1. Introduction
   1. There are many moments that you and I face in this life. Moments of joy, sadness, and victory. That is life.
   2. When you know Jesus as your own personal savior, and you begin to communicate to God through his word, begin to pray and ask God each day for help to get through the day, life becomes so much easier.
   3. I’ve met a lot of people in my time. Many are stuck in a moment but still as each day passes in one’s life, it’s a moment and a memory in time.
   4. There were many in the bible such as Paul, Peter, Jonah, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John who had many moments. They were true servants of God.
   5. They lived a full and complete life. They made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives so that you and I today would have life, carrying out God’s Word and successfully continue throughout the age of time.
   6. The moment I received Christ as my own personal savior, I knew I’d never be alone again and no one else would ever be alone if they truly knew and sought God, communicated with God and involved Him in everything they’ve ever done.
   7. With God’s help there’s nothing impossible that cannot be possible in any moment in one’s life. Now let us look into our message

A Moment in Time

 What does a moment in time mean to you?

2. 1. Give me a moment, and in time I’ll tell you. 😊
   2. I like to think of life as like a book, and the moment in time is just the chapter that you are in right now. If your moment in time right now is a tough one, when you turn the page, your next chapter could be one of great blessing.
   3. The writer of Ecclesiastes has some things to say about moments in time. Eccleastes 3: 1: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: The moments in time that we experience in this life are seasons and God uses them to accomplish His Purpose.
   4. Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes goes on to say this in verses 2-3: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; Each moment in time is a step toward the ultimate ddestiny and plan that God has for you and me. Verses 3 to 8 continue to list moments of time according to God’s Purpose.
3. Why do people get stuck in one moment but can’t see the next?
   1. If you are stuck in one moment and can’t see the next, it could be because you are worried and fearful about how you will meet the needs of the next moment in time. Matthew 6:25-27: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? We need to enjoy the moment in time that we are in, knowing that Father God will provide all we need in the next.

5. There’s a saying when you’re going through the challenges, traps, trials & snares of life & everything looks bleak, remember this.
   1. As you are standing with 2 feet, one being in the desert, the other in the promise. 2nd Corinthians 1:20: For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. If you’re looking for the promise of victory, take both feet and move them both to the promise.
6. There were many in the bible caught in a moment of time, suffering defeat but realizing victory was just around the corner.
   1. The disciples felt defeated when they fished all night and caught nothing, then victory came. Luke 5:4-6: Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. & when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: & their net brake. If they had not obeyed Jesus, they would have missed the blessing, but because Peter took that step of faith, they went from defeat & failure to abundant victory!
   2. The armies of Israel were feeling quite defeated and troubled when they met a man named Goliath. 1st Samuel 17:8-11 & he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, & said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, & ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, & let him come down to me.If he be able to fight with me, & to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, & kill him, then shall ye be our servants, & serve us. And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul & all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, & greatly afraid. We all know that God used a young man named David with a sling to bring Israel the victory over this monster! Read chapter 10 of my book for full details…or just read 1^st Samuel chapter 17. 😊
   3. When Moses first showed up on the scene, things got really tough for the nation of Israel. Exodus 5:6-9: & Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, & their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. & the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go & sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; & let them not regard vain words. God did bring the victory as the nation of Israel were set free. They crossed over the red sea & begin their journey to the promise.
7. When we think of great men like…
   1. Moses, feeling defeated by speech, or lack thereof. Exodus 4:10-11: And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Moses had every excuse as to why he couldn’t carry out his mission, including this one. God did not give up on him, and with Aaron by his side, he did go to Egypt and lead the people out.
   2. When we think of Jacob, we think of power, kingship and victory. His father Isaac gave him this blessing in Genesis 27:28-29:  Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee. Jacob got this blessing through trickery, but it was just as his father had said and Jacob was the father of the nation of Israel.
   3. We think of the battles of David and his moments of time. Though he disobeyed and was a murderer and adulterer who paid the ultimate sacrifice by living by the sword all the days of his life. 2^nd Samuel 12:9-10: Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. David was forgiven, but he had to pay the consequences of his sin all his life.
   4. Yet, God loved him and said this is a man after my own heart. Acts 13:22: And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Are you a man or woman after God’s own heart? You may fall short from time to time, but if you live for Him every day, He will say that you too are a man or woman after his own heart. I definitely want him to say that about me.
8. What did Peter go through and how was he victorious in the end?
   1. When he sees the miracle working of Jesus, he tells him to depart. Luke 5:8: When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. Thankfully Jesus did not depart, and taught Peter how to be a fisher of men.
   2. Peter later denies he even knew Jesus. Mark 14:71: But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. Jesus had told Peter he would deny him three times, and he did.
   3. He was victorious, leading 3,000 souls to Jesus at one time. Acts 2:41: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Peter would later have to be confronted, and would end up being crucified upside-down, but God used him with all of his flaws to reap a harvest.
      .
9. Let’s look at Paul who persecuted the church but wrote 14 books and served God until the end.
   1. We first meet Paul as Saul of Tarsus, who is there at the stoning of Stephen. Acts 8:1-2: And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. & devout men carried Stephen to his burial, & made great lamentation over him.
   2. We then find him breathing threats against the Church, and getting authorization to throw all the Christians in jail. Acts 9:1-2: And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
   3. Then Saul meets Jesus on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:6-7: nd he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. Paul was blinded and had to be led into the city. Then a man named Ananias came and prayed for him. He received his sight and was raised up to be the Apostle Paul that wrote 2/3 of the New Testament.
   4. Looking at Paul’s life shows that no matter how far someone has gone, the light of the gospel can still reach them as it did Paul.
10. Let’s talk about John, what he meant to Jesus. What was his calling and what was his moment in time?
    1. John was one of the three that were closest to Jesus. These three were present for all of His Miracles.For example, in Matthew 17:1: And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, This was the Mount of Transfiguration. Only these three saw it.
    2. John was faithful. In our revelation course we talked about the called, chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14: These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. All 12 disciples were called. These three – Peter, James and John were chosen, and John was the one most faithful.
    3. John was also known as John the Beloved. He always referenced himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” in his gospel record.
       .
11. Who was Malachi and why was his moment in time important? What did he bring for you and me?
    1. As we open up Malachi, we see that he is a prophet, bringing a word of the Lord to the nation of Israel. Malachi 1:1-2: The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. I have loved you, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob, This book of Malachi is a word to the nation of Israel under the Old Testament, but there are principles in it that we in the age of grace can apply to our lives.
    2. One such principle is that of tithes and offerings. We find this in Malachi 3:8-12: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts. There are some that say that this does not apply to us and that it is used by preachers to manipulate their people. The principle of giving tithes and offerings is still applicable today and everyone here has seen it work in their lives. This is what Malachi brought to you and me in this moment in time.

 Who is this man called Jesus who came in a moment of time?

11. 1. Who was he? As we talked about last week, He was God. John 1:1-3: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Jesus was and is God the Son.
    2. Why did he come and who did he come for? Luke 19:10: For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. When sin came into the world, we were separated from God, destined to eternity in Hell, but Jesus came to save whosoever would come to Him.
    3. Why was he so innocent, being so condemned? 2nd Corinthians 5:21: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Jesus was that pure, spotless lamb that paid the price for your sin & mine. Remember how the Children of Israel had to find animals that were without blemish for a sacrifice? That was a shadow of the Lamb of God who would come to take away the sins of the world.
    4. Why was his moment our success? Matthew 27:50-51: Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. & behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; & the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; At that moment, the power of sin that separated us from God was defeated!
       .
12. Story: A Moment in Time
    20. 2nd Corinthians 5:17-20. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
    21. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
    22. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
    23. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
    24. Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Can you remember when you came to faith in Jesus?
    25. Could you replay the words you heard? What was the setup? A phone call, a coffee chat, a pub catch up, a sermon, a prayer meeting, a road trip.
    26. How was it delivered? Gently, loudly, passionately, nicely, annoyingly. Would you have preferred it any other way? Are you grateful for that moment?
    27. As those reconciled to God, we are called to share that wonderful message of salvation (that Jesus died and rose again to reconcile man to God) and witness to His wonderful works in our lives. Psalm 96:1-3.
    28. What would it look like to create a similar moment for a family member, friend, neighbour or colleague who is not yet saved? Who does God bring to mind?
    29. Thank You Father for the opportunities to share the gospel. Help us to know that You are always with us to the very end of the age. In every moment of time.
        .
13. Conclusion
    1. Where do you feel that you are in this moment of time, right now?
    2. Are you living life? Do you have life? Do you bring the bread of life to those who have no life?
    3. Do you study God’s Word and do you know God’s Word? As each day passes, these are all moments in time. As time goes by, we get closer and closer to the end of each life.
    4. With every breath that we take, for every conversation that we keep, we must remember that the end is nearer than you think.
    5. Where are you in this moment of time? I hope this message has made you think.

Want to be a Trailblazer?
Let me tell you how!

 Introduction

1. 1. I never really knew what a trailblazer was until I received Jesus as my own personal savior. They talked a lot about being a trailblazer at my church, Calvary,
   2. but little to my knowledge, I was oblivious to it. As time went on, and people came to the church, different speakers, missionaries etc.
   3. They would talk about this way of life called being a trailblazer. I now truly know what it means to be one. It’s one who is preparing and making a way for the Lord Jesus Christ in people’s lives.
   4. It’s so important that we take the gospel very seriously. When you are youthful, you don’t think much about mortality, or even when you’re middle-aged.
   5. But after 65, you begin to see another picture. One that’s getting close to our departure. Even then, people still don’t get the clue that Heaven’s door is just around the corner.
   6. That’s why it’s so important to be out soulwinning. The bible says in Proverbs 11:30: He that Winneth Souls is Wise. Going to church is not enough, Christians.
   7. You must be trained and equipped in God’s Word, led by your pastor and the church to encourage you to be talking to as many people as you possibly can,
   8. sharing your testimony at every chance you can, with the hope and prayer that as you’re blazing the trail, along the way many will receive Jesus Christ as their own personal savior.
   9. If your church is not training and equipping the saints for the work of the ministry, they are shaming the Lord! The people deserve better!
   10. When a pastor is hired his main focus should be training and equipping the saints, being the under-shepherd that he is called to be with the calling that he is given,
   11. and the main focus should be winning souls. To be a trailblazer, one must be focused.
   12. One must be studied up. One must be trained to understand how to minister the gospel effectively to anyone that you come in contact with.
   13. You should be equipped and ready to answer questions and carry your bible so it can be the witness to your conversation. It’s not easy blazing the trail.
   14. But if you’ll focus on studying God’s Word, knowing God’s Word and allowing His Spirit to lead you and guide you into all truth and understanding, you will be the trailblazer, and very successful.
   15. Now let us look into our message.

Want to be a Trailblazer?
Let me tell you how!

 There are stories of great men who were trailblazers. Who were they?

3. 1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer – A German theologian and pastor who was involved in the resistance movement against the Nazi regime during World War II.
   2. He wrote extensively on the topic of Christian ethics & was executed by the Nazis in 1945. His writings continue to inspire Christians around the world to this day.
   3. John Wesley – A minister who founded the Methodist movement in the 18th century. He’s known for his emphasis on personal holiness, evangelism, & social justice, & his influence can still be seen today.
   4. Martin Luther – A German theologian who played a key role in the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. He is best known for his “95 Theses,” which challenged the practices of the Catholic Church at the time and sparked a movement that would reshape Christianity.
   5. And these are just a few examples. There are many more.
4. Is your heart to study and know God’s Word?
   1. We are all called to study God’s Word so we are approved of God and can accurately share it with others. Here it comes! Wait for it! 2^nd Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. This one verse encompasses everything that you and I are to do as Christians. The Great Commission is to go out into the highways and byways and compel the lost to come in, but it starts with studying, THEN we can rightly divide to others the Word of Truth.
   2. The more we study God’s Word, the more we know it, and know the God of the Word. Psalm 119:10-11: With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Are you studying? And are you meditating on His Word? If so, YOU can become the next trailblazer!

 Is your heart to be all you can be for Him? Or are we just sitting on our laurels waiting for the next big wave to come through when you could’ve been riding it.

4. 1. If your heart is to be all you can be for Jesus, you are obeying what Jesus said in Luke 9:23: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. When we say “I do” to Jesus Christ, we are called to set aside our own personal agendas and pick up His.
   2. If you are just sitting on your laurels and waiting for the next big wave, James has a word for you. James 1:6: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. You know, for years and years we have prayed for a great revival, but I think God is saying back to us, “You be the revival.” When we endeavor to be all we can be for Christ, revival comes. He will make you a spark of revival.

 People are desperate. People are discouraged. Many lives have been turned upside-down that need the love, grace & guidance to encourage them to continue to keep marching on.

5. 1. This is why the Church is so important. Paul speaks about this in Hebrews 10:24-25: & let us consider one another to provoke unto love & to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: & so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. When we all get together as the Church and decide to be all we can be for Jesus, we can encourage and help those that are in need.

 The bible is also filled with trailblazers (OT&NT)

6. 1. Abraham blazed a trail into the unknown for a nation that he would give birth to. Genesis 12:1-3: Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Abraham obeyed and God blessed Him and the 2 nations he birthed are still on the earth today.
   2. Joseph was another trailblazer for the nation of Israel in that after being sold into slavery by his family, being accused of something he never did, God ultimately raised him up to save his people from a terrible famine. Genesis 41:46-48: And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. Eventually the brothers that had sold him into slavery would come needing food during the eyears of famine, and Joseph would bring them to Egypt to ilve until Moses came to bring them home.
   3. Speaking of Moses, when we first meet him, he knows his calling, but tries to do it his own way and gets into trouble. Finally, his trailblazing starts at the burning bush. Genesis 3:3-5: And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.It was here that God called Moses to be the trailblazer that would lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt and on their journey to the promised land.
   4. Paul started out as a trailblazer for the enemy, but then this happened. Acts 9:2-4: And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Paul went on to be the trailblazer for Christ who won countless souls to the Lrod and wrote 2/3 of the New Testament.

 Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is one that is a trailblazer with numerous accounts of what he did.

7. 1. He drew attention to Himself with his knowledge and wisdom at the young age of twelve. Luke 2:45-47: And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. Little did they know that the one standing in front of them was the greatest trailblazer of all, the Lord Jesus Christ.
   2. He fed five thousand men with just five loaves & two fish. Luke 9:16: Then he took the five loaves & the two fishes, & looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. Jesus multiplied the five loaves and two fish andthousands were fed. This happens here at the Little House every Sunday night.
   3. We talked about last week how he calmed the storm at sea. Mark 4:39: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. One word from Jesus changed the whole situation, from rough and stormy, to calm and peaceful.
   4. He even raised a man from the dead, proving that He has the power over death. John 11:43-44: And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. After Jesus was crucified on the cross, on the third day, he arose from the dead, showing the world that He had conquered death.  He was deadly serious about being a trailblazer, and he certainly arose to the occasion. 😊

 Where are you in this message?

8. 1. It is my prayer that this message has inspired you to press on and be all you can be for God. Philippians 3:14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Is this you? This is something to think about.

 Are you all set because you received Christ as your own personal savior?

10. 1. As we say all the time, it is not enough just to believe and say you are all set. James 2:19: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. We must live out what we believe and be fruitful for the one who saved us.
    2. Have you done anything to bring glory to God? 1st Corinthians 10:31: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. We were made for His Glory, and everything we do should be to give Him glory.
    3. Have you gone out into the highways and byways to compel people to come into the church? Luke 14:23: And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. God wants His House to be full! What are you doing to help fill this place? Are you our there complaining that there aren’t enough people, or are you out inviting them???
    4. Have you led anyone to the saving grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? If not, this message is for you.
11. Story: Bonhoeffer, a German Trailblazer.
    1. We mentioned Bonhoeffer earlier in the message as an example of a trailblazer. Here is a little bit more information on what he did in the World War 2 era.
    2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian, lived a life of profound faith and courage during the Nazi era.
    3. He initially opposed the Nazi regime’s ideology and its influence on the church, eventually joining the German resistance and participating in plots to assassinate Hitler.
    4. His commitment to justice and his unwavering faith led to his arrest and execution by the Nazis in 1945.
    5. Bonhoeffer, born into a prominent family, chose theology over aristocracy, entering a path that would lead him to confront the evils of Nazism.
    6. He became a vocal critic of the regime, particularly its persecution of Jews, and established a seminary that resisted Nazi influence. When war began, Bonhoeffer struggled with the moral implications of fighting for Hitler, eventually choosing to engage in resistance activities.
    7. e joined the German Military Intelligence, which served as a cover for the resistance movement. He helped Jews escape to Switzerland and attempted to negotiate peace with Britain,
    8. but his efforts were unsuccessful. In 1943, Bonhoeffer was arrested for his involvement in the resistance and spent the next two years in prison.
    9. During his imprisonment, Bonhoeffer wrote extensively, producing works like Letters and Papers from Prison, which explored themes of faith, discipleship, and the nature of a world come of age.
    10. His writings have become influential texts in Christian theology and continue to inspire reflection on faith and action.
    11. In the aftermath of the failed July 20, 1944, assassination attempt on Hitler, Bonhoeffer was implicated and executed in Flossenbürg concentration camp on April 9, 1945, just weeks before the war’s end.
    12. His martyrdom, along with his theological insights, has solidified his place as a hero of faith and resistance against tyranny.
    13. Over the years, I’ve heard this man mentioned on the radio and it is said that out of all of the Christians living in Germany at the time, he was one of very few who spoke out against the Nazi movement. He was a trailblazer. Let’s you and I become the few that will speak out for the cause of Jesus Christ.

.Conclusion

11. 1. Has this message made you think of who you are and what God has made you to be?
    2. Is it enough to say that you’re saved and then do nothing else? Do you know the rewards are great on the earth and heaven for the things you’ve done
    3. Are you a trailblazer? If you are not, you ned to be.

1. Introduction
   1. When I became a Christian first starting out, I didn’t know much about the gospel of Christ.
   2. As a young kid you are thinking about playing & being with your friends, not about the more serious things that require your undivided attention.
   3. When I became a Christian and began hearing the message about how Christ conquered death and how he died and rose again I was intrigued by this.
   4. I was a little bit older then and a little more responsible and could sit still and be more focused too what this truly meant.
   5. Many Christians today take it for granted when they hear that phrase “He died. He rose & He conquered death.” In fact, most Christians don’t even know what it truly means.
   6. Baptism for you and me is a perfect example of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
   7. Baptism doesn’t save anyone but it is a public confession telling everyone about your salvation and how you became born again as it says in John 3:3.

1. To summarize, not paraphrase, but to give you the true meaning of the phrase “he died.” Jesus came to seek and save that which is lost. Luke 1910: For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
2. He is a man that knew no sin. Through ignorance and evilness, those that truly waited for a Messiah couldn’t see that the very Messiah was standing right in front of them.
3. He was a man that did no wrong. He loved everyone. He prayed for everyone.
4. He made disciples for everyone and through the Holy Spirit, He inspired men to write the bible that we now have today, the Authorized King James Bible to lead us and guide us into all truth and understanding.
5. When it says he rose, this mean that Jesus was crucified. He died and rose again on the third day 1st Corinthians 15:3-5: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6. When it says that Jesus conquered death, he not only conquered death, but went and got the keys to death and hell. Revelation 1:18: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
7. Jesus rose again and was seen of all his disciples, which was proof that he was the only resurrected king to ever be resurrected from death.
8. There are many people – leaders of many sects and cults that try to proclaim that they have been risen, only to find their bodies still in the grave.
9. In light of this message you’ll find accurate information regarding our title today. He died. He Rose, and he conquered death. Now let us look into our message.
10. What is the true meaning when it says Jesus Rose?
    1. It means that Jesus died on the cross. There was no pulse. No breath. He was dead, and then on the third day, He became fully alive. Revelation 2:8: And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; He did not just fall asleep and then wake up. He was fully dead, and then became fully alive.
       .
11. What does it mean when we say he conquered death?
    1. When Jesus rose from the grave, he defeated death. Death was reduced to a mere doorway. When we who are born-again pass through it, we too are immortal and death is swallowed up in victory. 1st Corinthians 15:54-57: So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Death has lost its sting and is no more something to be feared. It is only a doorway from one life into the next.
       .
12. Why did Jesus have to die?
    1. All humanity has sinned and fallen short of God’s highest and best. Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; That’s each and every one of us. We’ve all missed the mark.
    2. God established long ago that the soul that sinneth it shall die. Exzekiel 18:4: Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. Here God established the wages for sin as death. That penalty still holds true today. It has not been lifted.
    3. However, God so loved you & me that He gave His Son to pay the wages for our sin. Romans `6:23: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus paid that penalty on the cross for you and me who have accepted the free gift of salvation He offers.
    4. Now because of Jesus death on the cross, just like Him, we can be raised to newness of life. Romans 6:4: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. When we accept the free gift of salvation by asking Jesus to come into our heart and save our soul, we have a new and abundant life.
       .
13. What does this mean to you as a Christian? How do you identify?
    2. Because I accepted Jesus as my savior, I am a new creature. 2nd Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. I identify as a new creation. What I once was, I am no longer because Jesus has made me new. On the day of salvation, I became Pastor Wayne version 2.0.
    3. I identify as a soul that was lost in sin, & even at my worst, Jesus died for me to come to Him. Romans 5:8: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God knew everything I would do, think & say, & still chose to save me.
    4. Because of my salvation, I am able to press on and fulfill the calling God has given me. Philippians 3:14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. I’m not saved just to sit and drift through life. I have a purpose and a calling, and I press on toward that calling every day.
       .
14. How was Jesus crucified? How according to scripture did he rise again?
    1. Jesus was crucified on a cruel cross, with nails in his feet and hands, being rejected and mocked of all who were there. Matthew 27:33-35: And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. Jesus bore the weight of the whole world on his shoulders on this day and bore the penalty for your sins and mine.
    2. He was placed into a tomb which was sealed with a stone in front of it. Matthew 27:59-60: And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. They thought that the big stone would keep him inside, but they were in for a surprise!
    3. On the third day, when the women went to anoint the body, this amazing sight met them. Matthew 28:3-6: His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Jesus was not there. He had passed right through the tomb and came out. He was alive. He is alive and you can meet him today!
       .
15. Why was it so important to have the keys of death and hell?
    1. As we said before, every soul has sinned. Isaiah 53:6: 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. We all have sinned and all are worsthy of death and separation from God.
    2. Because of sin, every soul was destined to die and be
    3. Because of the cross and the resurrection, death is swallowed up in victory. 2nd Corinthians 15:54-57: So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Now, because Jesus died, rose again, and conquered the grave, there is no more sting to death. It’s just a doorway from one life to another. Jesus holds the key of death and hell, and made a way for us to be rescued, saved and heaven bound!
       .
16. How many days after his crucifixion was he then spotted, and who was he spotted by?
    1. On the first day of the week, which was the third day after Jesus was crucied, Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary went to the tomb. Matthew 28:5-9: And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. The two Marys wer e the first ones to see the resurrected King. Not Peter, John, or the other Apostles, it was the two women, and then they brought word to the others.

 Jesus began to start his ministry, in the first encounter that we know of at 12 years old in Jerusalem.

1. 51. We don’t know a lot about Jesus’ early years, but we do get a small glimpse into his pre-teen years. Let’s read Luke chapter 2, starting at verse 42 and ending at verse 51.
   52. Starting at verses 42-43: And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. Jesus was on assignment. He wasn’t an ordinary 12-year-old. He was God in the flesh, beginning his ministry.
2. Have you ever gone out to do something for God, and God wasn’t even with you at all? Let’s look at verses 44-45: But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. A lot of churches conduct services assuming that Jesus is with them when he’s not with them at all. We want to make sure he’s with us. This is why we open the door and invite him in at every service.
3. After a while, the people realize that Jesus was not in their midst and they go back to where He was with them last. They found him ministering in the temple. Let’s look at verses 46-47: 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. They were amazed because they did not know that their long-awaited Messiah was standing right in front of them.
4. Now Jesus faces the music and reminds his mother of why he came to earth to begin with. Look at verses 48-49: 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? He reminded them that he was on a greater mission than any ordinary 12-year-old. He was seeking to save the lost even at twelve.
5. Now let’s hear the conclusion of this short incident in verses 50-51: 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. We don’t hear any more about Jesus’ youth. He probably went home and grew up as a normal child, knowing that he would soon leave home and be the lamb of God who would give his life to conquer death and the grve so you and I could have life.

 Why was Jesus calling his earthly mom “Woman” instead of “Mother”?

10. 1. We sing a song called “Her Name is Mary.” She was an ordinary woman, a sinner saved by grace. Not the queen of heaven but a woman of faith.
    2. Jesus know that there would be people that would put her on a pedestal as the mother of God. He wanted it to be known that he did not give her special treatment and did not want us to do so either. John 2:3-5:  And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. Mary was blessed. She was favored, but at the end of the day, she was merely  a woman. Jesus let that be known by calling her that.

 Why did the Pharisees not recognize the living God and Messiah that was standing right before them?

11. 1. They were blinded by the god of this world, just like many today who have the word of God presented to them and they don’t receive it. 2nd Corinthians 4:4: In whom 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. Their eyes were blinded by traditions and mindsets and they could not see the true gift of God that was right in front of them.

 Why did Pilate have no part in his crucifixion, but did carry out the order?

12. 1. Pilate knew that Jesus was a pure, sinless man who did no wrong, & wouldn’t fully endorse the crucifixion of Jesus. Matthew 27:22-24: Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Pilate was a people pleaser. He knew Jesus was innocent but did not have the strength to stand up for the truth. He let the crowd have their way inspite of what he knew.

 Why were the Jews not able to crucify him themselves?

16. 1. The Jews couldn’t crucify Jesus because they didn’t have the legal authority to perform capital punishment under Roman rule.
    2. While they could arrest and try Jesus, the power to execute was reserved for the Roman authorities.
    3. Crucifixion itself was a specifically Roman form of execution and carrying it out would have been considered an act of rebellion against Rome, potentially resulting in the execution of the Jewish officials themselves.
17. Why does it say Any man that preacheth any other gospel is cursed?
    9. Let’s take a look at Galatians 1 verses 6 to 9. This is a passage that is as relevant today as it was in Paul’s day.
    10. First, in verses 6-7 it says: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. There are many people out there preaching variations on the gospel that are not the true gospel of salvation by grace through faith.
    11. God gives a strong warning to those who preach a false gospel. Verses 8 and 9 say But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. This is why it is so important to be in God’s Word, studying it, digesting it, and living by it so we know when someone is trying to give us another gospel, instead of the gospel of Jesus Christ who died, rose, and conquered death.
18. Story: He’s Alive
    1. We’ve been talking about JEsus who died, rose, and conquered death. Here are lyrics to a song that captures this story really well. It’s called He’s alive by Don Francisco.
    2. The gates and doors were barred and all the windows fastened down. I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound.
    3. Half in hopeless sorrow and half in fear, the day would find the soldiers breaking through to drag us all away. Then just before the sunrise, I heard something at the wall.
    4. The gate began to rattle, and a voice began to call. I hurried to the window and looked down to the street. Expecting swords and torches and the sound of soldiers feet.
    5. But there was no one there but Mary, so I went down to let her in. John stood there beside me as she told us where she’d been.
    6. She said, “They moved him in the night and none of us knows where. Oh, the stones been rolled away, and now his body isn’t there”!
    7. So we both ran toward the garden, then John ran on ahead. We found the stone and the empty tomb just the way that Mary said.
    8. But the winding sheet they wrapped him in was just an empty shell. And how or where they’d taken him, it was more than I could tell.
    9. Perhaps something strange had happened there, just what I did not know. John believed a miracle, but I just turned to go.
    10. Circumstance and speculation couldn’t lift me very high. ‘Cause I’d seen them crucify Him and then saw Him die!
    11. Back inside the house again, the guilt and anguish came. Everything I’d promised Him just added to my shame.
    12. When at last it came to choices, I denied I knew His name. And even if He was alive, it could never be the same!
    13. Then suddenly the air was filled with a strange and sweet perfume. Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room.
    14. Then Jesus stood before me with His arms held open wide. And I fell down on my knees and clung to Him and cried.
    15. Then He raised me to my feet and as I looked into His eyes, Love was shining out from Him like sunlight from the sky.
    16. Guilt and my confusion disappeared in sweet release, And every fear I’d ever had just melted into peace.
    17. He’s alive, He’s alive, He’s alive, and I’m forgiven. Heavens gates are open wide. He’s alive! He died. He rose, and he conquered death. Amen???
19. Conclusion
    1. Based on this message, if you were to tell anyone about how Jesus was crucified and risen, how would you explain it?
    2. Do you have enough scriptural knowledge and do you carry the bible to give fact with word and true accounting of what happened when He died. He rose, and he conquered death?

1. Introduction
   1. I remember many years ago when I went to a conference. For some strange reason, I was led to go to my bookstore and get this book entitled “Dancing with Demons.”
   2. It was a book that gave a lot of different groups of people that were claiming to serve the Lord or rejecting the Lord and implanting discouraging thoughts of the authenticity of who God was or wasn’t.
   3. I remember listening to John Wesley White speak. He was making the Beatles singing group sound like they were saints when all the time, they were bible rejecters.
   4. In one of the paragraphs in the book, John Lennon gives an account of how popular his group was and even said they were more popular than Jesus Christ himself.
   5. They were dancing with demons. Towards the closing of the minister’s message, I felt compelled to get out of my seat and walk to the front.
   6. I also had a newspaper in my hand that gave an account backing up what the book Dancing with Demons had specified.
   7. The newspaper article was a ditto to the book. I remember when I got out of my seat, I was shaking in my boots but nevertheless, I was determined to correct the preacher as he was misleading the people to believe that the Beatles were saints.
   8. As I got out of my seat and walked to the front, he stopped what he was saying. He spoke to me for a moment. He took the newspaper and the article in the book.
   9. He looked at it and said to me, “I stand to be corrected. I will treasure this all the days of my life.” I did a lot of praying before I went up there.
   10. When the preacher gave the kudos to the Beatles, I’m quite sure that hell was dancing in the fire. I thank God that I was brave enough and prayed up enough to get out of my seat and I made a difference.
   11. That’s what knowing the Word, holding and keeping the Word in our hearts without compromise can do, and prayer is what moves the hand of God. Now let us look into our message

2. aybe you’ve had an experience like this and felt like others were dancing with the devil, yet you were praying your heart out for a complete transformation and turn-around.
   1. The truth is, that those who have not received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are in bondage to sin and the devil. Isaiah 14:3: And it shall come to pass in the day that the Lord shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, God’s whole mission, and ours as Christians, is to see people set free from bondage to the devil and walk in newness of life, serving the Lord.
   2. The only way you and I can detect if someone is in bondage is by knowing God’s Word, and seeing how they are contrary to it. Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. If you study God’s Word, you can help that person who is dancing with the devil, to break free and learn a new, joy-filled dance with the Savior.
3. Maybe before you were saved, you were dancing with the devil and didn’t know you were. When you received Jesus as your own personal savior, you certainly realized it then.
   1. Every one of us, before we became saved, were dancing with the devil, or entangled with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. We were serving the devil’s agenda without knowing it, but now as Christians, our eyes have been opened and the truth has set us free.

 Why is this message so important?

4. 1. Because you’re either serving God or serving the devil. Jesus had this to say about the unbelievers of his time. John 8:44: Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. If you are born-again, Jesus is your father. You serve Him. If you are not born-again, your father is the devil. Pure and simple.
   2. The world has nothing to offer you. As a matter of fact, the world is at enmity with God. James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. We must not love the world and its ways, for they are the ways of sin and bondage. We love the people and want to see them saved, but we must stand for God and His Word.

 Who in the bible was dancing with demons?

5. 1. King Saul was dancing with demons when he tried to communicate with the dead Samuel. Let’s look at 1^st Samuel 28:11-14: Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. This was nothing less than a demon of hell that Saul was communicating with and it brought him no relief, but only added to his troubles.
   2. Samson was dancing with demons that came in the form of Delilah. Judges 16:19-21: And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house. Samson let Delilah distract him from what God had for him and was blinded and imprisoned. However, he found redemption at the end of his life, and made a greater impact than he had previously.
   3. Simon the Sorcerer heard the gospel from Philip, but we find him later still dancing with demons. Acts 8:18-20: And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Simon’s motives were not honest and sincere. He was possibly the first Reverend Wonderful, trying to get financial gain from the gospel.
   4. The girl with the spirit of divination was following the disciples, but Paul discerned that she was actually dancing with demons. Acts 16:16-18: And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. This shows us that what looks like God, sounds like God, smells like God, might not actually BE God. Only prayer and study of His Word will equip you to know the difference.

 Who in the bible did God almost take their life as a result of their resistance and no change and the lives that he did take? Who were they?

6. 1. King Saul ultimately lost his life for his disobedience. 1st Samuel 31:3-5: And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. Instead of repenting and turning back to God, Saul danced into the sunset…with the devil.
   2. Ananias and Sapphira were taken due to deception as we see in Acts 5:4-5: Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. God knows whether someone is going to repent and turn back to him or continue in their sinful ways, and will take someone home early if he knows they will not change.

 There are many today that are dancing with demons, enchanting all types of wickedness, sorcery, Wicka, witches and warlocks, satanic rituals and so on.

7. 1. The bible paints a very accurate picture of the time in which we live. Let’s take a look at 2^nd Timothy 3:1-5 and compare it to the news of the day.
   2. The last days, the times we live in now are marked for being perilous times. Verse 1 says This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. With mass shootings on the rise, accidents galore, and natural disasters, we are indeed in perilous times.
   3. Then, Paul goes on to describe what the people will be like in the last days. Look at verse 2: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, We preach on a regular basis that we are called to look on the things of others more than ourselves. That goes ag ainst the natural tendencies of the people of today.
   4. Paul doesn’t stop there. Let’s go on to verse 3. without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Do you know of anyone like this? There are plenty in our world today.
   5. Now let’s look at verses 4 and 5. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. This is a good description of those who are dancing with the devil instead of praying to the Lord. Turn away from that crowd and stay close to the Lord in these perilous times!

 What do we say to these people in the world that are caught up in all of these satanic ways? What scriptures can we use to ward them away from the world’s devices and the god of this world who holds them hostage?

12. 1. We can say that the only way to freedom and life is to put their trust in Jesus. John 14:6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Not all faiths lead to salvation and freedom. Jesus is the only way.
    2. We can tel them that there is nothing in this world, and no other name that can bring them freedom and life. Acts 4:12: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Satan can do a lot of things, but he can’t save souls and bring them heaven bound. Only Jesus can.
    3. We must encourage the person that is in bondage that they need to commit their life to Christ, and be transformed by Him as they surrender to His Will. Romans 12:1-2: 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 this 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. The good news is that once someone sincerely commits their life to Jesus Christ, the transformation is done by His Spirit, as the person continues to surrender to Him every day.
13. What can we do to break the chains and cycle of their demonic activity and worldly thinking that’s destroying them from within?
    1. The mind is the devil’s main battlefield. The things we are thinking about can either let him in, along with the worldly thoughts, or filter them out. Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. This is one of the most important scriptures in the bible, because so much hinges on what we choose to think about on a regular basis. Don’t let Satan have the controls to your mind. Invite Jesus into your thoughts and actions every day.
14. The devil’s solution is temporal but can end up eternal without change. When God changes you, you’re cleaned up from the inside out.
    1. Old things pass away 2nd Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. As we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, the sinful tendencies and old habits begin to fade away, and new godly habits gradually set in. We should be constantly growing in our walk with God, not staying the same.
    2. With God we press on to the mark of the higher calling.  Philippians 3:14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Paul is telling us here that he forgets those things that are past, and reaches forward to all that God has ahead of him.
    3. With the devil it’s kill, steal and destroy. John 10:10: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. If you are dancing the dance of destruction with the devil, dump him and learn a new dance of victory with the Savior.
15. The final end for those who serve the world is kill, steal and destroy. But with God, it’s live life abundantly.
    1. Let your conversation be the conversation of Christ. Philippians 1:27: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; What is your conversation about on a regular basis? Is it the trivial things of the world that have no eternal value, or are you always talking about things pertaining to the gospel? Something to think about.
    2. Let your heart be transformed and your mind renewed to the things that bring unity, peace and fortitude.
    3. Knowing that we who are weak have God as our strength who is strong. Nahum 1;7: The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. We can never win the battle against Satan’s devices on our own, but when we realize that we are weak, God pours in His Strength and leads us on to victory!
16. Story: Elara’s Story
    1. Elara lived under a gray sky, not of clouds, but of the mind. For years, she had felt a cold, subtle weight draped over her shoulders—
    2. the whispers that told her she was worthless, unlovable, and a burden to everyone around her.
    3. These whispers, she knew, were the voice of her unseen tormentor. He had no fiery pitchfork or cloven hoof; he had her voice, twisted and weaponized against herself.
    4. One morning, she woke to the same familiar despair. The sun was a brilliant gold outside her window, but inside, her world was colorless.
    5. She thought of a thousand reasons to stay in bed, a thousand reminders of her own failures, all delivered in a voice she mistook for her own.
    6. But today, something was different. A memory, long buried, surfaced from her childhood: her grandmother singing a simple lullaby about a light that could never be extinguished.
    7. Elara decided to fight back. Instead of replaying the taunts, she found a notepad and began writing down every negative thought.
    8. “You’re a failure.” Scribble. “Nobody cares.” Scribble. As she wrote them down, the whispers seemed to lose their power, turning from commanding voices into mere words on a page.
    9. She looked at the list of lies—lies about her past mistakes, her flaws, her character—and recognized them as the chains that bound her.
    10. For the first time in years, she opened her Bible, her eyes falling on a verse she had read countless times before:
    11. ” If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36). The words, once just ink on paper, resonated with a new, vibrant energy.
    12. They were a promise, not a suggestion. She wasn’t just a victim in an endless cycle; she was a captive whose freedom had already been paid for.
    13. Kneeling by her bed, Elara laid the notepad on the floor. It was no longer a journal of failures, but a list of the enemy’s false claims.
    14. With trembling hands, she prayed, not with rehearsed words, but with the raw cry of her soul. “Jesus, I am tired of the lies. You promised freedom. Please, take this weight from me.”
    15. As she finished speaking, peace washed over her. It was a quiet unraveling. The gray mental sky began to break apart.
    16. The light from her window seemed to fill the room, pushing back the shadows in her mind.
    17. The whispers didn’t vanish, but they were distant, like a retreating army. That day marked a beginning. Her freedom wasn’t a one-time event, but a constant process of choosing to believe the truth.
    18. Each time the old voice returned, she remembered her Savior’s promises. The weight was gone, replaced by a lightness. She began to live under the warmth of the sun and the genuine, unburdened love she had finally found.
    19. She went from dancing with the devil and living in bondage to praying and living for the Lord. What about you?

. Conclusion

13. 1. How has this message resonated with you?
    2. Maybe you know someone that’s caught up in this – meaning the world and its ways. Its constant contrary to God’s Word.
    3. The world is dancing with demons. God’s People are dancing with Joy