07/01/2018 13:37
Date: 4 January, 2018
Text: Psalm 19
Title: What Do You Know?
Proposition: THREE SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU MUST KNOW TO KNOW GOD.
Introduction:
Have you ever done something which revealed that you aren't as smart as you thought you were.
ill. In my History of Civ tutorial class - a class where dates are important. First week - teacher said that some boys had asked them if you get labor day off of school. He didn't give us his answer and so I asked, "Do we get labor day off?" He said, "You tell me, it was last Monday."
Things like that make me thankful that I don't have to be super intelligent to know God!
ill. Dad used to quote the following poem about being "dumb enough" to know God.
A DUMB OL' COUNTRY BOY - Walt Huntley
I'm just a dumb ol country boy, that
ain't so very smart;
When I talk 1 get mixed up, my gears
are hard to start;
It seems I don't have many brains, like
other folks I know,
And when it comes to society, my
dumbness there I show.
I tried to put the dog on once; I gave
my boots a shine;
I pressed my suit, I bought a tie, I sure
looked mighty fine;
But when I mixed with that high crowd,
my knees began to knock;
I stood there like an old hound dog, with
all the high class stock.
I went down to the jail-house once, to
witness for The Lord;
I told them how The Lord saved me;
they sure looked mighty bored;
They nudged each other, and they
smiled, I heard them say, 'He's dumb,'
But they stayed in and I walked out,
when leavin' time had come.
I'm just a dumb ol' country boy, and
hope I'll always be
Just dumb enough to trust The Lord,
for all eternity.
So I'll just keep a-travelin' on, no brains,
and not too smart;
Still a dumb ol' country boy, with
Jesus in my heart.
exp. Your smart juices don't need to flow very deep today for you to have a wonderful walk with God. However, there are some simple things that you must know to know God.
PSALM 19 SHOWS THREE SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU MUST KNOW TO KNOW GOD.
Psalm 19 written byThe Shepherd King - King David - who knew the simplicity of knowing God and walking with God. Do you?
I know that there is a God.
exp. Saying this is like walking into an art gallery and telling people, "I have a fascinating truth to share with you today. Not one of these paintings just happened. Seriously - every single one of these paintings was painted by a master painter."
Or - like walking into the Cistine Chapel and saying, "No sir, this wasn't an explosion in a paint factory. This building was build by a designer creator and painted by a great artist who labored for years to make this masterpiece.
exp. OH THE SIMPLICITY OF KNOWING GOD! (IF YOUR SENSES ARE FUNCTIONAL THIS MORNING, YOU SHOULD BE OVERWHELMED BY THE OBVIOUS FACT that there is a God.
A. Nature told me - God is glorious.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
Exp. We've talked recently about God's Glory - what makes us go "Wow!"
ill. We've just had the full moon and some lovely clear nights - Constelations, planets, lights in the nights sky - HAVE YOU GIVEN GLORY TO GOD RECENTLY BECAUSE THE HEAVENS SHOUTED HIS GLORY!
ill. Touring the Lincoln museum - sight and sounds theatre - glorious experience - incredible illusions - man who disappeared and you didn't know if he was real or a hologram like the things around him. (He was real - I didn't mind speaking with the employees about the glory of what I had seen.)
app. How can man go through life IGNORANT OF THE GLORY OF GOD AND NOT GLORIFYING GOD FOR HIS CREATION?
B. Nature told me - God is the designer of life.
and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
ill. I typed this message looking at a high resolution computer screen. I'm not a betting person - but if you were fool enough to nag me into betting that my computer WAS designed because you BET it happened by random processes, YOU DESERVE TO LOSE YOUR MONEY.
NOTE: People who bet their eternity on the thought that EVERYTHING is the process of random chance - SADLY DESERVE TO LOSE THEIR SOUL IN HELL FOR DENYING THE CREATOR GOD.
exp. The firmament is the expanse above us - the sky.
exp. SINCE God exists, shouldn't we be able to see evidence of design in His creation? God's Word says the
exp. How random does a rainbow look to you? The colors and bow are always the same.
ill. A city in Taiwan recently got the guiness book of world records for the longest recorded rainbow which lasted for 8 hours and 58 minutes.
ill. Although we get floods and droughts - THEY ARE UNUSUAL and the seas don't incredibly rise or fall. The water cycles shouts THE HANDYWORK OF GOD.
ill. The earth's atmosphere is a shield through which space rocks burn up (falling stars) protecting us. Psa 47:9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
app. You don't have to look far today to see the DESIGNER'S WORK.
C. Nature teaches me day and night.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
ill. Between the OT and the NT there are 400 years of silence where God gave no new revelation. God stopped speaking. After the NT - God has stopped speaking again - BECAUSE HIS WRITTEN REVELATION TO MANKIND IS COMPLETE. (Praise God - He continues to speak through His Word.)
ill. Nature however, HAS NEVER STOPPED GIVING NEW REVELATION OF THE GLORY OF GOD - DAY AND NIGHT - HIS CREATION CRIES OUT ABOUT HIS GLORY.
ill. Man who said, "If I could sense God, I would believe in him." They had a beautiful flower garden. I said, "Open your eyes and look at God's creation. Smell His handywork in the flowers. Touch His creation and see his design. Eat His provision and know His good work. Hear him in the beauty of language, music and sound.
app. You are without excuse athiest UNBELIEVER when you die and stand at God's judgment seat - NATURE WILL TESTIFY AGAINST YOU THAT YOU REFUSED TO LISTEN TO HER CRY THAT THERE IS A CREATOR GOD!
D. Nature speaks in every language.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
exp. Specific revelation (God's written Word) has not reached into everyplace on earth - however, natural revelation has done so.
ill. It used to bother me that people would go to Hell for not knowing Jesus when they had never heard. HOWEVER - GOD IS A JUST GOD AND HIS CREATION IS CRYING OUT ABOUT HIS EXISTENCE. I take comfort in the following verse....
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
ill. The Bible records the spiritual journey of some men who sought God.
- Wise men from the east.
- The Ethiopean Eunuch - leaving Jerusalem with an Isaiah scroll and God miraculously sending him a preacher to tell him about Jesus.
- Cornelius - receiving a dream from God to send for Peter.
app. That is why God's Word declares that judgment will come upon all who KNOW NOT GOD.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
E. Nature speaks the language of order and purpose.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
exp. The sun is beautiful and ordered as we orbit around it and it orbits around the Milky Way. But it isn't just on a very specific course it also has a purpose for life - "There is nothing hid from the heat thereof."
app. Have you ever noted that evolutionists are the luckiest people ever. Oxygen - just happened. Water, just happened. There are billions of living things on this planet who do very well and very specifically what they do to balance our incredible ecosystem and THEY JUST HAPPENED.
QUESTION - Are you dumb enough today to believe nature's testimony that there is a God? Can you say with David, "I know that there is a God."
II. I know that the Bible is the Word of God.
exp. Since God exists - isn't it rational to believe that the Being that gave us language would communicate to use through language.
ill. Foolish evolutionists who believe in life somewhere else have invested billions of their currency persuing the ablity to communicate with extra terrestrial beings. They have heard little blips out there somewhere and have concluded that there is life and we have sent out probes with stuff in them....
app. But the same people, have the Bible which is infallible, WITHOUT ERROR, with fulfilled prophecy, scientific foreknowledge, and divine truth upon which Christian nations have been built which were world leaders and yet they are TOO SMART TO SAY IN SIMPLICITY - I know that the Bible is the Word of God.
A. God's law was all that I needed to get converted.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:
def. perfect - in God's Word means - complete or entire.
def. converting - turning back
ill. Eddie - Started reading God's Word - from the beginning - went through the law and was brought to great conviction of sin. Got to the Gospel and gave everything to God and God took away the burden of guilt - Eddie's soul was converted.
app. Has your soul been converted - IT IS ONLY ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD. Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
B. God's law was all that I needed to get wisdom.
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
exp. As we have considered, there are a lot of people who profess wisdom who are intensely ignorant.
ill. Romans 1:21-22 - The theme verses for atheism.
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Psa 53:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
exp. When man lives as if there is no God - He lives a very wicked life because THERE IS NO ABSOLUTE TRUTH - RIGHT AND WRONG. How foolish they are and how their folly will be revealed at the judgment.
app. Nature shouts - THERE IS A GOD! But, the Word of God tells us Who He is and how to know Him. Friends who are simple enough to receive it - WISDOM IF FOUND IN GOD'S WORD.
C. God's law was all that I needed to get truth.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:
exp. Truth is refreshing. I get depressed when I listen to the falsehood of this world.
ill. Legislating wickedness - homosexual marriage, anti-smacking legislation, hate crime legislation targetting Christianity and freedom of speech.
app. But the Word of God is A BREATH OF FRESH AIR - and the world will not judge us but the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE WILL. PRAISE GOD FOR HIS RIGHTEOUS WORD!
D. God's law was all that I needed to get my eyes opened.
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
exp. Those who find TRUTH find life and WONDER WHY THEY NEVER SAW IT BEFORE.
ill. Like a man who is dying of dehydration after passing through a dessert who comes upon a pool of refreshing water and HIS SOUL IS REVIVED.
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
app. Have your eyes been opened by God's Word - FRIEND IF NOT - YOU HAD BETTER CRY OUT FOR GOD'S MERCY TO OPEN YOUR EYES BEFORE IT IS ETERNALLY TOO LATE.
E. God's law was all that man has ever needed to get cleansing.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
exp. God's Word teaches me to fear God and to cry out to Him for His cleansing.
ill. Like a mirror - God's Word reveals the flaws of our human condition of depravity and sin.
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Isa 64:6 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.
exp. But the RIGHTEOUS WORD OF GOD CAN CLEANSE US.
Psa 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
ill. Painting - getting the paint off of my hands - I don't like to be filthy.
app. Can you be content in the filth of your sin? God's righteous Word will cleanse you.
F. BECAUSE IT IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD - I value my Bible more than anything.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
exp. If you had to decide between having your Bible and having anything else, what would you take?
app. If you said, "You've got to give up your Bibles or give up your cars, I'd give up my cars." There is nothing of greater importance to myself or my family that THE VERY WORD'S OF THE CREATOR GOD. Are you dumb enough to know that the Bible is the Word of God?
III. I know that I am responsible to God.
exp. Nature is crying out - there is a God. God's Word tells me who that God is - BECAUSE OF KNOWING THESE TRUTHS - I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
Ill. Since God designed me and saw fit to reveal to me HIS WILL. As His creation I am responsible to obey HIS WILL as revealed in His Word.
A. The Bible told me about God's judgment and reward.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
ill. What kind of idiot soldier would ignore his map and classified information. He would be an undecorated dead soldier.
app. Are you smart enough to heed God's warning and live for God's reward? David was....
B. The Bible told me about the hidden sin in my heart.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
exp. As David saw God's glory in creation and His holiness as revealed in God's Word, David knew the depravity of His heart towards God.
ill. John Van Gelderen - is a good friend. His brother Wayne is a great preacher and their family is a wonderful family. However, growing up knowing there family - I was intimidated by them a bit because they appeared perfect. (Pastor Wayne Van Gelderen's hair is even perfect.)
exp. They are not perfect - their church supports our family in our ministry over here and is praying with us for God to send revival.
exp. They aren't perfect - BUT GOD IS. 1Jn 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
app. Friend, do you tremble at the sin which so easily comes into your life? David did BECAUSE HE UNDERSTOOD THAT HE WOULD ANSWER TO GOD.
C. The Bible told me that I must depend upon God for victory.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
exp. David didn't just fear sins of ignorance, he feared living in wilful disobedience to God. (SINS OF PRESUMPTION.) I know it is wrong but I do it anyway.
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
app. Are you wilfully violating God's Word? Do you not tremble today to know that you will answer to God for wilfully violating His law?
D. The Bible told me that I must live life aware of the watchfulness of God.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
exp. Oh, the Psalmist knew that God was not ignorant of the words of His mouth or the very secret thoughts of his heart. But, Oh, how he wanted even in the secret of His heart and the intimacy of his speech to honor God!
Psalm 139 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
ill. If the boss had cctv in your workspace - how would that knowledge effect your labor? Do you think you would be diligent with your time and careful about speaking disparagingly about your boss?
question: How responsible do you feel today to your Creator? Do you long to please Him even by what you think and what you say? David knew He was responsible to God? Do you?
conclusion:
I'm glad that God can use me despite my lack of deep intelligence. I just have to be simple enough to know 3 truths without which YOU WILL NEVER SEE GOD EXCEPT AT THE JUDGMENT.
1.) I KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD.
2.) I KNOW THAT THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD.
LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE
Date: 4 January, 2018
Text: Psalm 19
Title: What Do You Know?
Proposition: THREE SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU MUST KNOW TO KNOW GOD.
Introduction:
Have you ever done something which revealed that you aren't as smart as you thought you were.
ill. In my History of Civ tutorial class - a class where dates are important. First week - teacher said that some boys had asked them if you get labor day off of school. He didn't give us his answer and so I asked, "Do we get labor day off?" He said, "You tell me, it was last Monday."
Things like that make me thankful that I don't have to be super intelligent to know God!
ill. Dad used to quote the following poem about being "dumb enough" to know God.
A DUMB OL' COUNTRY BOY - Walt Huntley
I'm just a dumb ol country boy, that
ain't so very smart;
When I talk 1 get mixed up, my gears
are hard to start;
It seems I don't have many brains, like
other folks I know,
And when it comes to society, my
dumbness there I show.
I tried to put the dog on once; I gave
my boots a shine;
I pressed my suit, I bought a tie, I sure
looked mighty fine;
But when I mixed with that high crowd,
my knees began to knock;
I stood there like an old hound dog, with
all the high class stock.
I went down to the jail-house once, to
witness for The Lord;
I told them how The Lord saved me;
they sure looked mighty bored;
They nudged each other, and they
smiled, I heard them say, 'He's dumb,'
But they stayed in and I walked out,
when leavin' time had come.
I'm just a dumb ol' country boy, and
hope I'll always be
Just dumb enough to trust The Lord,
for all eternity.
So I'll just keep a-travelin' on, no brains,
and not too smart;
Still a dumb ol' country boy, with
Jesus in my heart.
exp. Your smart juices don't need to flow very deep today for you to have a wonderful walk with God. However, there are some simple things that you must know to know God.
PSALM 19 SHOWS THREE SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU MUST KNOW TO KNOW GOD.
Psalm 19 written byThe Shepherd King - King David - who knew the simplicity of knowing God and walking with God. Do you?
I know that there is a God.
exp. Saying this is like walking into an art gallery and telling people, "I have a fascinating truth to share with you today. Not one of these paintings just happened. Seriously - every single one of these paintings was painted by a master painter."
Or - like walking into the Cistine Chapel and saying, "No sir, this wasn't an explosion in a paint factory. This building was build by a designer creator and painted by a great artist who labored for years to make this masterpiece.
exp. OH THE SIMPLICITY OF KNOWING GOD! (IF YOUR SENSES ARE FUNCTIONAL THIS MORNING, YOU SHOULD BE OVERWHELMED BY THE OBVIOUS FACT that there is a God.
A. Nature told me - God is glorious.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
Exp. We've talked recently about God's Glory - what makes us go "Wow!"
ill. We've just had the full moon and some lovely clear nights - Constelations, planets, lights in the nights sky - HAVE YOU GIVEN GLORY TO GOD RECENTLY BECAUSE THE HEAVENS SHOUTED HIS GLORY!
ill. Touring the Lincoln museum - sight and sounds theatre - glorious experience - incredible illusions - man who disappeared and you didn't know if he was real or a hologram like the things around him. (He was real - I didn't mind speaking with the employees about the glory of what I had seen.)
app. How can man go through life IGNORANT OF THE GLORY OF GOD AND NOT GLORIFYING GOD FOR HIS CREATION?
B. Nature told me - God is the designer of life.
and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
ill. I typed this message looking at a high resolution computer screen. I'm not a betting person - but if you were fool enough to nag me into betting that my computer WAS designed because you BET it happened by random processes, YOU DESERVE TO LOSE YOUR MONEY.
NOTE: People who bet their eternity on the thought that EVERYTHING is the process of random chance - SADLY DESERVE TO LOSE THEIR SOUL IN HELL FOR DENYING THE CREATOR GOD.
exp. The firmament is the expanse above us - the sky.
exp. SINCE God exists, shouldn't we be able to see evidence of design in His creation? God's Word says the
exp. How random does a rainbow look to you? The colors and bow are always the same.
ill. A city in Taiwan recently got the guiness book of world records for the longest recorded rainbow which lasted for 8 hours and 58 minutes.
ill. Although we get floods and droughts - THEY ARE UNUSUAL and the seas don't incredibly rise or fall. The water cycles shouts THE HANDYWORK OF GOD.
ill. The earth's atmosphere is a shield through which space rocks burn up (falling stars) protecting us. Psa 47:9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
app. You don't have to look far today to see the DESIGNER'S WORK.
C. Nature teaches me day and night.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
ill. Between the OT and the NT there are 400 years of silence where God gave no new revelation. God stopped speaking. After the NT - God has stopped speaking again - BECAUSE HIS WRITTEN REVELATION TO MANKIND IS COMPLETE. (Praise God - He continues to speak through His Word.)
ill. Nature however, HAS NEVER STOPPED GIVING NEW REVELATION OF THE GLORY OF GOD - DAY AND NIGHT - HIS CREATION CRIES OUT ABOUT HIS GLORY.
ill. Man who said, "If I could sense God, I would believe in him." They had a beautiful flower garden. I said, "Open your eyes and look at God's creation. Smell His handywork in the flowers. Touch His creation and see his design. Eat His provision and know His good work. Hear him in the beauty of language, music and sound.
app. You are without excuse athiest UNBELIEVER when you die and stand at God's judgment seat - NATURE WILL TESTIFY AGAINST YOU THAT YOU REFUSED TO LISTEN TO HER CRY THAT THERE IS A CREATOR GOD!
D. Nature speaks in every language.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
exp. Specific revelation (God's written Word) has not reached into everyplace on earth - however, natural revelation has done so.
ill. It used to bother me that people would go to Hell for not knowing Jesus when they had never heard. HOWEVER - GOD IS A JUST GOD AND HIS CREATION IS CRYING OUT ABOUT HIS EXISTENCE. I take comfort in the following verse....
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
ill. The Bible records the spiritual journey of some men who sought God.
- Wise men from the east.
- The Ethiopean Eunuch - leaving Jerusalem with an Isaiah scroll and God miraculously sending him a preacher to tell him about Jesus.
- Cornelius - receiving a dream from God to send for Peter.
app. That is why God's Word declares that judgment will come upon all who KNOW NOT GOD.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
E. Nature speaks the language of order and purpose.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
exp. The sun is beautiful and ordered as we orbit around it and it orbits around the Milky Way. But it isn't just on a very specific course it also has a purpose for life - "There is nothing hid from the heat thereof."
app. Have you ever noted that evolutionists are the luckiest people ever. Oxygen - just happened. Water, just happened. There are billions of living things on this planet who do very well and very specifically what they do to balance our incredible ecosystem and THEY JUST HAPPENED.
QUESTION - Are you dumb enough today to believe nature's testimony that there is a God? Can you say with David, "I know that there is a God."
II. I know that the Bible is the Word of God.
exp. Since God exists - isn't it rational to believe that the Being that gave us language would communicate to use through language.
ill. Foolish evolutionists who believe in life somewhere else have invested billions of their currency persuing the ablity to communicate with extra terrestrial beings. They have heard little blips out there somewhere and have concluded that there is life and we have sent out probes with stuff in them....
app. But the same people, have the Bible which is infallible, WITHOUT ERROR, with fulfilled prophecy, scientific foreknowledge, and divine truth upon which Christian nations have been built which were world leaders and yet they are TOO SMART TO SAY IN SIMPLICITY - I know that the Bible is the Word of God.
A. God's law was all that I needed to get converted.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:
def. perfect - in God's Word means - complete or entire.
def. converting - turning back
ill. Eddie - Started reading God's Word - from the beginning - went through the law and was brought to great conviction of sin. Got to the Gospel and gave everything to God and God took away the burden of guilt - Eddie's soul was converted.
app. Has your soul been converted - IT IS ONLY ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD. Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
B. God's law was all that I needed to get wisdom.
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
exp. As we have considered, there are a lot of people who profess wisdom who are intensely ignorant.
ill. Romans 1:21-22 - The theme verses for atheism.
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Psa 53:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
exp. When man lives as if there is no God - He lives a very wicked life because THERE IS NO ABSOLUTE TRUTH - RIGHT AND WRONG. How foolish they are and how their folly will be revealed at the judgment.
app. Nature shouts - THERE IS A GOD! But, the Word of God tells us Who He is and how to know Him. Friends who are simple enough to receive it - WISDOM IF FOUND IN GOD'S WORD.
C. God's law was all that I needed to get truth.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:
exp. Truth is refreshing. I get depressed when I listen to the falsehood of this world.
ill. Legislating wickedness - homosexual marriage, anti-smacking legislation, hate crime legislation targetting Christianity and freedom of speech.
app. But the Word of God is A BREATH OF FRESH AIR - and the world will not judge us but the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE WILL. PRAISE GOD FOR HIS RIGHTEOUS WORD!
D. God's law was all that I needed to get my eyes opened.
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
exp. Those who find TRUTH find life and WONDER WHY THEY NEVER SAW IT BEFORE.
ill. Like a man who is dying of dehydration after passing through a dessert who comes upon a pool of refreshing water and HIS SOUL IS REVIVED.
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
app. Have your eyes been opened by God's Word - FRIEND IF NOT - YOU HAD BETTER CRY OUT FOR GOD'S MERCY TO OPEN YOUR EYES BEFORE IT IS ETERNALLY TOO LATE.
E. God's law was all that man has ever needed to get cleansing.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
exp. God's Word teaches me to fear God and to cry out to Him for His cleansing.
ill. Like a mirror - God's Word reveals the flaws of our human condition of depravity and sin.
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Isa 64:6 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.
exp. But the RIGHTEOUS WORD OF GOD CAN CLEANSE US.
Psa 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
ill. Painting - getting the paint off of my hands - I don't like to be filthy.
app. Can you be content in the filth of your sin? God's righteous Word will cleanse you.
F. BECAUSE IT IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD - I value my Bible more than anything.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
exp. If you had to decide between having your Bible and having anything else, what would you take?
app. If you said, "You've got to give up your Bibles or give up your cars, I'd give up my cars." There is nothing of greater importance to myself or my family that THE VERY WORD'S OF THE CREATOR GOD. Are you dumb enough to know that the Bible is the Word of God?
III. I know that I am responsible to God.
exp. Nature is crying out - there is a God. God's Word tells me who that God is - BECAUSE OF KNOWING THESE TRUTHS - I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
Ill. Since God designed me and saw fit to reveal to me HIS WILL. As His creation I am responsible to obey HIS WILL as revealed in His Word.
A. The Bible told me about God's judgment and reward.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
ill. What kind of idiot soldier would ignore his map and classified information. He would be an undecorated dead soldier.
app. Are you smart enough to heed God's warning and live for God's reward? David was....
B. The Bible told me about the hidden sin in my heart.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
exp. As David saw God's glory in creation and His holiness as revealed in God's Word, David knew the depravity of His heart towards God.
ill. John Van Gelderen - is a good friend. His brother Wayne is a great preacher and their family is a wonderful family. However, growing up knowing there family - I was intimidated by them a bit because they appeared perfect. (Pastor Wayne Van Gelderen's hair is even perfect.)
exp. They are not perfect - their church supports our family in our ministry over here and is praying with us for God to send revival.
exp. They aren't perfect - BUT GOD IS. 1Jn 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
app. Friend, do you tremble at the sin which so easily comes into your life? David did BECAUSE HE UNDERSTOOD THAT HE WOULD ANSWER TO GOD.
C. The Bible told me that I must depend upon God for victory.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
exp. David didn't just fear sins of ignorance, he feared living in wilful disobedience to God. (SINS OF PRESUMPTION.) I know it is wrong but I do it anyway.
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
app. Are you wilfully violating God's Word? Do you not tremble today to know that you will answer to God for wilfully violating His law?
D. The Bible told me that I must live life aware of the watchfulness of God.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
exp. Oh, the Psalmist knew that God was not ignorant of the words of His mouth or the very secret thoughts of his heart. But, Oh, how he wanted even in the secret of His heart and the intimacy of his speech to honor God!
Psalm 139 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
ill. If the boss had cctv in your workspace - how would that knowledge effect your labor? Do you think you would be diligent with your time and careful about speaking disparagingly about your boss?
question: How responsible do you feel today to your Creator? Do you long to please Him even by what you think and what you say? David knew He was responsible to God? Do you?
conclusion:
I'm glad that God can use me despite my lack of deep intelligence. I just have to be simple enough to know 3 truths without which YOU WILL NEVER SEE GOD EXCEPT AT THE JUDGMENT.
1.) I KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD.
2.) I KNOW THAT THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD.
3.) I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
3.) I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD. Date: 4 January, 2018
Text: Psalm 19
Title: What Do You Know?
Proposition: THREE SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU MUST KNOW TO KNOW GOD.
Introduction:
Have you ever done something which revealed that you aren't as smart as you thought you were.
ill. In my History of Civ tutorial class - a class where dates are important. First week - teacher said that some boys had asked them if you get labor day off of school. He didn't give us his answer and so I asked, "Do we get labor day off?" He said, "You tell me, it was last Monday."
Things like that make me thankful that I don't have to be super intelligent to know God!
ill. Dad used to quote the following poem about being "dumb enough" to know God.
A DUMB OL' COUNTRY BOY - Walt Huntley
I'm just a dumb ol country boy, that
ain't so very smart;
When I talk 1 get mixed up, my gears
are hard to start;
It seems I don't have many brains, like
other folks I know,
And when it comes to society, my
dumbness there I show.
I tried to put the dog on once; I gave
my boots a shine;
I pressed my suit, I bought a tie, I sure
looked mighty fine;
But when I mixed with that high crowd,
my knees began to knock;
I stood there like an old hound dog, with
all the high class stock.
I went down to the jail-house once, to
witness for The Lord;
I told them how The Lord saved me;
they sure looked mighty bored;
They nudged each other, and they
smiled, I heard them say, 'He's dumb,'
But they stayed in and I walked out,
when leavin' time had come.
I'm just a dumb ol' country boy, and
hope I'll always be
Just dumb enough to trust The Lord,
for all eternity.
So I'll just keep a-travelin' on, no brains,
and not too smart;
Still a dumb ol' country boy, with
Jesus in my heart.
exp. Your smart juices don't need to flow very deep today for you to have a wonderful walk with God. However, there are some simple things that you must know to know God.
PSALM 19 SHOWS THREE SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU MUST KNOW TO KNOW GOD.
Psalm 19 written byThe Shepherd King - King David - who knew the simplicity of knowing God and walking with God. Do you?
I know that there is a God.
exp. Saying this is like walking into an art gallery and telling people, "I have a fascinating truth to share with you today. Not one of these paintings just happened. Seriously - every single one of these paintings was painted by a master painter."
Or - like walking into the Cistine Chapel and saying, "No sir, this wasn't an explosion in a paint factory. This building was build by a designer creator and painted by a great artist who labored for years to make this masterpiece.
exp. OH THE SIMPLICITY OF KNOWING GOD! (IF YOUR SENSES ARE FUNCTIONAL THIS MORNING, YOU SHOULD BE OVERWHELMED BY THE OBVIOUS FACT that there is a God.
A. Nature told me - God is glorious.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
Exp. We've talked recently about God's Glory - what makes us go "Wow!"
ill. We've just had the full moon and some lovely clear nights - Constelations, planets, lights in the nights sky - HAVE YOU GIVEN GLORY TO GOD RECENTLY BECAUSE THE HEAVENS SHOUTED HIS GLORY!
ill. Touring the Lincoln museum - sight and sounds theatre - glorious experience - incredible illusions - man who disappeared and you didn't know if he was real or a hologram like the things around him. (He was real - I didn't mind speaking with the employees about the glory of what I had seen.)
app. How can man go through life IGNORANT OF THE GLORY OF GOD AND NOT GLORIFYING GOD FOR HIS CREATION?
B. Nature told me - God is the designer of life.
and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
ill. I typed this message looking at a high resolution computer screen. I'm not a betting person - but if you were fool enough to nag me into betting that my computer WAS designed because you BET it happened by random processes, YOU DESERVE TO LOSE YOUR MONEY.
NOTE: People who bet their eternity on the thought that EVERYTHING is the process of random chance - SADLY DESERVE TO LOSE THEIR SOUL IN HELL FOR DENYING THE CREATOR GOD.
exp. The firmament is the expanse above us - the sky.
exp. SINCE God exists, shouldn't we be able to see evidence of design in His creation? God's Word says the
exp. How random does a rainbow look to you? The colors and bow are always the same.
ill. A city in Taiwan recently got the guiness book of world records for the longest recorded rainbow which lasted for 8 hours and 58 minutes.
ill. Although we get floods and droughts - THEY ARE UNUSUAL and the seas don't incredibly rise or fall. The water cycles shouts THE HANDYWORK OF GOD.
ill. The earth's atmosphere is a shield through which space rocks burn up (falling stars) protecting us. Psa 47:9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
app. You don't have to look far today to see the DESIGNER'S WORK.
C. Nature teaches me day and night.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
ill. Between the OT and the NT there are 400 years of silence where God gave no new revelation. God stopped speaking. After the NT - God has stopped speaking again - BECAUSE HIS WRITTEN REVELATION TO MANKIND IS COMPLETE. (Praise God - He continues to speak through His Word.)
ill. Nature however, HAS NEVER STOPPED GIVING NEW REVELATION OF THE GLORY OF GOD - DAY AND NIGHT - HIS CREATION CRIES OUT ABOUT HIS GLORY.
ill. Man who said, "If I could sense God, I would believe in him." They had a beautiful flower garden. I said, "Open your eyes and look at God's creation. Smell His handywork in the flowers. Touch His creation and see his design. Eat His provision and know His good work. Hear him in the beauty of language, music and sound.
app. You are without excuse athiest UNBELIEVER when you die and stand at God's judgment seat - NATURE WILL TESTIFY AGAINST YOU THAT YOU REFUSED TO LISTEN TO HER CRY THAT THERE IS A CREATOR GOD!
D. Nature speaks in every language.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
exp. Specific revelation (God's written Word) has not reached into everyplace on earth - however, natural revelation has done so.
ill. It used to bother me that people would go to Hell for not knowing Jesus when they had never heard. HOWEVER - GOD IS A JUST GOD AND HIS CREATION IS CRYING OUT ABOUT HIS EXISTENCE. I take comfort in the following verse....
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
ill. The Bible records the spiritual journey of some men who sought God.
- Wise men from the east.
- The Ethiopean Eunuch - leaving Jerusalem with an Isaiah scroll and God miraculously sending him a preacher to tell him about Jesus.
- Cornelius - receiving a dream from God to send for Peter.
app. That is why God's Word declares that judgment will come upon all who KNOW NOT GOD.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
E. Nature speaks the language of order and purpose.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
exp. The sun is beautiful and ordered as we orbit around it and it orbits around the Milky Way. But it isn't just on a very specific course it also has a purpose for life - "There is nothing hid from the heat thereof."
app. Have you ever noted that evolutionists are the luckiest people ever. Oxygen - just happened. Water, just happened. There are billions of living things on this planet who do very well and very specifically what they do to balance our incredible ecosystem and THEY JUST HAPPENED.
QUESTION - Are you dumb enough today to believe nature's testimony that there is a God? Can you say with David, "I know that there is a God."
II. I know that the Bible is the Word of God.
exp. Since God exists - isn't it rational to believe that the Being that gave us language would communicate to use through language.
ill. Foolish evolutionists who believe in life somewhere else have invested billions of their currency persuing the ablity to communicate with extra terrestrial beings. They have heard little blips out there somewhere and have concluded that there is life and we have sent out probes with stuff in them....
app. But the same people, have the Bible which is infallible, WITHOUT ERROR, with fulfilled prophecy, scientific foreknowledge, and divine truth upon which Christian nations have been built which were world leaders and yet they are TOO SMART TO SAY IN SIMPLICITY - I know that the Bible is the Word of God.
A. God's law was all that I needed to get converted.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:
def. perfect - in God's Word means - complete or entire.
def. converting - turning back
ill. Eddie - Started reading God's Word - from the beginning - went through the law and was brought to great conviction of sin. Got to the Gospel and gave everything to God and God took away the burden of guilt - Eddie's soul was converted.
app. Has your soul been converted - IT IS ONLY ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD. Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
B. God's law was all that I needed to get wisdom.
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
exp. As we have considered, there are a lot of people who profess wisdom who are intensely ignorant.
ill. Romans 1:21-22 - The theme verses for atheism.
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Psa 53:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
exp. When man lives as if there is no God - He lives a very wicked life because THERE IS NO ABSOLUTE TRUTH - RIGHT AND WRONG. How foolish they are and how their folly will be revealed at the judgment.
app. Nature shouts - THERE IS A GOD! But, the Word of God tells us Who He is and how to know Him. Friends who are simple enough to receive it - WISDOM IF FOUND IN GOD'S WORD.
C. God's law was all that I needed to get truth.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:
exp. Truth is refreshing. I get depressed when I listen to the falsehood of this world.
ill. Legislating wickedness - homosexual marriage, anti-smacking legislation, hate crime legislation targetting Christianity and freedom of speech.
app. But the Word of God is A BREATH OF FRESH AIR - and the world will not judge us but the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE WILL. PRAISE GOD FOR HIS RIGHTEOUS WORD!
D. God's law was all that I needed to get my eyes opened.
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
exp. Those who find TRUTH find life and WONDER WHY THEY NEVER SAW IT BEFORE.
ill. Like a man who is dying of dehydration after passing through a dessert who comes upon a pool of refreshing water and HIS SOUL IS REVIVED.
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
app. Have your eyes been opened by God's Word - FRIEND IF NOT - YOU HAD BETTER CRY OUT FOR GOD'S MERCY TO OPEN YOUR EYES BEFORE IT IS ETERNALLY TOO LATE.
E. God's law was all that man has ever needed to get cleansing.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
exp. God's Word teaches me to fear God and to cry out to Him for His cleansing.
ill. Like a mirror - God's Word reveals the flaws of our human condition of depravity and sin.
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Isa 64:6 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.
exp. But the RIGHTEOUS WORD OF GOD CAN CLEANSE US.
Psa 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
ill. Painting - getting the paint off of my hands - I don't like to be filthy.
app. Can you be content in the filth of your sin? God's righteous Word will cleanse you.
F. BECAUSE IT IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD - I value my Bible more than anything.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
exp. If you had to decide between having your Bible and having anything else, what would you take?
app. If you said, "You've got to give up your Bibles or give up your cars, I'd give up my cars." There is nothing of greater importance to myself or my family that THE VERY WORD'S OF THE CREATOR GOD. Are you dumb enough to know that the Bible is the Word of God?
III. I know that I am responsible to God.
exp. Nature is crying out - there is a God. God's Word tells me who that God is - BECAUSE OF KNOWING THESE TRUTHS - I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
Ill. Since God designed me and saw fit to reveal to me HIS WILL. As His creation I am responsible to obey HIS WILL as revealed in His Word.
A. The Bible told me about God's judgment and reward.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
ill. What kind of idiot soldier would ignore his map and classified information. He would be an undecorated dead soldier.
app. Are you smart enough to heed God's warning and live for God's reward? David was....
B. The Bible told me about the hidden sin in my heart.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
exp. As David saw God's glory in creation and His holiness as revealed in God's Word, David knew the depravity of His heart towards God.
ill. John Van Gelderen - is a good friend. His brother Wayne is a great preacher and their family is a wonderful family. However, growing up knowing there family - I was intimidated by them a bit because they appeared perfect. (Pastor Wayne Van Gelderen's hair is even perfect.)
exp. They are not perfect - their church supports our family in our ministry over here and is praying with us for God to send revival.
exp. They aren't perfect - BUT GOD IS. 1Jn 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
app. Friend, do you tremble at the sin which so easily comes into your life? David did BECAUSE HE UNDERSTOOD THAT HE WOULD ANSWER TO GOD.
C. The Bible told me that I must depend upon God for victory.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
exp. David didn't just fear sins of ignorance, he feared living in wilful disobedience to God. (SINS OF PRESUMPTION.) I know it is wrong but I do it anyway.
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
app. Are you wilfully violating God's Word? Do you not tremble today to know that you will answer to God for wilfully violating His law?
D. The Bible told me that I must live life aware of the watchfulness of God.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
exp. Oh, the Psalmist knew that God was not ignorant of the words of His mouth or the very secret thoughts of his heart. But, Oh, how he wanted even in the secret of His heart and the intimacy of his speech to honor God!
Psalm 139 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
ill. If the boss had cctv in your workspace - how would that knowledge effect your labor? Do you think you would be diligent with your time and careful about speaking disparagingly about your boss?
question: How responsible do you feel today to your Creator? Do you long to please Him even by what you think and what you say? David knew He was responsible to God? Do you?
conclusion:
I'm glad that God can use me despite my lack of deep intelligence. I just have to be simple enough to know 3 truths without which YOU WILL NEVER SEE GOD EXCEPT AT THE JUDGMENT.
1.) I KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD.
2.) I KNOW THAT THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD.
3.) I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
