WHO IS THE REAL PERSON OF CHRISTMAS

Revelation 1:12-15

Introduction: We know that the seven candlesticks represent the seven churches that are mentioned in chapters two and three. Jesus is walking in the midst of the candlesticks. This represents His authority. One of the great needs of the churches of today that we once again remember that Jesus Christ is the central of authority in the church and also acknowledges His sovereign presence. Not only should we acknowledge this, we should submit to it also. Too long men thought they run the church. One day, they will see how wrong they are. We are to be submissive to Him whom is due honor and glory.

In these next few verses we have very descriptive phrases to portray the Glorified Son of God. He is not the humble carpenter. He is not that good man here in this passage. He is the glorified Sovereign. He is the KING of kings and LORD of lords. Anything that takes away from that is blasphemous sin. So let’s look carefully what this says about Jesus- the real person of Christmas.

I. HE WAS GIRT WITH GOLD- THE EMBLEM OF DEITY.

Vs. 13

“And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.”

This is not some clothing of a humble carpenter. It is like the clothing that is described in Exodus thirty-nine of the High Priest. Gold has alway been a symbol of deity. The golden girdle is to remind us that we have great High Priest.

Hebrews 3:1

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus”

Hebrews 4:15

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

Even though His garment is like the garment of the High Priest, this verse reminds us of His eternal humanity. He makes sure He calls Himself by the title that we read Himself call Himself over and over again in the gospels- Son of man.

The gold also represents His majesty and dignity. This is the same Lord as Isaiah saw in Isaiah chapter six.

II. HIS HAIR AND HEAD WERE WHITE AS SNOW- HE IS THE EVERLASTING GOD WHO IS WISE.

Vs. 14a

“His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow”

Many times we associate white hair with wisdom. No one is wiser than God. Many have thought that they are. Governments think that they are when they pass laws that are in contrast to God's Law.

His white hair is representative of His purity also.

2^nd Corinthians 5:21

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

White has always been a symbol of something pure. Brides who wear white are supposed to be representing that they are pure. Ivory soap has alway been white color that I know. Read the label and you will find that it is 99.9% pure. This is not true with Christ. He is one hundred percent pure. It is His purity that allowed Him to be our sacrifice for sin. It is His purity that allows us to be pure.

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Rome could find no fault in Him. The Jewish courts could not find any sin in Him. That is because He never and I repeat never sinned.

III. HIS EYES WERE AS A FLAME OF FIRE, WHICH REPRESENTS KEEN AND DISCERNING EYES. Vs. 14b

“and his eyes were as a flame of fire”

Fire has a unique way to reveal the truth. His eyes will reveal the truth of each and every part of life. Hebrews 4:13

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

Psalm 90:8

“Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.”

Psalm 139:11-12

“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.”

He sees all. That is one of those awesome truths that should burn down deep in our hearts that God sees it all and He sees it for what it really is.

IV. HIS FEET WERE LIKE FINE BRASS, AS IF BURNING IN A FURNACE. BRASS ALWAYS REPRESENTS JUDGMENT- HE'S THE JUDGE OF ALL EARTH. Vs. 15

“And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace”

What is the color of something that is burnt? It is black.

These will be the feet that will tread out the judgment of God.

Revelation 19:15

“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”

V. HIS VOICE WAS AS THE SOUND OF MANY WATERS. HE SPEAKS WITH DIVINE AUTHORITY. Vs. 15

“and his voice as the sound of many waters”

One of the things that is taught in police academy is to speak with the voice of authority. When we were children, it was our father's voice most of the time that woke us up to the fact that if we did not straighten up, judgment was going to fall. This finds itself in the Bible as far as the Lord's voice.

Psalm 29:3-4

“The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.”

Job 37:4

“After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.”

Conclusion: There are many myths and frauds in this time of year. For every truth that the Lord has, the devil has a counterfeit. So this Christmas, keep Christ as the center of Christmas.

Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries

The Judgment of the Unsaved

 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Those that do not receive Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as payment for their sins will perish and face a different judgment from God. It is called the White Throne Judgment, and they will be judged for their sinful “works”:

“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.” Rev. 20:11-15

Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries

Judgment Seat of Christ

 

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” II Cor. 5:10

 

All believers will one day be judged for what they did for the Lord with the time God gave them on this earth.  It will be a different time than the judgment of the lost, and is called the Judgment Seat of Christ.

 

At this judgment some of the rewards will be “crowns” given to the faithful. Here are the crowns the Bible mentions:

Incorruptible Crown — a crown given to those trying to live the way the Word of God commands:

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible …  But I keep under my body, and bring it into  subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” I Cor. 9:25-27

 

Crown of Righteousness —  a crown to those that love Jesus’ appearance.

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” II Tim. 4:8

 

Crown of Rejoicing — a crown given to those who won others to Christ; the soul-winners’ crown.

“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.” I Thes. 2:19-20

 

Crown of Glory — a crown awarded to the faithful pastors.

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder [pastor] … Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” I Peter 5:1-4

 

Crown of Life — a crown given to those who endured hard times and still loved the Lord through their affliction.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12  Also: Rev. 2:10

Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries

“It’s Not My Fault!”  

 

Since the very first man and woman, it has always been convenient and guilt-relieving to blame someone else for our actions or circumstances. When cornered by God for breaking the commandment God had given Adam, Adam’s excuse was that Eve gave the forbidden fruit to him, so he ate it (Gen. 3:12).  Eve’s justification for committing the first sin was, “… The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat” (Gen 3:13). The way out of avoiding guilt is often blaming another for our own transgression, but it does not work.

Husbands quite often blame their wives, when something does not go right around the house. Many wives have used the excuse for not submitting to their husband, “I can’t submit to my husband, because he’s not a good leader.” Teenagers have justified not obeying their parents with the excuse, “My parents aren’t saved, so I don’t have to obey them.” Many steal from God (Mal 3:8) and rationalize their behavior by saying, “I can’t afford to tithe, so God will understand that I don’t give to the local church.” Too many do not go to church with the excuse, “Someone at the church hurt my feelings, so I won’t go there anymore.” The most famous of excuses heard by many teachers is, “I don’t have my homework, ‘cause the dog ate it.” Ignorance also has been used as an excuse, when it is said; “I didn’t know, so it can’t be my fault.” Unfortunately, we all have excuses that we think justify our actions.

However, in a far, forgotten corner, an old, dusty Book whispers a verse that negates all excuses, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:12). No matter what our excuse, God’s Word says we will have to give an account for our actions; and another’s actions will not be accepted for our not doing the right thing.

This verse is directed to Christians.  It reminds believers, that any excuse that they have for doing or saying the wrong thing will not pardon them from one day giving a personal account before the most perfect Judge ever — God Himself. 

For believers all sin is forgiven, and forgotten (Heb. 10:17).  Saved individuals will not be judged for their sin.  Their sin was forgiven and forgotten when they received Jesus’ payment for their sins. Christians, however, will be scrutinized by God for what they did or did not do for the Lord. Here is some of what the Bible says about a Christian’s judgment:

Believers will not be at the White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15) for their sins, but they will be judged by Christ:
“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Rom. 14:10

Believers will have to give account for their own decisions:

“Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” Rom. 2:6

“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” I Cor. 3:8

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” II Cor. 5:10 (The “bad” is not referring to evil deeds, but those deeds that were worthless, or done for the wrong motives.)

“Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.” Psa. 62:12   Also: II Chron. 6:30, Rom. 14:12, Gal. 6:4-5, Rev. 2:23

Believers will even answer for what they say:

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Mat. 12:36

All will reap the consequences in this life for doing the wrong thing, no matter their excuse:“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:7
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal. 6:8
“But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” Col. 3:25

All can reap good consequences for doing the right thing:
“Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Eph. 6:8

Believers will receive rewards for doing the right thing or suffer loss for not doing the right thing:“… Now if any man build upon this foundation [Jesus Christ] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” I Cor. 3:11-15

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”  Col. 3:24

Gratefully, not one saved individual will ever have to answer for one of his sins.  They were all miraculously paid for when that person accepted Christ’s sacrificial death as payment for his sins.  However, every child of God will one day answer for what they did for the cause of Christ after they were saved.  Did they sit and soak, or did they submit and serve?  No excuses for not doing what he was required or shown to do will be accepted, when the believer is judged by God!  Reward or loss?  The choice is yours.

 

“God offers freedom from guilt, judgment, and self-condemnation.”

Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries

HOW TO BAKE A BIBLE CAKE

      The mysterious envelope arrived in the morning mail.  Inside was a typewritten cake recipe, copied, so it said, from the Miami Herald,  and the ingredients were even more mysterious than the unknown sender.

THE BIBLE CAKE

a.   1 cup Judges 5:25  (last clause)

b.   2 cups Jeremiah 6:20

c.   2 tsps. 1 Sam. 14:25

d.   6 Jer. 17:11

e.   1/2 cup Judges 4:19  (last clause)

f.    4 1/2 1 Kings 4:22 (proportion to taste)

g.   2 heaping tsps Amos 4:5

h.   1 cup 1 Sam. 30:12 (2nd phrase)

I.    1 cup Nahum 3:12

j.    2 Chron. 9:9 (2nd phrase) to taste

      Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes

     

      Intrigued, I walked into the living room for my Bible.   Reverently I carried it to the kitchen and sat down in the breakfast table.

      While ferreting out my ingredients, I rediscovered the beautiful passages of Judges, those special deliverers sent by God to release the Israelites from their oppressors.  I found many passages that I read over and pondered upon:  the book of Samuel, which authorities claim is the best specimen of prose in Hebrew literature; Amos, who provided so many pictorial allusions to the farming life of his day; and Jeremiah, the prophet, who never flinched from his duty.

Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries

Spiritual Rest

A Rest Unto Your Souls!

Hebrews 4:9

Nov 18, 2012 PM

I.      Introduction (Hebrews 4:9)

A.   There is a rest for the people of God!

1.     A rest that goes beyond the body

2.     A rest that every human being desperately needs, but only Christians can experience

3.     Everyone seeks this kind of rest, but will never find it unless they get born again!

B.    What kind of Rest?

1.     NOT the absence of troubles (John 16:3)

2.     But the ability to relax in spite of them (Mt 8:24)

3.     It is a rest that is relaxed, at peace inside – not uptight, or stressed

4.     Able to sleep, and enjoy life – no matter the storm raging around you!

5.     Because it occurs in the deepest part of our lives – in our spirit!

C.    Sounds awesome doesn’t it?!

D.   Unfortunately, very few believers ever experience it (Isa 30:15-17)!

II.    Message

A.    Different Kinds of Rest

1.     There is rest for your Body (Mark 6:31) – it is called SLEEP

a.     Some people sleep because they are exhausted

b.     But then wake up still “unrested” - unrefreshed

2.     Salvation provides rest for your Soul (Mt 11:28,29)

a.     No more wrath of God resting upon it

b.     This is where the mind is able to finally be at rest

c.     But few people actually allow their new walk with God to affect their mind

3.     The place we need the most rest is in our Spirit (2Cor 2:13)

B.    What Makes It Hard to Rest? Even for Christians?

1.     Not what you normally think! Two things that DON’T make it hard to rest:

a.     Not WORK – that is good for you! “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet”

b.     Not STRESS – all of life has pressure and stress - expectations

2.     Sin in your heart and life (Psalm 38:3; Isa 57:20,21)

3.     Stubbornness / Rebellion against GOD (Isa 28:12,13)

a.     An attitude that will NOT soften

b.     We have to have everything perfect before we bend

4.     Worries, Fears (2Cor 2:13; Jer 30:10) – your mind stressed out! Panic, fretting

5.     Bitterness (Eph 4:30-32; Heb 12:15; James 3:14-16) – Unforgiveness is killing Christians

6.     Laziness in the Home (Prov 29:17) robs families of their rest

7.     There are other causes, but these are the BIG causes of unrest

C.   How to Obtain Rest

1.     Harden Not Your Heart – Get Right with God (Heb 3:15-18; Isa 30:15)

a.     Start with getting all of the above fixed!

b.     Sin? Expose it and confess it, and forsake it! If you want to sleep again!

c.     Stubbornness? OBEY your authorities! Humble yourself! For YOUR sake!

d.     Full of worry and fear?

e.     Bitter at someone? You had better go to them and admit your bitterness and FORGIVE them!

f.      Laziness in your home? Take your home back and start doing what you know you need to be doing, and limiting!

2.     Believe God – Whatever He says (Heb 3:15,18,19)

a.     God had told Israel that the land of Canaan was THEIRS for the taking

b.     That HE would fight for them

c.     But when 10 spies told them it was impossible to conquer the Caananites, they believed THEM instead of God!

d.     Look Forward, Not Back (2Thes 1:7)

1)    No matter the trouble

2)    You CAN rest if you keep looking up, and forward – expecting the Lord to help, especially to come soon!

3)    Trusting God means waiting patiently on Him as He works on you and your circumstances

e.     Trusting God has a marvellous effect on the heart and the body of a Christian!

3.     Fear Losing Your Rest (Heb 4:1) – it is so delicate and can be stomped upon!

a.     Don’t throw it away because you are used to panicking, and giving up!

b.     God gives REST every day, just like He gives GRACE to help – just like he provided Manna – it can be ignored and missed!

4.     Allow Jesus to be your Rest (Heb 4:3,8; Isa 11:10) “My rest”

a.     His kind of rest is MARVELLOUS

b.     Remember, upon His shoulders shall be all the problems of government (Isa 9:7)

5.     Labour to Enter into that Rest - Moderate Your Life (Heb 4:11; 1Cor 9:27)

a.     Schedule your sleep time, your wake up time

b.     MAKE yourself eat healthy

c.     MAKE yourself exercise

d.     You are a sorry Christian if you can not bring your body under subjection

e.     Make yourself be in church, and read your Bible through, and pray about every need

f.      It takes WORK to balance things out so you can rightly rest, and be at rest!

6.     Have a lot of grace with everything, even with yourself (2Cor 12:9,10; Eph 4:29; Col 4:6)

a.     That means, put up with – allow things to happen that shouldn’t

b.     You are not the Saviour of the world – you are not the judge of the world either!

c.     You CAN fall, and it will be okay

d.     People can fail you and it will be okay

e.     So, have grace with everyone – be kind! This can be HARD!

f.      If you do not show kindness, you will not be able to sleep without pills, and without stress, and without bitterness

III.  Conclusion

A.    How to Obtain Rest

1.     Harden Not Your Heart – Get Right with God

2.     Believe God – Whatever He says

3.     Fear Losing Your Rest– it is so delicate and can be stomped upon!

4.     Allow Jesus to be your Rest

5.     Labour to enter into that Rest - Moderate Your Life

6.     Have a lot of grace with everything, even with yourself

B.    Let’s all be well-rested Christians!

Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries