A&D Biker Ministries "Growing the Kingdom of God . . . one Biker at a time"

 

 

08/22/2026

A Biblical Categorization: Three Kinds of people

  1. The Natural Man (Person)  I Corinthians 2:14

(One who has not received Christ as Savior, i.e. has not been saved)

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

  1.  The natural person is in his “natural” condition,  i.e. lost state.

Without Christ, he is in a lost condition due to the sin nature which we all inherited through Adam. (Romans 5:12; Eph.2:1-3; 2:12)

  1. In this lost condition, he or she does not have the Holy Spirit, to be a guide and teacher, and help give understanding to God’s Word. Therefore, much of God’s Word will not make sense to them.
  2. Without Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, the natural man is left to an attitude of self-reliance; self is therefore on the throne of his life.
  1.  The Spiritual Man (Person) I Corinthians 2:15,16

(One who has received the Lord as Savior and is led and empowered by the Holy Spirit) “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things…We have the mind of Christ.”

  1.  II Corinthians 5:17- “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
  2.  He, or she is being conformed to the image of Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit as a result of yielding control of their life to Him.
  3.  Christ is on the throne of his or her life, and self is yielding control.

Interests are directed by Christ and the Holy spirit, and the result is

harmony with God’s plan for his or her life.

  1.  The Carnal (Worldly) Man (person) I Cor. 3:1-3

  (One who has received Christ, but lives in defeat because he or she istrying to live in their own strength) “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there are among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men.”Self is on the throne.Christ not allowed to control .

Going back to the Spiritual man, receiving the things of God, embracing the Word of God and the Spirit’s leading.

The apostle Paul said in Romans 7:22- “For I delight in the Law of God after the inward man.”  He makes this statement during his classic discussion about the fleshly “old man” and the spiritual “new man” and how there is a struggle between his desire to do good and what is holy and right and the pull of his flesh- i.e. old man that wants to follow his sin nature.  In a cry of desperation He exclaims, “O Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  He then gives the answer; the only true and right answer: This deliverance is only possible through Jesus Christ our Lord.  He makes the distinction between following and serving the law of God with his mind, and the opposing option of serving the law of sin with his flesh.

An excerpt from the Days of Praise Devotional booklet for Monday, July 20, 2026

“To many people, the law of God is harsh and cruel, consisting of an unreasonable list of “thou shalt nots”  But scripture teaches that the law is holy, and just, and good (Romans 7:12).  The “old man”—that is the natural man—“is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” Ephesians 4:22. 

Therefore, it is written, “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them” Galatians 3:10.

No natural man could ever truthfully say, “I delight in the law of God,” and in the modern world it is even probable that most people have broken at least most of God’s Ten Commandments and often delight in doing so.  But the “old man” becomes a “new man” when he accepts Christ as Savior, “for Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made (the) curse for us” Galatians 3:13. 

Thus, the “inward ma” can thenceforth “delight in the law of God,” as our text says, not to earn salvation (which we could never do) but because we love to live for Him who died for us.

God’s law (and we can understand this now to include even the entire Word of God) indeed becomes our delight. We can say with the Psalmist, “Thy word I my delight” (Psalm 119:77).  Everyone redeemed of the Lord should now find “his delight” is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.”

(Psalm 1:2).

The old covenant said, in effect, we must keep the law to live.  But now, “this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” Hebrews 10:16

No longer are the commandments written “in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart (2 Corinthians 3:3) and we delight in them.”  HMM    

 

08/15/2026

The Joys of the Christian

 

I. There is Joy at the Beginning of the Christian’s New Life when they are Saved.               A. Just as there is normally Joy in a household when a when a newborn baby is added to the family and brought home.

There is  joyful rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents and comes to faith in Christ when they are “born again” John 3

   B. There should also be joy and rejoicing in the Church and the fellowship of  brothers and sisters in Christ!

 

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”  Luke 15:7

 

“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”  Luke 15:10

   C. No one is born naturally into the family of God: it is a supernatural, spiritual birth.

   D. Jesus told the religious leaders of His day, “you are of your father, the Devil, and the works of your father you will do.”.

   E. Jesus told Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, “…Ye must be born again.” John 3:7

 

“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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”  John 3:5-6 KJV

 

II. There is Joy in Serving our Savior-

   A. There’s Joy in using our gifts, talents and resources to serve the Lord.  Using whatever gifts and talents God has given you, including your resources (time, talents and treasure). 

 

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

 

C. “Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.”

Psalm 100:2

 

D. When it comes to giving of our finances,  God loves a Cheerful giver.

 

“Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.” 

2 Corinthians 9:7

 

III. There is the Joy of Leading Others to Faith in Jesus Christ.

 

 A. When we witness to others and share the gospel, the Bible compares this to sowing the seed. The scriptures say that one plants, another adds waters and God gives the increase, or the harvest.

 

 B. There is rejoicing in the harvest- when someone responds to the gospel and believes and is saved.

 

 Psalm 126:5,6 tells us, “They that sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Psalm 126:5-6 KJV

 

C. There again, there is Joy in Heaven when one sinner repents and comes to faith in Jesus Christ- Luke 15:7,10

 

III. There’s the Joy of enduring trials, troubles, tests and afflictions.

  

  A. The Christian Life is not always easy and problem-free. It can be hard and we go through some tough times.

  B. James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (i.e. various) temptations;”

 (i.e. various tests). James 1:2 KJV

   C. Many times we cannot control our life circumstances, but we can control our reactions.  James tells us, “count it all Joy.”

   B. The apostle Paul said when facing difficulties and adversity, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”   2 Corinthians 12:10

   C. We are told in Nehemiah 8:10b “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” We are to remember that we are to not depend on our own strength.  God will give us strength for our trials and joy for our journey.

 

IV. There can even be Joy for the Christian when they are mocked,mistreated and persecuted.

   A. Even when they are maligned and slandered, and have evil spoken of them: when they are lied about, and even brought before the authorities on false charges.

 

“Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Matthew 5:11-12

 

V. There are Joyful Pleasures in the Presence of our Lord in Heaven

   A. “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Psalm 16:11 KJV

   B. If you are a Christian, your desire should be to faithfully live for the Lord and serve him so that one day we can hear the welcoming words of our Savior,

 

“…Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Matthew 25:23 KJV

 

C. The Christian’s joyful entrance to heaven will also include a time when rewards and crowns are given out.  These rewards and crowns are given out on the basis of faithfulness, obedience and trusting the Lord through persecution, sufferings and martyrdom. There is a crown that is mentioned for looking for the Return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 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.”  2 Timothy 4:7-8

 

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;”  Titus 2:13

 

Conclusion:  Have you trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior so you can be assured that heaven is your final destination? And if you have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, are you walking in obedience and trusting Him to bring through life’s trials that you face? God rewards faith, obedience, faithfulness and trusting dependence in Him.

 

 

08/08/2026

A Biblical Sketch of Adoption- Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:29-30

Introduction:  The Big Picture- In sending His Son for our redemption, God had a purpose beyond cancelling the debt that we owed to his justice and paying the punitive punishment our sins. His desire was and is to take us to Himself as His sons, providing healing for our hurting and homeless hearts and making His love our forever home.

  1. The Implicit Presupposition: Our Orphaned State
  1. Unfallen Adam was the “son” of God, Luke 3:38- “…the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.”
  2. Adam’s exile from home- he and his wife were driven from the garden- Gen. 3:23-24
  3. Adam experienced the excruciating pain of a broken relationship and separation from God, and the resulting curses of the fall.
  4. He experienced the ruin and restlessness of being homeless and without refuge as a result of his broken relationship with God.
  1. The Impetus of God’s Plan for Adoption is His Great Love- 
  1. The love of the Father sets the adoption process in motion.
  1. The nature of adoption in the ordinary sense is based on acceptance, love and choosing.  It is a volitional choice.
  2. “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” Ephesians 1:3
  1. The Characteristics of God the Father’s Love- What is the Father’s love like?  It is:                1. FREE- Unconditional- It is uncaused, not based on anything in us. Duet. 7:7-8a

“

  1. Eternal- Jeremiah 31:3- “I have loved thee with an everlasting love.”
  2. Faithful- Jer. 31:3- “…therefore with lovingkindness (steadfast love) I have drawn thee.”
  3. Great- Ephesians 2:4- “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His Great love wherewith He loved us.”
  4. Full of Delight- Zephaniah 3:17- “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”
  1. The Important Predestined Purpose of Adoption- “Having predestined us to the adoption of Jesus Christ…according to the good purpose of His will- Ephesians 1:5 
  1. God is Sovereign- That means that He is Supreme and He is in control of everything.
  2. God’s will is intentional and purposeful.
  3. God’s purpose in His intended will is always for His glory. “to the praise of the Glory of His Grace.  Eph. 1:6a 
  1. The Impervious Permanence of this Adoption based on God’s Love-Rom. 8:35,38,39

The Impossible Separation:

  1. No separation-not even in tribulation. No persecution, peril, or sword can separate
  2. No natural force or disaster can separate or damage or diminish God’s love for us.
  3. No Angelic or Demonic beings, or power can separate us from His love.
  4. The passage of time cannot affect, change or separate us from God’s love.
  5. No special perimeters can separate us from His love.
  1. The Inseparable Relationship with Jesus Our Brother Who Brings Us back Home.
  1. He Came Down- Incarnation- Gal. 4:4,5- “…God Sent forth His Son…that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
  2. He went to the Cross- He suffered, and “endured the cross despising the shame., and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God.”  Because of his propitiation he made adoption possible.
  3. He has been exalted to Glory- “…go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend to my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God.”  John 20:17
  4. Think about that: God’s Son sees you as His brother, His nearest kin.
  1. The Intimate Spirit of Adoption- The Holy Spirit works the inner work in our hearts
  1. The Holy Spirit pours the love of the Father into our hearts (Romans 5:5), causing us to upon the Father as our “Abba,” our Papa.  Galatians 4:6- “…because we are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
  2. We have transitioned from the heart of a slave to the heart of a son- Galatians 4:7- “…no longer a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
  3. Romans 8:15- “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

 

 

08/01/2026

Cautions and Clarifications Regarding the Tongue- James 3

Some of the observations regarding the tongue from James Chapter 3:

  • The tongue is a little member, but just like a match or small fire, it can get out of control and cause great damage, like a wildfire.  Sometimes the wrong word at the wrong time can set off a violent explosion, or set things ablaze.
  • The tongue is set on fire of hell v. 6.  Satan loves it when we use our tongue for evil- i.e. cursing, telling lies, gossip, slander, filthy talk, etc.  Quite literally, we can be the Devil’s advocate when using the wrong kind of words.
  • The tongue can no man tame- v. 8. Every one of us is going to struggle to control our tongue. It's only possible through yielding control of it to the Holy Spirit.
  • The tongue is unruly and full of deadly poison- v. 8b  The power of life and death is in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).  “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword…” Proverbs 12:18. Continued. “but the tongue of the wise is health.”
  • A wise man will show with his conversation what is in his heart- his words and works will demonstrate whether he has humility, meekness, wisdom in his heart, or if it is filled with bitterness, envy, lies, deceit, sensual desires- vv. 13-16.

Jesus said to the Pharisees, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

Why do we so often find it hard to examine the way we speak to others?  If we do take the time to examine our words and the way we speak to others, what do we often find out about ourselves?

 

Practical Steps to Right Destination with the Proper use of our Tongue & our Speech

· Embrace the hope of the Gospel. (1) God’s grace abounds wherever our sin does (Rom. 6:14). (2) God has not forsaken us and will never (Psalm 46:1). (3) God not only forgives, but he also empowers through his Spirit (Eph. 3:20).

· Examine your fruit (Gal. 6:7). Consider asking yourself the following probing questions: What is the fruit produced by your communication? Do you leave others feeling encouraged, hopeful, and loved? Do your words lead to forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace? Does your communication impart wisdom and encourage faith? Or do your words lead to discouragement, division, condemnation, bitterness, and foolishness?

· Uncover your roots (Luke 6:45; Matt. 6:19-21). Word problems always point to heart problems. Examining where we have trouble with our talk reveals what is ruling our hearts. We must begin by admitting that people and situations do not cause us to speak as we do. Why is this true?

· Seek forgiveness, “vertically” and “horizontally.” What is the result of seeking the forgiveness of God and of others?

· Freely grant forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-5:2). What typically happens when we are unwilling to forgive?

· Change the rules. You can do this by: 1) Setting specific, practical goals for your communication; 2) Making yourself accountable to others in your communication.

· Look for opportunities. This is not so much a change of direction as it is a change of perspective. Those difficult communication situations in the past, those situations you once dreaded, now become opportunities to experience the enabling grace of the Lord and exercise newfound character and obedience.

· Choose your words (Prov. 15:28). God wants our words to run on two tracks: 1) The track of his glory. The words of our mouths must first be acceptable to him. 2) The track of our neighbors’ good. God’s call is that we choose words that travel well on these tracks.

· Daily confess your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). This is the secret to experiencing God’s strength. Being aware of and acknowledging your weakness is a sign of what? Remember, your weakness will not get in the way of what God wants to do in you. Your delusions of strength will!

· Do not give the devil opportunities (Eph. 4:27). Commit yourself to two things: 1) The courage of honesty. 2) The humility of approachability. How specifically might your communication with others improve if you are honest and become more approachable?

 

 

07/25/2026

And The Lord Is With Him- I Samuel 16

David was the Greatest of the Kings of Israel- he is still revered as the Greatest king.

Outstanding Qualities of David:   David was:

  • A Great Writer- He wrote 100 of the 150 Psalms
  • A Great Warrior- He killed the giant Goliath- Champion of the Philistines

It was said, “Saul has killed his thousands, but David has killed his ten thousands.”

  • A Great Speaker- “prudent in speech” I Samuel 16:18
  • A Great Musician- “a man who can play well”,  A skillful player of the harp.
  • A Good-looking Young Man- handsome- “a comely person” with a beautiful countenance.

Yes, David had all these great qualities, but the Greatest statement about David is found at the end of verse 18, “…and the Lord is with Him.”

Let us look at Evidences of God’s Presence and Provision on the one whom The Lord is with:

  1. David’s Call-  I Samuel 16:1-13
  1. God does not choose on the basis of physical appearance or abilities.
  2. God chooses differently than man chooses- He looks on the heart.  I Samuel 16:7

“… man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.”

  1. When God showed Samuel that David was his chosen successor to Saul, Samuel anointed him with oil which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.  “…And the Lord said, arise, anoint him, for this is the one. Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.” vv. 12-13
  1. David’s Courage- He was a Valiant Man- V. 18 
  1. David’s courage did not come because he was the tallest or the most talented, or best educated, or because he was the greatest warrior; but because “the Lord was with him.”  Contrast this with King Saul whom was troubled by an evil spirit.
  2. If you are going to live for the Lord and do a work for the Lord, you better be able to stand up against, criticism, conflict, confrontation, conspiracy.
  1. David’s Character- “Prudent in wisdom” V. 18
  1. David was prudent in wisdom- True wisdom comes from the Lord- James 1:5
  2. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…“  Proverbs 9:10 “…and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.
  3. David was not only prudent in wisdom, but he was personable in dealing with people.  “a comely person.”  He knew how to properly interact with others.  He was approachable and understanding and communicated well.

 

07/18/2026

 

“Boast Not yourself of Tomorrow, for You Know Not What the Day Shall Bring Forth” Proverbs 27:1

I. We are not to boast about tomorrow-

This verse begins with a Warning- “Boast not yourself of tomorrow…” Men can be so boastful and proud, arrogantly declaring their self-will. Scripture tells us God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. James 4:6

Let us look at a couple accounts of those that boasted of tomorrow and see what happened to them.

 

“And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 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. 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. 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? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21

 

The man in this parable became prosperous because his land (ground) brought forth plentifully. Yes, he had to put in the work of preparing the soil by plowing and planting, but ultimately it is the blessing of God who sends the rain, the sunshine and the right mix of weather conditions that make his crops grow.

This man’s land and labor became profitable. “and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 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.”

 

“And he (Jesus) said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.”

Luke 12:15 Jesus made this statement before sharing this parable.

Here we see he is planning for more profits, he is boasting himself of tomorrow. But look what the text tells us next, God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:”

He was planning and preparing for the future but he did not anticipate or expect death to come so quickly. He said to himself, “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.”

He was thinking that he had many days or years ahead of him, but death was about to come on him suddenly…”for you know not what a day may bring forth.”

This man was preparing for his future of enjoying his prosperity, but death came calling…” this night your soul is required.”

None of us know when our death date will arrive. We may have an indication that it may be near to the age of the natural life span (three score and ten years- 70 years, or maybe 80 or 90 years, if by reason of strength- Psalm 90:10) “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; And if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, Yet is their strength labour and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10

Scripture tells us that “ it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.” Hebrews 9:27

 

Notice these verses: “Go to now, you that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas you know not what shall be on tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.”

James 4:13-14

A far better way to plan and prepare:

“For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

James 4:15

Another account of a man boasting of his future is found in the parable of the Prodigal in Luke 15. After demanding his inheritance, he planned to live a life of pleasure, much like the man in the previous parable, who said, “…take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” Not knowing what would befall him, he took his journey into a far country intending to have fun and adventure, but instead, “there arose a famine in that land.”

“…for you know not what a day may bring forth.” As our text so clearly states.

 

He began to think that he was going to starve to death as he worked at feeding the pigs. He had a lightbulb moment as he thought about how much better the servants in his father’s

house had it, at least they had food to eat and were cared for, in his condition no man cared for him.

The point is that he did not see this coming, as things did not go the way he planned.

Our boasting or declaring something should not be boasting about our abilities or resources, but our boasting should be in the Lord:

 

“My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” Psalm 34:2

“In God we boast all the day long, And praise thy name for ever. Selah.”

Psalm 44:8

II. We know not what a day may bring forth-

Dwight L. Moody, the great 19th Century evangelist, said that his greatest mistake occurred October 8, 1871.

Moody was preaching to an auditorium filled with people on October 8, 1871, and he closed the service by asking the question, “What will you do with Jesus?’” Then he added, “I wish you would seriously consider this subject, for next Sunday we will speak about the cross, and at that time I’ll ask again, ‘What will YOU do with Jesus?”

Moody’s soloist then sang the closing hymn, which included the lines, “Today the Savior calls; for refuge fly. The storm of justice falls, and death is nigh...”

Little did anyone in attendance know that these words would be the last ever heard in that huge arena. Even as he was singing, the soloist’s voice was nearly drowned out by the sound of the clanging bells of the horse-drawn fire wagons in the streets. That night, October 8, 1871, was the night of the Great Chicago fire that destroyed nearly the entire city. Among the hundreds who died were some who earlier had been in Moody’s audience. Three hundred souls perished in the Great Chicago fire while on the same day 400 miles North in Peshtigo, WI a wildfire swept through and destroyed the city, killing between fifteen hundred to twenty-five hundred people.

These are a reminder to us that we know now what a day may bring forth.

 

06/27/2026

Six Definitions Contained in I John 5

  1. This is the Love of God- That we keep His Commandments V. 3
  1. There are many definitions and descriptions of the Love of God in the Bible.
  2. We can take note of these, but how does one fully describe the Love of God?
  3. In the words of the great hymn- The Love of God- “If we with ink the oceans fill or 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 drains the oceans dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.”
  4. This verse is describing our love of God (i.e. how do we show love to God?)
  5. The answer is by obeying and keeping His commandments.
  6. This verse Atells us that His commandments are not grievous.

 

  1. This is the Witness of God- V. 9
  1. The Witness of God is Greater- V. 9
  2. The Witness of God testifies of His Son- V. 9 (cf. Matt. 3:17; Mark 1:9-11)
  3. The Witness of God directs us to believe on His Son Jesus- V.10 (Matt. 17:5)

 

  1. This is the Record That God has given us eternal life in His Son- 11
  1. “He that has the Son has life.”
  2. “He that has not the Son has not life.”  It’s pretty clear!
  3. Read v. 13- “These things I have written, that you might believe.”

 

  1. This is the Confidence that we have in Him- V. 14
  1. If we ask according to His will He hears us.
  2. We know that we have the petitions (requests) that we ask of Him. V. 15

 

  1. This is the True God- V. 20 
  1. There is also confidence in knowing some things that are true: Knowing that:
  1. The Son of God has come- That is Jesus Christ
  2. He is the One who is True- John 14:6-“I am the way, the truth, and the life”
  1. There is the confident assurance that if we are in Him, we have eternal life.

 

  1. This is Eternal Life- V.20 
  1. Eternal life is in the Son, Jesus Christ- “He that believes on the Son has everlasting life…” John 3:36.
  2. John 5:24- Jesus said, whoever hears my word, and believes on Him that sent me, has everlasting life,… and is passed from death unto life.

 

06/20/2026

 

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.”
Intro: Isaiah is writing this at a time when Israel had become stubborn, obstinate
and had forsaken the Lord, “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of
evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have
provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” Isaiah
1:4
Their offerings and sacrifices had become empty, meaningless and vain… “To what
purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the
burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of
bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.”
“Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the11:1Isaiah
new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is
iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my
: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when yessoul hate
spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many
prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put
away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do
well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the
Isaiahwidow.” 1:13-17
Under these conditions and calloused resistance, rebellion and religious apostasy
God speaks and calls with an invitation:
A Divine Invitation-“Come”I.
A. Like so many other times in scripture, we see God waiting, longing, inviting.
B. Jesus invites all that are weary and heavy laden to come unto Him and He will
give them rest- Matthew 11:28,29
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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.”
C. The invitation that we find near the end of the book of Revelation, “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.”
17:22Revelation
D. God longingly and lovingly extends an invitation to all who will come. He longs
for reconciliation and relationship.
E. His invitation is to lost sinners to come unto Him to be saved- “The Lord is not
slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to
us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

9:32 Peter
II. Secondly, we see the invitation is “now” “Come now…”
A. The invitation is in the present- “now.”
B. The invitation is immediate- “now.”
C. The response to this invitation is not to
be Postponed, prolonged or procrastinated.
D. “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation
have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of
salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
E. There are examples of those who delayed their decision and did not respond
promptly: King Agrippa
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And
Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were
both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” Acts 26:28-29
F. There have been many who “almost were persuaded” to become a Christian,
who “almost” were ready to trust Christ as their Savior but they delayed that
decision.
They procrastinated and postponed it.
G. God’s invitation is a RSVP- “Respond Very promptly.” It is not to be ignored or
put off.
F. We read of Felix who postponed the matter of his response to the gospel in
Acts,
“And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess,
he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of
righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered,
Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
25-24:24Acts
G. My friend, God is calling, He has given His invitation, it is extended to you and to
every lost sinner, and that invitation is to “come.
o III. The invitation is “come now let us Reason together…
A. God’s desire is for each of us to think about, or consider this invitation- the
offer to have our sins cleansed. “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as
white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
B. When we think about this offer to “come…and reason,” I also think of the one
who may be a Prodigal, who has left his father’s house, demanding his portion of the
inheritance, thinking that he could live a better life on his own, only to find himself
down in the pig pen. As he sat there empty, hungry, he began to think— to
Reason— with himself. He thought my father’s servants have it better than this—at
least they have food to eat. Then the scriptures tell us, “And when he came to
himself…” i.e. he reached a decision (he had a light bulb moment), he said, “l will

arise and go to my father…” “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him,
Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be
called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his
father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion,
and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I
have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called
thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on
him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted
calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive
again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:18-24
C. There is not only the reasoning of Salvation, and Reconciliation, but the
reasoning of Sanctification and Service. Romans 12:1-2 - “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. And be not conformed to this
world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what
is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
D. It is reasonable to serve the Lord after He has saved us and called us to serve
Him
IV. The invitation is for Cleansing- “…though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be
as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
A. I’m so glad that I John 1:9 is in the Book! “If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
B. Now just because this verse tells us that our sins can and will be forgiven if we
confess them to God, it does not mean that we can just keep on continually sinning
without regard to our holy calling…
C. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid! Romans 6:1-
“how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein.”
D. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us
that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious
appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us,
that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people,
zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
E. The cleansing offered to us in Christ, which has been accomplished through the
shedding of His blood and the giving of His life through the atonement of His
sacrifice on the cross, should motivate us toward godly living—consecration and
devotion.

 

06/13/2026

10 Hinderances to Serving God

 

If you have sensed God prompting you to serve Him in some way, begin with prayer asking Him to show you what He would have you to do.  Pray continuously, earnestly or seriously.

Yes, it will be challenging to serve the Lord, but don’t focus on the hardships or difficulties, and respond by saying, “I could never do it!”  Take your desire or interest for Christian Service before the Lord with an open and willing heart.  Check your heart’s attitudes to see if you have any of the fears, feelings or frustrations mentioned below:

  1. A Covetous Heart- Desiring the gifts, talents or possessions that God has given to others.  If we are jealous of others, we won’t be able to develop, cultivate or be grateful for your own unique gifts.  Ask God how He wants YOU to serve Him.
  2. A Selfish attitude – This is a condition of having a heart that is self-focused.  It is having a divided heart. This will lead to a person only wanting to serve God in a certain way- if they can’t do it their way, they won’t do it at all. This attitude is obviously selfish, filled with ego and pride.  It is a mark so spiritual immaturity.
  3. Blaming God- It is saying, “Well, if God wanted me to serve Him, he would have given me the gifts to do it.”  This person is just making excuses.  Moses did this when God called him to be the deliverer and leader of the children of Israel. Moses said, “I’m not eloquent, I can’t speak…” Sometimes we but the blame on God for our own laziness or lack of creativity in using or developing our gifts that Jesus has given us.
  4. Fear of Man- Caring more about what others think about you than what God thinks about you.  You may be worried that if you do something “crazy” like going into full-time service, your family or friends will think that you a “fanatic.”  The “fear of man” brings a snare, But whoever puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25). “Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee…”  Isaiah 41:10.
  5. Unbelief- The enemy has told you that you are worthless, and you have nothing of value to offer anyone. He’s told you that you will fail at anything that you attempt… and you believed him.  You are being crippled and stopped by a lie!  Each of us is valuable and precious to God.   If you believe the “scare tactics” of the enemy (Satan), you will not do the work of service to the Lord.  Remember, that where God guides, He provides.”  He will equip and empower you to serve Him.
  6. Unwilling to Count the Cost- For those who put their trust in people or things, the cost may be great—personally and financially.  Many are too selfish and self-centered to give up their plans and their dreams—but this a very important part of being a Christian and disciple (i.e. a follower of Christ).  Some fail to count the cost of following Christ and serving Him.  If you need money to do what God directs, we may have to get a job or sell some of our possessions.  For many that may be too much. It doesn’t bother them to spend money on themselves, but if God is leading them to do something that requires them to sacrifice or do something to go somewhere that their flesh doesn’t want to go—is just too much to ask.   Matthew 6:19-21 states, “Lay not up for yourselves treasurers upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasurers in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
  7. Delayed Obedience- Delayed Obedience is DISOBEDIENCE!  Many of you may already know what God wants you to do.  You are just putting it off, procrastinating. Anything not done in Faith is SIN (Romans 14:23).  If you are not doing what you know the Lord wants you to do, you need to stop, pray, and confess this disobedience and get right with God, and begin obeying right away.
  8. Desire for “A Normal Life”- Deep down inside, you may desire to live a “normal” life but I think the example of the disciples and Jesus are the greatest examples of living out “normal” Christianity.  A normal life by our standards, will not upset you, your family…or the devil for that matter!  It’s a life that won’t leave a mark on this world.  It just kind of goes on…unnoticed, unproductive and uninspiring to all.   We are to look to Jesus as our example (Hebrews 12:2).  We are called to be different, to stand out— “But you a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:” (I Peter 2:9)  
  9. Unwilling Heart- With the lips, this person may say, “Lord, please tell me what to do,” but their heart says, “and then, I’ll decide if I’m going to do it.”  They should not expect to hear from God, if they have not decided to obey and do what the Lord asks
  10.  Need to Know Everything first attitude- God probably won’t lay out all of His plans for your future as you pray about serving Him. He may only show you one step at a time.  If God tells you to get some training in preparation for His service, don’t insist that He tell you exactly what you’ll do after your training is over.  He may not tell you this until you need to know.  Just purpose to take one obedient step after another as He reveals it to you.

 

Conclusion:  As you think about serving the Lord and evaluating your goals and priorities for your life, don’t have an earthly view.  Instead, have an Eternal view of things—with Heavenly values in view.  This Earth with everything in it will one day pass away.  We need to plan and prepare for eternity.  One day we will stand before the Lord and give account of our lives and how we lived.  What will we say?  How did we use our time, talents (our gifts) and treasure?  Maybe we should re-evaluate what we are doing.  Are you being obedient to God’s call on your life?  Is your Christian life one of lip-service or life service?  We only get one time around down here.  There are no second chances.  Once our time is up we will reap for eternity according to the choices we make on earth.  May God help us to make right choices!  “Only one life twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last!”  (C.T. Studd)

 

 

 

 

05/30/2026

I Would Not Have You to Be Ignorant… Six References the Apostle Paul
gave instruction and additional information using this phrase so that his
readers would not be ignorant or lacking knowledge in several areas.
1
Paul used this phrase, “I would not have you to be ignorant” on several occasions in
reference to some important points that he wanted them to have a clear understanding
about. What he is saying is, I don’t want you to be lacking in knowledge of this subject.
We know that our adversary, Satan uses deception, doubt, distraction and disinformation
as weapons in his arsenal of attack against the Christian. Disinformation is false,
inaccurate, or misleading information that is deliberately created and spread with the
intention to deceive, manipulate, or cause harm. Misinformation is false information
spread without malicious intent or a deliberate desire to deceive. Unlike misinformation,
which is spread accidentally or by mistake, disinformation is a calculated effort to push a
specific agenda, influence public opinion, or discredit opponents.
It should be noted that there are various levels of ignorance: 1) There is the ignorance of
just not knowing something i.e. a lack of knowledge. 2) There is ignorance derived from
turning away from a truth i.e. denying that something is true or believable. (e.g. Denying
Creation and the Creator- Romans1:19-22). 3) There is a level of ignorance that develops
by rejecting the revelation of something due to an untrust of the source of that revelation –
i.e. denying the authority of the source of the information. This is a willful defiance and
disregard for authority- a person can be willingly ignorant- II Peter 3:5.
Perhaps it was this type of willful ignorance that led the apostle Paul to write in I Cor. 14:38-
“if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” Although this was not Paul’s first choice.
Let’s look at the six references where Paul used this phrase, “I would not
have you to be ignorant,” as he urged his readers to be more aware and
knowledgeable about certain important subjects:
Romans 1:13- “Now I would not have you ignorant, that oft times I purposed to come
unto you but was let hitherto (i.e. I was hindered until now) that I might have some fruit
among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”
1. Paul wanted them to know that he had a desire to come to them, to preach and minister
to them that he might have fruit among them. V.13
2. Paul admitted, “I am a debtor both to the Greeks, and Barbarians to the wise and unwise
3. Paul affirmed, “I am ready to preach the gospel to you at Rome. V. 15
4. Paul asserted, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ…” v. 16


2
5. Paul announced, “for it (the gospel) is the power of God unto salvation to every one who
believes; to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
6. Paul annotates, “For therein is the righteousness of God is revealed from heaven against
all unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”
Paul was emphasizing his purposeful intention to preach the gospel at
Rome as an essential fulfillment of his calling as an Apostle to the
Gentiles. He longed to preach, minister and have fruit among them.
Romans 11:25-36- (v.25) “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this
mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to
Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”
I was reading a sermon by the late Dr. John MacArthur, preaching on Romans, and I believe
he explains this portion of scripture so eloquently, so I decided to include an exerpt from
his sermon here because it is so good:
“Now remember that Paul has been dealing with the place of Israel in the saving plan
of God. He's been answering the questions that he anticipates will be asked by those
who say, "Well, if the gospel is true and the Jews have rejected it, aren't they
permanently set aside from God's plan?" And you will remember that in chapter 9 he
said, "The rejection of Israel is true but not contrary to God's plan." God planned for it
all along, that was the message of chapter 9.
Chapter 10 reminded us that Israel's rejection was due to their own unbelief; that they
were set aside because they were disobedient. In other words, it is true that it was in
the plan of God, chapter 9, but it is also true that it was their own fault, chapter 10.
And then we came to chapter 11. And we saw that through the blindness of Israel,
through the hardness of the hearts of Israel, through their rejection of Jesus Christ,
God is working out a marvelous plan which will lead to the salvation of Gentiles,
ultimately to the salvation of the Jews, and finally to the blessing of the world in the
millennial kingdom.”


3
“Now as we come to the last section, he tells us that Israel ultimately will be saved and
God's plan will come to fruition. So the presentation reaches its climax right here in
our text beginning in verse 25. Yes, Israel has been set aside for the time being
because of unbelief, ignorant of the righteousness of God, rejecting the Messiah of
God, misunderstanding the law of God, ignoring the grace of God. But their setting
aside was only — Do you remember? — partial, passing and purposeful. And we come
tonight to that final point, purposeful. The setting aside of the nation Israel had a
great purpose. God worked it to the ultimate blessing of the world, as we shall
see. And even that

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