Dreams & Visions

Dreams & Visions

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Dr Cho, pastor of the Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea, once said: Dreams and Visions are the language of the Spirit.

Our text for tonight will be taken from Genesis 30 (NIV)

Key Scripture: Genesis 31:10 "In the breeding season I once had a dream in which I looked up and saw that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled or spotted.

There is quite a lot about dreams in the bible.

Jacob dreamed more than just that once. (Genesis 28)

Laban was kept from harming Jacob by a dream. (Genesis 31)

Joseph was called a dreamer and interpreted dreams. (Genesis 37)

Job said that God would speak in a dream. (Job 33)

The wise men who visited the baby Jesus, were warned in a dream and did not return to Herod as he had requested. (Matthew 2:12)

Joseph, the husband of Mary, was warned in a dream concerning the safety of his family and where to reside. (Matthew 2)

Not only did dreams lead and otherwise affect people we know from bible accounts, but even more recently, people in our known world have been inspired by dreams.

Nineteenth-century chemist Dimitri Mendeleyev fell asleep while chamber music was being played in the next room. He understood in a dream that the basic chemical elements are all related to each other in a manner similar to the themes and phrases in music. When he awakened, he was able to write out for the first time the entire periodic table, which forms the basis of modern chemistry.

Niels Bohr, dreaming of how horses run at the race track, had an insight into how electrons remain in their orbits. Based on this vivid image from a dream, Bohr was able to formulate his quantum theory, a scientific breakthrough for which he was eventually awarded a Nobel Prize.

Jack Nicklaus told a friend that he improved his golf swing after dreaming of a new way of holding his club.

And young Albert Einstein dreamed that he was sledding down a steep mountainside, going faster and faster, approaching the speed of light, which caused the stars in his dream to change their appearance. Meditating upon that dream, Einstein eventually worked out his extraordinary scientific achievement, the principle of relativity.

[President Abraham Lincoln had this dream shortly before he was assassinated.] "About ten days ago, I retired very late. I had been up waiting for important dispatches from the front. I could not have been long in bed when I fell into a slumber, for I was weary. I soon began to dream. There seemed to be death-like stillness about me. Then I heard subdued sobs, as if a number of people were weeping. I thought I left my bed and wandered downstairs. There the silence was broken by the same pitiful sobbing, but the mourners were invisible. I went from room to room; no living person was in sight, but the same mournful sounds of distress met me as I passed along. It was light in all the rooms; every object was familiar to me; but where were all the people who were grieving as if their hearts would break? I was puzzled and alarmed. What could be the meaning of all this? Determined to find the cause of a state of things so mysterious and so shocking, I kept on until I arrived at the East Room, which I entered. There I met with a sickening surprise. Before me was a catafalque, on which rested a corpse wrapped in funeral vestments. Around it were stationed soldiers who were acting as guards; and there was a throng of people, some gazing mournfully upon the corpse, whose face was covered, others weeping pitifully. "Who is dead in the White House?" I demanded of one of the soldiers "The President" was his answer; "he was killed by an assassin! Then came a loud burst of grief form the crowd, which awoke me from my dream. " Ward Hill Lamon, Recollections of Abraham Lincoln, 1847-1885, 1911.

It is evident that, although we do not fully understand it and cannot begin to control it, nonetheless, dreams and visions have a part to play in guiding our lives.

As far as the Christian goes and our spiritual interaction with dreams and visions,

Joel prophesied about it and Peter declared it had begun:

Acts 2 (On the day of Pentecost, in Jerusalem …)

16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 "‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

Tell the story of Jacob and Laban immediately preceding:

Genesis 30

36 Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob continued to tend the rest of Laban’s flocks.

37 ¶ Jacob, however, took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond and plane trees and made white stripes on them by peeling the bark and exposing the white inner wood of the branches.

38 Then he placed the peeled branches in all the watering troughs, so that they would be directly in front of the flocks when they came to drink. When the flocks were in heat and came to drink,

39 they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted.

40 Jacob set apart the young of the flock by themselves, but made the rest face the streaked and dark-coloured animals that belonged to Laban. Thus he made separate flocks for himself and did not put them with Laban’s animals.

41 Whenever the stronger females were in heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs in front of the animals so that they would mate near the branches,

42 but if the animals were weak, he would not place them there. So the weak animals went to Laban and the strong ones to Jacob.

43 In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys

Three Things We Can Learn From This Passage

1. God speaks to His people in dreams and visions

2. What you set your eyes on can make a difference

3. God is interested in helping you keep your commitments to Him.

Genesis 31:

10 "In the breeding season I once had a dream in which I looked up and saw that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled or spotted.

11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’

12 And he said, ‘Look up and see that all the male goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you.

13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.’"

What vow?

Genesis 28

20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear

21 so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God

22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth."

God spoke to Jacob in a dream and gave him a way to become wealthy so that Jacob could keep his commitment to God.

God is willing to help you keep your commitments

He will speak to you in dreams and visions, by His word or through Spiritual inspiration.

God is even willing to give you knowledge of witty inventions (Pro 8:12)

Let me pray with you tonight.

Let me use the faith and anointing I have to activate and stir up the supernatural in your life.

Be conscious of God speaking to you in dreams and visions and by other supernatural means.

Don’t miss your greatest day.

Conclusions

Conclusions

gtcotr042504

My father’s parting counsel

The Parting Counsel Of A Dying Man Deserves The Full Weight Of His Life

Our final text today will be read from 2 Timothy, Chapter 4

Key Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.

From Genesis to the book of Revelation, we find all encompassing statements aimed at bringing conclusion to the great matters of life.

On Top Of Our Key Scripture, Some Other Bible Conclusions Are In:

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Hebrews 13:16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

James 5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes," be "Yes," and your "No," "No," lest you fall into judgment.

As you may know, our church is busy attempting three major missions which we feel called to: Our Three Major Missions

First: Help people miss an eternity in hell.

Second: Help people miss the hell of this life.

Third: Raise up runners for the next lap.

I accepted these challenges as a fairly young man and always hoped that I would be able to run my race, finish my course and keep the faith which was once delivered to the saints.

Early on I realized that I actually knew very little about life and that I would need counsel, training and wisdom beyond my years or experience if I was going to accomplish this call.

So, through the years I have taken my opportunities to solicit and catalog the wisdom of several mature saints of God. I have asked what they, late in their race, considered to be the secrets to life. What conclusions have they drawn which they could pass on to me before they pass on to heaven.

I have taken the time to meditate on their responses, boil them down and put them into three simple concepts. Each of these are in line with God’s word and will, and I have adopted them as structure for my own convictions and disciplines of life. So, from the heart of a now seasoned servant of God, here are my conclusions for living a pleasing and productive life. (This presupposes a person is already born again) My Conclusions

1. Let your word be your bond

2. Pay your just and honest debts

3. Treat others the way you want to be treated

I. 1^st, Our Word

A. We live in a world today that has removed expectancy that a person’s word means something.

B. More personal than a contract, less passionate perhaps than a covenant, is our word - it’s basic and simple, powerful & dependable.

C. When God wanted to reveal Himself --- He sent His Word

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

John 17:14 I have given them Your word …

D. Let me ask, How is it that we can be sure we are saved?

Revelation 19:13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

E. How can we be sure things are going to be ok? Because:

Jesus gave us His Word!

Psalms 138:2 God magnified His Word above all His Name.

Numbers 23:19 God is not a liar, nor does He have to change what He says, If He said it He will do it, if He spoke it, He will make it good.

F. If we want to be more like Jesus, we must:

1. Say What We Mean

* Be honest

* Speak the truth

2. Do What We Say

* Learn the value of commitment

* Make quality decisions

3. Let Our Word Be Our Bond

II. Next, Our Debt

A. Debts do not just deal with money which is owed

* The story of Elgin Taylor, the man I owed.

* Romans 13:7 Render honor to whom honor is due.

* 1976 to 1999 - 23 years later I paid a debt of honor I owed

B. When it comes to bills, taxes, love, tithes, appreciation, gratitude, honor or respect …

C. Pay your just and honest debts

III. Finally, Our Testimony

A. We are writing the story that others will one day tell about us.

B. We are building the testimony that will be used as evidence at eternity’s trial. (if your comfort is at all important to you, get to work)

C. If we live life like it is all about us and ours, I am concerned that we will miss the whole point.

Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Matthew 7:12 ¶ "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

D. Simply Put: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

1. Put yourself in their shoes

2. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

One day your life will be concluded, what will the conclusion be?

Joke about 3 Cajuns discussing what they want people to say about them at their funeral. (3^rd one: oh!, look!, he’s still breathing)

Here is what God spoke through the Apostle Paul as parting words from a seasoned servant - A dying man’s plea

2 Timothy 4 (NLT)

1 ¶ And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus—who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:

2 Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear.

4 They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.

5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you.

6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.

What Did The Holy Spirit Say Through Paul In This Transitional Moment?

Among other things - what stands out to me:

* Keep A Clear Mind

* Don’t Be Afraid Of Suffering For The Lord

* Work At Bringing Others To Christ

* Complete The Ministry God Has Given You

Concerning Spiritual Things Concluded

Concerning Spiritual Things concluded

Gtcotr/ws042104

If you are viewing our live stream via the web or by television, you may log onto cotr.com and click the link for archived messages and download, print out or simply view a complete copy of the sermon notes for this evening. For those of you here, follow along with me on the big screen as we turn to:

1 Corinthians 12 (NKJV)

1 ¶ Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

I. Would not have you ignorant of the things of the spirit.

A. Each Person Has Been Gifted By Grace For Specific Purposes

B. Some People Are Appointed To Perform Certain Duties

C. Other People Are Assigned Positions Of Administration

D. There Are Five Tools Jesus Uses To Build The Church

E. The Holy Spirit Accomplishes Some Things Working Directly Through People In Nine Discernable Ways

II. The Manifestations Of The Spirit

A. But - deh used 2870 times, 13 times - moreover - (additionally)

B. Manifestation - Phanerosis (fan-er’-o-sis) something made visible or made known that was previously hidden or unknown.

C. Profit - sumphero (soom-fer’-o) to contribute in order to help

8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,

9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,

10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

III. The Holy Spirit Works Through People In Nine Illuminating Ways

1. Word of Wisdom - Sophia (sof-ee’-ah) “Noah build a boat”

2. Word of Knowledge gnosis (gno’sis) “Noah it’s going to rain”

3. Faith - pistis (pis’-tis) conviction of the truth

4. Gifts of Healings (curing; remedy; immediate or process)

a. Gifts - charisma (khar’-is-msh) divine grace enabled

b. Healings - iama (ee’-am-ah) healing or cure

5. Working of Miracles

a. Working - energema (en-erg’-ay-mah) operation

b. Miracles - dunamis (doo’-nam-is) virtue; power; ability

Note: dunamis is used 120 times in the NT, once for each person present in the upper room at the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost when the world received the dunamis of God!

IV. We Pick Up Tonight With The Conclusion

6. Prophecy - propheteia (prof-ay-ti’-ah) divinely inspired speech given through a person from God to reprove, exhort, comfort, direct or correct, in efforts to guide or forewarn an individual or group concerning the future and/or God’s present will.

a. 4 ways we come with a message from God

1 Corinthians 14:6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?

1. Revelation

2. Knowledge

3. Prophecy

4. Teaching (doctrine)

b. 1Co 14:22 a sign to the believer (tongues - unbelievers)

c. 1Th 5:20 despise not prophesying

d. 1Ti 1:18 remember the prophecies which went on before ... Use them to make war with

e. 1Ti 4:14 gifts (charisma) given thee by prophecy ... hands

f. 2Pe 1:20 no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation

1. Prophecy needs to be the whole counsel of God’s word and confirmed in the mouth of two or three witnesses

2. The only secure way to interpret scripture is with scripture

g. Rev 1:3 John called the book of Revelation prophecy

H. Revelation 19:10 The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

7. Discerning of Spirits

a. Discerning - diakrisis (dee-ak’-ree-sis) to judge

b. Spirits - punema (pnyoo’-mah) an efficient source of power, affection, emotion, influence and desire.

8. Different kinds of Tongues

a. Kinds - genos (ghen’-os) diverse types relating to kind

b. Tongues - glossa (gloce-sah’) the language or dialect used by a nation or people as different from other nations or peoples

1. Acts 2:3 cloven tongues of fire

2. Acts 2:11 speak in our own tongues in Jerusalem

3. Acts 10:46 spoke in tongues in Ceaserea

4. Acts 19:6 spoke in tongues at Ephesus

What language do you think you will speak in heaven?

5. Romans 14:11 every tongue shall confess

6. 1 Corinthians 12:30 do all speak in tongues?

7. 1 Corinthians 13:1 tongues of men and of angles

9. Interpretation of Tongues

a. Interpretation - hermeneia (her-may-ni’-ah) an explanation in words more understood by those listening

b. A simple reading of 1 Corinthians 14 may be in order (NKJV)

1 ¶ Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

6 ¶ But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?

7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?

8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle?

9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.

11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.

12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 ¶ What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?

17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;

19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

21 ¶ In the law it is written: "With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord.

22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.

23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.

25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

26 ¶ How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.

28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.

30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.

31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

* 1 Corinthians 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

12 ¶ For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. …

Getting Right With God

Getting Right With God

Gtoctr/ss041804

“Kids say the darndest things!” Art Linkletter, 1957

Not only do kids say some amazing things but grownups also come out with some pretty silly stuff from time to time.

Today I hope to reach those of you who are desperate and show you Jesus, also I want to teach the rest of you the good word of God.

Give Me Your Attention!

You may remember a sermon from some time ago:

5 Laws Of Life

1. What you say will be said.

2. What you do will be found out.

3. What you believe will be tested.

4. What you compromise to keep you will loose.

5. It will take courage to move your life forward.

We may not realize that What We Say & Do, Does Make A Difference

* To God - His plan for all souls to be saved

* To Us - Both now and for all eternity

* To Others - Just read Numbers 13 & 14 (Hugh Gibbs)

As we consider this together today, turn in your bibles to the book of 1 John, Chapter 3 -- While you are turning, let me read our:

Key Scripture: Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (NIV)

The final judgment of man to be held at the end of the age is a very peculiar setting. There seems but one witness allowed to give verbal testimony and it happens to be the person who is on trial.

Each person will give an account of themselves unto God.

* An account of their words

Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

Not only an account of their words, but also:

* An account of their actions

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

Revelation 20:13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.

Each will be judged, not by what they say or do at the great trial, but by what they have said and done while on earth.

Is then - salvation achieved by works or deeds we have done?

Where is grace?

* Grace has made a way for us to:

> Believe in our hearts

^ Romans 10:9-10

> Confess with our mouths and

^ Romans 10:13

> Offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to serve God

^ Romans 12:1

* Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ

^ Ephesians 2:8-9

* Grace offers us the chance to become a child of God.

* Heaven is gained when Jesus forgives our sin, saves our soul and writes our name in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

* Earth life is preparation for life after earth - Prepare yourself!

* Living a successful Christian life demands we watch:

> What We Say &

> What We Do

While grace may offer us the chance to become a child of God, righteousness demands that we change to behave like a child of God.

I. Things People Say & Do

A. A couple of weeks ago I spoke at the COTR Annual Women’s Conference.

1. I spoke on the subject of being the woman God made you to be.

2. As we looked at the model woman from Proverbs 31, we saw that one characteristic of The Chayil Woman was that -

* She thinks before she speaks

B. Since what we say & do

1. Are Important to God, Us and Others

2. Can make an eternal difference

3. Are being recorded to be replayed later as testimony at our trial which will impact our eternal reward …

C. We might want to take inventory and make sure we are ready

II. Let me share some things I have actually heard Christians say:

A. “God told me to quit smoking … I told God that I would pray about it.” (Sounds spiritual, but just who are you going to pray to?)

B. “We realize that it’s sin and so we have decided to cut back to only once per month.” (Cutting back on adultery or murder or gossip to once per month won’t impress God - sin is sin every time)

C. “I told God if He would get me out of jail that I would never play the drums again.” (God didn’t put you in jail for playing drums. Who are you to tell God anything - and did you wait to see what He said about it. We can’t put God in a headlock - He just might not agree with your plan)

D. “It can’t be wrong, I have never been so fulfilled.” (Yes it can! Sin feeds the carnal man & it can feel real good - so fulfilling! But - Moses chose to suffer with the children of Israel, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.)

D. “That’s easy for you to say, you have never had a teenager before.” (No, it’s not easy to tell people what is best for them when they don’t want to hear, but we are called to speak the truth in love)

E. “Well, it’s the truth!” (There is a difference between responsible honesty spoken in love and irresponsible honesty spoken in indiscretion or anger - and it may not be the truth, it may just be your perspective or opinion)

1 John 3

1 ¶ How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

4 ¶ Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.

5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

6 No-one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No-one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.

9 No-one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.

10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

III. Conclusion

A. It is a privilege to be a Christian, not a right.

B. Salvation is free, not automatic.

C. Those who claim Christianity and continue to sin are deceived.

D. Matthew 12:33 Every tree is known by its fruit.

E. Christianity is a continuing process of becoming like Christ.

* If being a Christian was against the law, could you be convicted?

> In your workplace?

> In your home?

> In your private moments?

* Are you desperate for Jesus? Lets get right with God today!