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 End is Closer than Ever

1. Introduction
   1. I remember hearing many times throughout the years that the end is drawing near. But most of all, all of these things according to God were nothing but birth pains.
   2. In Matthew 25:1-13, we see the virgins that filled their lamps, and those that didn’t. Those that were watching and those that weren’t.
   3. That’s what is happening today in the Christian world. Nobody is watching. Only a few. Today is a day that we need to be vigilant, praying, watching and meditating on God’s Word.
   4. Knowing that the end truly is drawing near as we’re seeing not only wars and rumors of wars, but we’re seeing the actual buildup and preparing the way for the Lord’s triumphant return.
   5. Make no mistake about it saints. You can think all that you want about how you think God is stalling his time or it’s not of any interest until something devastating happens, but I tell you now that you need to start studying your bible and reading your bible for there is nothing being done today that has not been done from old, just in a more modernized way today.
   6. Nothing can be further from the truth when someone says they heard so many times that the Lord is coming that it is so ridiculously foolish to believe such a thing.
   7. Others have gone on to believing other things involving themselves in cults, much like when Moses went up to get the 10 commandments and came down and found the Israelites building a calf.
   8. The modern world is once again building the calf and soon the Lord will be coming to strike it down and melt it quickly.
   9. Luke 12:40: Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
   10. The Christian world is mesmerized and hypnotized by all of the things that have gone on since 325 AD. Nothing has really changed from then to now.
   11. People are still writing new chapters to the bible, adding and subtracting, making you believe that theologians are making it easier for us to understand, while deceiving themselves and us, and telling us that those of old didn’t know what they were saying and they have to revise and make things clear.
   12. When I tell you that even Jesus himself if he were here would be mystified by those who’ve altered his word and changed it and tried to modernize it and make people believe that they’re trying to make the word of God clear and more understandable,
   13. But what they don’t realize is that they are going against God’s Word by adding and subtracting every time they write a new bible.
   14. Revelation 22:18-19: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
   15. It’s very clear that those who have altered this book that was inspired – the inerrant word of God by holy men who wrote as the Holy Spirit directed them.
   16. The bible declares that man is the destruction of man. Matthew 15:19: For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness blasphemies: This is the day and age in which we live, the nighttime dispensation.
   17. Jesus will not be coming on a myriad of clouds. He’ll be coming as a thief in the night, for you and me.
   18. The world who doesn’t know him & the Christians that think they know him will be looking upon the daytime when they think the Lord has come for them
   19. But the bible says that the true believers – Jesus will come as a thief in the night. 1st Thessalonians 5:2: For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
   20. When you read scripture, studying God’s Word, this is how you prepare for the end that’s drawing near.
   21. Now let us look into our message.

The End is Closer than Ever

2. When we talk about the end in light of our message, how do you summarize what you know and don’t know about the end that’s drawing near?
   1. There are many scriptures that give us clues about the time of the end. For example, we are warned of false prophets and false messiah’s coming on the scene. Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. We are seeing this more and more.
   2. By the way, anyone that comes around with the title of prophet in this day and age is already a false one according to Hebrews 1:1 and 2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Now if someone comes bringing a word of edification, exhortation and comfort and that word lines up with scripture, you can receive it, but if they proclaim to be a prophet, we just read the truth about that.
   3. We are warned of earthquakes and natural disasters which are increasing more and more. Luke 21:11: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. We are seeing more and more of these things in our day.
   4. We are told of a famine of hearing the Word of God. Amos 6:11: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: In a day and age when people go to church and hear messages with barely a scripture in it, we are seeing that famine of the word. This is why when you ask a simple bible question, many Christians are not able to answer it. We need to change this!
3. Have you ever read scripture? Though hearing scripture is different from digesting scripture which means you must do research to find truth.
   1. Jesus said that we should search the scriptures, because they testify of Him. John 5:39: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. The entire bible from Genesis to Revelation testifies about Jesus, so to get to know Him, we need to search the scriptures.
   2. To find truth, we must not take one or two verses and make a doctrine out of them. We must study the bible, line upon line, precept upon precept, here and there a little. Isaiah 28:10: For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: This is how we study God’s Word to get to know who He is and what His Will is for our life.
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4. Why did Jesus say I am the way, the truth and the life?
   1. There are many today who say that all faiths lead to God and all paths lead to heaven. However, Jesus said in 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. We look at this verse often, but let’s unpack it a little bit.
   2. Jesus said I am the way. The way to heaven is a narrow road. Matthew 7:14: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. The path to eternal life is a narrow gate. Jesus is the only way. If you miss the turn, the divine GPS won’t be able to say “recalculating route.” It will tell you to take a U turn.
   3. Jesus said I am the truth. John 8:32: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Once you receive the truth that you are a sinner in need of a savior, and surrender your life to Jesus Christ, confessing Him as Lord of your life, you are free indeed!
   4. Finally, Jesus said I am the life. 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. In these last days, the devil is out to steal, kill and destroy, and Jesus is still the way, the truth, and the abundant life for me and you who have received Him as Lord and Savior.
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5. Why did Jesus say I will come as a thief in the night?
   1. Jesus gives an illustration of this at length in Matthew 24:42-44: Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Jesus is coming as a thief in the night because nobody is watching. Everyone is going about their business, doing whatever they want to do, but when we least expect it, that trumpet will sound, and you and I who truly know and serve Jesus Christ will be taken to Glory!
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6. What’re your thoughts about studying God’s Word? Are you preparing with God’s Word for the end that’s drawing near?
   1. We need to meditate on God’s Word and hide it in our hearts more and more as we see the end drawing near. 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. When we don’t study God’s Word we are not prepared for what is to come and we will be drifting and wandering like a lost sheep carried out to sea.
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7. What preparations have you made? Maybe you’ve done nothing.
   1. Are you studying God’s Word as it says in 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. I use this verse a lot because it is what we are all supposed to be doing as Christians. It’s the only way we can truly know who God is and be prepared for what is coming in these last days.
   2. Are you a Berean, checking out what you hear? Acts 17:11: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Don’t ever take what you hear from this pulpit and assume that it is correct. Always check it out with God’s Word.
   3. Are you going out and telling people about Jesus? 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. We are all called to do the work of an evangelist. No one is exempt. Are you doing this? If not, it’s about time you start.

8. If Jesus were to come right now, do you feel that you’d be prepared for the triumphant face-to-face meeting with your Lord and Savior?
   1. It is always a good idea to examine ourselves to make sure that we are walking as close to the Lord as we can. 2nd Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Take a look at your life. Is there a difference from the way you lived before coming to Christ compared to now? Are you becoming more and more like Him, or more like the world?
   2. It is important to remember that you and I who are saved, will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. 2nd Corinthians 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. As I often say, it is here that we will give an account of what we did, what we should have done, and what we didn’t do at all.

1. Don’t be one of the ones that says “Lord, Lord” and he says he didn’t know you at all. Matthew 7:21-23: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. It all comes down to the condition of your heart. You can look like a saint on the outside, but on the inside be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Does your heart truly belong to Jesus? Do the works on the outside reflect an inward love relationship between you and the Lord? Think about it.

9. Are you even concerned for yourself and others?
   1. Are you evangelizing? Are you sharing your testimony? 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. Your testimony can be the difference between someone receiving salvation, or spending eternity separated from God.
   2. Or are you just laying on your laurels saying I’m saved. Isn’t that enough? James 2:18: Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. If you are truly saved, you’ll want to be out evangelizing and telling people about Christ, and living the life as an example to them.
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10. People are deceived.
    1. They read the bible like a good story but the true believers read God’s Word, research God’s Word, look at it line upon line and precept upon precept, and contend for God’s Word.
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11. Is it enough just to believe and say I’m a Christian?
    1. I encourage you to examine yourself. Believing isn’t enough. Just saying I have faith isn’t enough either.
    2. Believing in faith, knowing faith and then living by faith is where you and I meet the rubber of the road.
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12. The world is trying to deceive you and me by all of the things that are multiplying on a daily basis, captivating our attention by negativity.
    1. Cults are rising up everywhere. People wandering and wondering, hoping and praying when all they need to do is turn to God’s Word. Matthew 24:24: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. We are seeing this more and more in our day.
    2. Churches are closing. People are being disbursed. A lessening desire to fulfill the great commission, to burn the midnight oil, to study scripture. Luke 18:8: I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?  
    3. The world wants to make the world great again, but you and I who are only in the world, just passing through the world must realize that the world is the enemy of Christ. The righteousness of God is who we are in Christ.
13. The True Story of the Hymn I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
    1. As we see the end approaching, let us renew our commitment and decide to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
    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.
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14. Conclusion
    1. How has this message touched you? Has it caused you to step it up, read, pray, prepare for the return of our Lord which is closer than ever?
    2. I want you to think about this and pray on this. I want you to think to yourself Why did I become a Christian? Am I truly living for God? Or just holding the title and badge that says Christianity across my chest?
    3. Are you looking on the things of others more than yourself? Are you being led astray by every wind of doctrine that comes your way? Are you listening to others who just paraphrase and give opinions rather than Godly edifying through faith in His Word?
    4. Prepare ye the way of the Lord for as he says in Revelation 22:20: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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?