A Peculiar Treasure

A Peculiar Treasure

One of the five crowns that we can earn as rewards in the Christian life is the crown of rejoicing. These are the people that we have won to the Lord by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. While this reward may also be physical (ie. a literal crown we earn in service to the Lord) - these crowns are also the people we had a part in the salvation of, part of the people we will spend eternity with.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

In eternity, we will forever be rejoicing in these loved ones. But did you know that the Lord Jesus Christ also rejoices in those He has saved, and we become His crown, and we also become jewels in His crown. Both descriptions are used of us.

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

Isaiah 62:3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.

Zechariah 9:16 And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.

The people of God - whether in the Old Testament (ie. the nation of Israel), or in the New Testament (ie. the Bride of Christ, the church) - are God's peculiar treasure, a treasure He has made His own.

Exodus 19:3-6 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 

In Exodus, Israel is declared to be God's peculiar treasure, and in 1 Peter, the church is called His peculiar people. The passage in 1 Peter basically applies the same terms to us today that God used for Israel. (In eternity, the people of God will be one.)

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines peculiar as:

One's own property. Appropriate; belonging to a person and to him only. Exclusive property; that which belongs to a person in exclusion of others.

Consider the following parable on the kingdom of Heaven:

Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

According to Matthew 13:38, the field is the world. The Lord Jesus Christ found a treasure in this world and for joy went and bought that field (see Hebrews 12:2), and therefore purchased that treasure and made it His very own.

Just like the nation of Israel, we are God's peculiar treasure and God's peculiar people that the Lord Jesus Christ paid everything for.

Adam sinned and lost his dominion over the earth. Jesus Christ, the Second Adam, is the Kinsman Redeemer that paid the price to buy back what was lost through sin. The book of Revelation is about opening the book with seven seals. That book is the title deed to the earth. Only the Saviour Himself has paid the price to claim this world as His own.

Revelation 5:1-10 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

It is important to note that God loves Israel and loves the church because He is love, not because of anything we have done or any personal value we could give Him. See 1 John 4:8, 16. In fact, the Lord Himself says this about Israel:

Deuteronomy 7:6-8 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

We could say the same about all God's people throughout history - whether Israel, the church, or other Gentiles who were saved in the Old Testament - none of us could ever be worthy. The Lord Jesus Christ did not go to the cross and die for us because we were worthy. We could never be worthy apart from His work in our lives.

Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

When we were at our worst, the Lord Jesus Christ gave His best for us - shed His precious, sinless blood for our sins. While we could never be worthy in ourselves, the love of God is what gives us worth in His sight. His love makes us worthy.

Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Psalm 45:11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.

Any beauty we have is only because we are in Him - yet God Himself delights in the changes wrought in us through His Holy Spirit.

This is so eloquently expressed by Matthew Henry in his comments on Song of Solomon 4:

The great delight Christ takes in his church and in all believers. He delights in them, As in an agreeable bride, adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2), who greatly desires her beauty, Psalm 45:11. No expressions of love can be more passionate than these here, in which Christ manifests his affection to his church; and yet that great proof of his love, his dying for it, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, goes far beyond them all. A spouse so dearly bought and paid for could not but be dearly loved. Such a price being given for her, a high value must needs be put upon her accordingly; and both together may well set us a wondering at the height and depth, and length and breadth, of the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that love in which he gave himself for us and gives himself to us.

Observe, (1.) How he is affected towards his spouse: Thou hast ravished my heart; the word is used only here. Thou hast hearted me, or Thou has unhearted me. New words are coined to express the inexpressibleness of Christ's surprising love to his church; and the strength of that love is set forth by that which is a weakness in men, the being so much in love with one object as to be heartless to every thing else. This may refer to that love which Christ had to the chosen remnant, before the worlds were, when his delights were with the sons of men (Proverbs 8:31), that first love, which brought him from heaven to earth, to seek and save them at such vast expense, yet including the complacency he takes in them when he has brought them to himself. Note, Christ's heart is upon his church; so it has appeared all along. His treasure is in it; it is his peculiar treasure (Exodus 19:5); and therefore there his heart is also. "Never was love like unto the love of Christ, which made him even mindless of himself, when he emptied himself of his glory, and despised all shame and pain, for our sakes. The wound of love towards us, which he had from eternity in himself, made him neglect all the wounds and reproaches of the cross;" so Bishop Reynolds. Thus let us love him. (2.) What it is that thus affects him with delight.

[1.] The regard she has to him: Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thy eyes, those doves' eyes, clear and chaste (which were commended, Song of Solomon 4:1), with one glance of those eyes. Christ is wonderfully pleased with those that look unto him as their Saviour, and through the eye of faith dart their affections to him, above any rival whatsoever, and whose eyes are ever towards him; he is soon aware of the first look of a soul towards him and meets it with his favours.

[2.] The ornaments she has from him, that is, the obedience she yields to him, for that is the chain of her neck, the graces that enrich her soul, which are connected as links in chain, the exercise of these graces in a conversation which adorns both herself and the doctrine of Jesus Christ, which she professes to believe (as a gold chain is an ornament to persons of quality), and an entire submission to the commanding power of his love... She had said of Christ's love, It is better than wine (Song of Solomon 1:2), and now Christ says so of hers...

[4.] The ointments, the odours wherewith she is perfumed, the gifts and graces of the Spirit, her good works, which are an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God, Philippians 4:18. The smell of thy ointment is better than all spices... Love and obedience to God are more pleasing to Christ than sacrifice or incense. The smell of her garments too, the visible profession she makes of religion, and relation to Christ, before men, and wherein she appears to the world, this is very grateful to Christ, as the smell of Lebanon. Christ having put upon his spouse the white raiment of his own righteousness (Revelation 3:18), and the righteousness of saints (Revelation 19:8), and this perfumed with holy joy and comfort, he is well pleased with it.

[5] Her words, both in her devotion to God and her discourses with men (Song of Solomon 4:11): Thy lips O my spouse! drop as the honeycomb, drop that which is very sweet, and drop it freely and plentifully. If what God speaks to us be sweeter to us than the honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10), what we say to him in prayer and praise shall also be pleasing to him: Sweet is thy voice. And if out of a good treasure in the heart we bring forth good things, if our speech be always with grace, if our lips use knowledge aright, if they disperse knowledge, they then, in Christ's account, even drop the honeycomb, out-drop it. Honey and milk (the two staple commodities of Canaan) are under thy tongue; that is, in thy heart, not only reserved there for thy own use as a sweet morsel for thyself, but ready there for the use of others. In the word of God there is sweet and wholesome nourishment, milk for babes, honey for those that are grown up. Christ is well-pleased with those that are full of his word.

The Lord God praises in us the work He Himself did in and through us. He transformed us, made us beautiful in His sight, and is pleased by the eternal transformation.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Song of Solomon 4:7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

Psalm 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

Consider one more parable of the kingdom of Heaven:

Matthew 13:45-46  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Again, we see the Lord Jesus Christ giving all He had to buy that one pearl of great price.

How is a pearl made? A grain of sand or some other irritant gets inside the oyster shell and injures the oyster. The oyster then basically sheds its blood (nacre, mother of pearl) to coat the irritant. Over time this mother of pearl coating transforms what had once hurt the pearl into a valuable treasure, worth so much more than it ever was before.

We are that pearl of great price. Jesus Christ bought the church with His precious blood:

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Peter 1:18-19  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 

The grain of sand that once injured the oyster was transformed into a beautiful pearl. The people of God - whose sins once crucified the Saviour - are now transformed into a beautiful treasure in His sight.

Yes, we were once a people that had hurt Him by our sins, injured and crucified Him, wandered and rebelled against Him - BUT NOW are transformed into vessels of mercy, into beautiful treasures in the eyes of the only one that truly matters - we are changed by the touch of the Master's hands, molded by the hands of the Heavenly Potter.

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Jeremiah 18:2-6 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

Even though our past may have broken us, even perhaps shattered us into pieces in the eyes of the world, when we come to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, He remakes our vessels into a work of honour - a work He can take great pleasure and satisfaction in. (See Revelation 4:11.)

2 Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

We are His peculiar people - yeah, His peculiar treasure, if you will.

Psalm 68:13 Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

January 3rd, 2025
Jerry Bouey

What Is Your Name? Sermon

What Is Your Name?

Proverbs 30:4
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended?
who hath gathered the wind in his fists?
who hath bound the waters in a garment?
who hath established all the ends of the earth?
what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

1. God’s Names:

A name in the Bible is who a person is, what they represent, basically their character. Every time God revealed a new name to His people, He was showing them more of what He could do in their lives. He was showing them who He was, and what He could do for His people, in them, and through them.

One of my favourite passages in the New Testament is:

Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Please click here for a breakdown of this passage.)

All the trials we go through, all the promises we claim, all the names of the Lord given in the various seasons of our lives teach us more about the character of God.

In Exodus, when God was calling Moses to lead His people out of slavery, we see Moses asking the Lord a very important question:

Exodus 3:13-14 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Exodus 6:2-3 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

Jehovah means “I am that I am”, the LORD, the self-existent God. This is the name God chose to reveal Himself by to the Israelites, and it occurs over 6500 times in the Bible. The other main name or title used for the Lord is literally the Hebrew word for God: Elohim, a singular noun with a plural meaning. (The "im" ending signifies that the word is plural. For example, cherub and cherubim, seraph and seraphim, etc.) This Hebrew word in effect shows the Trinity or the Godhead all throughout the Old Testament - one God in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We see many names of God in both Testaments. In Exodus 34, we see a very intriguing sevenfold description of His name:

Exodus 34:5-7 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God,
1) merciful and gracious,
2) longsuffering,
3) and abundant in goodness and truth,
4) Keeping mercy for thousands,
5) forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,
6) and that will by no means clear the guilty;
7) visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

There are sooo many names and titles of God in the Bible. I tried doing some research on how many, and all the numbers I found varied. In Nave's Topical Bible, it gives approximately 253 names of the Lord Jesus Christ, and some I could think of were not even listed. Add that to the multitude of names for the Father and the Holy Spirit and you have a manifold treasure chest of wonder.

Asking several friends the last few weeks about their favourite names for God and I was given a wide variety. Names such as: Immanuel, meaning “God with us”; Abba, Father; The Comforter - John 14:16-17; The Desire of Nations. In that list, no doubt, are several of the compound names of the Lord. There are 9 of them, the most well known and most loved are Jehovah-Jireh (the LORD my provider), the LORD my Shepherd (Psalm 23:1). Some love the LORD my Banner (Jehovah Nissi) or the LORD my healer (Jehovah Rapha).

The nine compound names and their translations into English are as follows:

1) Jehovah-Jireh, The LORD my Provider (Genesis 22:8,13-14)
2) Jehovah-Rapha, The LORD my Healer (Exodus 15:26)
3) Jehovah-Nissi, The LORD is my Banner (Exodus 17:15)
4) Jehovah-Qadash, The LORD thy Sanctifier (Exodus 31:13)
5) Jehovah-Shalom, The LORD our Peace (Judges 6:23-24)
6) Jehovah-Raah, The LORD my Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
7) Jehovah-Sabaoth, The LORD of Hosts (Isaiah 6:3)
8) Jehovah-Tsidkenu, The LORD our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
9) Jehovah-Shammah, The LORD Is There (ie. Present) (Ezekiel 48:35)

The name “Jesus” means “the LORD our Salvation,” a further revelation of the magnitude of the LORD. Remember the name the LORD means "I Am That I Am, or I Am." In The New Testament, we see Jesus claiming to be God, claiming to be the I Am of the Old Testament.

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Jesus’ 7 I Am statements in John:

1) The Bread of Life - John 6:35, 48, 51
2) The Light of the World - John 8:12; 9:5
3) The Door of the Sheep - John 10:7, 9
4) The Good Shepherd - John 10:11, 14
5) The Resurrection and the Life - John 11:25
6) The Way, the Truth, and the Life - John 14:6
7) The True Vine - John 15:1, 5

Through the many names of God, He reveals to His people that He is everything they could ever need or want in this life, and in eternity.

2. Jacob’s Name:

Sum up Jacob’s history:

Genesis 25:20-34. Prophecy of the two sons, their character, Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 27, especially verses 33-36. Jacob and Rebekah's deception of Isaac and the taking of the blessing. This disrupted their family and led to Jacob fleeing to Haran, where his uncle Laban lived.

Genesis 28, especially verse 11-22. Verses 13-15 contain a sevenfold promise to Jacob. Jacob is saved here, names the place Bethel (the house of God), and makes a covenant with God.

Genesis 29-31. Jacob learned how to manipulate people during the 20 years he lived with and worked with his uncle, Laban. Working 14 years for his two wives (being tricked to marry Leah, then working seven more years to get the wife he loved). Six more years of working with his uncle, where we find Laban changed his wages ten different times. Then one day, Laban and his sons were no longer favourable to Jacob. That was when the Lord called Jacob to return back home to the land of his fathers. Genesis 31:3. God promised to protect Jacob and his family, cautioning Laban from doing Jacob any harm.

Genesis 32:1-2. Jacob encounters a host of angels, then he sends messengers to Esau, only to find out shortly that Esau was coming with 400 armed men to meet him. Ever the manipulator, Jacob divides his family into two, rationalizing that if one of his wives and children are killed, he still has the other.  Then in desperation, he prays. The Lord confirms that He will keep His promises to Jacob, to make his family prosperous and numerous. He sends a large gift of his cattle to appease Esau, and camps for the night. All these years later, still living by his wits, by his ability to work each situation to his advantage, to manipulate others.

Genesis 32:21-32

Verse 25. God took away Jacob's physical strength.

Verse 27. Jacob is confronted with who he really was (a supplanter, a deceiver) - and the Lord changed his name to Israel (a prince or contender with God, having power with God).

Verses 29-30 Jacob asked the Man what His name was - but the Lord did not answer. Verse 30 indicates he knew he was wrestling with God, but did not know His personal name.

This encounter with the Lord God changed Jacob forever, and is referred to in Hebrews 11:21.

3. The Angel Of The LORD’s Name:

During the time of the Judges, when the nation of Israel was oppressed by the Philistines, God promised them another deliverer. The Angel of the LORD sought out Manoah and his wife, and said that He will give them a son who would be a Nazarite from the womb. 

Judges 13:1-3. The Angel gives them the instructions on how they were to raise their child, then we see them wondering who this Angel of God was. Manoah prays to the Lord to send the messenger to them again, and He does. 

Verses 15-23. After their encounter with the Angel of the LORD, they realize He is actually God, and were fearful because they had seen Him face to face. When they asked Him His name, He said it was secret. 

Judges 13:18 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?

Secret here is Strong's #6383, from 6381. The word wondrously in verse 18 is 6381. It wasn't time yet to reveal the Angel of the Lord's name...

Psalm 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. A secret is something you share with a close friend or confidant, someone you trust.

Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

God will reveal things to His people over time, and we find further revelations of Himself at various times in their history.

4. God’s Character:

Later, in the book of Jeremiah, we learn that the nation of Israel would be judged and carried away captive by Babylon, and their lands would lie abandoned for seventy years. However, the Lord moves Jeremiah, the kinsman redeemer, to buy his uncle's property. After going through all the legal proceedings (which is an interesting type to study out!), we are given these promises by the Lord.

Read Jeremiah 32:13-27. 

Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Strong’s #6381

Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Strong’s #6381

In Genesis 18:9-14, Abraham and Sarah, who was barren, and who were both past childbearing age, are promised that their desired son will at last be born within the next year.

Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Strong’s #6381

The phrase "too hard" is a different form of the same word that was translated as "secret" in Judges 13. Nothing is too hard for the God of all creation, the God of all flesh. He has all wisdom and power to bring about His will in our lives. Just like He could bring the nation of Israel back to the Promised Land after their seventy year captivity, and could provide the promised miraculous son to a couple that was past their natural childbearing years, so too can He help His children in the trials and struggles we face day by day.

5. The Secret Name Revealed:

In the time of the Assyrian invasion, the nation of Israel was discouraged due to the judgment by the Lord for their sins. They were fearful and seemingly without hope.

We read about this sad situation in Isaiah 8:20-9:7.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Jesus’ name is Wonderful: Strong’s #6382

Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Nothing is too hard for God, nothing is impossible, nothing is too wonderful for the Lord God to do in our lives, if we will just walk with Him and trust Him with all our needs and cares, trust Him with all we face day by day.

We can trust Him:

With the salvation of our loved ones. Romans 1:4; 8:32

The following is from Spurgeon's sermon entitled Is There Anything Too Hard For The Lord?:

Apply this to any case of great sin. Select anyone whom you knew to be especially hard-hearted and pray for him earnestly and hopefully. Choose out some glaring sinner, or special heretic, or fierce hater of religion and pray for him. You say to yourself, "I will choose an easier case." Do not. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Will you, in your judgment, set anyone beyond the reach of mercy and out of the bounds of grace? Make an application of our text to the most desperate and loathsome sinner and believe that nothing is too hard for the Lord. O chief of sinners, if you are here this morning — blasphemer, swearer, thief, drunkard, whoremonger, harlot, take home this question to yourself — Thus says the Lord, "Is anything too hard for Me?"

If you believe in the Lord Jesus, God has saved you, saved you now. He can and will wash every believing sinner from all his sins through the blood of Jesus and He will graciously blot out all his iniquities. Remember how He forgave David and Manasseh and the dying thief and Saul of Tarsus and the woman that was a sinner? May the Holy Spirit make a personal application of omnipotent love to each of you who now feel your sins! Salvation is not too hard a thing for the Lord.

With a family that glorifies the Lord.

With a transformed life.

With anything you face day by day.

I Call Him Saviour

All that you could ever need is found in the Lord;
He’s the First and the Last, the Beginning And The End.
The Lord Jesus Christ is God With Us - Immanuel -
The Messiah is my Beloved, and my True Friend.

He’s the Precious Rock on which I build my life,
The Sure Foundation and the Corner Stone;
The Lamb of God who died for all my sins;
The Shepherd who will never leave me alone.

Jesus is the King of kings and the King of Glory;
The Desire of Nations is God's Only Begotten Son;
He is the Ancient of Days, and the coming Prince of Peace;
He is the Branch of Righteousness, and the Holy One.

He is my Comforter, my Shield and my High Tower;
In Jesus Christ, I have grace and eternal favour;
There are oh, so many names for the Bishop of my Soul -
Some call Him the Almighty God - but I call Him my Saviour.

Poem written December 18th, 2024
Sermon written December 21, 2024
Jerry Bouey

No Man Cared For My Soul

No Man Cared For My Soul

Psalm 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

This is one of the saddest verses in all of Scripture. There was a point in David's life that he felt no man cared for him. He was left all alone in this world, left all alone to fend for himself. More striking than the fact that no one cared for him, was the fact that no one cared for his soul; no one cared for him spiritually, no one cared where he stood before God, where he was in his walk with the Lord. No man cared for his soul.

Our study today starts in John chapter five. It is the story of the impotent man. Again we come across the phrase, "no man." In this case, there was no man to help this powerless man to find the healing he so desperately needed, but had given up all hope of receiving.

John 5:1-9 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, He saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered Him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

Several things immediately come to our attention:

1) Healing was available.

2) The man knew he needed healing.

3) The Lord knew he desired healing, and was completely willing to provide it.

4) But the impotent man had almost given up hope, because there was no one to help him.

The story is very interesting and there is much to learn from here. The name Bethesda means House Of Mercy. The five porches picture God's grace (the number five typifies grace throughout the Bible). While the porches covered many people, only those who entered the pool of Bethesda received healing from the Lord. After the angel stirred up the waters, whosoever entered therein was healed of whatsoever disease he had. While there was healing available for those who looked for it, it was only applied to those who had help to receive it. (I will come back to this thought later.)

Some other verses on the theme of no man are:

Isaiah 41:28 For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

Isaiah 50:2a, Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver?...

Isaiah 59:16a And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor:

1 Samuel 2:25a If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?

Job 9:33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.

Job 16:21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!

2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me.

Ezekiel 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Psalm 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

While this problem is a grievous one, the Lord has provided several solutions:

What did the Lord Jesus Christ Himself do about this problem?

The Old Testament paints a picture of the world in need of a Saviour, of Israel in need of a Kinsman-Redeemer. A Kinsman-Redeemer was a relative that was in a position to redeem their enslaved or poverty-stricken kinsman. This redeemer needed to be someone who was related, as well as someone who was physically able to pay the required price - another enslaved family member could not do so.

In a very real sense, spiritually, the world is in the same bind. Mankind has fallen into bondage to sin; they are poverty-stricken in God's sight, and there is no man living who was born without sin, all are tainted by the sin nature. Something needed to be done. A Kinsman-Redeemer needed to be found. That Redeemer was Jesus Christ, God Himself, who became a man to die for our sins. He took on our human nature so He could legally redeem mankind. He became flesh and dwelt among us. He who knew no sin bore our sins on the cross of Calvary. He paid the price that our Heavenly Father demanded be paid to ransom humanity from sin.

Revelation chapter five reveals what took place in Heaven. The book mentioned in this passage is the title deed for the reclamation/redemption of the Earth.

Revelation 5:1-9 And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne. And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.

While others may have been willing, this passage (and many others) teach that Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Lamb of God, the Lion of the tribe of Judah) was the only sinless Man capable of redeeming fallen mankind from their enslavement to sin and death, from the kingdom of darkness. Through His death for our sins, His burial, and His physical resurrection, He did what no one else in the history of the world could do: He provided for our complete salvation, which is ours by personal faith in Him. This is the reason the whole Bible (from Genesis to Revelation) declares Him as the ONLY SAVIOUR! (If you disagree with that, take your complaint up with the Author!)

Isaiah 59:16-17 And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Isaiah 63:5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me; and My fury, it upheld Me.

Just like the impotent man in John 5, there are many today who are looking for answers, for healing, for forgiveness of sins, for refuge from the fire of God's eternal wrath, but many don't know where to look, or how to receive the help they need. No man is there to help them find the healing pool, to carry them to the fountain of living waters. Jesus is the source of eternal life; His blood is the fountain that cleanses all our sins, but who is there to help them?

What can we do about it?

The price for sin has been paid, and yet the despairing cry goes out, "There is no man to help me!"

The biggest way we can help the lost is by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. As the Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:16,  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  But someone must go and bring them the Gospel. Whether it is across the world, or across the street, we are commanded to go and tell others the Good News of salvation. You may not be called to be a missionary, but you are commanded to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 5:20)

Romans 10:14-15 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

The word for beautiful means "belonging to the right hour or season (timely)." There can never be a wrong time to preach the saving Gospel to those who are lost and on their way to Hell. The Good News is beautiful to the soul who comes to Jesus Christ! (See also Proverbs 15:23; 25:11)

We must first show our love for the lost souls around us by doing all we can to reach them for Christ. We must pray fervently for the lost. We must give to missions to send the Gospel out to other countries. And we must go where we can, and share the Gospel with those we personally come in contact with. All our praying for lost souls won't amount to much if we don't put feet to those prayers by witnessing to them about Jesus Christ! How can we expect the Lord to save our loved ones if we couldn't be bothered to share the Gospel with them. Yes, the Lord can use anyone to reach the lost, but He wants to use you (and me)!

We can also show our love for saved souls by teaching and reminding them where refuge is to be found from all of life's trials and afflictions - in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Psalm 142:4-5 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto Thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

Isaiah 50:4-5 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

Isaiah 63:7-9 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. For He said, Surely they are My people, children that will not lie: so He was their Saviour. In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

2 Timothy 4:16-18 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Like the impotent man in the Gospel of John, there are many today who need help to reach the healing waters of Shiloah. (See Isaiah 8:6) There are many lost souls who need help to understand the Word of God and find the Saviour revealed therein. (See Acts 8:30-31)

John 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. The idea here is for Christians to be concerned with the welfare of others around them, particularly spiritually. We need to consider the eternal welfare of those we encounter every day. When the impotent man was healed, he told others that it was Jesus who had healed him. We need to share the Good News of salvation with others that they too may be healed of their sins. The healing waters are available for whosoever will heed the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

The psalmist's cry, "No man cared for my soul!"

Our response, let's tell them Jesus cares!

Study written May 25th, 2002

By Jerry Bouey

Not Of This World

Not Of This World

Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, descended from Eber - Eber was the third generation after Shem (Genesis 10:21-24). The name Eber appears 7 times in Genesis (in the Table of Nations in Genesis chapters 10-11). Abram was the sixth generation after Eber, and he is often referred to as a Hebrew, and the nation that descended from him are called the Hebrews. The name Hebrew comes from the name Eber.** Eber means “the region beyond,” and therefore a Hebrew is “one from beyond.”

**It is interesting to note that Eber is the 14th generation from creation (Enoch being the 7th). The people of God in the Old Testament take their name (the Hebrews) from this man. Contrast this with the rebel, Nimrod, the founder of Babel/Babylon, who was the 13th generation (see Genesis 10:6-10). In Genesis, Abram is the 20th generation (see Genesis 11:10-32). However, if you look at Luke 3:34-38, you will see Abraham listed as the 21st generation (counting backwards from verse 38, Adam being the first generation; and Cainan being listed in verse 36 - for whatever reason he is not listed in the genealogies in Genesis). That makes the 7th generation, the “dedicated” man, Enoch (see Genesis 5:21-24 and Jude 1:14-15); Eber (the namesake for the people of God, the Hebrews), the 14th generation; and Abram/Abraham, the father of the Jews physically (Romans 4:1) and the father of all who believe spiritually (see Romans chapter 4, where Abraham is called a “father” seven times; see especially Romans 4:11), the 21st generation. If you count out the number of generations listed in Luke 3:23-38, you will also discover that Jesus Christ, our Saviour, is the 77th generation from God! Interesting stuff indeed!

I love studying out Old Testament types and pictures and seeing how they portray spiritual things that are opened up to us in the light of the New Testament. Consider the following passage:

Numbers 15:37-41  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.

In regards to the priesthood and the tabernacle system, the colour blue (ie. blue thread or blue material) is representative of Heaven. They were to put blue fringes (ie. tassels) on the borders of their garments so that everything they did was with the things of Heaven in view, in light of the glory of God, in light of eternity. We see that exact same idea portrayed in Colossians:

Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Are you living for the Lord, keeping your focus on Him, and serving Him day by day?

1 Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:23  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

This also comes to mind regarding Abraham:

Joshua 24:2-3 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods. And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.

We also see the following statement about Abraham, the other patriarchs, and OT believers:

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

And for us:

John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

1 Peter 2:9-11  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

A really great quote from Warren Wiersbe from his BE Commentaries on the last passage above is: “Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), our names are written down in heaven (Luke 10:20), and we are “pilgrims” in this world (1 Pet. 1:1). A fugitive is running from home, a vagabond has no home, a stranger is away from home, but a pilgrim is heading home. This dual citizenship forces us to look at this world from the viewpoint of heaven.”

Are you living for this world or for the world that is to come? Are you of this world, living for the things of this world - or are you not of this world? Let us keep our minds steadfastly focused on the things of eternity, storing up treasures in Heaven, and keeping our eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ!

November 6th, 2024
Jerry Bouey

For a further blessing on this theme, please read the following poem, Soaring Aloft On Eagle's Wings

Job's Lessons In Trust: Times of Testing

Job's Lessons In Trust: Times Of Testing

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

Eschew means to "avoid, shun, abstain from, keep away from." Here we see a God-fearing (Proverbs 8:13; 16:6 and Job 28:28), upright (saved, righteous) man that sought to please the Lord in his life. He was perfect (meaning "spiritually mature"), and kept himself away from evil. He also strove to ensure that his children didn't forsake the Lord. (See verse 5) Yet, as the story goes on to relate, Job undergoes a tremendous time of testing - all because of his steadfast walk with the Lord!

Job 1:6-12 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth Thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse Thee to Thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Job 2:1-7 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst Me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth Thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse Thee to Thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Satan, jealous of this godly servant, desires to afflict and test him and his commitment to the Lord. He wanted to see if Job would really serve the Lord if all he had was taken away. Even so, Satan could not break through the hedge about Job, his family, and his possessions unless the Lord allowed him to. (See also Isaiah 5:1-7, especially verse 5 regarding the hedge about God's vineyard, the nation of Israel.)

While Job did not know why these afflictions were happening to him, we can see the whole picture in hindsight. God inspired one of His holy prophets (possibly Elihu - see Job 32:16 and 2 Peter 1:21) to write this portion of Scripture for us. There are many lessons we can learn from Job, but the one I want to emphasize today is: Satan has to get permission for all the tests and trials he desires to afflict upon the children of God. If it is not in God's perfect will for our lives, it will not happen. And inasmuch as God allows any trials from Satan, they are in His sovereign will, and He will work it all out according to the plan He has for each of us. (See Romans 8:28-29)

I don't remember the exact quote, but Martin Luther made a comment about the devil being God's dog, on God's leash. He can only go so far as the Lord allows him to go. We may not understand why God allows certain things to happen to us, but we can know that it is all according to His perfect plan for our lives, and that all that happens to us is caused or allowed by Him.

Another example of the Devil desiring to test God's children is found in the New Testament. In this particular instance it was all the Apostles that he wanted to sift. (Notice the word "you", which is always plural in the King James Bible. "Thou" is singular, and we can see that Jesus prayed specifically for Peter to be restored after he denied the Lord.)

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Again, we see that the Devil had to get permission to sift (test or afflict grievously) these Christians.

Are you trusting the Lord? Do you believe that God is in control, even in the times of trial? Do you believe that He only allows into your life what is in His perfect will for you? These Bible examples are for us to learn by. (See Romans 15:4) Our Heavenly Father knows what He is doing. Let's put our trust in Him - even when we can't see the larger picture, and let's learn from the example of Job.

Like A River Glorious
(Lyrics:Frances Havergal)

Like a river glorious, is God s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.

Chorus:
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry, touch the spirit there.

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

August 19th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

The Fire On The Altar

The Fire On The Altar

Susannah Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, once said, "Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or removes your desire for spiritual things - that is sin to you."

Leviticus 6:12-13 And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

According to the New Testament, true believers in Jesus Christ are referred to as priests. (See 1 Peter 2:9) As such we need to always keep the fire of devotion to the Lord burning on the altar of their hearts and not become lukewarm or cold.

Revelation 3:15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Is the fire burning hot on the altar of your heart, or are the embers glowing dim? It is a proven spiritual principle that allowing sin and compromise to dominate in your life will cool your fervour for the Lord Jesus Christ and the things of God.

One passage that has greatly helped me in my service to the Lord has been 2 Timothy 1:6-8:

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

In the above verse, "stir up" means "to bring the fire to life again." We are to use our spiritual gifts - not just keep them on the shelf (in a manner of speaking). The Holy Spirit has divided these gifts among the believers in each local church to edify the body of Christ and to equip them for service. (See 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7, 11 and Ephesians 4:11-16)

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Fear does not come from God - except for the fear of the Lord! The word for "fear" in this passage means "dread; timidity." If I am cowardly and timid in my service and witnessing, then I know I am not submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit; I am not filled with (controlled or influenced by) His Holy Spirit, but am in fact controlled by my flesh or fear caused by Satan. We should never let either of these dictate whether we will be faithful to the Lord or not; whether we will be a witness or not. Some other related verses that have also strengthened me and helped me fight the battle when I am tempted to be timid are: Proverbs 29:25 and 28:1, as well as 1 John 4:18.

What has Jesus Christ given me instead of fear? His power for witnessing (Acts 1:8), His love for the lost (Romans 5:5 and 2 Corinthians 5:14), and a "sound mind" (notice temperance in Galatians 5:22-23). A "sound mind" means "discipline; self-control." The Holy Spirit gives me the power and ability to resist the fear and the self-control to do the service He requires of me.

Because of the gifts, strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), grace (1 Peter 5:5 and 2 Corinthians 9:8), power, love, and sound mind the Lord has given us, we have all we need day by day as we strive to serve Him.

The Apostle Paul goes on to say this:

2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.

Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

"...A sense of the Redeemer's preciousness makes the Christian useful, for that which is much in the heart will soon creep up to the tongue, and the testimony of the heart is a notable method of spreading the gospel. If thou lovest Christ much, thou will speak about him... Thus, telling out, with a burning heart, the things which he has made touching the King, others will hear the good news, and they will ask, 'Who is this Precious One?' and they will, by God's good Spirit, be led to seek him and find him too. So, the Christian valuing Christ will come to be useful to the souls of men...." - Charles Spurgeon.

Fervency is the fire on the altar of your heart that burns the incense of prayer and sends the sweet-smelling savour up to God. - A phrase I coined, loosely based on a statement I had heard but could not quite remember.

"The preacher with fire in his bones does not only await an opportunity; he makes one. He must preach!" - John R. Rice.

The Altar Is Empty

The altar is empty -
The sacrifice has walked away.
The heart's gone cold -
Where's the willingness to pray?

Something is wrong, it shouldn't be,
No peace within, convicting me!

Chorus:
Kindle my heart, stir into a flame.
Restore my soul, as I call on Your name.
Oh Lord above, grant me the grace
To deny myself and put Your will in its place.

The altar is empty -
There are no prayers offered today.
The heart's lukewarm -
Where's the desire to pray?

The field is white, but no reaping done,
No hearts breaking, pleading for God's Son.

Chorus

The field is empty -
Where are the labourers today?
Those faithful servants
Standing in the gap to pray?

Oh hear God's voice, His Spirit's call;
Repent, you watchmen, upon the wall.

Chorus

Quicken my heart, in Jesus' name,
Cleanse me from my sin - bring to life again.
Send me, oh Lord, and I will go -
Go and tell the world Jesus loves them so.

Devotional and song written July 29th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

For a related devotional:
The Song Of The Altar

What Is Your Response To The Word Of God?

What Is Your Response To The Word Of God?

Was reflecting on a certain passage of Scripture, and thought how much I strived to be like the Bereans of old. I hope that is your desire also.

Consider how believers during Bible times regarded the Word of God:

1) 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.

Received the Word with all readiness of mind.

This implies a willingness to hear, a willingness to listen attentively when the Word of God is being preached or taught.

Searched the Scriptures daily.

Searched is Strong's #350, and means "properly, to scrutinize, i.e. (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine:--ask, question, discern, examine, judge, search." In other words, these Bereans took all that was presented to them and put it under the searchlight of the Scriptures. They were discerning of all that was taught; accepted what was clearly in alignment with God's Word, and rejected what contradicted it. This is in accordance with the following passages: 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 (prophesying here means preaching); Romans 12:9; 1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 4:1-3.

2) 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Received the Word of God as God's Word, and not man's.

The first word for received here is Strong's #3880, which means "to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn:--receive, take (unto, with)." In other words, these believers in Thessalonica embraced the Word of God whenever it was preached. They believed it was God's very own Word - not man's - given from Him to them. As such, they received it personally and held it close to their hearts. To get an idea of the intimacy involved in these believers receiving of the Word of God, consider that this is the same Greek word that Jesus used in John 14:3, when He said He would come again to receive us unto Himself.

When we value the Word as much as these early Christians did, then it can do the effectual work the Lord intended it to do in our hearts and lives.

3) Ezra 7:6 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

Was a ready scribe in the Scriptures.

The word ready is Strong's #4106, and means "quick; hence, skilful:--diligent, hasty, ready." Ezra was a mature (perfect) believer who diligently studied the Scriptures. He spent time in the Word of God, and knew it. Unfortunately, the average professing believer today does not. Are you more like Ezra or like some of the Hebrew and Corinthian believers? See Hebrews 5:11-14 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

4) Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Prepared his heart to seek God's Word.

What Ezra learned from God, he passed on to others. Notice this verse says he prepared his heart. That means he took the time necessary to maintain his walk with the Lord, and that he was looking to see what God would teach him from His Word. The word seek is #1875, which means "properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." He frequently pursued the Word of God, diligently, fervently, reverently read and studied it - not like many of us do today when we quickly strive to read our three (or however many) chapters as quickly as we can. Ezra came to God's Word, in a worshipful manner, expecting to get something from the Lord. Do we do the same? Do we come to God's Word in a reverent spirit, expecting the Holy Spirit to teach us, to show us something of Christ in each passage we read? Or are we just marking our chapters as read and then moving on to other things?

Is your heart prepared to seek the Lord and His Word? Contrast Ezra's attitude with that of King Rehoboam's:

2 Chronicles 12:14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.

Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

5) James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Be ye doers of the Word.

Do you come to the Word of God with a heart that is determined to obey what the Holy Spirit teaches you? If not, over time, you will lose what you have learned and find that you are not getting much out of the Scriptures.

Mark 4:24-25 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

If you come to the Scriptures and find that they are dry and boring - the problem is with your heart and life, not His Word. Sin will hinder God's Word in our lives, but repenting and forsaking those sins will quicken us and cause the Word to become a source of rest and refreshing to us again.

If you read and study the Bible with an attitude of submission, you will learn and be taught of God, your faith will grow and your walk will be strengthened.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

What is your attitude to the Word of God? Do you reverently read it and study it, with an intent to obey and pass on what you have learned to others - or do you flippantly or casually read your allotted portion without much thought or consideration? When you hear the Scriptures being taught or preached, do you willingly focus on the message and consider how it fits in with the rest of the Word of God, do you carefully discern what is being taught? What is your response to the Bible, the Word of God?

February 17th, 2005
Jerry Bouey

What Is Written On Your Record?

What Is Written On Your Record?

The Record Of The Sinner

Isaiah 30:8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

Isaiah 30:9-13 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

The record of Judah's failures, their sin and rebellion, and their coming judgment - written forever in God's sight, and in His Word.

Jeremiah 17:1  The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;

Jeremiah 17:2 Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.

Their sin was not only written in the Word of God, but was written in their hearts!

Deuteronomy 31:19 Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 31:20-21 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant. And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.

The Record In Heaven

But God is not only keeping the records of the nation of Israel, He is also keeping the records of all that have ever lived upon this earth.

Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

While man may seem to get away with much, and his sins are hidden from the eyes of others - they are known to God, and will one day be known to the whole world at the Great White Throne Judgment - the judgment of all those who have rejected the Saviour.

The Record Of The Saviour

Thank the Lord God that He is keeping records of something so much better than that of our sins: there is also the record of the Saviour!

Job 19:23-24 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

Job 19:25-27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Not only will the Bible reveal to us that we are sinners that have sinned against a Holy, righteous God - it tells us of the Saviour who came to die for those same sins! If we will repent of those sins and turn to the Saviour, trusting in His finished work on the cross of Calvary, believing that He took the punishment for our sins and shed His sinless blood to wash those sins away, He will forgive us of them, and blot them out forever.

The Record Blotted Out

Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

The word for "blotted" in the above verses means to "erase; rub out, utterly wipe away."

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

This word for "blot" in the New Testament means to "smear out; obliterate."

If God obliterates the record of our sins, we will never have to face them again or face the judgment that those sins deserve.

The Record Written In Our Hearts

Jeremiah 31:33-34 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. (Quoted in reference to the New Testament Christian in Hebrews 8:10-12 and 10:16-17)

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Not only does God write His law in the believer's heart, the Holy Spirit also writes about Christ and His salvation there for others to see - true believers are the epistles of Christ to a lost a dying world! How is the world reading you?

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The Love Of God

(Words and Music: Frederick M. Lehman)

The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

It goes beyond the highest star,

And reaches to the lowest hell;

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled,

And pardoned from his sin.

Chorus:

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints’ and angels’ song.

When years of time shall pass away,

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,

When men, who here refuse to pray,

On rocks and hills and mountains call,

God’s love so sure, shall still endure,

All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade,

To write the love of God above,

Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

What Is Written On Your Record?

What is written on your record? Are your sins written forever in God's books - ready to be revealed at the Great White Throne Judgment, or is the record of them blotted out forever by the blood of Christ? Are God's law and His love written in your heart? If you have repented of your sins and have received the Saviour (the Lord Jesus Christ), trusting in Him alone for salvation, He has blotted out all your sins and written His law and love on your heart.

November 18th/05

Jerry Bouey

Render Unto God

Render Unto God

Matthew 22:15-22 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent out unto Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that Thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest Thou for any man: for Thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest Thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye Me, ye hypocrites? Shew Me the tribute money. And they brought unto Him a penny. And He saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto Him, Caesar's. Then saith He unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

The word image is Strong's #1504 and has this definition: from 1503; a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance.

#1503 - (through the idea of faintness as a copy); to resemble:--be like.

The Lord Jesus Christ said that something belonged to the person whose image and superscription it was made in.

Whose image were you made in?

Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.

Here we can see that all of mankind belongs to God, the Creator. He owns us by the simple fact that He created us. We are to render unto God the things that are God's. Have you turned to the Lord in repentance and faith, and received His free gift of salvation.

Whose image are you being conformed to?

If you are saved, through personal faith in Jesus Christ, then He has bought you with His precious blood, and His Holy Spirit is conforming you to the image of Christ.

Romans 8:29 For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Superscription is Strong's #1923 and has this definition: from 1924, an inscription.

#1924 - to inscribe (physically or mentally):--inscription, write in (over, thereon).

Who has written upon you?

Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people:

2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

If you are a child of God, the law of God has been written upon your heart, and you are an epistle of Christ's, written upon by the Spirit of God. All three members of the Trinity have placed their claim upon you.

Matthew 22:20 And He saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

You were made in God's image and are being conformed to the image of Christ. You have God's superscription upon your heart and spirit.

Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith He unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

Are you rendering unto the Lord God what is His? Have you given yourself to Him wholeheartedly in service? If not, in the inspired words of the Apostle Paul, I beseech you to do so:

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Render unto God the things that are God's.

March 22nd/05

Jerry Bouey