2 June 2020
– An Open Door
Revelation 3 verse 8 “I know thy works, behold I have set before thee
an open door and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength and hast
kept my word and hast not denied my name.”
It is a door of service, how this church could serve Christ but also
how this church would serve Christ. It
is also a door of God’s salvation.
The availability of the door – a door of refuge, a door of
safety, a door of security. The open
door speaks of opportunity. It is not of
our making. We can never purchase
salvation ourselves. God redeemed us
with the blood of his son. “The Son of
Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.”
There is an argument for the door – “and no man can shut it”. It is open to all.
There is the access from that door – “for thou hast a little
strength and hast kept my word and hast not denied my name.” We cannot earn our salvation.
3 June 2020
– A closed door – A special visitor – Revelation 3 verse 20
“Behold I stand at the door and knock if any man hear my voice and open
the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me.”
Description – picture of the Lord standing at the door, door
represented the heart of man. 2 types of
man – natural and spiritual. Natural =
unsaved. Spiritual = born again of
God. Holman Hunt’s picture of Jesus
standing at the door. Critics told him
of one mistake – no handle on the door – handle is on the inside, the Lord was
knocking to come in and only person who could open it was you. You are on the inside – will you open the
door to Jesus?
Desire – Jesus is standing wanting to enter in. “The god of this world hath blinded the minds
of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who
is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
The sinless patient Son of God is trying to gain our attention
today. It is a matter of will, your
decision to come to Christ.
Disappointment – finds door closed. Lord came into world to save sinners. These people were increased with goods and
have need of nothing – verse 17. Is
there any room for Jesus to come into your heart and life?
Delight – “if any man hear my voice and open the door I will
come in to him and sup with him and he with me.”
A feast has been prepared and he wants us to enjoy it with him.
4 June 2020
– Main door – no excuse – John 10 verse 9
“I am the door by me if any man enter in he shall be saved and shall go
in and out and find pasture.”
The clarity of this announcement – remember when the angel
announced to the shepherds “For unto you is born to you in the city of David a
Saviour.” Notice the words “any man”. “There is no other name given among men
whereby you must be saved.” No salvation
in eternity but there is timescale now in the present.
The consideration to be given – consider situation and what he
is saying. Pointing to sheepfold and
security of that when sheep come in at night.
Have we considered who Jesus is and what he has done for you?
The certainty here that is shared – no doubts, you can be saved
today. No matter background, racial
identity where have come from.
5 June 2020
– A glorious door – Revelation 4 verse 1
“After this I looked and behold a door was opened in heaven and the
first voice which I heard was as it were a trumpet talking with me which said,
Come up hither and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.”
John was banished to the Isle of Patmos because of testimony of Christ. There he was given vision of things which
must come to pass.
The wonder of this scene.
One great event we are waiting on.
The coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Many wonders – Jesus being born into world, Jesus dying on cross of
Calvary – dying for you and me, Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus return one day yet
to come.
The welcome of this scene.
John heard the voice “come up hither”.
John 14 promised to prepare a place for his disciples. “I will come again that where I am there ye
will be also.” Coming for church of
Jesus Christ. Disciples were asked “why
look ye steadfast into heaven … this same Jesus … shall so come in like manner
as ye have seen him go into heaven.” 1
Thessalonians 4 verse 16 “in the twinkling of an eye” immediately. “I was in the spirit” verse 2.
The worship of this scene – why – journey is ended, pilgrimage
has ended, church is at home at last.
Chapter 4 elders worshipping around the throne. Chapter 5 nations of world worshipping.
6 June 2020
– A great invitation – Matthew 11 verse 28
“come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give
you rest.”
4 Nos
“I will give you rest” – no distraction. Only one who gives rest in Jesus. Man has restless soul, cannot find peace
until we come to Christ himself. Naaman
soldier was man of valour, many achievements but he was a leper. In his house there was a Jewish maid, asked
if he would go to prophet Elijah he would be healed. Naaman got distracted, went to king instead
of prophet. Distracted by religiousity,
good deeds.
“I will give you rest” – no doubt that Jesus will do what he
says he will do.
I will give you rest” – no debt.
Philippian jailer “what must I do to be saved?” Nothing we can do, gift from God himself.
Nothing we can do to earn our salvation – believe is all asked to do
today.
I will give you rest – no disappointment. Jesus promises rest from all concerns about
future, a great peace for forgiveness of sins.
10 June
2020 – A great wonder
John 11 verse 28 “and when she had so said she went her way and called
Mary her sister secretly saying the master is come and calleth for thee.”
The presence of the Master.
Jesus entered this scene in Bethany because of sickness and death. The Lord came into this world because of
death. Man had turned against God, man
had fallen into sin. “The wages of sin
is death”. Jesus took on himself the
form of a servant and died in our stead.”
Yet while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
The plea of the Master – Jesus pleads for us today. He told Matthew to follow him as sat behind
the lectern. Peter and his disciples
mending nets Jesus said “follow me”. The
Master comes and he is pleading for you.
Why should I turn to him? It is
for the very circumstances that he calls you to himself. Enoch after the birth of his son “walked with
God.” He recognised his responsibility.
The power the Master has.
Jesus tarried until Lazarus was dead, he was then taken to tomb. Mary took him to the problem. Jesus spoke into the darkness of the tomb to
come forth. Very chains of death could
not hold him, responded to his calls. The
Lord steps into your situation.
10 June
2020 – Only believe – Mark 5 verses 22 and 23
“And behold there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by
name and when he saw him, he fell at his feet.
And besought him greatly saying My little daughter lieth at the point of
death: I pray thee come and lay thy hands on her that she may be healed and she
shall live.”
Circumstances that brought Jesus into people’s lives.
Man called Jairus with one problem – brought the Lord into life
and home – his daughter lay at the point of death. Maybe had tried best doctors. Maybe Jesus was the last resort. Women in the same episode – for 12 years
suffered ailment, tried all doctors, not any better, last resort, heard of the
Lord, touched his hem and was made whole.
Young man with inheritance, felt short changed, wanted the Lord to
speak to his brother. Jesus replied “who
made me a judge.”
His prayer “and behold a man named Jairus” – teacher of the
synagogue, despite crowd got down on his knees and begged for Jesus. Notice his faith recognised what Jesus could
do. Jesus told him “only believe”. Respectful to Jesus. Think of Zacchaeus rich man ran down the
street, climbed up sycamore tree just to see Jesus. Maybe we need to leave our religiousity
behind us.
His proof – someone comes from his house to say child is
dead. Jesus told him she was not
dead. He only had to believe. “who do men say that I am” Jesus asked.
He is Saviour, the only one that
can take your sin away.
His prize – when went into house Jesus reached for his daughter
by the hand. Healed perfectly whole that
day.
11 June 2020
– Losing sight of the important things – Luke 12 verse 13
“One of the company said unto him Master speak to my brother that he
divide the inheritance with me. And he
said unto him. Take heed and beware of covetousness for a man’s life consisteth
not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Young man speaking of money matters yet the Lord had time for him, did
not turn away from him. Sat in his
company as Jesus preached – reality of a false religion, reality of heaven and
hell, decision that had to be made. He
did not really hear any of it, all he could think of was material things.
The caution the Lord gives – “take heed” and “beware”. Psalm 64 “when riches increase set not your
heart upon them.” Think of Achan in book of Joshua. Told not to touch spoils in Jericho. He saw silver, gold and Babylonish garment,
had to have them and disobeyed God. It
brought tragedy to himself, his family and nation Israel.
The correction that he taught – find joy when you take the Lord as
Saviour.
13 June 2020 - The day Jesus passed by
Luke 18 verse 37 "And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."
Bartimaeus asked the people why there was so much commotion and noise and the crowd told him that Jesus was passing by.
The circumstances that afforded him a favoured opportunity. Perhaps Bartimaeus was helped to an area where people passed by each day so he could beg. If it had not been for those circumstances - being blind, sitting in same place every day he might never have met Jesus that day. Remember Lydia, a seller of purple, it was her business that brought her to Philippi and to hear Paul preaching the gospel.
The circumstances that afforded him a final opportunity. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to his death, he would never pass this way again. Revelation 3 verse 20. Genesis 6 "my spirit will not always strive with man."
The circumstances that afforded him a faithful opportunity. Bartimaeus found a faithful Saviour when he cried out "Jesus thou son of David have mercy on me."
The circumstances that afforded him a fruitful opportunity. Jesus stopped, the disciples brought Bartimaeus to Jesus and Jesus asked him what he wanted him to do. He asked to receive his sight and Jesus gave it to him.
16 June 2020 - The right pathway
Matthew 7 "Enter ye in at the strait gate for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it."
This was at the end of the Sermon on the Mount. There are 2 sets of two`s here - the broad road and narrow road, the good tree and the corrupt tree, the solid foundation and the false foundation.
Setting out choices - way of life and its description - 2 entrances the narrow and broad, 2 roads we travel on the narrow and broad road.
There are 2 destinations - heaven and hell. There are 2 groups of people - people on the broad road that leads to Christless eternity and the people who go in at the narrow gate and find eternal life. Which gate have we gone through? Which road are we travelling? Which destiny are we heading to? Which group of people are we heading on the road with? 1 group are saved and 1 group are on way to lost eternity. 1 Corinthians 1 verse 18
Decision to be made - enter in through narrow gate. We are born in sin and shapen in iniquity, we travel on the broad road, we are told to enter in at the narrow gate that leads to heaven. There is a choice to be made. Moses "I have set before you this day the way of life and the way of death ... choose life." Joshua "Choose you this day whom you will serve." Elijah "why halt ye between 2 opinions, if God be God then follow him."
Dangers - "there is a way that seemeth right unto man but the end thereof is the way of destruction and death." Disciples asked Jesus "are there few that be saved?" Jesus told them to strive to enter in at the narrow gate. It is not of our choosing but rather the Holy Spirit`s leading.
Destinies - wide gate to enter in, a broad road to travel, so many on this way, measure ourselves against others and say "surely I will be in heaven." We see religious leaders with us on that same road and think we must be OK. We have got to turn away from the broad road. We need to confess our sins to Christ, repent and turn to him today.
17 June 2020 - I am the way
John 14 verse 6 "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me."
On the cross Jesus has bled, suffered and died. He cried "it is finished". He provided the way back to God. There is some confusion here. In John 14 Jesus is telling the disciples that he will soon depart from them. He would prepare a place for them and take them there one day. He said "whither I go ye know and the way ye know." Thomas answered "we know not whither thou goest how can we know the way?" Many would say "There are so many ways to get to heaven - obey the commandments, live by the Sermon on the Mount, attend church, say my prayers, read my bible, do the best I can, surely that is the way to heaven?" It is not through a set of thoughts or processes but through the person of Christ.
Clarity - "I am the way" John the Baptist said "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." Matthew sitting at the tax collection table when Jesus passed by and said "follow me." Matthew arose and followed Jesus. Remember Moses in the wilderness with the Children of Israel. A serpent came in to the camp and bit the people. As the poison began to run through the veins, Moses had to make a brass serpent and put it on a pole in the midst of the camp. When the people looked to that serpent they would be healed. You and I are to look to no one else but Jesus for our salvation. "For there is no other name given amongst men under heaven whereby we must be saved." The thief on the cross saw the way was in Christ and none other.
Cost - Jesus was going to prepare the way, he had to go the way of the cross, to be rejected of the priests, the Pharisees, the scribes and religious leaders of that day, to be betrayed into the hands of the Roman soldiers. On the cross he had to suffer, bleed and die. It is a free salvation, it cannot be earned or paid for. It cost the Lord his life, he suffered and bled so that the price is paid in full. He prayed in Gethsemane "if it be possible let this cup pass by me." There was no other way. He had to suffer and die. In John 17 Jesus said to his Father "I have finished the work you gave me to do." There is no other way to heaven but by the finished work. There is nothing to add to it or take away from it.
Consequences - "no man cometh unto the Father but by me." Some say there is one God but many ways to God. Jesus says differently. Begins at the cross and it is the only place where sin is dealt with.
18 June 2020 - Fooled
Proverbs 14 verse 12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death."
This man is representeth of number of people, multitude of people content to be on this way.
Attention is given - this man has been taught in the things of God, that he is our Creator, that he loves us and at the end of life there is either heaven or hell. He believed that if he turned over a new leaf, to try to be better things would be OK. Reminder of rich young ruler who came to Jesus in the Gospels. He asked "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He realised the road he was on was deceitful and he had to do something. He was a clean living, upright man who kept the commandments but didn`t have the assurance that when he died he would go to heaven.
Appearance this man gives in to. "There is a way that seemth right" He was going by the appearance of what he thought was right, not the word of God. Nicodemus was a religious man and Jesus told him "except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of heaven." The Bereans listened to the preachers intently but went home and searched the scriptures for themselves Cain, Adam`s sin was taught in the word of God and brought the firstfruits of the fields to appease for his sin. Abel the brother brought a lamb and his sacrifice pleased God. The 2 boys were taught in God`s way but Abel chose the way of God. The Israelites in Egypt knew their delivery was by a lamb.
Attraction to the way. Attracted to it because it was a pleasing way. "If any man follow me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The cross is a symbol of suffering, shame and death. Attraction because of volume of people doing same thing. Maybe led by a religious society - reading their bibles, saying prayers and singing hymns. It all seemed right.
Attrocity of the way - maybe listened to many, challenged by the word of God, felt OK and even argued was on the right way. This man may have been sincere but he was sincerely wrong. God of heaven asks "what have you done with my Son who died for your sins." Make sure you are on the right way today.
