We must Contend and Defend
our Positions as Christians

1. Introduction
   1. I personally have always been a contender for what I believe in and what I stand for.
   2. I was always taught that when you have principles that you stand by you must contend to hold your position. If not, you’ll drift by the wayside & be rolled over like a steamroller coming at you hard & fast.
   3. Most businessmen must contend earnestly for their position if they want to have a successful business. A business requires not some of your attention but all of your attention to be successful.
   4. Channeling that over to ministry, when I became a Christian in 1981, I joined a small church called Calvary where it seemed like all that they were doing was contending on all fronts and positions.
   5. It seemed like the messages were always in respect to what someone was doing or not doing according to God’s Word. Especially on the national front.
   6. I was already a contender, owning my own business at 17 years old. When I believed in something, I stood for what I believed. I had a motto.
   7. Do it when you think of it now, don’t wait until tomorrow when you can do it today. For tomorrow (if it should come) will encompass even more things that will need to be done.
   8. This is where people get into trouble because they become overwhelmed with things from yesterday when they could’ve taken care of yesterday and let tomorrow be a fresh new day of things to do and things not to do.
   9. The bible tells us in Jude 1:3: Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
   10. “When people say that they won’t contend or debate their positions, I really don’t know how anyone can be a true Christian without taking a stand & their rightful place as a Christian.” It’s like life is just passing them by.
   11. It’s enough that they are saved but they do nothing more.” Jesus was a contender. He contended with the pharisees.
   12. Matthew 22:16-18: And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teaches the way of God in truth, neither cares thou for any man: for thou regard not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What think thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
   13. When Jesus came into the synagogue and saw that they were making his house a house of merchandise, he turned over all of their tables and threw them out.
   14. The bible gives the account of this in Matthew 21:12-13: And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
   15. As you can see, Jesus was a contender. He was a debater. You and I are created in his image.
   16. All through the bible from the Old to the New Testament people of God had to contend earnestly for their faith and what they believed in.
   17. You may say to yourself I’m not a contender. You may say I’m not a debater. We don’t look to contend or debate, but when face to face with what we believe, we must then contend earnestly for our faith.
   18. Now let’s look into our message

We must Contend and Defend
our Positions as Christians

2. What are your thoughts on what it means to contend?
   1. We always get our definitions from the Av-1611 King James bible dictionary, which gives the following definitions for the word contend.
   2. To strive, or to strive against; to struggle in opposition. For example, Deuteronomy 2 says Distress not the Moabites, nor contend with them in battle.
   3. To strive; to use earnest efforts to obtain, or to defend and preserve. Ye should earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Jude 3.” This is the definition we will use in our message today.
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3. What does it mean to be a defender of your faith?
   1. There is a constant spiritual battle that has taken place since the bible times. Jesus said this in Matthew 11:12: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. We are all called to defend our faith against those who would try to discredit it in some way.
   2. We should always remember that we are ultimately defending against a spiritual foe, not flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12: 2 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. As we contend and defend our faith, remember that the battle is ultimately spiritual.

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4. Why do we feel as Christians that we have to contend or debate at all. Can’t we just live our lives knowing we’re Christians?
   1. Let’s look at a section of scripture where we are exhorted to contend and find out what God is saying. Jude verse 1 says Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: So here we learn that the writer is the b rother of James, and a servant of Jesus. He’s writing to those who are preserved and called by Jesus Christ.
   2. As we look at verse 2, we see Jude’s opening greeting. Verse 2: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Jude opens up his letter with a wish that mercy, peace, and love be multiplied among his readers.
   3. Now we get down to the crux of the matter, and what we are taling about today in this message. Jude 3 says Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. But why are we supposed to contend?
   4. We see the answer to this question in Jude 1 verse 4: For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. We contend because there are those who are using the grace of God as a license to sin and do whatever they want, not unlike today.

5. How often do you as a Christian discuss your faith with someone else? How often do you feel the need to contend or argue your point?
   1. Our conversation should always 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; We should be involving Jesus in every area of our lives. I talk about Him all day long, on the job, in the truck, and at home. He’s always part of my conversation.
   2. Our main job as Christians is to go out and tell people about how they can come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. This is what you and I should be focused on at all times. Our job is to make heaven crowded! Are you doing it?
   3. You must argue your point when the other person’s eternal destination is at stake. John 8:32: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. If someone you are speaking to has not trusted in Jesus to save them, and you have the truth they need, you must argue your point to lead them to life and freedom.
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6. We’re living in a time where the controversy is so contentious, and all our moral values are at stake that it’s almost impossible not to contend or debate.
   5. Let’s open our bibles to a passage of scripture that shows you the time we are living in today. You might mistake this passage for the daily news. Turn to 2^nd Timothy 3 and let’s look at verses 1 to 5.
   6. We’ve been hearing a lot about peace & safety, but the truth is that perilous times are here. Verse 1 says This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. Now we’ll see why these are such contentious and perilous times.
   7. Let’s look at verse 2: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, We teach and practice looking on the things of others more than ourselves, but the unsaved world around us is filled with lovers of themselves, wanting what others have, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient, and unholy.
   8. Verse 3 continues on: Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Do you see anyone in our day and age that is like this? They are all around us.
   9. Now let’s wrap up this section with 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. These are the ones with whom we must contend to see them rescued, saved, and heaven bound.

7. There were many in the bible who were contenders and debaters for their positions (OT&NT)
   1. Elijah contended with the people that were going astray to worship Baal. 1st Kings 18:21-22: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Elijah went on to challenge the prophets of Baal to make a sacrifice and see which god would show up and consume the sacrifice. Baal was asleep despite their crying out but our God, the Lord Jesus showed up bigtime. I encourage you to read the rest of that chapter sometime.
   2. Paul was a contender and debater. He had no problem speaking his mind. For example, in Galatians 2:11-14:B ut when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? In this case, Paul contended with a fellow believer because of his compromise. When we see a brother or sister who is not living out the Christian life as they should, we should lovingly call them out for it.
   3. Jesus himself was a contender and debater. Those pesky chief priests and scribes along with the Pharisees were always trying to trip him up to no avail. For example, Luke 20:22-25: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s. Right after this, the Sadducees tried to trip him up about the resurrection, but again, to no avail.
   4. The disciples were trained by Jesus who taught them what needed to be preached and when people were doing wrong,
8. those that preached the gospel such as Paul who wrote 14 books of the NT made corrections to many people and cities.
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9. The bible says that to reprove, rebuke, and exhort.
   1. We see this admonition in 2nd timothy 4:2: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine that we must come sound to the doctrine of faith. This is what we endeavor to do here at the Little House every service. It’s called training and equipping.
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10. Many times Jesus was tempted by those who disagreed with him. He always contended and set the record straight.
    1. One example of this was when the woman was caught in the act of adultery and they tried to trip Jesus up with the law. John 8:6: This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. We know he was writing the verse that says that the man AND woman are to be stoned, not just the woman. As with most people that stir up controversy, they only knew a portion of the verse.
    2. Jesus had to contend with one of his own when he opposed Jesus’ plan to die on the cross to bring about our salvation. Matthew 16:21-23: From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Just before this, Peter had been the one to recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, but a few minutes later, he rebukes Jesus and has to be put in his place.

11. Being a Christian isn’t hiding your head in the sand like an ostrich.
    1. It’s holding your head up high. Whom you serve who is up on high, standing firm, knowing what you believe, and knowing in whom you have believed.

12. The bible says anyone who preaches a different gospel is accursed!
    1. Paul says this in Galatians 1:8: 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. If anyone preaches any other gospel message other than salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, adding or subtracting and misrepresenting the salvation message, they are accursed. Not my words, God’s words.

13. Story: No Turning Back.
    1. To say “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” brings about contention and persecution for many. In light of our message, I Bring you the story of that great song.
    2. I Have Decided to Follow Jesus’ is a Christian hymn originating from India. The lyrics are based on the last words of a man in Garo, Assam.
    3. About 150 years ago, there was a great revival in Wales. As a result of this, many missionaries came to north-east India to spread the Gospel.
    4. The region known as Assam was comprised of hundreds of tribes who were primitive and aggressive head-hunters.
    5. Into these hostile and aggressive communities, came a group of missionaries from the American Baptist Missions spreading the message of love, peace and hope in Jesus Christ.
    6. Naturally, they were not welcomed. One missionary succeeded in converting a man, his wife, and two children.
    7. This man’s faith proved contagious and many villagers began to accept Christianity.
    8. Angry, the village chief summoned all the villagers. He then called the family who had first converted to renounce their faith in public or face execution. Moved by the Holy Spirit, the man said: “I have decided to follow Jesus.”
    9. Enraged at the refusal of the man, the chief ordered his archers to arrow down the two children. As both boys lay twitching on the floor, the chief asked, “Will you deny your faith? You have lost both your children. You will lose your wife too.”
    10. But the man replied: “Though no one joins me, still I will follow.”
    11. The chief was beside himself with fury and ordered his wife to be arrowed down. In a moment she joined her two children in death.
    12. Now he asked for the last time, “I will give you one more opportunity to deny your faith and live.”
    13. In the face of death the man said the final memorable lines:
    14. “The cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back.”
    15. He was shot dead like the rest of his family. But with their deaths, a miracle took place.
    16. The chief who had ordered the killings was moved by the faith of the man. He wondered, “Why should this man, his wife and two children die for a Man who lived in a far-away land on another continent some 2,000 years ago?
    17. There must be some remarkable power behind the family’s faith, and I too want to taste that faith.”
    18. In a spontaneous confession of faith, he declared, “I too belong to Jesus Christ!” When the crowd heard this from the mouth of their chief, the whole village accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

1. The song is based on the last words of Nokseng, a man from Garo tribe of Assam (now Meghalaya and some in Assam), India. It is today the song of the Garo people.
2. Have you decided to follow Jesus. Will you contend for that decision when it is necessary? Will you go all out to see a lost soul brought to the gospel?

14. Conclusion
    1. In light of this message, where do you stand as a Christian?
    2. Do you contend and defend and stand for whom you have believed or is your head in the sand, not knowing what you believe.
    3. IF you study God’s Word it will teach you everything that this message has defined. IT’s all there. You just need to read it, believe it and trust in it. It’s the truth that will not only set you free, but the world by and large.

The World is So Mixed Up
& Christians are mixed up in it.
Why?

1. Introduction
   1. When I was a young boy growing up, we had some small ups and downs but things were a lot simpler. We didn’t have cell phones.
   2. Our communication was visiting people, having people over to our homes, inviting them to a sit-down dinner, with a whole lot of laughter and conversation.
   3. During the holidays, it was enjoying the holiday festivities. People came together. People greeted each other with “How are you? How are things going?” with a response like “Everything’s great!”
   4. As time progressed on, little by little, technology began to creep in like the devil creeps in through a crack in the foundation on those who are serving God and let down their guard for just a minute.
   5. I remember when the very first cell phone came out, it was a car phone. It was very big. It was 54 cents a minute. Those that had the capacity to undertake the bill were able to have one.
   6. Those of us who were struggling at the time to make ends meet could never afford a phone in the car.
   7. Our lives were a lot simpler when I was a kid growing up. Now that I’m an adult, and now that I’m a Christian and have been one since 1981, I have begun to see the destruction and the blessing that technology has become in our lives.
   8. The devil has used this tool in many ways to seduce the family’s communication and with AI coming on board, destroying lives. All of these things must be regulated and put into perspective.
   9. This is a tool of the enemy to destroy the natural principle and foundation that God established from Adam and Eve to the present day, the family.
   10. We live in a time where there are more nervous breakdowns, psychological and mental incapacities, people very unsure of themselves,
   11. so many living in fear and consumed by the everyday pressures of this world.
   12. As I personally grew in the grace and knowledge and study of the Lord’s Word, I could see very plainly how the world is changing each and every day.
   13. But as I continue to study God’s Word & draw close to Him, my love, my heart, & my knowledge of who God is has protected my laughter, my enjoyment, & the everyday fulfillment that God has always intended for me and many others who serve Him.
   14. Folks, the world is very mixed up. God’s word says in 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. That couldn’t be any clearer in the world that we live in today.
   15. As we draw closer to the close and the coming of our Lord and Savior’s triumphant return, we must remember that it is in God we trust,
   16. and whom we serve that will bring the peace that passes all understanding, as the bible says in Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
   17. Studying God’s Word will preserve you and keep you and it will always keep you hungering and thirsting for what is good for all of us until God takes us home. Now let us look into our message

The World is So Mixed Up
& Christians are mixed up in it.
Why?

2. When I say the world is mixed up what do I mean?
   1. Let’s take a look at a passage that really shows a picture of the time in which we live.
   2. As we open to the book of Isaiah chapter 5, starting in verse 20 we see how mixed up the world is. Verse 20: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Now that’s a mixed up world and we see a lot of this today!
   3. There are a lot of people in the world that are wise in their own eyes. Isaiah 5:21: Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Where we as Christians look on the things of others and esteem others more than ourselves, the world is wise in its own eyes and esteems itself above others.
   4. Alcohol and drugs add to the mixed-up nature of the world today. Isaiah 5: 22-23: Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Are you getting a picture of the world in which we live? All of these things are happening now.
   5. Isaiah had a strong warning for the nation of Israel during his time, which should be heeded in our day as we approach the return of the Lord. Isaiah 5: 24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, & the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, & their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Are you adhering to the word of the Lord, or going your own mixed-up way with the rest of the world? Something to think about.
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3. How does God’s Word relate to this time we live in?
   1. God’s Word indicates that we are in the Laodicean Church Age, which means the civil rights of common people. Revelation 3: 14-15 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. Have you ever drank out of a water fountain expecting a cool drink of water, only to find it lukewarm. You get away from that fountain as quickly as you can.
   2. Jesus wants to get away from the lukewarm, watered-down church also. Revelation 3: 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Now please note! Jesus is not going to spue individual, born-again Christians out of his mouth! He’s talking to a Church! Bear this in mind if you are one that believes in loss of salvation!
   3. Those that are of this world think that worldly riches, houses, land, and the latest technology are all that they need. Revelation 3: 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: All of these worldly possessions and obsessions will pass away one day and when the unsaved person stands before God, they will be found wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.
   4. Now for the antidote to this mixed-up world. Revelation 3: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. It’s time to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior if you find yourself in this number. Do it today, at the end of this service. Don’t stay in a mixed-up condition.
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4. What have you seen as a Christian as the world has turned and gotten darker?
   1. Here is another section of God’s Word that I have seen fulfilled in my day. 2^nd Timothy 3: 1: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. The world is getting more and more perilous.
   2. I have seen people become more self-centered, boastful, and blasphemous. 2^nd Timothy 3: 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, All of these things are more and more prevalent in our day.
   3. As a Christian who knows God’s Word, I see people more and more that are without natural affection, trucebreakers, traitors, and so forth. 2^nd Timothy 3: 3-5: Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 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. Many people today seem to have a form of godliness, but not all are walking in the power they claim to have.
   4. Paul says “from such, turn away.” That seems kind of harsh! Why does he say this? We can answer this by reading 2^nd Timothy 3: 6-7: For of this sort are they which creep into houses, & lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, & never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. We want people to come to the knowledge of the truth, which is salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We are to turn away from those who detract from that message.
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5. What are some of the dramatic changes that you’ve seen since you were first a Christian?
   1. The world and even the Christian world have become increasingly divided. 1st Corinthians 1:10-11: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Though we are all different, we should all unite around principles that matter. For us as Christians, let’s unite around adhering to scripture and winning the lost to Christ.
   2. I’ve also seen that violence has been on the rise. Psalm 73:6: Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. We hear on the news more and more about violence in our country and around the world.
   3. I’ve also noticed that natural disasters have increased. Matthew 24:7-8: For nation shall rise against nation, & kingdom against kingdom: & there shall be famines, & pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. We see more and more earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, and other disasters on the rise.
   4. I’ve also seen that attacks on Christians have been on the rise since I was saved. Matthew 24:9-10: hen shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. We hear on the news about Christians being persecuted in Nigeria and around the world. These are just a few of the changes I’ve seen.Now let’s look at what we should be doing.
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6. Do you study God’s Word?
   1. If we know and love our Lord, we should study His Word and hide it in our hearts. 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. We should be studying and even memorizing scripture, and this will help us not only to be free of the traps, trials and snares of this world, but it will help us adequately minister to those we come in contact with.
7. Do you try to make a difference?
   1. Has the salt in your life lost its saltiness, or are you making a difference? Matthew 5:13: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. If you are not living every day to serve God and reach the lost, you have no saltiness and need a rededication.
   2. Jesus also relates to us as being the light of the world, and encourages us to let our light shine. Matthew 5: 14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. As you and I live for the Lord, study His Word and live by it, there is a light that will emanate from our lives that an increasingly dark world will take notice of. Be the light God calls you to be and make a difference in this mixed-up world.
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8. Are you sharing your testimony?
   1. Have you ever come across someone who has just been on a trip & is so excited that he or she has to tell you all about where they’ve been? That’s what you and I should be doing with our journey of faith! Revelation 12:11: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. There are experiences you’ve had with God, and victories he’s helped you win that can benefit someone else. Most important is your salvation experience. Share it! Let your journey help to light someone else’s path.
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9. Are you looking on the things of others more than yourself?
   1. This is something we preach and live out here at the Little House. Philippians 2:4: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Are you doing this, or do you let yourself get caught up in only what you are doing? This is easy to do. I can confidently say that by the grace of God, I do look on the things of others more than myself. What about you?
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10. What changes from Adam to Malachi occurred?
    1. When Adam was placed on this earth, everything was perfect! Genesis 1:31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Adam and Eve walked and talked with God and had perfect fellowship with Him in the beginning.
    2. Then when sin entered into the world, that close fellowship between God and man was broken and the slow decay of this present world began. Genesis 3:16-18: Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; Since then the world has gotten progressively worse in many ways.
    3. As time progressed on, the world got more and more violent. Genesis 6:6-8: & it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, & the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was faithful to God and God used Him to create an ark that would be used to preserve a remnant for God.
    4. Over time, God chose a man from whom the nation of Israel would be formed. 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 was obedient to the call of God, and the nation of Israel was formed, and is still in the world today.
    5. As you study through the first 5 books of the bible, you see the nation of Israel growing. Then a famine comes into the land and they all go to Egypt where they are enslaved by Pharaoh.
    6. Then Moses is raised up to free them from Egypt & begin leading them to the Promised Land. Exodus 3:9-10: Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: & I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, & I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. Moses had more excuses than Carter has liver pills, but he did finally obey the call and free the children of Israel.
    7. It is on this journey from Egypt that the Law of Moses was given on Mount Sinai, which the nation would live by. This includes the Ten Commandments.Paul tells us this about the Old Testament Law. Galatians 3:24: Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. No one could fully obey the law, which shows us our need for a savior. Here enters Jesus and the New Covenant.
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11. What changes from Matthew to Revelation have occurred?
    1. When we open the New Testament, the saints are still living under the law, but Jesus is about to introduce a new covenant. Matthew 26:28: For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Since all have sinned and no one can fully keep the law, and the wages of sin is death, Jesus paid that penalty for you and me and gave us life.
    2. When Jesus was crucified on the cross, the separation between the old and new testament was completed. Matthew 27:51: And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; As we learned in our Revelation study, Matthew is a transitional book, transitioning between Law and Grace. You and I are under grace.
    3. Do you remember what the other transitional books are? The book of Acts is also a transition as it marks the beginning of the Church Age. Acts 2:40-41: And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. As you go through acts, as we have been doing on Thursday night, you’ll note a continual shifting from faith and works, to grace through faith.
    4. From Hebrews to Revelation you see a shift back to faith and works, and then in the millennium, it is all works.
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12. How will you sustain yourself?
    1. You have everything you need for life and godliness as you study God’s Word. 2nd Peter 1:2-3: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Did you see that? Grace and peace, and everything you need come from the knowledge of God and of our Lord. The more you spend time in prayer, worship and studying God’s Word, the more you are able to sustain yourself in an increasingly dark world.
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13. How will you resist the devil and all of his devices?
    1. As you study God’s Word, take note of how the devil has tripped people up in the past, and you will not be ignorant of his devices. 2nd Corinthians 2:11: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Satan uses the same playbook today as he did in the garden. He is predictable if you know God’s Word.
    2. To resist the devil, you need to use God’s Word. Matthew 4:4: ut he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit, and you can use it to resist the devil’s attacks.
    3. When thinking about resisting the devil & him fleeing from you, it’s important to know the WHOLE verse. James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. If you are not submitting yourself to the Lord, you will be unable to resist the devil and he will NOT flee. You must make sure you are living a life submitted to God’s Will.
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14. How will you console the lost and bring them to the saving knowledge of Christ?
    1. First, be quick to listen and slow to speak. James 1:19: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: Let them share what’s on their hearts and where they are coming from before you speak.
    2. Then, begin to share your testimony of where you have been and how God has helped you. 2nd Thessalonians 1:10-11: When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: Your testimony of the goodness of God can be the difference between someone being saved or lost, victorious or defeated. Share your testimony freely.
15. Without Jesus, we’re not living.
    1. We have a dead spirit and are wishing for a lively hope. Romans 6:11: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Where are you today and who are you?
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16. Story: How to Share God’s Love
    1. So how can we share God’s love and salvation with a mixed-up world? Here’s an article I found that I think will help us especially during this holiday season.
    2. Practice kindness: Be intentional about showing kindness to others, even in simple ways. Lysle doesn’t have the corner on this subject. 😊
    3. Listen to others: Take the time to truly hear what someone is saying without judgment or interruption.
    4. Serve others: Serving others is a tangible way to show God’s love. Look for ways to serve in your community or church, and be open to opportunities to serve those around you.
    5. Pray for others: Prayer is a powerful way to show love and care for others. Take the time to pray for the needs of others and ask God to bless them.
    6. Share your resources: Whether it’s your time, money, or possessions, sharing what you have with others is a way to show love and generosity.
    7. Be patient and forgiving: We all make mistakes and fall short. When someone wrongs you, choose to extend forgiveness and patience. This can be a powerful way to show God’s love and grace.
    8. Speak words of encouragement: Words have the power to build up or tear down. Choose to speak words of encouragement and affirmation to those around you.
    9. Show hospitality: Inviting someone into your home or offering them a meal is a way to show hospitality and make them feel valued and loved.
    10. Be a peacemaker: In a world full of conflict and division, be a peacemaker. Seek to reconcile relationships and promote peace and unity.
    11. Conclusion: God’s love is not meant to be hoarded or kept to ourselves. It’s meant to be shared with others. As we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we are filled with His love, and it overflows to those around us.
    12. By being intentional about showing kindness, serving others, praying for others, sharing our resources, being patient and forgiving, speaking words of encouragement,
    13. showing hospitality, and being a peacemaker, we can live out the command to love one another and make a positive impact in the world around us.
    14. So let’s go out and share God’s love with those around us, knowing that as we do, we are reflecting the very heart of God.
17. Conclusion
    1. How has this message resonated in your heart, mind and soul?
    2. Where do you see the world mixed up and what are you doing to try to bring people to the narrow gate?
    3. Are you living for Christ and serving Christ?
    4. Is your conversation the conversation of Christ or has the world saturated your mind and intertwined your thinking mixed with the world and God?
    5. You can’t serve 2 masters. You must serve only one.