Short Exhortations

Text: Isaiah 57
KJV Isaiah 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. Ang matuwid na namamatay, at walang taong nagdadamdam; at mga taong mahabagin ay pumapanaw, walang gumugunita na ang matuwid ay naalis sa kasamaan na darating.
Isaiah 57:2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness. Siya`y nanasok sa kapayapaan; sila`y nagpapahinga sa kanilang mga higaan bawa`t lumalakad sa kaniyang katuwiran.


NLT
Isaiah 57:1 Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why.
⁃ No one seems to understand that

• (ANSWER) God is protecting them from the evil to come.

Isaiah 57:2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.

⁃ Revelation 14:13 KJV And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

 

Updated: May 12, 2025

Author`s note: I shared before that Matthew 14:14 is parallel with Rev.14:6-7, but God had enlightened my understanding that in Matthew 24:14 does not refer to the same gospel preached in Rev.14:6-7.

First time shared: Oct.24, 2022

Text: Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19, Matthew 24:14

A. `Go` - Mark 16:15 and Matthew 28:19

• Started from that proclamation time and is still in progress
  
  

• Future event
• The context is the Great Tribulation (v15 onwards); therefore, during tribulation; specifically before midpoint of 7 years
• (update) Matthew 24:14 covers the resumption of the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom during the first half of the great tribulation. 
  
  
   

• 1st half of the Week: Chapter 6 to 11
• Middle of the Week: Chapter 12
• 2nd half of the Week: Chapter 13-19

 

• Greatest time of evangelization of the world.
• God will supernaturally present the gospel to every person on earth.
  1. Angelic Evangelism, Rev.14:6-7 is a parallel is not parallel passage to Matthew 24:14 (both speak of global evangelization).
     • Angelic evangelism will happen at the 2nd half of the great tribulation. Gospel. But it will not be the Gospel of the "Grace of God," (Acts 20:24), nor the Gospel of "The Kingdom," (Matt. 24:14), but a new Gospel, called the "Everlasting Gospel." Its burden is "Judgment" not "Salvation," and it will be "Good News" to all those passing through the "fiery trials" of those days, for it will be the announcement that the "Hour of judgment" is come for all that do wickedly.
     • The preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom in Matthew 24:14 will resume after the rapture of the church, at the beginning of the great tribulation.
  2. The Two Witnesses, Rev.11:3-13
     • The evangelism of the two witnesses will happen at the 1st half of the great tribulation.
  3. The evangelism of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses, Rev.7:3-10; 14:1-5

D. `and then, finally, the end will come`

• not the end of the end, but the end of the age of the tribulation through the second coming of Christ (Matthew 24:27-31)

E. Conclusion:

• If we speak of evangelism or evangelization nowadays, the Great Commission is enough.
• On the other hand, Matthew 24:14 is often used at missions conferences as a motivation for becoming a missionary. This passage relates to evangelism during the tribulation, not for our current church age.
  • If we are preaching the gospel with this basis, then, we say that we are currently in the 7-year tribulation period and we missed the rapture.

Text: Genesis 33

8  “And what were all the flocks and herds I met as I came?” Esau asked.Jacob replied, “They are a gift, my lord, to ensure your friendship.”

9  “My brother, I have plenty,” Esau answered. “Keep what you have for yourself.”

10  But Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!

33:11  Please take this gift I have brought you, for God has been very gracious to me. I have more than enough.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift.

33:12  “Well,” Esau said, “let’s be going. I will lead the way.”

33:13  But Jacob replied, “You can see, my lord, that some of the children are very young, and the flocks and herds have their young, too. If they are driven too hard, even for one day, all the animals could die.

 

KJV Genesis 33:13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. At sinabi niya sa kaniya, Nalalaman ng aking panginoon na ang mga bata ay mahihina pa at ang mga kawan at ang mga baka ay nagpapasuso: at kung ipagmadali sa isa lamang araw ay mamamatay ang lahat ng kawan.

33:14  Please, my lord, go ahead of your servant. We will follow slowly, at a pace that is comfortable for the livestock and the children. I will meet you at Seir.”

33:15  “All right,” Esau said, “but at least let me assign some of my men to guide and protect you.”Jacob responded, “That’s not necessary. It’s enough that you’ve received me warmly, my lord!”

 

NLT Genesis 33:13 But Jacob replied, “You can see, my lord, that some of the children are very young, and the flocks and herds have their young, too. If they are driven too hard, even for one day, all the animals could die.

Genesis 33:14 Please, my lord, go ahead of your servant. We will follow slowly, at a pace that is comfortable for the livestock and the children. I will meet you at Seir.”

 

(1) Children are very young (or tender, mahihina pa)

• milk:young, meat:older

• (1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. Kinandili ko kayo ng gatas, at hindi ng lamang-kati; sapagka`t kayo`y wala pang kaya noon: wala, na ngayon pa man ay wala kayong kaya;)

 

APPLICATION IN CHURCH MANAGEMENT

1. The disciples of Jesus were not sent immediately but had time Jesus to learn and prepared to receive the power that dealt with spirits. This include the casting out of evil spirits and healing, signs and wonders.
2. Paul did not rush to consult human wisdom. Galatians 1:12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.
   • Galatians 1:16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being.
   • Galatians 1:17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus.
3. The criterion of the selection of those who will serve the widows was not just simple or young in the ministry.
   • Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Nang mga araw ngang ito, nang dumadami ang bilang ng mga alagad, ay nagkaroon ng bulongbulungan ang mga Greco-Judio laban sa mga Hebreo, sapagka`t ang kanilang mga babaing bao ay pinababayaan sa pamamahagi sa araw-araw.
   • Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: At minagaling ng buong karamihan ang pananalitang ito: at kanilang inihalal si Esteban, taong puspos ng pananampalataya at ng Espiritu Santo, at si Felipe, at si Procoro, at si Nicanor, at si Timon, at si Parmenas, at si Nicolas na taga Antioquia na naging Judio;

(2) The flock and herds have their young, too.

• This refers to the caretakers: teachers, church leaders, etc

• if you know that your member is young, the responsibility is to norture him/her easily (this is the milk food).

  • At least there is the goal of imparting `understanding` of the Word.

  • We cannot just speak the word or explain but have to prepare ourselves by praying in the Spirit.

• If you push too hard, he may be considered as one in the parable of the sower who failed to continue in faith.

  • Matthew 13:19 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. Kung ang sinoman ay nakikinig ng salita ng kaharian, at ito`y hindi niya napaguunawa, ay pinaroroonan ng masama, at inaagaw ang nahasik sa kaniyang puso. Ito yaong nahasik sa tabi ng daan.

  • Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; At ang nahasik sa mga batuhan, ay yaong nakikinig ng salita, at pagdaka`y tinatanggap ito ng buong galak;

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Gayon ma`y wala siyang ugat sa kaniyang sarili, kundi sangdaling tumatagal; at pagdating ng kapighatian o pag-uusig dahil sa salita, ay pagdaka`y natitisod siya.

  • Matthew 13:22 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. At ang nahasik sa mga dawagan, ay yaong dumirinig ng salita; nguni`t ang pagsusumakit na ukol sa sanglibutan, at ang daya ng mga kayamanan, ay siyang umiinis sa salita, at yao`y nagiging walang bunga.

  • 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, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. At ang nahasik sa mabuting lupa, ay siyang dumirinig, at nakauunawa ng salita; na siyang katotohanang nagbubunga, ang ila`y tigisang daan, ang ila`y tigaanim na pu, at ang ila`y tigtatatlongpu.

• If we say, `it is up to the Holy Spirit to convince or touch them`, then for me this is not spiritual.

  • It sounds spiritual because the Holy Spirit is mentioned but this is I believe carelessness about the burden of God.

  • It is skipping the responsibility. It is escaping from responsibility.

  • It is different if I say, `The Holy Spirit touches him.`

  • Remember we are the vessel. We can impart the grace of the Holy Spirit by flowing through us. So, in order for us to do this, we prepare ourselves by having the Holy Spirit in us first.

(3) If they are pushed too hard, even for one day, they will die.

• thus, we may be contributory to the fall of a brother/sister.

 

 

Text: Luke 23:8-9; 4:9-12, 23:39-43, Matthew 27:38-44

Examples,

• a missionary may ask you, `where is your faith, go to the nations?`
• a brother or a sister may ask you to pray for his/her healing.
• a brother may ask you to go to Mindanao, in the area of rebels, and preach the Gospel there?

There are two types of Christian faith challenges and we can differentiate these two by means of `motives` and our interpretation of the word of God.

The first is, Satan`s injected motive is always wrong motive. It is a test that brings out pride. It touches your ego. 

The other is God`s, it is always humble. It is a test that brings out your full trust in Him. It is based in His words, His will.

Moreover, sometimes if not most of the times, Christians misapplied (misinterpret, misunderstand, do not understand at all) God`s word or message.

 

Part 1. Challenges with bad motives.

 

1 SAY NOTHING:

Instance: Jesus was challenged to do miracle infront of Herod.

Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Nang makita nga ni Herodes si Jesus, ay nagalak siyang lubha: sapagka`t malaon nang hinahangad niya na makita siya, sapagka`t siya`y nakabalita tungkol sa kaniya; at siya`y naghihintay na makakita ng ilang himalang gawa niya.
Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. At tinanong niya siya ng maraming salita; datapuwa`t siya`y hindi sumagot ng anoman.

2 SAY, DO NOT TEMPT GOD.

Instance: After fasting, Jesus was challenged by Satan to jump off from where he is and mentioned that angels will protect him.

Luke 4:9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: At dinala niya siya sa Jerusalem, at inilagay siya sa taluktok ng templo, at sinabi sa kaniya, Kung ikaw ay Anak ng Dios, ay magpatihulog ka mula rito hanggang sa ibaba:
Luke 4:10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: Sapagka`t nasusulat, Siya`y magbibilin sa kaniyang mga anghel tungkol sa iyo, upang ikaw ay ingatan:
Luke 4:11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. At, Aalalayan ka nila ng kanilang mga kamay, Baka matisod ka ng iyong paa sa isang bato.
Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. At pagsagot ni Jesus ay sinabi sa kaniya, Nasasabi, Huwag mong tutuksuhin ang Panginoon mong Dios.

3 SAY NOTHING:

Instance: Jesus at the cross

Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. At siya`y inalipusta ng isa sa mga tampalasang nabibitin, na sinasabi, Hindi baga ikaw ang Cristo? iligtas mo ang iyong sarili at kami.

Matthew 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. Nang magkagayo`y ipinakong kasama niya ang dalawang tulisan, isa sa kanan at isa sa kaliwa.
Matthew 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, At siya`y nililibak ng nangagdaraan, na iginagalaw ang kanilang mga ulo,
Matthew 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. At nangagsasabi, Ikaw na igigiba mo ang templo, at sa tatlong araw ay iyong itatayo, iyong iligtas ang sarili mo: kung ikaw ay Anak ng Dios, ay bumaba ka sa krus.
Matthew 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, Gayon din naman ang paglibak sa kaniya ng mga pangulong saserdote, pati ng mga eskriba at ng matatanda, na nagsipagsabi,
Matthew 27:42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. Nagligtas siya sa mga iba; sa kaniyang sarili ay hindi makapagligtas. Siya ang Hari ng Israel; bumaba siya ngayon sa krus, at tayo`y magsisisampalataya sa kaniya.
Matthew 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. Nananalig siya sa Dios; iligtas niya siya ngayon, kung siya`y iniibig: sapagka`t sinabi niya, Ako`y Anak ng Dios.

BOTH THIEVES MOCKED JESUS
Matthew 27:44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. At minumura din naman siya ng mga tulisang kasama niyang nangapapako sa krus.

Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. At siya`y inalipusta ng isa sa mga tampalasang nabibitin, na sinasabi, Hindi baga ikaw ang Cristo? iligtas mo ang iyong sarili at kami.
Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? Datapuwa`t sumagot ang isa, at pagsaway sa kaniya`y sinabi, Hindi ka pa baga natatakot sa Dios, yamang ikaw ay nasa gayon ding kaparusahan?
Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. At tayo sa katotohanan ay ayon sa katuwiran; sapagka`t tinanggap natin ang nararapat na kabayaran sa ating mga gawa; datapuwa`t ang taong ito`y hindi gumagawa ng anomang masama.
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. At sinabi niya, Jesus, alalahanin mo ako, pagdating mo sa iyong kaharian.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. At sinabi niya sa kaniya, Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa iyo, Ngayon ay kakasamahin kita sa Paraiso.

 

Reflections:

(1) Miracles/giftings is not to show off. If it is being challenged to prove that you have faith in God and in God there is power, better keep quiet.

(2) Speak: do not tempt me Satan! (Note that the `me` is not referring to myself as `The God` as Jesus spoke this to Satan but this is myself rejecting Satan`s wrong motive)

(3) Jesus has no reponse to the challenge but responded to the concern and repentance of one of the two.

 

Part 2. Challenges in line with God`s word.

One instance is, a boy healed in Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29 

• when is th right time and place to proclaim God`s power and authority over a situation.

 

Another instances, with prayer and fasting, we show our faith in Christ while watching and waiting for His second return.

 

The Farmer as a Wise Man

(A farmer as an illustration)

 

Text: Isaiah Chapter 28

A. Overview

The test of God to His people is a `repeated instruction that He is the refuge.` By repetition, the people who are not His will get irritated and stumble. They do not want to be lectured like babies. The status of their lives led them to have pride which was founded by lies and falsehood - the intoxication (drunkenness) of prosperity (fat valley). They trusted their own strength, this is the lie!

 

B. Chapter 28 is a message about Samaria

(According to research, the territory of Samaria was the central region of the biblical Land of Israel, today located in the northern West Bank. It is located on a hill northwest of Nāblus in the West Bank territory under Israeli administration since 1967.)

 

Isaiah 28:1 What sorrow awaits the proud city of Samaria—the glorious crown of the drunks of Israel. It sits at the head of a fertile valley, but its glorious beauty will fade like a flower.

 

C. Reason of fall

• It is the pride of a people brought down by wine.

fertile valley = filled with prosperity

drunkard = life is good; they trust on their wealth and strength (their shelter is lie and falsehood)

 

Isaiah 28:6 He will give a longing for justice to their judges. He will give great courage to their warriors who stand at the gates.

(KJV) Isaiah 28:7 But they also have

• erred through wine,

and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink;

• they err in vision,

• they stumble in judgment.

Isaiah 28:8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.

 

Isaiah 28:7 (NLT) Now, however,

• Israel is led by drunks who reel with wine and stagger with alcohol. The priests and prophets stagger with alcohol and lose themselves in wine.

They reel when they see visions and stagger as they render decisions.

Isaiah 28:8 Their tables are covered with vomit; filth is everywhere.

 

D. Form of Pride (scoffing rulers)

Isaiah 28:9

• “Who does the lord think we are?” they ask.

• “Why does he speak to us like this?

• Are we little children, just recently weaned?

Isaiah 28:10

• He tells us everything over and over—one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there!”

Isaiah 28:12

 

E. What is God`s repeated instruction?

• God has told his people, “Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.”

• But they would not listen.

(THIS TALKS ABOUT THE MESSAGE OF CORNERSTONE IN VERSE 16 WHICH THEY STUMBLE)

Isaiah 28:13 So the lord will spell out his message for them again, one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there, so that they will stumble and fall. They will be injured, trapped, and captured.

Isaiah 28:14 Therefore, listen to this message from the lord, you

• scoffing rulers in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:15

• You boast, “We have struck a bargain to cheat death and have made a deal to dodge the grave.

• The coming destruction can never touch us, for we have built a strong refuge made of lies and deception.”

(KJV) Isaiah 28:15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:

 

Verse 16-17 is verse 12`s God`s repeated instruction that may cause v13 (for them to stumble, fall) to come to effect.

`Here is the place of rest`=Cornerstone..."(my paraphrase)->nothing to worry because it is a firm foundation"

 

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign lord says:

“Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone.

 

(Also, this is the prophecy on how to be saved by faith through the Cornerstone) - Eph.2:20  Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

 

It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.

(KJV) Isaiah 28:16 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.

 

Isaiah 28:17 I will test you with the measuring line of justice

and the plumb line of righteousness. Since your refuge is made of lies, a hailstorm will knock it down. Since it is made of deception, a flood will sweep it away.

 

F. God gives wisdom and understanding: a farmer illustration

(This farmer illustration is God`s way of connecting to His message in v16 `whoever believes` in the Cornerstone will never be shaken. This believer is a wise man who decides and chooses to believe the Cornerstone that even when testing comes he will not fall. Unlike those rulers whom God is rebuking, who depend on lies and deception to lead people away from God.

So, that farmer is the believer whom God gave wisdom and understanding.)

v24-29

 

Isaiah 28:24 Does a farmer always plow and never sow? Is he forever cultivating the soil and never planting?

Isaiah 28:25 Does he not finally plant his seeds—black cumin, cumin, wheat, barley, and emmer wheat—each in its proper way,

and each in its proper place?

Isaiah 28:26 The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him #understanding.

Isaiah 28:27 A heavy sledge is never used to thresh black cumin; rather, it is beaten with a light stick. A threshing wheel is never rolled on cumin; instead, it is beaten lightly with a flail.

Isaiah 28:28 Grain for bread is easily crushed, so he doesn’t keep on pounding it. He threshes it under the wheels of a cart, but he doesn’t pulverize it.

Isaiah 28:29 The lord of Heaven’s Armies is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great #wisdom.

 

Text: Jeremiah 2:13 “For my people have done two evil things:

1. They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water.

2. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!

(1) In what ways people had abandoned God? Verses 5-8, 11
Jeremiah 2:

(a) Idols. 11 Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols!
(b) 6 They did not ask, ‘Where is the lord  who brought us safely out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness—a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and death,     where no one lives or even travels?’
8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and
(c) they that handle the law knew me not:
(d) the pastors also transgressed against me, and
(e) the prophets prophesied by Baal, and [Baal was a fertility god who was believed to enable the earth to produce crops and people to produce children]
(f) (TRUSTING ON MAN`S CREATION) walked after things that do not profit. (What are these things? Habakkuk 2:18  “What good is an idol carved by man, or a cast image that deceives you? How foolish to trust in your own creation— a god that can’t even talk!)

(2) The people had crafted their own system. This system was what they thought acceptable to God. They were wrong. This is the system of LIE. God was so angry with this to the point of telling them when they offered burnt offerings to eat them by themselves!

 

In what ways LIE was seen:

Jeremiah 5:30 A horrible and shocking thing has happened in this land—
Jeremiah 5:31
⁃ the prophets give false prophecies,
⁃ and the priests rule with an iron hand. (v23)
⁃ Worse yet, my people like it that way!
    But what will you do when the end comes?

5:23 But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and abandoned me.
5:28 They are fat and sleek, and there is no limit to their wicked deeds. They refuse to provide justice to orphans and deny the rights of the poor.

 

What is lie?

Jeremiah 9:4 “Beware of your neighbor! Don’t even trust your brother! For brother takes advantage of brother, and friend slanders friend.
Jeremiah 9:5 They all fool and defraud each other; (1) no one tells the truth. With practiced tongues they tell lies; they wear themselves out with all their sinning.
Jeremiah 9:6 They pile lie upon lie and (2) utterly refuse to acknowledge me,” says the lord.
Jeremiah 9:8 For their tongues shoot lies like poisoned arrows.
They (3) speak friendly words to their neighbors while scheming in their heart to kill them.


Kinds of Lie, or Lie-related sins
(1) Pretend to be sorry by not sincerely returning to God.
3:10 But despite all this, her faithless sister Judah has never sincerely returned to me. She has only pretended to be sorry. I, the lord, have spoken!”

(2) Clever at doing wrong things. IE they pretend to know God.
◦ 4:22 "My people are foolish and do not know me,” says the lord. “They are stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!”
◦ Example: They thought they know God by declaring or prophesying Peace but, Jeremiah 8:11 They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace.
◦ Jeremiah 8:12 Are they ashamed of these disgusting actions? Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush! Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered. They will be brought down when I punish them, says the lord.
◦ Also mentioned in ch6:14-15

(3) Abuse of power
Jeremiah 23:10 For the land is full of adultery, and it lies under a curse. The land itself is in mourning—its wilderness pastures are dried up. For they all do evil and abuse what power they have.

(4) Encourages people to do evil by ignoring lie-related sins like adultery, dishonesty, etc.
Jeremiah 23:14 But now I see that the prophets of Jerusalem are even worse! They commit adultery and love dishonesty. They encourage those who are doing evil so that no one turns away from their sins. These prophets are as wicked as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah once were.”

[this is the effect of a love that is soft, there is no rebuke; always saying `God will do His way....`]


Not all types of obedience are accepted by God
or
The doctrine behind "good works cannot save you, it`s the obedience not by pretending but by heart (circumcisition in spirit, by faith)"
7:21 This is what the lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Take your burnt offerings and your other sacrifices and eat them yourselves!
7:22  When I led your ancestors out of Egypt, it was not burnt offerings and sacrifices I wanted from them.
7:23  This is what I told them: ‘Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!’

(instead, the circumcision of the heart)
Jeremiah 9:25 “A time is coming,” says the lord, “when I will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit—


Conclusion
We are abandoning God when we lie, when we tell not the truth, when we quote God`s word that is not the right application for that moment.
The following examples are dependent to a given situation.
(1) We may be thinking that `in two years peace will be here` (28:3 but read from 1 to 15-17) but think again, may be the right message is to endure (being captives) and enjoy (live with the Babylon) for `70 years` (29:4-10). To lie is to mislead His people.

(2) May be our prayer is to stop praying for someone because of his/her stubborness and use our praying time for other matters and for worship instead.

Instances:
(1) Jeremiah 7:16 Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, and don’t beg me to help them, for I will not listen to you.
Jeremiah 7:21 This is what the lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: Take your burnt offerings and your other sacrifices and eat them yourselves!

(2) Jeremiah 11:14 “Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, for I will not listen to them when they cry out to me in distress.

(3) Jeremiah 14:10 So this is what the lord says to his people:
“You love to wander far from me and do not restrain yourselves.
Therefore, I will no longer accept you as my people. Now I will remember all your wickedness and will punish you for your sins.”
Jeremiah 14:11 Then the lord said to me, “Do not pray for these people anymore.
Jeremiah 14:12 When they fast, I will pay no attention. When they present their burnt offerings and grain offerings to me, I will not accept them. Instead, I will devour them with war, famine, and disease.”
Jeremiah 14:13 Then I said, “O Sovereign lord, their prophets are telling them, ‘All is well—no war or famine will come. The lord will surely send you peace.’”
Jeremiah 14:14 Then the lord said, “These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts.
Jeremiah 14:15 Therefore, this is what the lord says: I will punish these lying prophets, for they have spoken in my name even though I never sent them. They say that no war or famine will come, but they themselves will die by war and famine!
Jeremiah 14:16 As for the people to whom they prophesy—their bodies will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem, victims of famine and war. There will be no one left to bury them. Husbands, wives, sons, and daughters—all will be gone. For I will pour out their own wickedness on them.

Therefore, we have to go back to God, thanking Him, fasting and praying in the Spirit that we may enjoy His instructions first before sharing it to others.

 

 

 

How do you know your church ministry?

PM RCY

Guide questions:
(1) Are you called to be a pastor or teacher?
Ephesians 4:11 (NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

[Other related gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 mentions wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues]

Requirement: Called by God 
    1.a) Disciples were called by God.  (Matthew 4:18–22; 10:2–4; Mark 1:16–20; 3:16–19; Luke 5:4–11; 6:13–16; John 1:35–51)
    1.b) Paul was called. Galations 1:15 But then something happened! For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born! What undeserved mercy!

(2) Are you called to be in the church operations/administration?
Acts 6:2 (NLT) So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. "We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the word of God, not administering a food program," they said. 3 "Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this business. 4 Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the word."

Requirements: 
    2.a) well respected (good reputation)
    2.b) full of the Holy Spirit
    2.c) full of wisdom
    
(3) Do you have faith in Christ?
Verse 2 "...Then you will know what God wants you to do..."
Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don`t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. 3 As God`s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ`s body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. 6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. 7 If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 
8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! 
If you have money, share it generously. [property: car, house, ...]
If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. [cook, music, drive, ...]
And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Requirements:
    3.a) honest estimate of yourselves (v3) [FAITH: measuring your value by how much faith God has given you]
    3.b) God`s love [SHARE: treasure (money), time and effort: hands-on (show kindness to others), and talent
    3.c) abilities: ACQUIRED (learned) => leadership, skills

(4) Does your assigned role/ministry backup by proper selection process?
    4.a) Example 1: Elder requirements
        1 Timothy 3:2 (NLT) For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. 
        He must exhibit self-control, 
        live wisely, 
        and have a good reputation. 
        He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach.
        3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. 
        He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money.
        4 He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God`s church?
        6 An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.
        7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil`s trap and be disgraced.
    4.b) Example 2: Deacon requirements
        8 In the same way, deacons must be people who are respected and have integrity. 
        They must not be heavy drinkers and must not be greedy for money.
        9 They must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and must live with a clear conscience.
        10 Before they are appointed as deacons, they should be given other responsibilities in the church as a test of their character and ability. If they do well, then they may serve as deacons.
        
        [Verse 10 --- THERE IS PROGRESSION IN ROLE]
        
        11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not speak evil of others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
        12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.

(5) Are you effective in what you are doing?
    4.a) Did you promote JESUS or yourself? Honest estimate of yourself. Romans 12:3 As God`s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. 
    4.b) Ask what others say about you if there is transformation from the way you think (1 Timothy 3:7; Romans 12:2 ...but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.). "The way you think" may cover the way you applied what you thought.

 

Text: Acts 15:1-19,20-31

A. The Four laws that converts must follow.

B. Reason:

Proof of faith.

Doing these 4 laws are acts of faith. They were not required in order that a Gentile could be saved.  The text says, `(Gentiles who are turning to God NKJV) (KJV  turned to God).` Therefore, they were already believers. Doing these 4 laws would not justify them to be saved through Christ but it is a good act after having the faith of Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. Nalalaman din ninyo na ang mga kamay na ito ay nangaglilingkod sa mga kinakailangan ko, at sa aking mga kasamahan.

Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Nagbigay halimbawa ako sa inyo sa lahat ng mga bagay, na sa ganitong pagpapagal ay dapat kayong magsisaklolo sa mahihina, at alalahanin ang mga salita ng Panginoong Jesus, na siya rin ang may sabi, Lalo pang mapalad ang magbigay kay sa tumanggap.

 

A. What is `being blessed`?

God gave you some things to be the source of those things.

 

B. To receive is a form of being blessed -  the proof of grace.

 

C. To give what you have is more blessed. Of course, you cannot give if you do not have in that particular time.

We get blessed when we only do according to God`s direction.

Like Paul`s call to tell the goodnews to others, v24.

 

Further, `“And do everything with love.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

 

D. Give `what` when the Spirit gives you the capability.  `What` could be money instead of a discipline or give discipline instead of money.

Example of `when the Holy Spirit leads` - `to go` v22-23 compare 21:4 `not to go`

 

E. Conclusion: Give as the Holy Spirit inspires you, to prove the love of the Father and to witness the truth about the grace of Jesus Christ

 

Text: Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19, Matthew 24:14

A. `Go` - Mark 16:15 and Matthew 28:19

• Started from that proclamation time and is still in progress
  
  

• Future event
• The context is the Great Tribulation (v15 onwards); therefore, during tribulation; specifically before midpoint of 7 years
  
  
   

• Greatest time of evangelization of the world.
• God will supernaturally present the gospel to every person on earth.
  1. Angelic Evangelism, Rev.14:6-7 is a parallel passage to Matthew 24:14 (both speak of global evangelization)
  2. The Two Witnesses, Rev.11:3-13
  3. The evangelism of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses, Rev.7:3-10; 14:1-5

D. `and then, finally, the end will come`

• not the end of the end, but the end of the age of the tribulation through the second coming of Christ (Matthew 24:27-31)

E. Conclusion:

• If we speak of evangelism or evangelization nowadays, the Great Commission is enough.
• On the other hand, Matthew 24:14 is often used at missions conferences as a motivation for becoming a missionary. This passage relates to evangelism during the tribulation, not for our current church age.
  • If we are preaching the gospel with this basis, then, we say that we are currently in the 7-year tribulation period and we missed the rapture.

Text: Hebrew5:7-8

Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Na siya sa mga araw ng kaniyang laman ay naghandog ng mga panalangin at mga daing na sumisigaw ng malakas at lumuluha doon sa may kapangyarihang makapagligtas sa kaniya sa kamatayan, at siya`y dininig dahil sa kaniyang banal na takot,

Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

Bagama`t siya`y Anak, gayon may natuto ng pagtalima sa pamamagitan ng mga bagay na kaniyang tiniis;

A. Situation Analysis
⁃ Previous verses point out that It is God’s calling to any one to sit in a leadership line of ministry.
⁃ Because of this God’s calling, it is to anyone who was called to endure sufferings esp those related to the attainment of that calling.
⁃ God answered when Jesus prayed in these manner.

B. What is not strong crying and tears in prayer and supplication
(1) It is not the means to force or get God to move according to what one plead.
(2) It is not a desperate move as if God is not answering.
(3) It is not that one lost hope about things.

C. What is Strong crying and tears in prayer and supplication
(1) It is the depth of burden.
(2) It is a normal expression of prayer and plead. Careful attention between praying in the Spirit (Eph.6:18) and emotion. The former, in pure love; the latter, there’s a tendency to doubt, angry, self-pity.
(3) It is how we know God. It is the expression of dependence to God. One cannot achieve God’s calling without longing to His grace and might.
(4) It is the cure to being ignorant of obeying what is really God’s calling and/or God’s will (v8). Jesus learned to obey the sufferings attached to His calling.
(5) It is the expression of hope, faith, and hope.

Text: Rev.19:1-6

A. Hallelujah for Salvation, v1

B. Hallelujah for Divine Justice, v2-3

C. Hallelujah of Worship, v4

D. Hallelujah for His Sovereignty, v6

Text: Matthew 16:19, 18:15-20, John 20:23

A. Matthew 16:19

Binding=spiritual warfare
key = authority or power

Jesus gave us the authority to bind demonic powers and loose people from their dominion (Matthew 18:17, 18).

B. Matthew 18:15-20

• 2 Types of Church Discipline (v17)

a) withdrawing fellowship
b) withdrawing our intercession on others’ behalf.

• Delivering to satan, 1Cor.5:5; 1Tim.1:19-20
  
  
• Purpose of church discipline
  -> Causing repentance and restoration
  
  

C. Binding and Loosing

1) binding demonic forces (or ‘remit’ their sins as in John 20:23), so that somehow b/s repent
2) loosing (‘retain’ in John 20:23) b/s from our intercession and delivering them unto satan for the destruction of their flesh, so that somehow b/s repent

Texts: 2 Corinthians 12:1-9, 2 Timothy 3:12

A. Because of visions and revelations Paul received, v1

B. Satan tormented Paul - such that Paul must not be exalted, v7

`thorn in the flesh` = persecution = `infirmities`, v9

\-> Numbers 33:55; Joshua 23:13; Judges 2:3

C. Paul prayed 3 times about this thorn in the flesh

D. God answer: My grace is sufficient for you...

 

Conclusion:

a) We are not redeemed from persecution.

b) if `thorn in the flesh` = `sickness` then

can we say that we are not redeemed from sickness?

 

 

Text:

1. Matthew 19:27-30
2. Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of the Vineyard Workers)
3. Matthew 10:37-42; Luke 14:26-33

Questions:

1. What do I deserve in following You?
2. In what manner do I (how to) achieve the answer of #1?

Answers:

1. Matthew 19:28 as judges
2. In what way do I achieve Matthew 19:28? MORE THAN ME in Matthew 10:37

 

Texts:

• Luke 12:41-48 v48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
• Mark 12:24 v24 Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?

1. Ignorance of the Gospel (spec. Salvation through Christ Jesus) is not excuse of not to be judged/punished.
   • He is still guilty as sinner/unbeliever because Romans 1:18-20 reveals that there is an intuitive knowledge of God within all people to the degree that even understand the Godhead.
   • Psalms 19:1-4 says that creation has declared the glory of God and proved His existence.
   • Everyone will stand in judgment before God; there will be varying degrees of punishment according to knowledge. Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them.
2. Ignorance limits a person/Christian.
   • The Sadducees were ignorant of the Scriptures. And being ignorant of the Scriptures, they were also ignorant of God`s power.
   • If Christians are ignorant about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, then Christians cannot fully understand the power that is in the Triune God.

 

 

Text: Luke 10:25-37

A. Compassion, defined.

B. Who is my neighbor? 

Man

Priest

Levite

Samaritan

C. God wants:

- Christians to willingly sacrifice helping our neighbors

verse 37 ... Then said Jesus unto him, "Go, and do thou likewise."

- us when we help others, we must be motivated by love.

 

by S.Jenn

Text: John 15:1-8

A. Jesus as the true vine (v1-3)

1. Who`s the true vine? JESUS
2. Who are the branches? Believers
3. Who`s the vinedresser (gardener)? FATHER

B. Verse 4-5, The Vital relationship between the branch and the vine.

• How do we abide in Jesus on a daily basis?
  • We must decide to do things which expose ourselves to him and keep ourselves in contact with him
• Without Me you can do nothing

C. Verses 6-8, the price of not abiding and the promise to those who do abide

• If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered.
• They gather them and throw them into the fire
• By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.

 

by S.Val

Text: Efeso 4

2 Ng buong kapakumbabaan at kaamuan, na may pagpapahinuhod, na mangagbatahan kayo-kayo sa pagibig;

3 Na pagsakitan ninyong ingatan ang pakikipagkaisa sa Espiritu sa tali ng kapayapaan.

 

1. Kapakumbabaan at Kaamuan (lowliness and meekness)

2. Pagtiyatiyaga at Pagpaparaya

3. Pagpapahintulot na gawin ang layunin ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan natin (Paglilingkod)

 

Exhorter: B. Roger D.

Text: John 21
21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

ONE Diversion: Comparing self to others is unwise
2 Corinthians 10:12

ONE Solution: Mind your specific calling

• General: Great Commission
• Specific: `Feed my lambs... feed my sheep... feed my sheep... follow me... (verses 15-19)
  • FEEDING is one specific call to do. The `DO`ing of the call can be in various METHODS.
  • How to feed the flock?
    • Could be by TEACHING the Word
    • Teaching the flock how to pray, praise, or worship God. Therefore, LEADING them how to do these things, i.e. setting examples.