Subtopic: Walking The Talk

Sermon Notes by Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday December 21, 2014

1 John 2:3-6 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (vs4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (vs5) But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (vs6) He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore(for that reason, as a result of something, or consequently, implies that the conclusion is inevitable) if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary, Vol19, Page 135, a comment on 2 Corinthians 5:17---“ The believer has died with Christ. Christ is his Substitute , has borne his sins, has made complete satisfaction for his guilt. By faith he is so united to Christ that what Christ has done is imputed to him. He is thus new in relation to God. He was condemned; now he is justified. He is “risen with Christ”(Col.3:1). He has received the Spirit of Christ. Having been justified, he is now being sanctified. The likeness of the Redeemer is being wrought upon and in him by the Holy Ghost. There is thus a “new creation”. The old life was a life of sin, but the new life to which he has risen is a life of righteousness. The love of Christ constrains him (vs14) to live, not to himself, but to Christ.

This newness is manifested in the believer’s  (1) spirit; (2) speech; (3) character; (4) acts; (5) plans, purposes, desires, ect. There is no part of the believer’s life from which the newness should be absent. While not yet perfect, manifestly a great change has taken place: “Old things are passed away”.

Finally, all men in Christ become new creatures. A decided change takes place in the best as well as in the worst. All men may become new creatures in Christ. The vilest can be re-created equally with the moral. This newness is not to be waited for till we enter another world. It belongs to this sphere in which we now are. Unless we are new creatures in this world we shall not be new creatures in another. It is on earth that “new creatures” are especially needed”.

DEFINITIONS

Evident: “easy to see or understand; clear; plain.”

Evidence : “whatever makes clear the truth or falsehood of something. (2) an indication or sign.”

Proof : “evidence that leaves no doubt.”

EXPOSITION

1. Real Evidence Or Proof Is Needed Beyond Mere Profession And /Or Works Because They Are Not Sufficient Within Themselves As Evidence Of Being In Christ.--- St. Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (vs22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? (vs23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”(gross injustice; wickedness).

2.Real Evidence Or Proof Of Being A New Creature Is Needed Because Of Satanic Transformations---                2 Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (vs14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (vs15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

3. Real and True Evidence And Proof Of Being A New Creature In Christ Is Needed Because Of The Apostasy And Hypocrisy Of The Last Days In Which We Now Live. ---1 Timothy 4:1-2 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (vs2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”

2 Timothy 3:1-5,7 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (vs2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (vs3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (vs4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (vs5) having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (vs7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

4. Real And True Evidence And Proof Of Being A New Creature Is Needed Because Of False Worshippers In The Church.--- Isaiah 29:13 “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:”

5. Therefore Let The Evidence And Proof Of Me Being a New Creature Be Seen In The Life That I Now Live---  Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me 

6. Let The Evidence And Proof Of Me Being A New Creature In Christ Be Manifested In My Non-Conformation To And My Transformation From This World.---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. (vs2) 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.”

7. Let The Evidence And Proof Of My Being a New Creature In Christ Be Manifested In My Coming To Terms With My Discipleship.--- St. Matthew 16:24-26 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (vs25) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (vs26) For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

8.Let The Evidence And Proof Of My Being A New Creature In Christ Be Seen In My New Desire.---  Psalm63:1-7 “O God thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; (vs2) To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. (vs3) Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. (vs4) Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up thy hands in thy name. (vs5) My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: (vs6) When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. (vs7) Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” 

9. Let The Evidence and Proof Of My Being A New Creature In Christ Be Manifested In My New Ambition.--- Philippians 3:9-14 “ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (vs10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (vs11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.(vs12)Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (vs13) "Brethren I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,(vs14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus".

10. Let The Evidence And Proof Of My Being A New Creature In Christ Be Seen In The Manifestation Of My New Satisfaction.--- Psalm 17:15  “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

Subtopic: “The Anointing Makes The Difference”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday November 23, 2014

Text: Isaiah 10:27 “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.”

1 John 2:26-27 “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (vs27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.22, Page 60; a comment on 1 John 2:27 ---THE OBLIGATION OF THIS BLESSING---“More fully stated this is the obligation which is inseparable from the possession of this anointing from the Holy One. The context clearly shows that the person spoken of in verses 27 and 28 is the Lord Jesus Christ. The exhortation to abide in him is based on the assurance that the anointing which they had received abode in them(ver.27). The “in him” must not be toned down to his doctrine, or his system, or anything of that kind. “In him” by the exercise of the faith of the heart, by the attachment of holy love, by intimate and reverent communion in him, and by participation in his life and spirit. Thus we are to abide in him(cf. St. John 15:4-7).Thus we can learn; first that the “illumination of the Holy Spirit is indispensable to a clear and correct apprehension of the great truths of Christianity.” Cudsworth says “words and syllables which are but dead things, cannot possibly convey the living notions of heavenly truths to us. The secret mysteries of a Divine life, of a new nature, of Christ formed in our hearts, they cannot be written or spoken; language and expressions cannot reach them; neither can they be ever truly understood, except the soul itself be kindled from within, and awakened into the life of them.”(cf.1 Corinthians 2:10-13).Second The “anointing from the Holy One”—the influence and presence of the Holy Spirit within us---is a preservative against seductions of error. Third and finally; the possession of this Divine preservative is not an encouragement to presumption, but a reason for perseverance, inasmuch as the anointing which they received of Christ abode in them, St John exhorts his readers to “abide in him”.

DEFINITIONS

To Anoint--- means from a biblical standpoint the putting on of oil in a ceremony as a sign of consecration to an office or to make sacred. (2) Served the purpose of dedicating things or persons to God; with the oil symbolizing the Holy Spirit in setting apart and empowering for service to God. Thus the anointing is divine consecration and sanctification by and of God’s Holy Ghost power to give a special enablement for a particular work to a specific call of God.

EXPOSITION

1.THE ANOINTING IS GOD’S ENABLING POWER THAT ACCOMPANIES THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST WHICH AND CAUSES ME TO BE A WITNESS---Acts 1:8 “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.”

2. THE ANOINTING GIVES US POWER AND COURAGE TO REBUKE AND STAND AGAINST SIN---Micah 3:8 “But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgressions, and to Israel his sin.”

3. THE ANOINTING IS MIGHTIER THAN ANY PHYSICAL FORCE---Zechariah 4:6 “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

4.THE ANOINTING IS THE DIVINE TEACHER THAT GIVES US SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT---1 Corinthians 2:9-13 “But as it is written,(Isa.64:4) Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (vs10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (vs11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (vs12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (vs13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

5.WE HAVE BEEN ANOINTED TO REACH A DEEPER LIFE IN CHRIST AND ATTAIN COMPLETE SPIRITUAL FULLNESS---Ephesians 3:16-19 “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (vs17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (vs18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (vs19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

6.WE HAVE BEEN ANOINTED TO BE BOLD CHRISTIAN SOLIDERS---Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (vs11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (vs12) 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. (vs13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (vs14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (vs15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (vs16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.(vs17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (vs18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

7. WE HAVE BEEN ANOINTED TO BE GOD’S SPECIAL PEOPLE---1 Peter 2:9-10 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (vs10) Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

Subtopic: “ Striving To Stay Free”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday July 1, 2014

Text: St John 8:31-32;36 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (vs32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (vs36) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary,Vol.17, Pages 392-393, a comment on St. John 8:32 “ SPIRITUAL FREEDOM is (1) Freedom from sin. From its bondage, its control, its consequences, its guilt, and from sin itself. In the true disciple sin will ultimately be destroyed, not a vestige of it will be left behind. (2) Freedom from the Law. From its curse, penalties, terrors, its heavy and unbearable burdens. The known truth , or Christ, becomes the law of the disciples life, written on his heart. Its letter becomes dead, while its spirit is preserved. (3) Freedom from the evil rule of the flesh. From the lower passions and appetites, from the captivity of self-seeking. The soul is brought out from itself into Christ, to breathe the natural and pure air of spiritual life, love, holiness, self-sacrifice, and willingness. (4) This freedom is effected by the truth.         ( The manifestation of God’s Word In Christ Jesus) St. John 14:6; St. John 1:14 (a) The truth is the efficient means of spiritual freedom. It is based on and produced by the great facts of redemption. (b) The truth is the efficient incentive to spiritual freedom. The revelation of sin, in its enormity , debasing effects, and ultimate consequences, and revelation of God’s loving, costly, and self-sacrificing provisions for sinners, are calculated to inspire the captive soul to struggle for and accept the offered liberty. (c) The truth experimentally known brings the fact of spiritual freedom to the consciousness. No sooner the facts of redemption, such as justification, forgiveness, and reconciliation by faith, are experimentally known than the soul begins to realize in itself the blessings of spiritual freedom. Christ lives in the disciple’s consciousness, and he feels that he is the subject of the spiritual empire and a free-born citizen of the new Jerusalem.”

DEFINITIONS

Liberty is defined as freedom. Freedom is defined as “the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action. (2) Liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another. (3) Unrestricted use.

Bondage is defined as “ (1) lack of freedom, slavery or servitude. (2) the condition of being under some power or influence.”

EXPOSITION

1.CONCERNING THE BONDAGE THAT SPIRITUAL LIBERTY SETS US FREE FROM- Proverbs 5:22 “His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.” Romans 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 7:23 “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”

2.    STAY FREE SO THAT YOU CAN REMAIN IN THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE LORD  WHICH ASSURES US SPIRITUAL LIBERTY- 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.”                                           

3. STAY FREE SO THAT  YOU CAN REMAIN IN CHRIST AND CONTINUE TO BE LED OF HIS SPIRIT    Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (vs2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”  

4.  STAYING FREE OF THE WORLD’S YOKE OF BONDAGE GIVES  CONFIDENCE THAT INSURES US THAT WE DO NOT NEED TO FEAR IN ANY OF LIFE’S CIRCUMSTANCES –Hebrews 13:5-6 (latter clause verse 5) “For he hath said,(Psa.118:6) I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (vs6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

5.STAYING FREE OF THE WORLD’S YOKE OF BONDAGE ASSURES US THAT WE CAN COME FREELY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE LORD’S CALL : ( Concerning A Satisfying Portion)         Isaiah 55:1 “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”  (Concerning Personal Cleansing) 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.”    

(Concerning The Spirit Of God) St. John 7:37-39 “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. (vs38) He that believeth on me as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (vs39) (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”                                                                                                                                                              

(Concerning Rest For The Soul) St. Matthew 11:28-30  “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.(vs29) 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.(vs30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”        

6. STAYING FREE OF THE WORLD’S YOKE OF BONDAGE GIVES US LIBERTY IN THE  SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE OF GOD-1 Corinthians 2:9-12 “But as it is written,(Isa.64:4) Eye hath not seen, nor bear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (vs10) But god hath revealed them to us by his Spirit: For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (vs11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (vs12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

7. STAYING FREE OF THE WORLD’S YOKE OF BONDAGE GIVES US THAT LIBERTY TO BECOME FULLY AND COMPLETELY THE SONS OF GOD-1 John 3:1-3 “  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (vs2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (vs3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”                                       

                      

Subtopic: “ Hearing The Word Of The Lord”--- “Can You Hear Me Now”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday June 29, 2014

Text :Isaiah 55:3 “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.”

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


PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary,Vol.21, Page34 A Comment On 1 Thess.2:13---The Thessalonian  Reception Of The Truth. “The apostle had spoken of his own part in the work of grace; he now speaks of the manner in which his converts accepted. “Ye are my witnesses; now I am yours.” His immediate ground of thankfulness was that they had received , not man’s word, but God’s, and that the  Word was so thoroughly efficacious. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received not the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God.” 

1.They Appreciated The Difference Between The Word Of Men and The Word Of God.--- (a).”They first heard it no doubt with interest and a willing to learn spirit. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”( Rom.10:17). The Word was not read but heard in the preaching of the apostles; it was no discovery of their own mind.( b) They received it as an eternal fact made known to them by man.( c). They welcomed it with the inner acceptance of faith. It was “mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Heb.4:2). It was “the joy and rejoicing of their heart.”(Jer.15:16).( d). Their glad acceptance of it was conditioned upon its Divine origin. It was not man’s word, representing a new speculation in philosophy or ethics; it was “the Word of God”(Rom.10:14). It was therefore (1) an infallible Word; (2) bearing the impress of Divine authority; (3) and therefore to be received with reverence and love.”

2. They Manifested The Power Of Truth In their Lives. “Which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (a) This effectual operation is conditioned upon their faith. “The Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Heb.4:2). The gospel is only to the believer ”the power of God to salvation” (Rom 1 :16). (b) Its power was manifest in quickening, enlightening, sanctifying, and comforting under all afflictions and persecutions.”

DEFINITIONS

Hear---“to listen to, give ear to; hearken to. (2) to perceive by the ear.”

Receptivity---“the ability or readiness to receive.”

EXPOSITION

1. Not Hearing God Leads To Spiritual Destitution---Amos 8:11-12 “Behold the days will come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: (vs12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.”

2.Not Hearing God’s Voice Causes Us To Not Know Him Which Will Cause Us To Follow Strangers---St. John 10:1-5 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (vs2) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.(vs3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (vs4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (vs5) And a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

3.Not Hearing God’s Word’s Leads To Spiritual Deafness---Jeremiah 6:10 “To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? Behold their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.” Zechariah 7:11-13 “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. (vs12) Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts. (vs13) Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts;” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (vs4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

4. Not Hearing God’s Word With All Your Heart Leads To Careless Hearing Which Leads To: (a) Sentimentality(a tendency to be influenced by sentiment(a mixture of thought and feeling) rather than reason.---Ezekiel 33:31-33 “And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after covetousness. (vs32) And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. (vs33) And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.” (b)Disobedience---St. Matthew 7:26-27 “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (vs27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

(c) Shallowness---St. Matthew 13:19-22 “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. (vs20) But he that receiveth the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (vs21) Yet hath not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution raiseth because of the word, and by and by he is offended.(vs22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”

5.To Hear God’s Word And Know His Voice I Must Have: (a) A Good and Receptive Heart---St. Matthew 13:23 “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it flows the issues of life.” (b) Readiness Of Mind---(concerning The Bible Students Of Berea) Acts17:11 “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

6.To Hear God’s Voice And Word I Must Learn How To Hear With A Spiritual Ear--- Revelation 3:22 “ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Proverbs 8:34-35 “Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. (vs35) For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.” Proverbs 15:31-32 “The ear that heareth the reproof (words of blame or disapproval)of life abideth among the wise. (vs32) He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”

7.To Hear The Lord’s Voice And Words Is To Know That He Calls Me To Rest and Fellowship With Him---St. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (vs29) 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. (vs30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Revelation 3:19-20 (To The Lukewarm, Self Satisfied Church at Laodicea) “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (vs20) Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Subtopic: “Do Not Cross The Lines”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday June 15, 2014

Text :Isaiah 35:8-10 “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring( a traveler) men, though fools, shall not err therein. (vs9) No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: (vs10) And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Jeremiah 6:16-17 “Thus saith the Lord, Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. (vs17) Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.10, Page 574, A Comment on Isaiah 35:8 “ THE HIGHWAY TO THE HEAVENLY CITY. In all his dealings with man God has been constructing a highway from bondage to spiritual freedom, from sin to holiness, from guilty selfishness to sacred service, from utter ruin to complete salvation, from earth to heaven. He was engaged in this beneficent, Divine procedure  when he spake to us through the patriarchs, when he instituted the Law, when he gave to us his prophets. And he completed this “way” when he “sent forth his Son.” Jesus Christ had so much to do with preparing for us the highway to the heavenly city that we speak of him, as indeed he spoke of himself, as actually being the (Way itself) St. John 14:6 . He, the Truth, is the Way by which we have a knowledge of God and of his will. He, the Mediator, is the Way by which we ourselves come into close spiritual contact with God himself. He, the Propitiation, is the Way by which we ascend to forgiveness and reconciliation. He, the Life, is the Way by which we rise into loving union with, and growing likeness to, and ultimate preparedness for, the Divine Father.”

DEFINITION

“Holiness is not solely the product of God’s will, but a changeless characteristic of His eternal nature, His absolute separation from all moral evil, His perfect moral purity. The good, the just, the pure, the holy is holy, not by reason of an arbitrary act of the divine will, nor of a principle independent of God, but because it is an outflow of his nature.”

EXPOSITION

1.THE LORD’S HIGHWAY IS A  PREPARED SPIRITUAL HIGHWAY. Proverbs 16:17--- “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.” Isaiah 62:10 “Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.”

2.THE LORD’S HIGHWAY IS PLAINLY MARKED---St. Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; (vs14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

3.THE LORD’S HIGHWAY REQUIRES STRICT ADHERENCE TO ITS DIRECTIONS---Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

4. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY ROADSIGN ON THE LORD’S HIGHWAY ---  St. John 14:1-6 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (vs2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (vs3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye maybe also. (vs4)And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (vs5) Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? (vs6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh to the Father but by me.”

5.  ONLY ALONG THE LORD’S HIGHWAY YOU WILL FIND TRUE FELLOWSHIP AND ULTIMATE PURPOSE---Ephesians 2:19-22  “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (vs20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (vs21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (vs22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

6.THE SAFE DELIVERING PRESENCE  OF THE LORD IS ALWAYS ASSURED ON THE LORD’S HIGHWAY---Isaiah 43:2 “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

7. THE LORD’S HIGHWAY LEADS TO THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION OF PERFECT PEACE AND REST ---Revelation 21:4 “ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Subtopic: " The Church: The Security And Salvation Of The Soul"

Sermon Notes by Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday June 8, 2014

Text  Ephesians 4:11-16 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (vs12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (vs13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (vs14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (vs15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (vs16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

 2 Timothy 2:15-19 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.(vs16) But shun profane( not sacred, worldly)and vain babblings( to talk or speak foolishly): for they will increase unto more ungodliness.(vs17)And their word will eat as doth a canker:( anything that causes decay, rotting, or gradual eating away)of whom is Hy-me-nae'us and Phi-le'tus; (vs18) Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (vs19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary,Vol.20 ,Pages 195-196 , a comment on Ephesians 4;12-16 "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry." Spiritual perfection is the grand aim of all. 1.Perfection In Service. "For the work of the ministry." The twelfth verse teaches that a perfect ministry implies a perfect character. There is no perfect service where there is not a perfect character. A man must be good to do good. 2. Perfection In Unity. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God."This may mean oneness or harmony of mind in relation to the doctrine and spirit of Christ, a common thought and sympathy in relation to the Son of God. 3. Perfection In Character."Unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Christ is the Standard of excellence, and perfection of character is conformity to him. His character is the measure. To be Christ-like is to perfect. 4. Perfection In Strength. "That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine." (1) The strength of firmness. Possessing power enough to stand against all the winds and waves of religious opinions. There are some men at the mercy of every new doctrine. Their souls have no anchorage; they are not "rooted and grounded in the faith." (2) The strength of determination."By the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness." The ideas seem to be not influenced by the mere dependence on chance of a mixture of thought and feeling nor the craftiness of heretical teachers.(5)Perfection In Church Growth." Speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." The two verses teach:(1) That church growth is an advancing assimilation to Christ."We may grow up into him in all things, which is the head even Christ." The true growth of the soul is progress towards a perfect conformity to Christ.(2) That Church growth requires the loving exhibition of truth. "Speaking the truth in love." There is a truth, a reality in the gospel, and the ministry of this truth in love is necessary to promote the true growth of the Church. (3) That Church growth is in every part dependent upon its vital connection with Christ. "From whom the whole body fitly joined together, "ect. (4) That Church growth requires the healthy action of all its members. "By that which every joint supplieth," ect.

EXPOSITION

A. The Conditions Of The Last Days That Necessitate The Need For The Secure Spiritual Foundation Of The Church.

1. Instability---Lack Of Firmness, liability to fall, give way or change. Proverbs 24:21-22 “My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: (vs22) For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?             St. Matthew 24:11-13 “And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. (vs12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (vs13) But he that shall endure unto the end , the same shall be saved.”

1 John 2:19 “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been for us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might  be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

2.Inconsistency---Failure to keep to the same principles, course of action, ect. changeable.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”

Jude 1:3 “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

3. False Religion---Ezekiel 33:31-33 “And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after covetousness. (vs32) And lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but do them not. (vs33) And when this cometh to pass,(lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.”

4. Ceremonialism---Adherence to or fondness for ceremonies(in this sense “an empty form, meaningless formalities). Ceremonialism calls on pageantry(splendid show; or gorgeous display that is mere show or empty display of ritual, to reinforce belief by dramatizing deeds of religiosity. Galatians 4:9-11 “ But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (vs10)Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. (vs11) I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.”

5. Formalism--- A strict or excessive attention to or insistence on outward forms and ceremonies especially in religious worship. Isaiah 29:13-14 “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: (vs14) Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.”

6.Worldliness---Of or having to do with or belonging to this world, not of heaven. A caring much and/or too much for the pleasures and interests of this world. Ephesians 2:2-3 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (vs3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”

 B. The Church Enables The Security, Stability and Salvation Of The Soul By Helping Me:

1.  In Still Being Secure In My Salvation Though Testing Will Come--- 1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (vs13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed , ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

2. In Still Being Secure In My Salvation Through God's Guarantee of Safety, Stability and Protection --- Psa.40:1-3 "I Waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. (vs2) He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. (vs3) And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord."

3.In Still Being Secure In My salvation Through Spiritual Receptivity--- 1 Thess. 2:13 "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."

4. In Still Being Secure In My Salvation Through a Deeper Life in Christ--- Eph.3: 17-19  "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (vs18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (vs19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."

5.  In Still Being Secure In My Salvation Through Christian Maturity --Hebrews 5:12-14 “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (vs13) For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (vs14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

 6. In Still Being Secure  In My Salvation Through Following Christ's Steps-- 1 Peter 2: 21-23 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (vs22)Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (vs23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"

7.In Still Being Secure In My Salvation Through Continuing To Press Toward The Mark--Phi. 3:12-14 "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (vs13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (vs14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Subtopic: The Attitude Of Patience: Going On To Perfection

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday June 1, 2014

Text:2 Corinthians 4:17-18 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (vs18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

 Romans 8:18 "For I reckon that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us".

Hebrews 10:35-37 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. (vs36) For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.(vs37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come and will not tarry".

1 Peter 5:10 "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while , make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you".

Premise

The Pulpit Commentary Vol.19 Pages 95-96 ;A Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - THE AFFLICTIONS OF CHRISTIANS. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” These words suggest a few thoughts concerning the afflictions of the Christian.

1. They Are Comparatively “Light” And “Momentary.” They are “light” (1) Compared with what they deserve. (2) Compared with what others have endured. (3) Compared with the blessedness that is to follow. They are momentary, “but for a moment.” Momentary compared (1) with the enjoyments of this life; compared (2) with the interminable blessedness of the future.

2.That Though Light and Momentary, They Work Out Glorious Results.-They issue in what? “A far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” What is the affliction to the glory? (1) The one is “light;” the other is weighty. Put all the afflictions of the whole Church against the everlasting glory of one Christly soul, and how light! (2) The one is momentary; the other is eternal. “Eternal weight of glory.” But the result is not only an eternal weight of glory, but “far more exceeding.” No expression could be stronger than this. 

3. That They Work Out These Glorious Results By The Realization Of Spiritual and Eternal Realities. ‘While we look not at the things are seen… for the things which are seen are temporal. Observe: (1) That there are things invisible to the bodily eye that can be seen with the soul. There are two classes of invisible things: (a) those that are essentially invisible, such as thoughts, spirits, God; and (b) those that are “contingently” or conditionally invisible, such as those things that are visible in their nature, but, through minuteness, distance, or some other cause, are at present invisible. It is to the first of these the Apostle Paul refers--- things that are essentially invisible to the bodily eye. The soul can see manifestations of thoughts, moral intelligences, and the great God. (2) that the things that can be seen only by the soul are not temporal, but eternal. We talk about the everlasting mountains, the eternal celestial center of our solar system, ect.; but there is nothing that is  seen as lasting---all is passing away. Moral truths are imperishable; spiritual existences are immortal; God is eternal; these are things belonging to a kingdom that cannot be moved. (3) That the things that are seen only by the soul are the things that, if realized, will make this mortal life issue in transcendent or that which goes beyond excellent good.”

Definitions

Patience is defined as "willingness to put up with waiting, pain, trouble ect. 2) calm endurance without complaining or losing self-control. Patience implies calmness and self-control and applies whether one is enduring something unpleasant or merely waiting or doing something requiring steady effort.

Attitude---“a way of thinking, acting or feeling.”

Patience is urged in scripture : St. Luke 21:19 ; James 1:4.  ;Patience is required to wait on God:Psa.37:7; Psa.40:1.

Exposition

1.  Through Suffering The Attitude Of Patience Develops That Fuels The Christian’s “Going On To Perfection” Which Is The Goal Of The Believer’s Eternal Hope.

Romans 8:18 "For I reckon that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us".

1 Peter 5:10 "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while , make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you".

A. Perfect(complete; to complete thoroughly ) James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; (vs3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (vs4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

B. Stablish (to make steadfast, firm and solid) Colossians 2:6-7 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (vs7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

C. Strengthen (to be filled with all strength) Eph. 3:16-19 “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (vs17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (vs18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (vs19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

D. Settle (to secure as in a foundation; to ground with security) 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren , be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

2. Through The Attitude Of Patience We Endure Suffering That As We Go On Unto Perfection  After While We Will Receive Our Glory.-- 1 John 3:1-3 “BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.(vs2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (vs3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

3.Through The Attitude Of Patience We Endure Suffering That As We Go On Unto Perfection We Allow The Mind Of Christ To Be Developed In Us --- Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (vs6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (vs7) But made of himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (vs8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

4. Through The Attitude Of Patience We Endure Suffering That As We Go On Unto Perfection We Learn How To Totally Surrender Unto Presenting Our Bodies A Living Sacrifice--- Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (vs6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (vs7) But made of himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (vs8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

5. Through The Attitude Of Patience We Endure Suffering That As We Go On Unto Perfection We Learn How To Think As God Would Have Us To Think--- Phil.4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,(moral excellence, goodness, purity) and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

6. Through The Attitude Of Patience We Endure Suffering That As We Go On Unto Perfection We Learn How To Follow The Lord’s Steps---1 Peter 2:21-24 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us , leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (vs22) Who did no sin, neither was guile( crafty deceit) found in his mouth: (vs23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (vs24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

7. Through The Attitude Of Patience We Endure Suffering That As We Go On Unto Perfection We Learn How to Reorder Our Priories That A Holy Ambition Develops---

Text: Phi. 3:7-14"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (vs8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.(vs9) And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God  by faith:(vs10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (vs11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. (vs12) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (vs13) Brethern I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (vs14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God  in Christ Jesus.

Subtopic: “The Attitudes Of A Growing Saint: Do I Have The Right Attitude”

Sermon Notes by Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday May 25,2014

Text: Phi. 3:7-15"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (vs8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.(vs9) And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God  by faith:(vs10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (vs11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. (vs12) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (vs13) Brethern I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (vs14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God  in Christ Jesus. (vs15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you".  

DEFINITIONS

Salvation means deliverance from sin, its penalty and effects.(2) perseveration from destruction, ruin, loss , or calamity.

Attitude  is a way of thinking, acting or feeling.

Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (vs6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (vs7) But made of himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (vs8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary  Vol.20 Pages118-119 A Commentary on Phi. 3:12-16 "The nearer we draw to Christ, the more we feel our own unworthiness. The light of Christ's holiness, manifested in the hearts of the saints, brings out into clearer light the exceeding sinfulness of sin. This very sense of imperfection urges the Christian to sustained effort. He is never satisfied  with himself, therefore he always presses onward. He does not dwell with complacency on his attainments, but forgets the progress which he has made; in view of the far greater height which remains to scale, he throws himself into the work with ever-increasing energy. The crown of righteousness is laid up for all who love the appearing of the Lord. God is calling us thither, calling us upward, to higher degrees of the spiritual life now, to the perfection of that life in heaven. The prize of that upward calling is the heavenly glory. It is the end for which the Christian lives, which makes life worth having, worth living".

EXPOSITION

1.There Will Be A Manifestation Of The Driving Forces That Causes A Change Of And A New Attitude In A Spiritually Growing Disciple.

 A. Regeneration-- Eze.36:26-27 “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (vs27) And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”                                                                    

B. Spiritual Renewal Through Transformation--- 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. (vs2) 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.”

C. The New Man---2 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".

 Eph.4:22-27 “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (vs23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;(vs24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.(vs25) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man the truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. (vs26) Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: (vs27) Neither give place to the devil.”

2. The New Attitudes The Salvation Produces Implies A Progressing To Something Better Through A Process Of Adding Or Building That  Would Proceed Throughout The Salvation Experience.--  2 Peter 1:3-8"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:(vs4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.(vs5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (vs6)and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;(vs7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (vs8)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.

3. Some Specific Attitudes That Will Develop As I Grow In My Salvation

 A. An Attitude Change In My Relationship From The World To Relationship With God--- 2 Cor. 6:17-18 “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.(vs18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”  1 John 2:15-17 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.(vs16)For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (vs17)And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

B. An Attitude Change From Immaturity To Maturity In Christ--- 1 Cor. 13:11 “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

C. An Attitude Change From Non-Contentment To Contentment In Relation To Life's Circumstances--- Phi.4: 11-13 “Not as I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (vs12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (vs13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Hebrews 13:5-6 “ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said,(Josh.1:5; 1Chron.28:20) I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (vs6) so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

D. An Attitude Change From Doubts And Fears To A Full Persuasion Of Faith Of The Love Of God Toward Me --- Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things, nor things to come, (vs39)Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

E. An Attitude Change From A Selfish Individual Mindset To True Unity With My Brothers And Sisters In The Unity Of The Body Of Christ.--- 1 Cor. 1:10 “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

F. An Attitude Change Concerning Suffering---1 Peter 4:1-2 “FORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; (vs2) That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”

G. An Attitude Change Concerning My Place And Responsibilities In The Church Of The Lord Jesus Christ---Ephesians 2:19-22 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;(vs20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (vs21) In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (vs22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Subtopic:" It's A Blessing"

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday May 18, 2014

Text :Psalms 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (vs2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (vs3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Psa. 65:4 "Blessed is the man whom thou chooseth, and causeth to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

Eph.1:3-7 " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (vs4) 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: (vs5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the pleasure of his will,(vs6)To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (vs7) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"

Psa.27:13-14 "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.(vs14) Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord.”

Premise

The Pulpit Commentary ,Vol.8, Pages7-8; A Comment On Psalm 1:1-6 --- THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE TRUE. “God is Love.” He must, therefore, seek the happiness of his creatures. Man is the highest of his earthly creatures, and his happiness must be of the highest kind, not only fit for him to receive, but worthy of God to bestow. Such is the happiness here depicted. It does not come anyhow, but in accordance with law. It does not depend on what a man has, but upon what he is. It is inward; not outward. It is of the spirit, not of the flesh. Happiness is blessedness--- the blessedness of the true in character.”

1.  THE FOUNDATION. Sin is self will. This implies separation from God; and this separation must be final, unless God himself prevent. But the godly man has been brought back  into a right relation to God. God’s will is his will. To know and to love and to obey God is his delight. His life is centered in God. Thus he is able to receive the blessing of its fulness, which God is ready freely to bestow. His character is founded upon the rock of the eternal, and not upon the shifting sand of time.”

2. THE HARMONIOUS DEVELOPMENT. “This is shown under the figure of a tree, fair and flourishing. It stands, not in the desert, but in a fit place. “Planted.” The hand of God is seen in the godly man’s life. This is security. Where God has put him, God can keep him.  from the heavens above and the earth beneath nourishment is provided. Though worldly supplies may cease, and the waters of earth fail , the river of God will still run free. Moreover there is the power of assimilating. Life develops according to its own order. What the plant does unconsciously, is because of it being subject to the law of its being, however the godly man develops freely and consciously, under the benign rule of Christ.”

3.THE CONSUMMATION.  “God’s work always tends to completeness. Every advance is an approach. Every fulfillment is a prophecy of the perfect end. In the life of the godly there is the truest pleasure, the noblest usefulness, the heavenliest beauty. And the charm of all is permanence. There is not only moral freshness, as where there is real soundness of health, but there is enduringness. This is brought out vividly by contrast. “The ungodly are not so.” With them there is no reality. Separated from the true life, everything is unstable and uncertain. There may be a kind of prosperity, but it is false and misleading.(Psalm 73:2-17). The pleasures of sin are but for a season; but the love of God is for ever. In the day of trial the just shall stand, accepted, and blessed; but the wicked shall be winnowed out of the society of the true, and swept away, as the worthless chaff, by the swift and resistless judgment of God.”

Definition

Blessing is defined "as the active outgoing of the divine goodwill or grace which results in prosperity and happiness amongst men.(2) A gift and approval of God, also rendered as" happy", enjoying the favor of God".

EXPOSITION

1. The Vanity Of Materialistic Things: Prov. 23:4-5 “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. (vs4) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; then fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Eccl. 5:10-11 “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this also is vanity. (vs11) When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? St. Luke 12:15  As an introduction to the parable of the “rich fool”  “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

2. What Are Some Of Our “Present Blessings” That Should Always Cause Us To Rejoice:

a. The Present Blessing Of Forgiveness Of Sin---Psalm 103:10-12 “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. (vs11) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. (vs12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”  Isa.55:6-7 “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (vs7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” 1 John1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  

b. The Present Blessing Of  Being Justified--- Rom. 5:1-2 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our lord Jesus Christ: (vs2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

c. The Present Blessing Of No Condemnation---Rom. 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (vs2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

d. The Present Blessing Of Being God's Chosen People---1 Peter 2:9-10 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: (vs10) Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

e. The Present Blessing Of Perfect Peace--- Isa. 26:3-4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.(vs4) Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord JE-HO’VAH is everlasting strength:”

f. The Present Blessing Of Divine Support--- Psa.37:23-25 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. (vs24) Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. (vs25) I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

g. The Present Blessing Of Divine Help--- Heb. 13:5-6 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he has said,(Josh.1:5; 1 Chron. 28:20)I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee. (vs6) So that we may boldly say. The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

h. The Present Blessing Of Knowing That Your Labor Is Not In Vain--- 1 Cor.15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

I . The Present Blessing of Acceptance And Help At The Throne Of Grace--- Heb.4:14-16 “Seeing then we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (vs15) 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. (vs16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Subtopic: “ The Necessity Of Fulfilling Our Responsibility and Motivation To Love God”

Sermon Notes By Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. For Sunday May 11, 2014

Jeremiah 31:3 “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

St. John 14:15 “If ye love me , keep my commandments.”

1 John 4:7-11 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (vs8) He the loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (vs9) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (vs10) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (means by which reconciliation of God and mankind is attained) for our sins. (vs11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

Premise

The Pulpit Commentary Vol.11, Pages 16-17, a comment on Jeremiah 31:3 – I. THE EVERLASTING LOVE OF GOD “There is a wonder about the fact of the everlasting love of God, since there are so many things that might well be thought likely to limit and stay the love of God to such beings as we are. 1. Our Unworthiness---God is holy, and must delight only in holiness; he is great; and can create innumerable beings of far greater powers than ours. Why, then, should he love such imperfect creatures as men?---why love those who are corrupt and sinful?---Psalms 8:3-4  “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; (vs4) What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” 2.Our Indifference --- Human love looks for a return of love; but men have treated God’s love with neglect. Through the long ages during which God has been visiting his children with ceaseless lovingkindness they have been coldly turning aside to their own ways, deaf to the entreaties of an infinite condescension or      ( pleasantness to inferiors). 3.Our Unfaithfulness--- For love to remain unbroken it is expected that it should be honored by fidelity. Unfaithfulness is naturally regarded as a reason for withdrawing the privileges of affection. But God’s children have been untrue to him. They have forsaken his ways, abused his blessings, flung insult on his mercy. How, then, can he continue to love him? It is , indeed, a marvel that, through these long ages of the world’s wild wanderings, God should still follow his unworthy children with ceaseless love, never refusing to bless them, always entreating them to return to him. and it must be a marvel to us that, through all the years of our unworthy lives, he has shown the same long-suffering, forebearing mercy to each of us. It is wonderful that God should ever love such unworthy creatures as we are, but it is “passing strange” that he should not cease to love us after all our provocations of his wrath, that he should love us with “an everlasting love,” and should “have continued his loving-kindness unto” us.

 II.WHY GOD’S LOVE IS EVERLASTING. “The secret of the love of God and of its eternal endurance is to be sought in his nature and his relation to us as father to his children. 1. The Nature Of God --- “God is love” He loves because he cannot but love, because he delights to love, because his love must be ever flowing and is so vast that it must needs flow out eternally in all directions. It is not the attraction of the object, but the character of the love, that accounts for its perpetual endurance. 2.God’s Relations With Us---God is our Father. We are his children by nature and can never cease to be. A parent’s love is not caused or limited by the merits of his children. It has a deeper , a more unselfish source. It survives all the destruction of just claims. God’s love is the perfect parent’s love.”

III. PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCE THAT FLOWS FROM GOD’S LOVE AND OUR NECESSARY  REPONSE TO IT.---1. God Will Do All That Is Possible For Our Highest Good.---We may believe with William Law “that no creature can suffer from any evil from which infinite goodness can deliver it.” God has gone so far as to give his only begotten Son; Jesus Christ to die for us. We may be sure that he will do all else that is ever possible for the salvation and blessing of his children.(Romans 8:28) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose.” 2.We Should Return To Him Trust And Love. --- “We have in this everlasting love of God inducements to urge us (1) to repent and no longer abuse his goodness; (2) to trust and have faith in him; (3) to love him with all of our heart, mind and strength in return for his love;(4) to find our rest, joy and peace in him; (5) to devote ourselves to his service (with love “all tasks are sweet”) and (6) to love our brethren with God-like or “agape” love for the sake of God’s love.”

EXPOSITION

1. Because He Loves So Much I Want To Make Sure That My  Love To God And For God Is Both Real And Acceptable To Him;  In That; I Will  Always Be Mindful Of The Fact That (1) Activities I Am Doing Does Not Necessarily Mean That My Love Is For Real; (2) My Love For God Can Cool.

Revelation 2:2-5 (Concerning The Church at Ephesus: The Active Church, Sound In Doctrine But Deficient In Love) “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: (vs3) And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. (vs4) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (vs5) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

Revelation 3:15-19 (Concerning The Church At Laodicea: The Lukewarm Self-Satisfied Church) “ I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (vs16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (vs17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable and poor; and blind, and naked: (vs18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (vs19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous and repent.”

2. Because He Loves Me So Much I Want To Make Sure That My Love To God Is Acceptable In That I Must Make Sure That My Worship Is For Real. ---Isaiah 29:13 “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” (St.Matt.15:8-9)

St. John 4:23-24  “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (vs24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.”

3. Because He Loves Me So Much I Want To Make Sure That My Love To Him Is Always Motivated By The Fact That: (a) The Love Of God Is Unsought In Its Action---Romans 5:8-11 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (vs9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (vs10) For if, when we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (vs11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” (b) The Love Of God Is Unbounded In Its Work--- Ephesians 2:4-7 “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: (vs5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (vs6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.(vs7) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (c) The Love Of God Is Unbroken In Its Ministry---Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (vs39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (d) The Love Of God Establishes My Sonship As a Believer ---1 John 3:1-2 “ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (vs2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”