GOD'S SAVING PLAN

"For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost." - Matthew 18:11

There is a striking difference between the Old and New Testaments.  The Old Testament revealed man's fall and the tragic fallout of that sin.  The law was given to show man the nature of his condition and the consequences of his transgressions.  The Old Testament shows us that God is holy & righteous.  He is not One that overlooks sin.  He takes sin seriously ... and He expects mankind to do the same.  Much of the Old Testament focuses on God's dealings with the people of Israel.  He chose Israel to be the apple of His eye.  His interaction with Israel reveals His love for them.  Yet His love for them did not give them immunity from His justice when they rebelled against Him.  The Old Testament closes with prophetic books that pronounce judgment upon people because of their sinful disobedience.

The New Testament unfolds with God bringing hope to lost mankind --- not just to Israel, but hope for all of us.  God demonstrated His love in the most tangible way possible ... He became a man and walked among us.  The Old Testament reveals man's ugly sinful nature.  The New Testament gives us the answer for man's hopeless condition.  God used the Old Testament to give us the diagnosis of our condition.  He gave us the New Testament to show us the remedy.

God did not give us a New Testament because the Old Testament was bad.  The Old Testament is inspired Scripture just like the New Testament.  The God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament.  Just as the first act of a play leads an audience to anticipate and appreciate future acts, the Old Testament repeatedly points forward to a future awesome event that was revealed in the New Testament.  We appreciate the New Testament much more as we understand the nature of man's sin that was revealed in the Old Testament.

The Old Testament is primarily about man's need for a savior.  The New Testament reveals God's provision of that Savior in the person of Jesus Christ. 

While it is true that Jesus performed miracles, cared for people and taught powerfully, the real purpose for His coming is summarized in His own statement in Matthew 18:11, "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."

Jesus came with a purpose in mind ... to save lost people.  Look closely at a few facts that Jesus revealed to us.

First of all, Jesus refers to Himself in the third person as, "the Son of man."  In this reference, He reveals to us the miracle of the incarnation.  Jesus was God and man.  Some deny His humanity.  There are many who say that Jesus never lived.  Of course, this is a denial of history.  Jesus did live as a man.  This is a historical fact.  Others deny His deity.  Even some religious people object to His deity.  They believe He was a man, maybe even the Son of God, but they reject the fact that He was God in the flesh.  However, Jesus was BOTH man and God.  He was not 50% man and 50% God.  He was 100% man and 100% God.  He declared Himself to be "the Son of man." 

Jesus came to save the lost, but how could this be done?  Since God is just, He must punish the guilty.  The Old Testament gives us full evidence of man's guilt.  As the Apostle Paul wrote, "The law entered that the offence might abound."  A good judge must punish the guilty ... so how could we be saved from the penalty that we deserve?  Jesus is the answer.  He came and lived a perfect life & died upon a cross to save us from our sins.  He had to be 100% man in order to be a proper substitute on the cross.  He had to be 100% God in order to live the perfect life and purchase salvation.  You see, only God has the power to save.  If He were not God, Jesus could not save anyone.  He was the High Priest who offered up the perfect sacrifice (Himself), for us.  This was a once-for-all sacrifice that was acceptable to the Father.  When Jesus died upon the cross, the veil of the temple tore in two.  The veil had been placed in the temple to keep men out of the sacred meeting place with God.  Through His death upon the cross, Jesus opened that curtain to allow sinners like you & me to enter in and enjoy sweet fellowship with the Father.   

Next, notice that He came to "save that which was lost."  Jesus did not come to make self-righteous people feel better.  Neither did He come to enrich your bank account.  He came to save the lost.  The reason most people remain lost is that they do not see a need for salvation.  They utterly resist and reject the truth that they are sinfully depraved and hopelessly lost.  Their rejection of this truth keeps them from receiving the Good News of the Gospel.  The reason that I have a problem with self-motivational "sermons" is that they lack the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.  Before a sinner can be saved, he must realize his enormous guilt and hopeless condition.  The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to convict the sinner.  When a sinner realizes his condition, then the Gospel begins to make sense.  The sinner can then understand why Jesus came to die for him.  Through Jesus, the sinner can experience forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

First responders are trained to save lives.  All they can do, however, is save a person from physical death.  Only Jesus can save us from the second death in a lake of fire.  Only Jesus can save the lost from the penalty they richly deserve. 

By his own choice, mankind is on the road to destruction.  Jesus came to save those who will believe on Him.  This could only be accomplished through His sacrificial death upon the cross.  That is God's saving plan.

Have you been saved? 

WHEN GOD GATHERS HIS JEWELS

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." - Malachi 3:16-17

What do you treasure most?  If you're like most Americans, you probably value your family greatly.  If you're a Christian, you probably would say that you value Christ most, followed by family.  But what does God treasure?

Malachi 3:16-17 gives us precious insight about a subject that few think about.  God will have a collection of jewels in heaven.  No, I'm not referring to the precious jewels that compose the foundation of heaven.  In our text, the Bible says that God will soon gather His jewels.  His jewels are actually people.  Not necessarily rich, famous or powerful people, but those who are precious to Him.

I want you to notice several things about the people that God treasures as His jewels.

First of all, our text indicates that His jewels are "...them that feared the LORD."  I don't ever recall hearing a sermon that concentrated specifically on the fear of God.  These days, "the fear of God," is an unpopular topic --- even among professing believers.  In this age of cheap grace, we have emphasized subjects like love, mercy & grace; but we've eliminated the subjects of holiness, judgment and righteousness.  What does it mean to fear God?  Does it indicate that we are to be afraid of God?  For the believer, our fear of God should be a healthy reverence and respect for God.  Yes, there should be a fear of His chastisement.  There should be a fear of disappointing Him.  There ought to be a fear of severing intimate fellowship with Him when we disobey.  Our fear of Him is based upon fact and not emotional rhetoric.  God treasures those who have a healthy reverence of Him.  God is keeping "a book of remembrance."  He has not overlooked or forgotten those who belong to Him or the work they have done in His Name!

Secondly, our text indicates that His jewels are those, "...that thought upon his name..."  Basically, God treasures those who treasure Him.  Is God in your thoughts daily?  Is He the subject of your meditation?  Those who reverently treasure God above all things will be the jewels He will gather soon.

Finally, our text informs us that His jewels are a prized, personal possession, "... they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts."  Those who fear and treasure Him are a valued possession of our Lord.  Notice that these jewels will soon be gathered:  "...in that day when I make up my jewels."  Our Lord is coming soon.  He is not coming for everyone.  Instead, He is coming for just a chosen few.  He is coming to gather His jewels.  These are they who will be "saved from the wrath to come." (1 Thessalonians 1:10).  In fact, our text states, "I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."  God will take care of His own possession!

God is in the jewel business.  Through His saving grace, filthy sinners are transformed into precious jewels.  He is coming to gather His jewels soon & will display them in heaven ... all for His glory. 

Will you be among that number?

THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6

We live in a generation that has seen great advances in the field of medicine and technology.  In many ways, the quality of life has improved drastically because of these advances.  However, there are many things that haven't improved.  Ethics, morality and spirituality have declined rapidly.  Mankind is sinfully depraved.  This spiritual depravity is obvious to any Biblically literate Christian.

One thing that is sadly missing in the Christian community is Spirit-filled, Spirit-led churches.  In this age of high-tech resources, the felt presence of the Holy Spirit is noticeably absent.  Think about this.  The first century church did not have large screen monitors, paved parking lots, extravagant buildings or polished musicians.  What they did have was the Holy Spirit & He worked through the Church to impact the world with the Gospel.

There is no substitute for the Holy Spirit.  Despite the numerous books written about church health and church growth, I believe that there is one Book that is overlooked --- the Bible itself.

In this day and time, it seems like pastors want to be CEO-type leaders rather than shepherds of the flock.  In some areas, the church is run like a business with secular marketing techniques.  Rather than operating as a business, the church should be a Spirit-led congregation, touching lives with the Gospel. 

In some churches, the entire "worship service," is programmed, very much like a radio station is programmed.  The music & message targets a specific audience. 

Speaking of music, in some churches the music resembles a rock concert.  High-energy music is performed with the intention of getting the crowd emotionally charged.  It is one thing to get caught up in the sway of the beat; it is another thing to be caught up in the Spirit.

There's a problem with all of this.  The American church has gotten too big for its britches.  We've substituted style for substance; entertainment for edification; emotion for worship; and polish for preaching.  Somewhere along the way, the Holy Spirit has exited most churches and hasn't even been missed. 

Here are some things that the American church has substituted for the Holy Spirit. 

1.  PROGRAMS

Programs are popular in church.  On one hand, there is nothing wrong with a Biblically based program.  However, there is a problem when programs are expected to bring life to the church.  I find it strange that many pastors talk about having a church like the one found in the book of Acts, but then promote ideas and programs that aren't found in the first century church.  Programs are a means to an end, not the end itself.  Certainly, programs will never take the place of the Holy Spirit.

2.  POLITICS

There are two forms of politics that are deadly to the church.  First of all, internal politics is destructive to a church.  Most church splits occur because of internal politics and bickering.  There is nothing worse than Christians fighting over control.  Isn't the Holy Spirit the One who should be in control of a church?

External politics is also bad for the church.  While it is good for Christians to be involved in the political process, it is wrong for the church to look to politicians and political parties for solutions to the ills of our nation.  Doesn't the church have the answer to our country's problems?  Why do we look to a politician instead of looking to Jesus?  During political season, why are visiting politicians permitted to occupy the pulpit on Sunday?  Lord, have mercy on our churches!  While it is good for a Christian to vote, we must remember that the hope for our country is not found in the voting booth but in the prayer closet.  The recent Presidential election was revealing.  I noticed on social media that most professing Christians seemed more zealous and outspoken about their political views than they've ever been about Jesus.  Don't you agree that this is a problem?

3.  PERSONALITIES

A third hindrance to the American church is the Hollywood-type status of certain preachers.  Some will drive for hundreds of miles to see & hear a TV minister in person, but won't even show up at their local church for a prayer meeting.  I believe there are good ministers in America, including some who are famous.  However, we need more than a polished preacher to turn things around, we need God Himself!  Instead of following TV evangelists, let's get back to following Jesus!  Instead of pursuing famous evangelists, let's pursue God!  Rather than seeking to talk for a moment with a religious leader, let's seek a divine encounter with God Himself!

4.  PRACTICES

In some circles, tradition has trumped truth.  Some cling to empty tradition with religious fervor.  Some would rather die in defense of a worthless ritual than to take up the cross & follow Jesus.  When tradition is worshiped rather than God, spiritual decay occurs.

For many, the issue is not tradition.  Instead, they are going through the motions.  Their worship is lifeless.  They have grown cold and indifferent.  They attend church without expecting a move of the Spirit.  Dead churches are abundant throughout the land.

What is the answer for the spiritual dilemma in America?  I believe there must be honest, sincere repentance.  It is time we throw away the religious idols that we've held so dear.  It is time we get on our knees and seek God diligently.  We need to pray with desperation.  We need the Holy Spirit, not more programs.  We need the Spirit to work anew and afresh in our lives.  It is time that we quit playing games at the foot of the cross.  It is time that we quit settling for the superficial and pray for the supernatural.  We should no longer be content with the status quo.  Only the Holy Spirit can bring life to a dead soul.  Only He can bring about long-term change.  Only a move of the Holy Spirit can restore a marriage, revive a church or turn a nation around.  We need more than the power of programs or the persuasion of preachers; we need the power of the Holy Spirit.  As Zechariah wrote, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."

It is time for God's people to repent of our foolishness and surrender anew and afresh to the Lord.  Pray until God moves.

Without Him, our efforts are in vain.

NEGLECTING GOD'S HOUSE

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." - Haggai 1:7

The local church used to be a vital part of the community.  Residents of the community would regularly attend and support the church.  The local church was a spiritual and social gathering place.  The local church was a vital part of the community's identity and functionality. 

Things have certainly changed.  These days, the local church is considered an option for the super-spiritual or "Jesus Freaks."  Most feel that they can be religious without any formal church attendance or membership.  For some, a church is just a status symbol of religious freedom.  For many, it is just a place to go only for weddings and funerals. 

God's house is being neglected these days.  The same was true for Haggai's day.  Although the residents of Israel were living comfortably in their nice homes, they were neglecting the rebuilding of God's house.  As a result, God led Haggai to challenge the people with these words, "Consider your ways."

In Haggai 1:6, the Bible says,  "Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes."  Their neglect of God's house was the reason that their efforts had been in vain.  The people were experiencing unnecessary trials because of their disobedience.  When the people neglect God's house, they are the ones who lose.

It is not the changes in the White House that will turn this nation around.  Instead, if people would repent and get back in God's house, we'd see positive change.  Because of Haggai's prophetic message, the people of Israel were convicted.  They repented and began working on restoring God's house.

I believe that the people of America have neglected God's house.  Have you?  When was the last time you attended church? 

We tend to blame our nation's economic and international challenges on a politician or a political party.  Perhaps we are looking at the result of God's judgment rather than the cause of His judgment.  Judgment must begin at the House of God.  Perhaps the real culprits in America are "good, religious folk." 

Since we are in a brand new year, let me challenge you to consider your ways.  Rather than judge the faults of church members, perhaps you should review your own stewardship.  If you've dropped out of church, get back in church where you belong.  If you are inconsistent in your church attendance, go every Sunday, beginning with this Sunday.  If you go to church regularly, do you get involved?  Are you serving?  Are you giving of your time, talents and treasures to see God's work advance through the ministry of your local church, or do you only warm the church pew on Sunday?

Maybe you're not involved in a local church because you feel out of place when you attend church.  The issue may not be with the church.  Perhaps you feel out of place because you aren't right with God.  If that is the case, my word for you is, "Consider your ways."  While I encourage you to begin attending church, I challenge you to go much deeper than that.  Attending church will not get you into heaven.  Involvement in a local church will not make you a Christian.  Instead, you need to repent of your sins right now.  Turn from your sins and place your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

The neglect of God's house is a reflection of our neglect of God Himself.  God deserves better.

Consider your ways.

GOD'S LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE

"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17

Every person has an innate desire to be loved.  We never outgrow the longing to be wanted, appreciated & loved.  God created us to seek & enjoy relationship with others. 

Despite our desire for love, we must confess that our world is an unloving environment.  Selfishness is prevalent due to sin.  We often get suspicious of strangers who show concern or care for us because we imagine that they have an ulterior motive.  Many do have secret motives, wanting a "favor" in return. 

It is refreshing to open the pages of Scripture and find that God cares for His people.  His love is an unconditional love.  When we think about God's love, we must not confuse His love with His approval.  God's love for His people is unconditional, but His approval may vary, based upon their obedience to Him.

In Zephaniah 3:17, God directed the prophet write the following words to His people, Israel: "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."  Israel had been disobedient to God, but He still loved His people.

Look at the verse again and meditate on the love God has for His people.

1.  GOD'S PRESENCE

First of all, the prophet wrote, "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty."  God was in the midst of His people, Israel.  Today, His people have the promise of His presence, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."  God has not forsaken His people.  Friends may forsake you.  Foes will oppose you.  But God remains the same.  He is present with us right now. 

2.  GOD'S PROMISE

Furthermore, God's love is extended to His people with this promise, "... he will save."  We have Someone who can and will deliver us.  God has not forsaken His own, but offers hope and help to His people through His Word.  It is time for God's people to believe His Word, obey His Word and stand on His Word.

3.  GOD'S PASSION

God cares for His people.  Zephaniah wrote, "... he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."  God's people are very important to Him.  God is not a politician, simply seeking support from people & then dump them when He gets what He wants.  God is always available for His people.  Notice that he rejoices over his people.  Just as an earthly father enjoys watching his children, God enjoys us.  We are His and He is ours.  I believe He enjoys our obedience to Him.  I believe He enjoys seeing us love others in His Name.

Furthermore, His love is not boisterous.  The Bible says, "... he will rest in his love."  In other words, His love is a strong love.  Often, those who have a "boisterous love," don't really love at all.  It is one thing to be noticed for loving others, it is another thing to love for love's sake.  God loves us, not because we deserve it, but because He is love.  Love is the essence of His being.  While I believe that God is holy, righteous, and perfect, it is wrong to forget His loving kindness and tender mercy.

Finally, God expresses His love.  Even though His love is a strong type of love, that does not mean that He refuses to demonstrate His love.  Zephaniah wrote, "... he will joy over thee with singing."  God sings?  That's what this verse seems to indicate.  Some believe that the translation should be more like, "shouts of joy."  In any case, God is not ashamed to demonstrate His love for His people.  We shouldn't be ashamed to demonstrate & declare our love for Him either.

God demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son to die for us.  "But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  God declared His love for us.  God demonstrated His love for us.

The One who knows us best loves us most.  He knows our faults, flaws and sins, & yet He loves us in spite of it all. 

He is a Father who truly loves His children.

HELP FOR HOPELESS TIMES

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." - Habakkuk 3:17-19

I live in the mountains of West Virginia.  I love my home state.  There's no place like West Virginia.  In spite of the beauty of this area, we are facing great challenges here.

On one hand, the southern counties of this state have been in an economic depression for some time.  Many have left the area due to a lack of jobs.  The financial strain has been felt at every level.  Things have been rather bleak in this region.

Secondly, many in this area struggle with substance abuse.  Drug use is out of control.  Overdoses are a regular occurrence in this region.  Many of the deaths in our area are due to overdoses.  It is sad to see so many dying without hope.

Finally, and most importantly, we need a spiritual awakening in this region.  There are churches on nearly every corner, but most people do not attend a church.  Although this is a religious region, many are religiously lost.  It is sad that many confuse religion with righteousness.  In spite of good churches regularly preaching the solid Gospel, it seems like most people know the talk of Zion but lack a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.

It would be easy to get down, distraught and discouraged.  Some may have given up on the people of this region.  It could be that many see no hope for West Virginia.  Here's my opinion:  apart from God's intervention, this region (like the rest of our country) has no hope.  Yet, I know that God is able to turn things around.  My faith lies in the power of God and not the opinion of men.

Habakkuk faced a similar situation as he wrote his prophetic book.  Notice the hopeless tone of Habakkuk 3:17:  "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls."  This verse shows that it is possible for a region to face dire circumstances. 

What should we do when times get so bleak?  Look at Habakkuk's response in the following verse:  "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation."  Habakkuk lived by faith instead of by sight.  Instead of looking around in despair or looking down without hope, he looked up --- he looked up to the One who would turn things around. 

My faith is anchored in the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ.  I trust the One who holds the future in His hands.  He can do far more than any politician or human "expert."  I know that God can turn things around.

The final verse of the book of Habakkuk demonstrates the kind of faith we need during hopeless times:  "... he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."  God can lift you up from the lowest position of despair and cause you to experience heights of joy.  Just as a deer can maneuver a steep rock cliff and reach the top of a hill, God can lead you from the lowest valley, through the overwhelming obstacles, and enable you to enjoy the exhilarating pinnacle of victory.

I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I believe God can turn things around.  I trust Him to do that in our region.  Will you trust Him to do the same with your life?

CONSOLATION DURING TRIBULATION

"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." - Nahum 1:7

So many people that I know are experiencing difficult times.  Some need employment.  Others have severed relationships that seem impossible to restore.  Many have physical problems that are severe --- and in some cases, terminal.  These are wonderful, God-fearing Christians.  They love Jesus and long to please Him.  In spite of what is taught by some televangelists, pain and problems do come to people of faith.

A popular televangelist was quoted as saying, "Your best years are ahead of you."  That is a trite statement that is lacking validity.  The truth is that pain and problems seem to intensify as we get older.  Certainly, eternity is looking brighter all the time for the Christian, but this life can get more difficult as time passes.  Perhaps the pain and struggles we face increase our desire for heaven.  We are not here on earth to stay.  Our affection should be on things above, not on the things of this world.  It is easy for us to consider this world to be our home, but that is a dangerous trap to fall into.  Pain tends to free us from that trap.

It may be that someone reading this message is going through the worst of times.  I offer no prophetic insight concerning your situation.  It may be that the pain you suffer will remain with you until you die.  It could be the terminal disease you've been diagnosed with will take you from this world very soon.  Perhaps the relationship you yearn to preserve will not survive.  I offer no false hope for your situation.  I do know that God is able to reverse the most impossible situation, if He so chooses. 

Instead of offering some stale, useless jargon, I want to point you to the Scripture.  In Nahum 1:7, the Bible says, "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."  I want you to dwell on this verse today.  Rather than dwelling on your situation, meditate on the Lord.  

Notice what Nahum wrote about God.  First of all, we learn that God is good.  God is good ... all the time.  The Bible does not tell us that life is always good.  Many times, life is not good.  Yet we can find comfort in the fact that God is always good.  He can be trusted during the most difficult times.  You can trust Him with your problems.  You can trust Him with your future.  In fact, you can trust Him with everything.

Secondly, we learn that God is a hiding place during trouble.  Our text refers to Him as a "strong hold in the day of trouble."  In Biblical times, a strong hold was a place of security, a place of safety during a battle.  We have a hiding place when trouble comes.  We are secure in Him.  You can confide in Christ.  You should abide in Christ.  You should hide in Christ.

Finally, we learn that God knows those who believe in Him.  Nahum wrote, "... he knoweth them that trust in him."  God knows the ones who belong to Him.  He knows you personally.  You are more than just a speck on the seashore of time.  The Lord knows you intimately.  You may feel all alone, dwelling far from your closest neighbor.  You may not receive many phone calls or Christmas cards.  You may be feeling very low.  Yet the Lord knows you.  In fact, He is there with you.  The One who loves you most is always by your side.  Your faith in Him is not in vain.  Your pain may seem unbearable.  Your plight may seem hopeless.  Your problems may seem overwhelming.  Yet God cares about you.  You are not going through these trials alone. 

Life is not easy.  Life is not fair.  But it is reassuring to know that God is with you.  He cares about you and your situation.  He is working in your life, making you more and more like Jesus.  One day, He will deliver you from this veil of tears.  What lies ahead is so glorious that words can hardly describe it.  Paul put it this way, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Dwell on the goodness of the Lord today.  He never disappoints those who trust in Him.