The Path to Abundant Life

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

John 11:36-46 / Life; Abundance / John 10:10; John 11:36–44

John 10:10 KJV

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

It is possible to exist, but to not really be living. COVID has done a lot to expose this preexisting condition. There are folks who are hiding away from the ‘Rona, drinking themselves into a coma, fearful of what is going to happen next. There are folks who in spite of the current socioeconomic disaster are enjoying their lives. They are are still making memories with their families, reaching out to others and shining the light of Jesus to all who enters their circles.

Some folks spend their time angry and bitter, others are are making lemonade out of the COVID flavored lemons that life has given them. 

How can we possible experience that abundant life that Jesus said He came to give us? How can we make that transition from existence to truly living… and to enjoying an abundant life?

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave has some very powerful principles we can apply when it comes to the concepts of Abundant Life. Notice what happened at the actual Resurrection event.

John 11:43–44 KJV

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Here are three things that happened to Lazarus that can be applied to us when it comes to the path to Abundant Life.

 • Lazarus was dead.

 • Jesus raised the dead to new life

 • The living were tasked with helping Lazarus be untangled from his filthy graveclothes.

This is the path to Abundant Life.

Death is the Starting Point.

John 11:36–38 KJV

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 

And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? 

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

 • The sting of death is sin

1 Corinthians 15:56 KJV

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

Romans 5:12 KJV

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 6:23 KJV

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

 • The strength of sin is the law

1 Corinthians 15:56 KJV

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

Ezekiel 18:4 KJV

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

 • It is impossible to overcome the condemnation that comes from the law.

James 2:10–11 KJV

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Romans 3:19–20 KJV

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 • Therefore it is impossible for us to be loosed from the death that sin brought into the world.

Ephesians 2:1–2 KJV

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 

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:

 • Death brings corruption and decay

John 11:38–39 KJV

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

Isaiah 64:6 KJV

But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

There Must Be A Resurrection to New Life

 • Called to life

John 11:43 KJV

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

John 6:44 KJV

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

 • Eternal life comes from faith in Jesus as Savior

John 3:16 KJV

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

Ephesians 2:4–6 KJV

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There Must Be A Liberation

John 11:44 KJV

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Galatians 5:1 KJV

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

 • We must be loosed from our stinking graveclothes that had us bound in death.

 • Sinful habits

John 8:32–34 KJV

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Romans 8:2 KJV

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 • Fear

Romans 8:15 KJV

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

1 John 4:18 KJV

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

 • Dead Works

Hebrews 6:1 KJV

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Hebrews 9:14 KJV

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

 • Tradition

1 Peter 1:18 KJV

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

Colossians 2:8 KJV

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

If you are saved, you are were dead, you have been made alive, and you must be loosed from the old grave clothes. Those old habits that keep dragging you down, cast off those old grave clothes! The fear of darkness, the unknown, of God’s wrath, of disease or death or imagined or real tragedy… cast off those graveclothes! Are you feverishly trying to finally merit God’s approval.. His love is completely Grace saturated… you will never deserve it… cast off those filthy rags… those rotten grave clothes. Are you stuck in extrabiblical traditions and standards, cast off those grave clothes and live the abundant life!

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 1:22 PM May 16, 2020.

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;And every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,And their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17, KJV)

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.

Chorus
O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about His healing,
Of His cleansing pow’r revealing.
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, “Dear Jesus,
Come and heal my broken spirit,”
And somehow Jesus came and bro’t
To me the victory.

I heard about a mansion
He has built for me in glory.
And I heard about the streets of gold
Beyond the crystal sea;
About the angels singing,
And the old redemption story,
And some sweet day I’ll sing up there
The song of victory.

3. Encamped along the hills of light,
   Ye Christian soldiers, rise,
   And press the battle ere the night
   Shall veil the glowing skies.
   Against the foe in vales below
   Let all our strength be hurled;
   Faith is the victory, we know,
   That overcomes the world.
   • Refrain:
     Faith is the victory!
     Faith is the victory!
     Oh, glorious victory,
     That overcomes the world.
4. His banner over us is love,
   Our sword the Word of God;
   We tread the road the saints above
   With shouts of triumph trod.
   By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
   Swept on o’er every field;
   The faith by which they conquered death
   Is still our shining shield.
5. On every hand the foe we find
   Drawn up in dread array;
   Let tents of ease be left behind,
   And onward to the fray.
   Salvation’s helmet on each head,
   With truth all girt about,
   The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
   And echo with our shout.
6. To him that overcomes the foe,
   White raiment shall be giv’n;
   Before the angels he shall know
   His name confessed in heav’n.
   Then onward from the hills of light,
   Our hearts with love aflame,
   We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
   In Jesus’ conqu’ring name.

1. Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
   Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
   Mold me and make me after Thy will,
   While I am waiting, yielded and still.
2. Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
   Search me and try me, Master, today!
   Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
   As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
3. Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
   Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
   Power, all power, surely is Thine!
   Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
4. Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
   Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
   Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
   Christ only, always, living in me.

Final Hymn

1. All to Jesus I surrender,
   All to Him I freely give;
   I will ever love and trust Him,
   In His presence daily live.
   • Refrain:
     I surrender all,
     I surrender all;
     All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
     I surrender all.
2. All to Jesus I surrender,
   Humbly at His feet I bow;
   Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
   Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3. All to Jesus I surrender,
   Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
   Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
   Truly know that Thou art mine.
4. All to Jesus I surrender,
   Lord, I give myself to Thee;
   Fill me with Thy love and power,
   Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5. All to Jesus I surrender,
   Now I feel the sacred flame;
   Oh, the joy of full salvation!
   Glory, glory, to His Name!

Belief That Changes You

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Salvation; Offend; Blindness / 1 Peter 2:6–8

 Have you ever tried to explain your passionate belief to someone who is not yet saved only to have them shake their head and wonder what in the world is wrong with you? Perhaps you try to give them a book by Lee Stroebel in order to have an expert explain why it is logical to believe the way we do. Perhaps if folks could just see what we see, or experience what we experience. We wonder what we are doing wrong… perhaps if only we could explain our faith better folks would believe.

As we continue our study through 1 Peter, we see the Apostle explaining that it is belief in Jesus that opens our eyes and changes our very foundation of understanding and interpretation of everything. Once we have trusted Christ and seen Him through the eyes of faith. We are no longer citizens of this country because we have become members of a celestial kingdom and it is the belief in Christ that changes you.

Belief Does Not Change The Truth.

King James Version Chapter 2

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:

Isaiah 28:16 KJV

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, A tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: He that believeth shall not make haste.

Ephesians 2:20 KJV

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Psalm 118:22 KJV

The stone which the builders refused Is become the head stone of the corner.

 • Truth IS whether or not you believe it.

 • It is foolish to refuse to believe something because you do not like some of the implications of it. Your unbelief does not make it go away, it just makes you wrong.

Belief in Christ Changes Your Perspective.

You will not be confounded.

and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

(translation wheel)

The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), 1 Pe 2:6.

25.194 ??????????: to cause someone to be much ashamed—‘to humiliate, to disgrace, to put to shame.’ ?? ???? ??? ?????? ????????? ? ???? ??? ?????????? ???? ?????? ‘God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to put wise men to shame’ 1 Cor 1:27.1

1 Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 309.

1 Corinthians 1:27 KJV

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Christ has precious to you.

King James Version Chapter 2

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:

1. time (????, 5092), primarily “a valuing,” hence, objectively, (a) “a price paid or received,” e.g., Matt. 27:6, 9; Acts 4:34; 5:2, 3; 7:16, rv, “price” (kjv, “sum”); 19:19; 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; (b) of “the preciousness of Christ” unto believers, 1 Pet. 2:7, rv, i.e., the honor and inestimable value of Christ as appropriated by believers, who are joined, as living stones, to Him the cornerstone; 1

1 W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 310.

Unbelief Poisons One’s Perspective

1 Peter 2:7–8 KJV

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

If you are disobedient (unbelieving)

The word “disobedient” is the translation of a word literally meaning “disbelieving.” “Disallowed” has the same meaning as in verse 4, which please see1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 54.

What could be the foundation is instead is a stone of stumbling

The words “a stone of stumbling” are the translation of lithos (?????), “a loose stone in the path,” and proskommatos (????????????) meaning “to cut against,” which altogether mean “an obstacle against which one strikes.1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 56.

-stumble at the word

proskomma (?????????, 4348), “an obstacle against which one may dash his foot” (akin to proskopto, “to stumble” or “cause to stumble”; pros, “to or against,” kopto, “to strike”), is translated “offense” in Rom. 14:20, in v. 13, “a stumblingblock,” of the spiritual hindrance to another by a selfish use of liberty (cf. No. 1 in the same verse); so in 1 Cor. 8:9. It is used of Christ, in Rom. 9:32–33, rv, “(a stone) of stumbling,” and 1 Pet. 2:8, where the kjv also has this rendering.¶ Cf. the Sept. in Ex. 23:33, “these (the gods of the Canaanites) will be an offense (stumblingblock) unto thee.” 1

1 W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 441.

rock of offence

6.25 ?????????a, ?? n: a trap, probably of the type which has a stick which when touched by an animal causes the trap to shut—‘trap.’ ???????? ? ??????? ????? … ??? ????????? ‘let their table become … a trap’ Ro 11:9. In Ro 11:9 ????? (6.23), ???? (6.24), and ????????? would all seem to be completely parallel in structure and meaning. As a result, in a number of languages the three terms are reduced often to two, for example, ‘snare’ and ‘trap.’ If there are three different kinds of traps, then, of course, three terms can be used. In some cases, however, it may be preferable to use verbs to express the catching and trapping, and thus one may translate ???????? ? ??????? ????? ??? ?????? ??? ??? ????? ??? ??? ????????? as in tev, “may they be caught and trapped at their feasts; may they fall.”1

1 Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 55.

 The words “rock of offence” are from petra (?????), “a ledge rising out of the ground,” and skandalou, “a trap set to trip one.” Our word “scandal” comes from the latter word. These who are disobedient (the literal Greek has it “non-persuasable”) are appointed to stumble at the Word, which is the penalty for refusal to believe it. “By faith we understand” (Heb. 11:3), is the God-ordained way. Thus, unbelievers find the Living Stone, which is precious to believers, an obstacle against which they strike, and a scandal, that which offends them.

____________

Some time ago I was reading about the 18th century German sculptor Johann Heinrich von Dannecker. His skills were impressive. He could bring stone to life with his tools. At the height of his powers, he wanted to do something special with his gifts — he wanted to shape a statue of Christ that would stand out as a witness to his world. For two years he chiselled and scraped and polished the marble, till he was certain that it carried the likeness of his Lord. But he wanted to test his work on eyes that wouldn’t lie. So he went out to the street, and brought in a young girl. He took her into his studio, and he set her down in front of the shrouded stone. Uncovering it, he asked her, Do you know who this is? No, sir! she replied. But he must be a very great man. And Dannecker knew that he’d failed. The statue was good enough for kings and nobles, but it wasn’t good enough to speak the word about Christ.

He was discouraged. He was disheartened. He was depressed. But he knew that he had to try again. So he set his hand to the task. Six years it took him this time! Every day, painstakingly, shaping and carving. Finally it was done. And again, he brought in a child as his first critic. He took off the shroud, and asked her gently, Who is that? Legend has it that tears came to her eyes as she recognized Jesus. It was enough. Dannecker had finished his task. He had created his masterpiece. He had given visible shape to his faith. And later, to a friend, he told the secret of those last six years. It was as if, he said, Christ had joined him daily in his little room. He felt the nearness of his Lord. He sensed the glory of his Presence. All Dannecker had to do, really, was to transfer the vision of Christ that he received to the block of marble.

It’s a powerful story, isn’t it? But there’s more to it. There’s another chapter that comes later, one so striking that it actually makes John’s vision come alive.

Some years later, the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte saw Dannecker’s work. He was very impressed. He sent for the sculptor, and he had a commission for him — Make me a statue of the goddess Venus for the Louvre! he said. Quite an honor! To be chosen as the creator of a work of art like that! Who could refuse? But you know what?! Dannecker did! He refused the commission. He gave up that honor. And you know why? This is what he told Napoleon:

“A man who has seen Christ can never employ his gifts in carving out a pagan goddess!”

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 6:27 PM April 22, 2020.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, KJV)

1. The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
   A Shelter in the time of storm;
   Secure whatever ill betide,
   A Shelter in the time of storm.
   • Refrain:
     Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
     A weary land, a weary land;
     Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
     A Shelter in the time of storm.
2. A shade by day, defense by night,
   A Shelter in the time of storm;
   No fears alarm, no foes afright,
   A Shelter in the time of storm.
3. The raging storms may round us beat,
   A Shelter in the time of storm;
   We’ll never leave our safe Retreat,
   A Shelter in the time of storm.
4. O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
   A Shelter in the time of storm;
   Be Thou our Helper ever near,
   A Shelter in the time of storm.

1. Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
   Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
   In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
   O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
   • Refrain:
     Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
     Coming down from the Father above!
     Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
     In fathomless billows of love!
2. What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
   Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
   So secure that no power can mine it away,
   While the years of eternity roll!
3. I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
   Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
   For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
   And His glory is flooding my soul!
4. And I think when I rise to that city of peace,
   Where the Author of peace I shall see,
   That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
   In that heavenly kingdom will be:
5. Ah soul, are you here without comfort and rest,
   Marching down the rough pathway of time?
   Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark;
   Oh, accept this sweet peace so sublime!

1. Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder
   Why it should be thus all the day long;
   While there are others living about us,
   Never molested, though in the wrong.
   • Refrain:
     Farther along we’ll know more about it,
     Farther along we’ll understand why;
     Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
     We’ll understand it all by and by.
2. Often when death has taken our loved ones,
   Leaving our home so lone and so drear,
   Then do we wonder why others prosper,
   Living so wicked year after year.
3. “Faithful till death,” saith our loving Master;
   Short is our time to labor and wait;
   Then will our toiling seem to be nothing,
   When we shall pass the heavenly gate.
4. Soon we will see our dear, loving Savior,
   Hear the last trumpet sound through the sky;
   Then we will meet those gone on before us,
   Then we shall know and understand why.

God is so Good, God is so Good, God is so Good, He’s so Good to me.

Final Hymn

1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
   Let me hide myself in Thee;
   Let the water and the blood,
   From Thy wounded side which flowed,
   Be of sin the double cure,
   Save from wrath and make me pure.
2. Not the labor of my hands
   Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
   Could my zeal no respite know,
   Could my tears forever flow,
   All for sin could not atone;
   Thou must save, and Thou alone.
3. Nothing in my hand I bring,
   Simply to Thy cross I cling;
   Naked, come to Thee for dress;
   Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
   Foul, I to the fountain fly;
   Wash me, Savior, or I die.
4. While I draw this fleeting breath,
   When my eyes shall close in death,
   When I rise to worlds unknown,
   And behold Thee on Thy throne,
   Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
   Let me hide myself in Thee.

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, KJV)

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
   The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
   And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
   For a world of lost sinners was slain.
   • Refrain:
     So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
     Till my trophies at last I lay down;
     I will cling to the old rugged cross,
     And exchange it someday for a crown.
2. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
   Has a wondrous attraction for me;
   For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
   To bear it to dark Calvary.
3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
   A wondrous beauty I see,
   For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
   To pardon and sanctify me.
4. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
   Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
   Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
   Where His glory forever I’ll share.

1. Low in the grave He lay,
   Jesus, my Savior,
   Waiting the coming day,
   Jesus, my Lord!
   • Refrain:
     Up from the grave He arose,
     With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
     He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
     And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
     He arose! He arose!
     Hallelujah! Christ arose!
2. Vainly they watch His bed,
   Jesus, my Savior;
   Vainly they seal the dead,
   Jesus, my Lord!
3. Death cannot keep his Prey,
   Jesus, my Savior;
   He tore the bars away,
   Jesus, my Lord!

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;

I know that He is living whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,

And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair;

I know that He is leading thro’ all the stormy blast,

The day of His appearing will come at last.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,

None other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

Final Hymn:

Because He Lives Lyrics

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

Open Doors

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Opportunity; Worldview / Revelation 3:7–13

As we study of Christ’s letters to the seven churches in Asia, we find a letter of great encouragement and commendation written to the church at Philadelphia. As we explore the truths of this letter, we will find some wonderful laws of cause and effect. We will see that if we remain faithful – as born again believers – to our Savior, then He can put before us an open door of opportunity through which we can reach a lost world.

Jesus promises an open door of opportunity

Revelation 3:7–8 KJV

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

A. Jesus has the authority to offer such a gift – vs 7

B. No one can close a door Jesus opens

1 Corinthians 16:9 KJV

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

2 Corinthians 2:12 KJV

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

C. This comes as a result of certain behavior

 1. Even when there is little strength

 2. Jesus’ Word is kept

3. Jesus’ name is not denied

D. The open door is the unlikely salvation of those that have opposed them

Revelation 3:9 KJV

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Years ago a professor was giving a nature talk to children. His subject was plants and flowers. He explained how the seeds became plants, how the plants became leaves and flowers, and how the plants developed seeds all over again. Then he told about how all the different parts of a plant are built up of tiny cells, and how all these cells are filled with the amazing substance called protoplasm, which is contained in all living bodies and which makes them live and grow. Finally he stated that no one knew what gave protoplasm its power of living and growing. “That is a closed door, and behind the door is an unexplainable mystery.” Then one of the children asked, “Please, Sir, does God live behind the door?”

—James Hastings

Jesus Promises Deliverance

Revelation 3:10 KJV

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

A. From Hell

B. From the wrath to come – tribulation

Romans 5:9

1 Thessalonians 1:10 

C. From our own foolishness

2 Timothy 2:25-26

Jesus Promises Rewards

Revelation 3:11–12 KJV

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

A. Crowns for reward

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

B. Crown of righteousness

2 Timothy 4:8 KJV

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

     Two frogs fell into a can of cream,

     Or so I’ve heard it told.

     The sides of the can were shiny and steep,

     The cream was deep and cold.

     “Oh, what’s the use?” croaked number one.

     “Tis fate, no help’s around.

     Good-bye, my friend!

     Good-bye, sad world!”

     And weeping still, he drowned.

     But number two, of sterner stuff,

     Dog-paddled in surprise.

     The while he wiped his creamy face,

     And dried his creamy eyes.

     “I’ll swim awhile at least,” he said,

     Or so I’ve heard he said;

     “It really wouldn’t help the world,

     If one more frog were dead.”

     An hour or two he kicked and swam,

     Not once he stopped to mutter,

     But kicked and kicked and swam and kicked,

     Then hopped out, via butter!

God has brought you here in this exact spot by perfect design. He has closed some doors… some to normalcy, employment or even to personal health. But the God that closes some doors not to be opened, opens others that cannot be shut. Although it may be scary and unfamiliar there is a door that is opened just for you to walk through.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 5:49 PM March 22, 2020.

What Can We Learn From The Coronavirus?

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Particular Judgement; Sin; Salvation; Repentance / Luke 13:1–5

There was a farmer who had three sons: Ron, Don and Little John. All had their names on the church roll but none ever attended church or had time for God. Then one day Don was bitten by a rattlesnake. The doctor was called and he did all he could to help Don, but the outlook for his recovery was very dim indeed. So the pastor was called and appraised of the situation. The pastor arrived, and began to pray as follows: “O wise and righteous Father, we thank Thee that in Thine wisdom thou didst send this rattlesnake to bite Don. He hasn’t been inside the church in years and has shown little interest in You. We trust that this experience will be a valuable lesson to him and will lead to his genuine repentance. And now, O Father, wilt thou send another rattlesnake to bite Ron, and another to bite Little John, and another really big one to bite the old man. For years we have done everything we know to get them to get serious with Thee. Thank you God for rattlesnakes.

Everyone Is Going To Die Somehow.

Luke 13:1–2 KJV

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 

And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

Luke 13:4 KJV

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

Death is appointed to everyone

Hebrews 9:27 KJV

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Death is deserved by everyone

Romans 5:12 KJV

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 6:23 KJV

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Everyone Needs To Repent to Avoid the Sting of Death.

Luke 13:3 KJV

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 13:5 KJV

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Repent and Trust Jesus

Hebrews 6:1 KJV

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

John 3:36 KJV

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Repent of the Sin That Is Killing You

James 1:13–15 KJV

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

2 Timothy 2:24–26 KJV

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 

And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Struggling with repentance is like the experience of the boy who got his hand caught inside an expensive vase. His upset parents applied soap suds and cooking oil, without success. When they seemed ready to break the vase as the only way to release the hand, the frightened boy cried, “Would it help if I let loose of the penny I’m holding?”

So it is all too often with us. We cause others great anguish and risk the truly valuable because we will not let go of the insignificant things we possess today1

1 Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 300–301.

Everyone Needs to Hear the Truth.

1 Corinthians 15:34 KJV

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

The Fields Are White

John 4:35 KJV

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

The Time is Now

2 Corinthians 5:11 KJV

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

The Responsibility is Ours

1 Corinthians 9:16 KJV

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Acts 20:26–27 KJV

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Due to Mechanical Difficulties, the bus will not run this morning.  Please call 860-496-8022 if you need a ride.