In the Presence of Jehovah

1 Samuel 17:20-25

20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.  21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.  22 And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.  23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.  24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.  25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.

Presence of Persons

Saul and the armies of Israel found themselves in the presence of Goliath.  David came to deliver supplies and also found himself in the presence of Goliath.  Goliath had a way of canceling out Israel’s past triumphs and blessings.  In this moment of time, Israel forgot about the manna in the wilderness, the cloud by day and the fire by night; the rock that gave them water; the victory at Jericho;  Later, David wrote: Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

I am preaching today to people whose lives are surrounded by giants.

• The giant of disease towers over you.
• The giant of sin stands before you.
• The giant of depression or discouragement mocks you.
• The giant of fear has you in his grasp.

Presence of Jehovah

But David was aware of One bigger than Goliath who stood on his side that day.  He knew he was in the presence of Jehovah, King of Kings, Lord of Lords.  It is my job to preach to you about God.

Psalms 47

1 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.  2 For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.  3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.  4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.  5 God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.  6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.  7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.  8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.  9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

There is a passage in Lance Armstrong’s book in which he writes about his friend who had cancer.  In the depths of her stuggle, she took a trip to Niagara Falls.  Her purpose, she said, was to get in the presence of something that was bigger than she was.  When you face a formidable foe within you, you need to remind yourself that there is something bigger than you or it.

You are in the presence of Someone bigger than you are.

• You did more than just come to church today.
• You did more than sing, clap, raise your hands, pray and worship today.
• You entered into the presence of Jehovah.
• You came into the presence of the One who towers over disease, sin, pain and turmoil

The message of David and Goliath is not about a sling.

• It is not about a little boy against a big giant.
• It is not just about courage in the menacing face of fear.
• The message is that it is time to wake up and recognize that you are in God’s presence today!

If you are in God’s presence, there are demands made upon you.

• God demands your worship.
• God demands your service.
• God demands your obedience.
• This where many people balk. (I will worship, I will serve, but I won’t obey.)
• Obedience is humiliating. (Every soldier has to learn to obey orders.)
• There will always be issues and orders that you don’t understand. Follow them anyway!
• God demands your soul! (Your everything, the essence of yourself)

Luke 12:16-20 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.  20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

But, if you are in God’s presence, there are blessings guaranteed to you.

Psalms 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;  3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.  4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.  5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.  6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.  7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.  8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.  9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.  10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.  11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 

Song: In the Presence of Jehovah

In and out of situations That tug-of-war at me All day long I struggle For answers that I need But then I come into His presence All my questions become clear And for a sacred moment No doubt can interfere

In the presence of Jehovah God Almighty, Prince of Peace Troubles vanish, hearts are mended In the presence of The King

Through His love the Lord provided A place for us to rest A place to find the answers In hours of distress Now there is never any reason For you to give up in despair Just look away and breathe His name He will come and meet you there

In the presence of Jehovah God Almighty, Prince of Peace Troubles vanish, hearts are mended In the presence of The King

Courage to Commit

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

The number one problem in forming relationships today is fear of commitment.

Some experts have coined the word, “commitment-phobia.”

“Finally, There’s A Way To Learn What’s Really Going On Inside A Guy’s Mind … ”

Hollywood , CA - Sunday, November 19, 2006 : If you’ve ever been dumped , cheated on or emotionally abused by a guy… join the club!
I got so sick and tired of making bad choices and attracting the wrong guys, I decided I needed to get this area of my life handled, so I started reading everything I could get my hands on to help me UNDERSTAND MEN (and myself) better…

I came across a one book that literally changed my dating life forever. It completely “opened my eyes” to all the mistakes I’d been making with men and provided a totally logical and easy to follow method for finding and attracting LASTING LOVE (it worked for me!).  Of course, I’ve been telling all my girlfriends about it… but decided it was too important a discovery for me to NOT share with as many women as possible, so I’ve put up this website and included my review of this special book for YOU. Enjoy!  Catch Him and Keep Him, by Christian Carter  - Cyndi Strauss , Hollywood , CA

Actually, when you do a little study on the word, commitment, you understand why there is considerable hesitation.

• To commit; this word is used for a lot of bad things (commit a crime; commit adultery, commit murder)
• Committed ; this form of the word is a little scary (committed to an institution, he needs to be committed, etc.)
• Committal ; This is the service at the cemetery, after the funeral. (The pastor officiated at the committal service.)

The truth is, very few things will work in the world without something called commitment. Most of the great stories we know about among sports heroes happened because of commitment.

What if…Tiger Woods had walked away from his golf clubs?

Practice, practice, practice! That’s how Tiger Woods became a championship golfer. He started playing golf when he was very young, and by the time he was 6 years old he was an amazing golfer. His father,Earl, was his coach.
When Tiger was just a baby, his dad made a driving range in his garage with carpet and a net. Tiger would sit in his high chair and watch his dad practice.
When he was 9 months old, his dad sawed off a golf club to make it very short, and Tiger could strike the ball into the net. When he was 18 months old (just a year and a half), he began going to the golf course with Dad. He hit buckets of balls on the driving range.
When he was 4 years old, they hired a coach for him. When he was 6, he began entering junior contests.
Tiger listened to tapes to improve his confidence * in himself. His dad helped him to learn to focus in spite of distractions * . He stood in front of Tiger and said, “I’m a tree”, and he would have to hit the ball over his father. Earl would jingle the coins in his pocket to distract him, or roll a ball in front of him and Tiger learned to concentrate * on the game.

What if…Mark McGwire had walked away from his bat?

McGwire was a prolific power hitter during the 1990s. For his career, McGwire averaged a home run once every 10.61 at bats, the highest home run ratio in baseball history (Babe Ruth is second at 11.76). In 1998, McGwire broke Roger Maris’s single season home run record of 61 by hitting 70 (Barry Bonds has since hit 73). McGwire was known for the distance of his home runs, hitting several over 500 feet. McGwire’s nicknames included “Big Mac,” “Big Red” and “Colossus.”

Michael Jordan did walk away…big mistake!

In October of 1993, Michael Jordan stunned his fans by retiring from basketball and beginning a professional baseball career, saying that playing baseball had been an early dream of his. He played the 1994 baseball season for the minor league Birmingham Barons. In March of 1995 he ended his baseball career and returned to the Bulls. With Jordan, the Bulls won three more championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

What about the soldiers in Iraq ?

Declaration of Independence

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

— And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The Price They Paid

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Ellery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Morris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: “For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
They gave you and me a free and independent America . The history books never told you a lot of what happened in the revolutionary war. We didn’t just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Perhaps you can now see why our founding fathers had a hatred for standing armies, and allowed through the second amendment for everyone to be armed.
Frankly, I can’t read this without crying. Some of us take these liberties so much for granted. We shouldn’t.

Many of you heard my son preach about his adoption.

I want to tell you about the commitment necessary to make an adoption happen.  Much of it was based on a commitment by those who had gone before us.  It is time for this generation to make a commitment. It is time for you to make a commitment.

A commitment to…

• Believe, preach and teach the faith of the Apostles.
• Live Godly lives, separated from the world and dedicated to God.
• Love our fellow man.
• Reach out to the world by every means at our disposal.

Making Commitments of Love and Courage
By Steve Brunkhorst

There is a story about a little girl who suffered from a serious disease. Her best chance of recovery would be to receive a blood transfusion from her five-year old brother.   The doctor explained the situation to the little brother. He asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. The young boy hesitated for a brief moment. Then he took a deep breath and said, “Yes, I’ll do it if it will save my sister’s life.”  During the transfusion, the boy lay in the bed next to his sister. He smiled when he saw color returning to her cheeks. Then his smile started to fade, and his face grew pale.  With a trembling voice, he looked up at the doctor and asked, “Will I start to die now already?”  The little boy had misunderstood the doctor’s explanation. He thought that he would need to give all of his blood to save his sister, and he would have done so.

Beyond the New Birth

2 Peter 1:8-11 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

The Entrance into the Kingdom is the New Birth

John 3:1-5 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

The birth of the water is water baptism. This view is the only one that is consistent with the evidence. Most bible scholars agree that the birth of the water is a clear reference to baptism. Mathew Henry, for example, says “It is probable that Christ had an eye to the ordinance of baptism.”

The birth of the Spirit is the Holy Ghost baptism.  This understanding of the new birth is proven by the actions of the Apostles.  Acts 2:38-39; 10:44-48; 19:1-7 all show the same pattern.

1 Cor 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

But, once you are born again, there is something to see, there is something to enter.

The whole purpose of being born is to live life.  One of the tragedies of abortion is that the marvelous miracle of conception and life ends by a surgical instrument or a saline solution before it even has a chance to get started.  First, we have the little wrinkly, red-faced baby—-helpless, hungry and crying.  Then, almost every day, something new happens…he turns over, he stands up…she smiles, she takes her first step…walking, talking…the whole process of growth and maturation takes place until a man or a woman emerges fully capable of handling life.

Jesus said the born-again man will see the kingdom of God.  Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven are used interchangeably.  God established a theocratic kingdom, not a democratic kingdom before the world began.  There was a hierarchy in heaven: God, Michael, Gabriel, Lucifer.  Lucifer rebelled against his authority.

Isa 14:12-15  How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn!  You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!   13 You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne   above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.  14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”   15 But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.  NIV

Jesus did not come to establish an earthly kingdom.

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

But Jesus did recognize a spiritual kingdom that existed in this world.

Luke 11:17-20 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. 18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.  19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.  20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

Paul confirmed this spiritual kingdom of the devil.

Eph 6:12 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.

People today often look at the church and say, “Where is this great kingdom you talk about? If the church is the answer, why are we still fighting wars? Why do we still battle against disease? Why do so many people still hate each other? The problem is that we desperately want to see something that will make sense to the natural mind.

• If you are looking for this world to get better through money and politics, forget it!
• If you are looking for some magical wind to blow in peace and happiness, no way!
• If you think a new age tenet of faith called a third paradigm shift is going to occur and propel the world in a positive direction, it will never happen!
• You must stop looking with your natural eyes and your human reasoning.
• You must start exercising spiritual vision.
• Only the born-again mind can see the kingdom of God.

First, let’s begin to see the kingdom of God in the Bible.

• A kingdom isn’t just walls and gates.
• A kingdom is power, authority and dominion.
• A kingdom is a scepter, a throne, a law, a king.

The Kingdom in the Garden

• The power of choice and creation. Gen 2:7-8 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
• Sovereignty. 8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

The Kingdom of God in Jacob.

• Gen 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

The ancient people of God had an earthly kingdom, but their prophets saw something far bigger, far better.

Num 24:15-19 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: 16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:  17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.  18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. 19 Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.

That brings us into the picture.

Isa 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.  7 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.

This is what happens in the new birth experience.  God reaches back and gets hold of the old testament; he reaches forward and gets hold of the new testament and joins them together.

John 3:7-15 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?  10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?  11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.  12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?  13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The born-again man gets his eyes opened and sees far more in Jesus Christ than he has ever seen before! Jesus is the kingdom of God!

John 14:8-11 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.  9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?  10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

• First, you are born again.
• Then you begin to see the kingdom of God.
• Then you begin to look around and see what you’ve gotten yourself into!

Power!

Acts 1:6-8 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Authority!

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Dominion!

Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Col 1:12-13 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Beyond the new birth, this is who we are, what we are, where we are!

• We are residents of the kingdom of God.
• We are the king’s kids.
• We are the salt of the earth, the city set on a hill which cannot be hid.
• We are the apple of his eye; the beloved; the bride.
• We are ambassadors for Christ; the body of Christ; the workmanship of Christ.
• We are the great cloud of witnesses; the examples of God’s grace; the vessels of honor.
• We are the chosen generation, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, the peculiar people.
• We are the bearers of the blood-stained banner; wearers of the name above every name.
• We are the hands and the feet of Christ.
• We have the sword of the Spirit in our hand, the shield of faith on our arm;
• We have a right to exist; a mandate to go forth; a heritage to look back to; a destiny to look forward to;

The new birth gets us in; the continuing re-birth keeps us going and growing!

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Where to Go When You Can’t Go Anywhere

Ex 14:15-18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Israel was in a dilemma.  They had just escaped the clutches of Egypt.  There were out of Egypt but under pursuit by Pharaoh’s army.  The Red Sea was in front of them, the Great Sea to the north, wilderness and mountains to the south.  There was no place to go. 

There are times when success looks a whole lot like failure!  (Building programs)

The first answer seems to be to back out of the dilemma.

Ex 14:10-12 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. 11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? 12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

Always, after the deliverance, comes the test.

• You can’t do this. 
• You’re a fish out of water.  
• Living for God means too much pain.

But going backwards is not an option!

Heb 10:38-39 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

There is nothing to go back to!

2 Peter 2:19-22 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Go back to what?

• …the loneliness?
• …the guilty conscience?
• …thinking your losing your mind?
• …the suffocating emptiness?
• …the waves of remorse?

If you can’t go back, maybe you can go sideways.

After you find the truth, there is nothing else!  The Bible says, “Buy the truth and sell it not.”  This is where many people lose their focus.

• Distractions
• Spiritual boredom
• Attitude problems.
• Don’t lose focus

Several years after Sandy Koufax retired, he was interviewed by a young reporter. Koufax answered all the reporter’s questions willingly. As the interview drew to a close, the reporter said, “Just one last question, Mr. Koufax. What was your favorite pitch when you had the bases full behind you?” Mr. Koufax answered with a perfectly straight face, “My boy, I don’t recall ever having to pitch with the bases full.” You see, we’re better off if we focus on the positive details of the past, and forget the bad.

Tony Perrin story.  A young man who attends our Christian academy who saved his mother from a knife attack.  When the assailant asked him who he should kill first, him or his mother, Tony said, Kill me.  He then successfully fought off the man and saved his mother and baby brother.

When you can’t go back, turn right or left, one option remains – GO FORWARD!

Ex 14:13-14 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Moses did not upbraid the church. He knew that fear had gripped their hearts.

Stay in the church. It is your only hope.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

• Foundational truth: Upon this rock
• Foundational person: I
• Foundational intent: will
• Foundational process: build
• Foundational ownership: my
• Foundational plan: church.

Move forward, even though their seems to be no place to go.  They had forgotten two things: The FIRE and the CLOUD.

Now, look at what God was doing in the midst of their dilemma.

Ex 14:19-22 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:  20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.  21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.  22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

The angel changed places. 

• First, the angel positioned himself between Israel and the Egyptian army and hid Israel from their enemies. (Hide you in the blood!) 
• Second, God was issuing new instructions to Israel:  I was in front of you to lead you out of Egypt.  Now, you must step out by faith and I will back you up!

Finally, God looked at the enemy.

Ex 14:23-25 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.  24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. 

Read “I have been a pew-warmer…” 

Can I Get An Amen, Somebody?

2 Cor 1:18-22 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.  19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.  20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.  21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;  22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 

2 Cor 1:18-22 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” 20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. NIV

Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;  KJV

I. Amen is an untranslated AMEN

AMEN (Heb. ‘amen; Greek amen, “true, faithful”). A word used to affirm and confirm a statement. Used at the beginning of a sentence, it emphasizes what is about to be said. Used at the end of a sentence, it signifies agreement with and affirmation for a statement.

The Jews needed to hear God speak by the voice of the prophet and say Amen to their decisions. 1 Kings 1:36 “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too.”

A woman accused of adultery and denied the charge was made to drink the waters of jealousy. She had to say Amen, Amen as a personal confirmation to her denial.

Amen was attesting the praise of God in response to doctrine. For instance, when the priest of God declared a truth about God, the people had to say, Amen. It meant, I agree, or I concur.

• Psalm 41:13. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
• Psalm 72:19. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
• Psalm 89:52. Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
• Psalm 106:48. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

II. What do you mean when you say Yes?

• Will you marry me? What does it mean when a woman says Yes?
• Do you agree to buy this house? What does it mean to sign on the dotted line?
• Do you accept this job? What does it mean to go to a new job?
• Will you agree to this surgery? What does it mean to sign for an operation?
• Saying yes gives power and permission.
• It means I accept all of the terms, conditions, costs, responsibilities and risks that go along with this agreement. It means that I affirm you and I confirm my acceptance of this proposal.

III. Human beings have a difficult time trusting one another.

Our conversation is filled with words that continually validate our position.  I’m not kidding; I’m positive; Really?; You don’t mean it; I don’t believe it; I’m telling you the truth; Get outta here!; You’re lying to me!; Stop it!  We say yes with conditions attached.  We sometimes give emotional yeses.  We reserve the right to give a temporary yes. 

IV. What do you mean when you say Amen to God?

It means that whenever we hear praise and glory and honor going up to God, we say Amen, I am in full agreement with what has just been said.

1 Cor 14:13-16 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.  14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.  15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.  16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

Rev 5:11-14 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;  12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.  13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.  14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

V. The distinction between Yes and Amen.

John 3:3-5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 

Verily, twice repeated, meant that a statement was both accepted and affirmed.  It signified the complete and official establishment of the terms.  The first “verily” is God’s pronouncement. the second “verily” is man’s affirmation.

Yes is the DIVINE INITIATIVE. “Let there be…”  Amen is the HUMAN RESPONSE. “So be it…”  In Jesus, we see both the divine initiative and the human response.  When God spoke the need for a savior, Jesus became the human response.  It was like Jesus was both the Yes and the Amen.  Jesus was both the source and the response.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

God is still saying yes.  But the bodily presence of Jesus is no longer here to respond.  That leaves us—-the church.  The church is now the answer to the divine yes.

Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

VI. God is now saying, Can I Get An Amen, Somebody?

Amen: I agree, I believe, I trust, I commit.

Matt 9:27-30 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.  28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.  29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.  30 And their eyes were opened;

God wants your unconditional, eternal, irreversible amen.  Amen to the Holy Ghost; amen to service to Him; amen to consecration.

Come up to the altar. It’s time to give the human response to God’s divine yes.

• Hear O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord.(Response: Amen!)
• I am God; I change not. (Response: Amen!)
• For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. (Response: Amen!)
• I am the Lord that healeth thee. (Response: Amen!)
• And by his stripes ye are healed. (Response: Amen!)
• Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. (Response: Amen!)
• My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches… (Response: Amen!)
• Behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me. (Response: Amen!)
• I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. (Response: Amen!)
• Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Response: Amen!)
• Be ye holy for I am holy. (Response: Amen!)
• Pray without ceasing. (Response: Amen!)
• Be filled with the Spirit. (Response: Amen!)
• I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Response: Amen!)
• Unto him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly… (Response: Amen!)
• I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. (Response: Amen!)
• For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… (Response: Amen!)
• Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall give thee… (Response: Amen!)
• Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to… (Response: Amen!)
• He that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless… (Response: Amen!)
• Ask and ye shall receive… (Response: Amen!)
• Seek and ye shall find… (Response: Amen!)
• Knock and it shall be opened unto you. (Response: Amen!)

Amen. Amen. Amen, amen, amen.

Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen Sing it over Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen

See the little baby

Wrapped in a manger

On Christmas morning

Singing in the temple
Talking with the elders
Tomorrow there’s wisdom

Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
Hallelujah
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen

Down at the Jordan
John was baptizing and saving all sinners
See him at the seaside
Talking with the fisherman
And made them disciples

Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
Keep on pushin now
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen

Hallelujah now
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen