value of the waste. He knew it could have been sold for what it was worth. Achan was a young soldier working for a small wage. He never thought of wealth until he saw that garment. The lusts of things that are in excess, things that can really hinder us. A man in Luke chapter 14 sent out an invitation to many to come to supper. All the people began to make excuses – one had bought five oxen, another a field and the third had married a wife. Isn’t it any wonder that Jesus said in Luke 12 verse 15 “take heed and beware of covetousness for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Your life consists not in things you possess or the pursuits of life.

The threat. What threat does the thorns provide us with today? Thorns have one danger – they choke the good word of God. The dangers are there. If you give yourself to the cares of this world they will choke the word of God. The rich young ruler was fearful that the word of God was choked. He was just within a whisper of receiving God’s salvation – almost there but he gave it all away. The cares of the world came into his heart. He knew what God wanted him to do and what God’s word said. He had nothing to cling to. If I gave it all away how will it fare with me? That has happened in many lives. God challenges them about something in their life to take away the crutch but they cannot do it. Why? “O Lord just look at my family. I need to provide for them.” They look at the future. “That pension plan I have, the savings I have. I need all that.” The Lord says no you need me instead. The word of God is choked as a result. Paul said of Demas “he has forsaken me.” (2 Timothy 4 verse 10) Why? “having loved this present world.” Not fell into sin, going in the wrong relationship or fell out with God. Maybe he felt he was getting on in life and needed security. The word of God was choked.

The tragedy about the field. It had no fruit. Only time when there is fruit is when we go through with God. Wouldn’t it be awful to stand before God saved by his grace and stand with hands that are empty? No fruit but thank goodness you can bow your head and ask the Lord “cleanse me of my sin and take me out that I might do something for you.”

The cost of discipleship

COLERAINE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 23 MARCH 2025 pm - MR KEITH WILSON

LUKE 14 VERSES 26 TO 35

Some say there is no comfortable way to carry a cross. The biblical reality is that we are people who say yes to follow Christ. They are agreeing to carry a cross and that will be painful at times. If you are saved tonight can you testify that the cross you are are called to carry is painful at times? When I became a Christian my problems didn't cease but just began. I discovered that I had an enemy. I had a cross and it was painful. 

The words "you cannot be my disciple" occur 3 times in this passage - verses 26, 27 and 33. These are sobering words. These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ. He never made it easy to become a disciple. Jesus certainly was not interested in drawing a crowd, he was more interested in making disciples. That is why he says "if you don't do these things you cannot be a disciple of mine." There is denial. There is a cross and there is a cost. There is nothing we can do to contribute to salvation. 

In verse 26 we learn that if someone wants to be a disciple it will cost him his family and all his life. In verse 27 it will cost us our desires. In verse 33 it will cost us our passions.

Modern society throws it at us that it is all about you attaining as much as you can, get your own self confidence, self progress. It is all about having the best family, the best children, having the most beautiful wife or handsome husband. Paul knew all about denial. He said "it is no longer I that liveth but Christ that liveth in me." True discipleship is about denying ourselves. All our desires. All our passions. It is about coming to Christ and being born again of the Spirit of God. It is about God coming into our lives. 

For some they don't understand what verse 26 is saying. Is Jesus telling us we have to hate our father, our mother, our wife, our children, our brothers, our sisters even our own life? I believe the Lord is not telling us to hate them. What he is speaking of is our loyalty. Whenever we become disciples we must think about our loyal to Christ. No-one is to take the place of Christ. Jesus must be Lord. He must be pre-eminent in a person's life. He must be over everything, be in complete control. He must direct you, protect you. Denial has to do with our personal relationship. Where do our loyalties lie? We cannot allow anyone, no matter how much we love them to take the place of Jesus Christ in our lives. We are to be influenced by Christ. No person can be allowed to compete for our loyalty. Samson was told not to marry a Philistine woman because she would take him away from the Lord. Eventually a woman did take his loyalty away. The spiritual life of a Christian is determined by our loyalty. We cannot ignore what God says at the expense of another person. The Lord Jesus speaks to us through his word - Hebrews 1 verse 1. We cannot ignore what God says. There is a cost to following the Lord Jesus. He tells us "if you want to be my disciple I have to have your loyalty." These are Jesus' own words. The gospel tells us that Jesus has done it all on the cross but there is a cross for us too. We cannot live in sin and be a disciple of Jesus. It will cost us to give up our own life. That is why Paul said "it is no longer I that liveth but Christ that liveth in me." The disciples had to give up all their personal goals and devote themselves to him and his goal. Think of the apostle Paul - he was shipwrecked, beaten, many false accusations were made against him. 3 times he sought the Lord to take away his thorn in the flesh and the Lord didn't take it away. The Lord told him "my grace is sufficient for thee". 

It will not only cost you your family and your life but in verse 27 it will cost you your desires. There is a cross to bear. God does not want partnership with us but rather ownership of us. He doesn't want me to walk alongside him but he wants to control my walk so that I walk in his ways and his will. Are we suffering for his name's sake? If we deny ourselves and take up our cross it will hurt. If Christ wants to break us let him break us so that he can be praised and glorified. Denial and a cost. That is the Christian life. Carrying a cross speaks of death. The cross of Christ was necessary to save a world lost in sin. The cross is necessary for us to be a disciple of Christ. The apostle Paul counted the cost. He denied himself. He took up the cross. "From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." (Galatians 6 verse 17) There is no other way for someone to be saved apart from the cross. "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2 verse 24) Christ did not appeal to the intellect in convincing men or women. It took the cross to bear away the sin of the world. He bore it on his body on the tree. If we want to live for God we have to come through the way of the cross. The cross is essential if people are to be saved. The cross cannot be defeated because it defeated sin. Leonard Ravenhill said "the preaching that sinners might have a vision of hell might be entirely wrong, on the contrary he probably needs a vision of Calvary, of the suffering Saviour pleading with him to repent." We live in a world were people are not afraid of hell. They don't believe in hell. The biggest problem of the world tonight is sin. If we were to get a fresh vision of Calvary, what it cost God's Son to go there, we could really tell people to repent and come and put their faith and trust in Christ. We need the spirit of conviction across our land. How Christ died on Calvary. How he walked up Golgotha hill carrying his cross. How the crown of thorns was placed on his brow. How when he was thirsty was given a drink of vinegar. How we need a fresh vision of our sin. A fresh vision of the cross. The only way a man or woman can be saved is through Christ and the sacrifice he made on he cross. 

Verse 33 - these verses could be taken out of context. Is Jesus saying sell all you have and give to the poor. When speaking to the rich young ruler he realised he was putting things before God. For him it was his riches. For you it could be something else. It is not wrong to have riches or possessions. But when they possess us that is when it is wrong. God could be pointing out something in your life that you are holding on to. You will not let go of it. When God prises things out of our hands then we know they have a hold on us. Our hands should be open to the cross. When we live like that then we gain the whole world.