God is Angry … at You
Introduction
About a month ago I woke up with this message very heavy on my heart. God was angry and not just at some anonymous stranger, but specifically at His church. God began to give me things and I worked at writing them down, not knowing at the time just how it all would fit together.
God has done this to me many times, but I have to tell you that I have never had so many obstacles and hindrances in preparing a message as I have this one. In fact, it got so ridiculously oblivious that I even tested it a few times. I would set down to write down some inspiration that God had given me and without fail I encountered a major interruption, usually in the form of a person sent just to try and distract me. Of course, it didn’t work, because here it is. I had to be determined that I was going to finish it no matter what, giving up sleep, lunch, whatever it took. So I guess the devil finally gave up.
As I was getting the message about God’s anger (wrath) I asked Him to tell me just what He is angry about and I was flooded with things, too many to record. So I had to go back and ask Him to narrow it down to just 4 or 5 manageable areas because any more than that would have to be a book and not a sermon. And who would want to buy a book entitled “God is Angry at you.”
Well God gave me two main categories within the church; the Undecided, and the Backslider at heart.
I know some people are tuning me out already. They are saying, “Well this doesn’t apply to me.” Well, don’t be too sure! You may think, “I’ve been attending this church for over 20 years now, this doesn’t apply to me.” Well, don’t be too sure! Or you may say, “I pay my tithes and sing in the choir, so this doesn’t apply to me.” Well, don’t be too sure! Or you may say, “I am a deacon, an elder, or even the Pastor, so this doesn’t apply to me.” Well, don’t be too sure!
For God then went on to give me four steps under the backslider at heart; the Charmed, the Entangled, the Lukewarm, and the Disobedient.
I understood the Undecided category, but the others just didn’t make sense at first. But then as I pondered on the list it became crystal clear. You see, a person normally does not backslide overnight, instead there are progressive steps, four to be exact.
I. Undecided – (Choosing the world) – Must choose
II. The Backslider in Heart
A. Charmed – (Mesmerized by the world/sin) – Awake, look to Jesus
B. Entangled – (Allured by the world/sin) – Separate yourself
C. Lukewarm – (Compromised with world/sin) – Stir up your heart, 1st love
D. Disobedient – (Justifying your sin) – Repent & Return
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It is time for a final Warning to His church.
Jonathan Edwards preached a sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” on July 8th 1741. That was 270 years ago. I think it is time to preach the main message of this sermon again. Especially since God has stored up even more wrath since then.
Jude 1:23 (NKJV) 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
Let me also mention one last thing. As I got this message and realized the enormous load of responsibility, I asked only one thing of God. I told Him I would record it, personally deliver it (if He opens the door), and make it available to others (Internet, mail etc) on one condition; That He would once again draw sinners to his altar of mercy.
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Makeup of the Modern Church
Before I can address the two categories of people that God is directing this message to, let me clarify the definition of the modern church. I have been in church since birth and been around the world, I can tell you that most modern churches have several different types of people, and they are not all there for the right reasons.
Current polls say (From many sources). 93% of those who claim to be born again Christians live secular lives and have a secular world view. About 50% don’t believe in the Holy Spirit or that Satan is real. Nearly 40% have never given the first penny to Kingdom work.
From Barna surveys (www.barna.org) Less than 46% of self-identified Christians read the Bible at all. And the largest change in beliefs since 1991 was the ten-point decline in those who firmly believe that the Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches. Only 43% of self-identified Christians now have such a strong belief in the Bible.
And this is the one that got me the most. Although the divinity and perfection of Jesus Christ is a core teaching of the Christian faith, tens of millions of Christians do not accept that teaching. More than one-fifth (22%) strongly agreed that Jesus Christ sinned when He lived on earth, with an additional 17% agreeing somewhat. Holding the opposing (and correct) view were 9% who disagreed somewhat and 46% who disagreed strongly. Six percent did not have an opinion on this matter.
I could go on quoting statistics that prove the Modern church is in serious trouble.
I want to believe that this does not affect us here locally, that it only applies to the church at large, but I know that when the enemy planted his tares in the church he did it to all of them. So sadly there are people here that do not really know the Lord we sing about.
The Wheat and the Tares
Matthew 13:24-30 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: [25] But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. [26] But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. [27] So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? [28] He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? [29] But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. [30] Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
There are the Deceivers – Satan has put them here to deceive and destroy.
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
There are the Deceived – They only think they are saved, but are not. They know of the savior but do not truly know or love Him.
Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 25:41-46 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [42] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: [43] I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. [44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? [45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
There are the Undecided - They believe in the redemption of the cross but are not willing to fully commit their lives to Christ. (They are afraid of what they might have to give up.)
There are the Party Crashers – They are just here for the fellowship and support of others, they don’t have any real desire to live for Christ.
There are the Reprobate – They are lost, possibly forever. Having turned away from God so many times that God has given up on them and turned them over to a Reprobate mind. They are here to criticize, complain, confuse, and weaken the church.
There are the Religious – By far the most disruptive and destructive group. Relying on their own self-righteousness. They are proud and critical seeking control and their own selfish way. They are here to side track, sabotage, or incapacitate the work and mercy of God. If they cannot control they will seek to split and divide the church.
There are the Believers – People having made a decision for Christ. Their heart is toward the Lord. I didn’t say perfect, I said decided. This is the smallest group of the church, but the ones God is most concerned with.
Then there are the Backsliders – Those once saved, having made a commitment to Christ but who have grown cold, indifferent, or lost their way entirely. Their heart is no longer with the Lord. This is the largest group in the church. Most people don’t even know that they are in this group.
When the children of Israel came out of Egypt did you know there were a large group of other people who came with them. They were the prior rich, the task masters, and people from many other nations who witnessed the power of God. Do you know what God had to say to them? Nothing.
Tonight I am only going to address two groups; the Undecided and the backsliders in heart. This may surprise you but God isn’t really concerned with the rest. You know why? Because he has already given His true church the power and authority to overcome the divisive work of the Tares.
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My Reason for this Message
I was saved at 9 years old. A new preacher (Pastor William Pratt) came to our church and explained the Gospel for the first time (without screaming it). He explained that it all requires faith in what Jesus did for us on the Cross. He told me I needed to repent and commit my life to the Lord. I felt the convicting power of God upon me, my heart was beating so strongly, as and I clung to the seat in front of me. For the first time I realized I was a sinner bound for hell without God’s forgiveness. Finally, I let go and ran to the altar, begging for God to show me mercy. Two or three hours later I got up a different person.
This is a question to you senior adults. When is the last time you witnessed this? I know most of the young people have never seen this. Never seen a sinner scream under conviction and run to God’s altar of mercy. Sadly, our churches are fruitless, barren, and powerless. Sooner or latter we must examine ourselves and ask why? If you listen to this message with your spiritual ears I think you’ll discover the reason.
I want more than just a form of godliness. (2 Tim 3:5) If we are just going to play church, I don’t want to play. In case you haven’t heard yet, Jesus is coming back any moment now.
I want God to restore His church.
I want God to bring back the fullness of the Holy Spirit Power.
I want God to awaken us to the desperate hour we live in.
I want miracles to be common place again.
I want the broken to be restored, the lamb to walk, and the dead to arise.
I want sinners to once again run to the altar of mercy.
I want God’s last day church to be a force that shakes the gates of Hell and transforms this world.
God promises these things in His Word. So why are we powerless?
The early church prayed Peter right out of prison (Act 12) but we (the modern church) for the most part couldn’t pray a brother out of a parking ticket. We have a form of godliness but deny (reject or refuse) the Power of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:5). The bible tells us to not have anything to do with such a church. To get out of it.
So what’s the problem? Where are the miracles we read about in the bible? Where are the promises we read about in the bible? There could only be two solutions; either God’s word is not true, or there is sin in the camp.
Do you know what is worse than sin in the camp? It is the allowance (or acceptance) of sin in the camp. (1 Cor 5:1-2)
Do you think that God is only Angry with the Wicked? You are wrong. Yes, He is angry with the Wicked. (Ps 7:11) But read through the Bible and you will see that most of His anger is directed toward His own people. (Isa 5:25, Ps 74:1-2, Ps 80:3-4, Ps 85:4-6) In fact, remember God was so Angry with Moses that he was not allowed to enter into the promised land because he disobeyed one time and did not honor God in front of the people. (Deut 4:21-22, Deut 3:23-26).
There is a reason, He is angry with those He loves the most because they are backsliding in heart. He is also angry with those who hurt or hinder those He loves the most. Eternal souls are at stake.
I know God is about to clean house. For Judgment begins at the House of God. (1 Pet 4:17)
God is going to call some out of this modern church for a great last day work.
God is about to do something spectacular. He is going to call out a remnant of true believers, ones unattached to this world and dedicated completely to Him, who have the power and faith to shake this world. The bible tells us that they (these few) will do great exploits for God (Dan 11:32) in the last days.
I pray this message will awaken His sleeping saints.
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God is Angry, and I don’t mean just a little
God’s full wrath coming and no man can stand in His presence (Heb 10:31)
The Children of Israel only had one direct encounter with God.
Exodus 19:10-11 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, [11] And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.
Exodus 19:16-19 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. [17] And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. [18] And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. [19] And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.
Later…
Exodus 20:18-19 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. [19] And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
If men cannot stand before God who came just to speak to them, how can any man stand before an Angry God? Jesus came once as a lamb, but next time He is coming as a Lion!
That day is coming soon. He is coming and He is Angry!
It will be an awesome and terrible day, one of unimaginable fear and dread. When God’s wrath is pored out on mankind. When He has had enough! His anger from the sin of Cain until this very moment. When the fierce power of God’s presence appears no man will stand in His presence, even the angels will hide their eyes. Only one, Jesus Christ, can stand before him, and those hiding behind Him. Jesus will be extending his arms protecting those behind Him. He will say “Do not touch those who have committed their lives to me.”
His Wrath is come, who will stand?
Matthew 3:7-8 (KJV) 7 But when he (John the Baptist) saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Rev. 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
Revelation 16:15-21 (NKJV) 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
Isaiah 2:10-11 (NKJV) 10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
Isaiah 2:19-21 (NKJV) 19 They shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily. 20 In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver And his idols of gold, Which they made, each for himself to worship, To the moles and bats, 21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, And into the crags of the rugged rocks, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.
Revelation 6:12-17 (NKJV) 12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"
Isaiah 13:6-8 (NKJV) 6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man's heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames….
You had better Fear Him!
Luke 12:4-5 (NKJV) 4 "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
You had better be Kneeling behind Jesus on that day!
Isai 26:20 (KJS) Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
Then soon thereafter comes the Great White Throne day of Judgment
Revelation 20:11-15 (NKJV) 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Roma 14:9 (KJS) For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 …for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, [As] I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Acts 17:31 (NKJV) 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
Only those written in the book of life will enter into His Heaven. (Rev 21:27)
Exodus 32:33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
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To hear that God is Angry is strange to us, why?
Is God really Angry?
Ezekiel 8:18 (NKJV) 18 Therefore I also will act in fury. My eye will not spare nor will I have pity; and though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them."
God is the same Yesterday, today, and forever. There is but One God
Hebr 13:8 (KJS) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Mala 3:6 For I [am] the LORD, I change not; …
Jame 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
He changes not.
Remember Jesus got Angry
Matthew 21:12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, [13] And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Why then do we (the modern church) have two Gods? The fierce and jealous God of the Old Testament, and our new lenient and merciful god of the New Testament? Our god is kind, understanding, never angry, always supportive and ready to help us accomplish our goals. (Our god is Aunt Bee.)
Most of the modern American church romanticizes the New Testament, we read with blinders, picking only the verses that we like and ignoring the rest. We misinterpret most of it completely. We must remember that the New Testament was written by persecuted people as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit to a heavily persecuted church.
It is time for us to put away our idolatry and serve the one and only God of the Bible. He is loving and merciful, but He is also a jealous and fierce God. He is not willing that any would perish (2Pet 3:9) and loves us with a perfect love (1Joh 4:18) so naturally He does not want us to be drawn away into idolatry and sin.
This is the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God. (2 Thes 1:5)
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How can a God of such Love be Angry?
People say, God is Love, so how can Love and anger coexist?
Imagine if you will: you are visiting a park and you see a woman holding the hand of her two year old at the waters edge, while he throws bread crumbs to the ducks. You watch it for a few minutes and see the love and joy in her eyes as she watches his excitement.
Now for some crazy reason you get the urge to run up and shove the little boy into the water. When you do, the woman screams and instantly jumps in to pull her child out of the water. He is choking and crying as she lays him over her shoulder and pats him on the back. When she steps back out of the water and checks him again to make sure he is ok, you will see her turn toward you with fire in her eyes. You had better run, because she is going to get you.
The greater the love, the greater the danger, the greater the anger.
Once when my son Ryan was just about 4 years old. We were on leave from the service and visiting my parents house. I have forgotten the details, but I told Ryan to do something and he said “No” for the first time. I was shocked and wheeled around to face him, he could see the fire in my eyes. As I started toward him my Mother jumped between us trying to make excuses for him, knowing what was going to happen. She said ‘He didn’t mean no, he meant he would rather not do that right now.” “Mom,” I calmly said, “Get out of my way. He said no, and he is going to face the consequences.” I brought him in the room and we both had a little talk with Jesus, he never said that again.
Now why was I so upset? It was because I loved him so much. I could not let him get away with telling me “No” at 4 years old, if I did what would he be saying at 14?
I wasn’t so much angry at him as I was for him.
The greater the love, the greater the danger, the greater the anger.
Suppose you bring your little boy outside to play in the grass while you water the plants. He is doing ok, but then you look over and he is playing with some big bricks that are piled up next to the house. “Leave them alone, they can hurt you.” You yell to little Johnny. You go back to watering when suddenly you hear him scream out in pain, he had pulled one of the bricks down on his toe. So you run over, knell down to inspect his sore, then you say “I told you to leave them alone didn’t I, next time you need to mind me.”
Now suppose you are taking little Johnny and his baby brother to the grocery store. They were out of carts so you are holding the baby and two bags in one hand and little Johnny and two more bags in the other. The sidewalk is right next to a very busy road. As you come out trying not to drop anything little Johnny is whining and trying to pull away because he wants to be the first one back to the car. So you hold his hand tighter and say “Stop it Johnny, you need to hold my hand because this is a dangerous road.” But then suddenly the baby rears back and you are distracted for a second, long enough for little Johnny to make his break and start running down the sidewalk and right into the road. You drop all you bags and run toward him as several cars screech to a stop to avoid hitting him. When you finally get him back to the safety of the sidewalk, you scream “I’m going to spank you, I told you to never pull away from me. You could have been run over by that car.”
Why the difference in your reaction and tone? Because your anger was in direct portion to the potential danger he faced.
God is the same way. Except that the danger we face is far beyond anything we can imagine, it is eternal damnation in a real burning hell.
And He is not just afraid for us, but all of His other children that we will either bring with us or we won’t be available to help if we fall away.
This is very serious to Him because He understands and sees the potential eternal danger.
It is true that God is slow (or reluctant) to anger (Neh 9:17, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2) but He has reason for His Holy anger.
God wants nothing more than to show mercy
Micah 7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
But this is not a game, this is war. A war for your eternal soul.
So yes, God is angry when we walk so close to the greatest dangers. This is the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God. (2 Thes 1:5)
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Who is God most Angry at within His church?
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I. God is Angry at the Undecided?
1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
His offer is simple. Without Him you will die in your sins and be condemned to eternal hell. But if you accept and believe in what His son Jesus did for you by dieing on the cross in your place, and you repent and commit your life to Him, he will save you.
You give Him this temporary life (full of pain, sorrow, disappointment, and loss) In exchange for Eternal joy, peace, and love with Him. It’s a no-brainer. So what’s holding you back?
Actually there really is no real category as Undecided. There is the unheard or the rejected. If you have heard the Gospel, then you have already decided, you have chosen the world.
Suppose:
You and your family are visiting another country with a group of friends and one person is caught stealing a $5 little statue of Buddha. He is immediately arrested and brought before a judge. Four witnesses testify against him and the Judge orders for him to return the item or have his right hand chopped off. He cries out and clings to the statue, unwilling to let it go. As he begs for mercy the Judge signals and a huge man with a machete enters the room. The condemned man, still crying, is clinging to the statue with his left hand as his right hand is tied to a chopping block. You are very distressed and upset, begging him to just let go of the statue. When suddenly you hear your own son yell out “Wait…Wait…I will take his punishment.” You are shocked and do not want this to happen, but your son begs you to allow him to take his place. Before you can react the real criminal is untied and jumps up, gladly letting your son be tied and forced into his place. Then before you can react, the huge man wields the machete and cuts off your son’s hand. He screams in pain and you run to comfort him, hardly believing that he would make such a sacrifice. But while you are consoling your son, you hear laughter and look up to see the real criminal laughing and showing his prize statue to another member of your group. How could he keep it now, after the sacrifice your son made for him.
What would you do? I know I would be furious.
How much more would God be angry with those who callously reject his son’s offer again and again?
Think about this. Why did God allow the children of Israel to be destroyed in 70 AD and be scattered throughout the world, to be mass murdered by Hitler, and be the target of hatred for the past 2000 years? Why, Because they did not accept His Son. So do you think He will let people harden their hearts time and time again, in a sense rejecting Jesus in favor of this world? No, there is a point where His patience will run out.
Gene 6:3 (KJS) And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
He angry because so many have rejected His Son time and time again.
Not responding to God’s convicting power is a choice.
What if Lot told the Angel that he was not ready to make a decision to flee Sodom?
What if the children of Israel told Moses they were not ready to make a decision to leave Egypt?
What if Nineveh told Jonah they were not ready to make a decision to repent?
What if Noah told God he was not ready to get into the ark?
What if Peter told Jesus he was not ready to follow him?
Some decisions cannot be delayed.
Be warned, you cannot come any time you want.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Some cannot find repentance, remember it is God who leads us to repentance (Rom 2:4)
Hebrews 12:16-17 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. [17] For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
God can give a person over to a reprobate mind
Roma 1:28 (KJS) And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Warning! Some say a person can get saved after the rapture. Listen to this.
2The 1:5 (KJS) [Which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: …
2The 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; …
2The 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, …(Rapture)
2The 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, (Antichrist) whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (The previously rejected God’s offer) 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
- Those who reject the gospel now may not get another opportunity.
Today (only) is the day of salvation.
2 Cor. 6:2 For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
You may not have another opportunity (none is promised)
Remember the 5 foolish virgins who had no oil. The Door was closed!
Matthew 25:10-13 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. [11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
My suggestion: Run to this Altar of Mercy while you still can.
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II. God is Angry with the Backslider in Heart
Prov 14:14 (KJS) The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: …
Luke 9:62 (KJS) And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
God is very angry with the backslider (Jer 3:12, Hos 14:4), why? Because his heart is being drawn away from God.
Hebrews 3:12-14 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. [13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. [14] For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
He said “Take Heed Brethren” so he’s talking to me and you!
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A. God is Angry at the Charmed
Snake charmers hypnotise (or Mesmerize) a highly venomous snake by movements and the playing of an instrument. This causes the snake to be slow and latheric, almost unwilling to strike as the charmer gets closer and closer. (I have seen children kiss the head of a python)
Sound familiar, it should because this is the number one disease of the modern church. We (the church) have the power of the Holy Spirit and the Promises of God yet most are powerless, inpotent, latheric, asleep, uncaring, desentisized, unproductive, and lazy.
Matthew 26:40-41 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? [41] Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Jesus sounds a little upset here. Well God is still upset at His sleeping church.
Why are we so sleepy? Because we are full and in need of nothing.
Deut. 8:11-14 Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: [12] Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; [13] And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; [14] Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
Rev. 3:16-17 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
>We say we care, but do we trully care about the millions all over the world being tortured and facing death right now because they dared to claim Jesus as their Lord?
Hebrews 13:3 (KJV) 3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
>What about the person sitting next to you? Or across the street? Or the woman wondering where she will get the money to feed her children, or the lonely man who lost his wife, or the parents whose daughter is suffering from cancer, do we care? (We would if it was our daughter.)
There is something that I have noticed, sadly even in myself at times. Often we are so busy with the quest for things and pleasures of life that we are no longer moved by the plight of others. Do we hear others share fears and troubling news only to offer a quick passing prayer? Instead of holding them, supporting them, and storming heaven on their behalf? Do we excuse our selfish behavior hoping someone else will fast and intercede for them justifying ourselves by saying we do not have the gift of Intercession? Intercession is not a gift, it is a caring choice. If we are not going to weep with those who weep (Rom 12:15, 1 Cor 12:26) why do we meet together? No man should carry a burden alone. We are designed to strengthen and support one another.
>We say we believe that we are living in the last moments of the last days, but do we live like we really believe it?
>We say we Love the Lord (trully Love Him) but do we live like we do? Do we put Him first, or are we too busy (with cares of this life) that we crowd our the Lord?
>Are we busy about the Father’s work? What did He tell the church? What is their one mandate, or mission? To Go and Preach the Gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15) This is not the Great Commission, but the Only commission. Sadly, less than 2% ever share their faith. While we are silent, asleep, apathetic, and watching our favorite TV shows, the devil is busy luring our children away to their doom.
God is upset, especially when He calls to us to reach out to others before it is too late.
Remember God loves all people, He is not willing that ANY should perish, but all should come to Repentance. (2 Pet 3:9)
Yes, God is angry with the sinners. Now imagine what He sees every day, all the time; He sees ever lie, every murder, every theft, every child that is raped or sold into sexual slavery, every Christian tortured and killed for his/her faith, every lying witness, every genocide, every person that supports the billion dollar pornography industry, and every missed opportunity to share the Gospel.
He is angry at sinners, but do you know who He is most angry with? His church. The ones He has placed her and granted the power and authority to make a difference, yet largely they are doing nothing.
Judgment begins at the House of God. (1 Pet 4:17)
We (the church) cannot make a difference, when there is no difference. (Let me read this again)
While His children perish at the estimated rate of over 162 a minute. Plunging into a real burning Hell.
>>With an estimated 232,876 humans dying every day, 90% of them or about 209,588 people are plunging into hell every day. (That’s over 162 a minute)
Matthew 7:14 (NKJV) 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Luke 13:23-24 (NKJV) 23 Then one said to Him, "Lord, are there few who are saved?" And He said to them, 24 "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Does that bother you? It does God. He is angry about it. This is Serious, and He is very serious.
Remember the Rich man who died and immediately opened his eyes in the torments of hell.
Luke 16:19-25 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. [25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
If we could get just a glimpse of eternal hell we would be out of our comfortable pews and making a difference in our families and in everyone we meet. I wish I could take the roof off this building and set the walls on fire so you could get just a taste of Hell. Maybe you would see why God is so serious about it.
>>
Hell is a real place. The Bible says that God created this terrible place to serve as the ultimate destiny of the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). The Bible also teaches that Hell will be the destiny of all people who reject the grace and mercy God has provided through Jesus (Matthew 25:46). Hell is described in the Scriptures as a place of utter darkness and extreme despair (Matthew 22:13, 25:30), a place of burning fire (Matthew 5:22), a place of torment (Revelation 14:10), a place of destruction (Matthew 7:13), and a place of disgrace and everlasting contempt (Daniel 12:2). Hell is a terrifying, horrendous, ghastly place that should be avoided at all costs. You certainly do not want your friends or your family to go there — there will be no parties in hell! — and you should do all you can to make sure it is not your final home.
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Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
God is angry because largely His church is asleep. Unaware of the hour we live in or the short time we have to make a difference.
Psalm 35:23 (KJV) 23 Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
Romans 13:11-12 (KJV) 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
1 Corinthians 15:34 (NKJV) 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
How do you fix this? Simple, stir yourself up, wake up and seek the Lord with all your heart again. Then He will open your eyes and your heart.
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B. God is angry at the Entangled
When the devil successfully mesmerizes us he then can easily entangle us.
The modern Church looks so much like the world, that you can’t even tell the difference anymore.
- We dress alike
- Act alike
- Talk alike
- Watch the same TV shows and movies
- Go to the same beaches
- Have the same motives, aspirations, and plans
- Lust for the same things in this world
- We visit the same web sites
- Have the same desire to be popular and liked
- Drive the same cars
- Have the same wide screen TV’s and latest smart phones
- Spend our weekends on the same river
- Quest for the same fame and riches
- Have the same dusty, unread bibles on our shelves
- Divorce at a rate in the church is higher than the world around us
The only difference is that we usually dress up and go to church on Sunday.
The church (Christians) rather than being “transformed” (Rom. 12:2); they have conformed to the world around them.
People say to the Lord, “don’t come back yet Lord, I’ve got a cruse planned for this summer, or I just brought a new boat and want to spend the summer on the river.”
Matt 10: 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
What part of “Be ye separate” don’t we understand?
Do you remember the warning God gave to the children of Israel many times?
Exodus 23:32 (NKJV) 32 You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.
Joshua 23:11-13 (KJV) 11 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God. 12 Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: 13 Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.
(Exo 34:16, Deut 7:3, Ezra 9:12)
Remember what happened to the children of Israel when they married foreign wives (Ezra 9:1-10:19) They had to divorce and get rid of them. God was serious.
You say, that’s old testament. Well what does it say in the New Testament?
2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."
1 John 2:15 (NKJV) 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
James 1:27 (NKJV) 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
James 4:4 (NKJV) 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (NKJV) 14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Ephes. 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Do these scriptures mean anything to us anymore? Do you realize the danger of entanglement?
2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
2 Peter 2:20-22 (NKJV) 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."
Do we really think it’s ok to date or marry a non-believer? Do we think it’s ok to make their our close friends? (Be loving and kind to all, but be careful who you let into your heart)
Be careful, you are playing with fire.
Remember Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, the inspired writer of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, is most likely at this moment and for the past 3000 years suffering in the pits of hell.
- Solomon Loved the Lord 1 Kin 3:3… “And Solomon loved the LORD, …”
- The Lord Loved Solomon 2 Sam 12:24…” and he called his name Solomon. Now the LORD loved him,…”
- God told the Israelites NOT to accumulate wives or horses from Egypt. Deut 17:15-17
- Solomon did both, in fact he had 700 wives and 300 concubines. (1 Kin 11:3) He had 40,000 stalls of horses (1 Kin 4:26)
In Solomon's day wives were currency. For example, a lesser king would seal a treaty with a greater king by offering up his daughter to be the wife of his victorious opponent. Solomon, being the aggressive king that he was, acquired many wives through this process. The offerings of daughters became tokens of friendship between the Solomon and other kings. Solomon became intoxicated from this and fell into idolatry. 1 Kings 11:1-12 tells the story of his demise.
- Solomon’s heart is turned to Idolatry (1 Kin 11:4)
- God is angry with Solomon (1 Kin 11:8-9) and vows to tear the kingdom from the hand of his son. (vr 11-12).
You cannot serve two masters.
Matthew 6:24 (NKJV) 24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
God is a Jealous God, he will not share you with the World
Deuteronomy 4:23-24 (NKJV) 23 Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the LORD your God has forbidden you. 24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
Deuteronomy 6:15 (NKJV) 15 (for the LORD your God is a jealous God among you), lest the anger of the LORD your God be aroused against you and destroy you from the face of the earth.
We are called to be Holy.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV) 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (lifestyle); 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Hebr 12:14 (KJS) Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Leviticus 20:26 (NKJV) 26 And you shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.
1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
What is Holiness? It means=Dedicated or devoted to the service of God. Reserved from profane or common use. Innocence and virtue. Pure in heart. Godly in nature and character. But primarily: Set apart for the service and use of God.
The problem is we have passed compromise, we are in love with the world.
2 Timothy 4:10 (NKJV) 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica--…
Come out from among the World
2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."
Revelation 18:4 (NKJV) 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
Ephesians 5:27 (NKJV) 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
The word “Church” original meaning is “those called out of (Babylon).” The word "church" is the translation of the Greek word EKKLÇSIA which is really made up of two Greek words: 1) EK which means "out, out of " and 2) KLÇSIS which means "a calling" (from the verb KALEÔ which means "to call"). If we put these two meanings together we have "a calling out." Therefore the term "church" (EKKLÇSIA) means "an assembly of called-out ones, a called-out assembly."
God’s warning to the Church is to Remember Lot’s wife. (Lu 17:32) Why did He say that?
There was a reason God urged Lot to get out of the city. (Coming judgment)
Lot’s wife was so entangled with her life of wealth and family that she turned back with longing toward Sodom and God cursed her by turning her into a pillar of salt.
The answer to this problem is simple, choose! This temporary world (and all its sins) or eternal life with the Lord. You cannot have both.
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C. God is angry at the Lukewarm
Rev. 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Matthew 24:12-13 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. [13] But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Once the devil has charmed us with the things of the world, allured us to sleep, made us powerless and uncaring, caused us to accept and compromise with the world, he now has the power to turn our hearts away from God.
Only the Word can pull us back, but the Cares and riches of this world has chocked out the Word
Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Test yourself
2 Cor. 13: [5] Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. …
If you are no longer moved by the Spirit of God, if you no longer seek Him diligently, if you no longer care about the plight of your suffering brothers and sisters, if you no longer concerned with your lost loved ones, if you are too busy to read your bible and pray, if you would rather watch TV than pray for your lost children, or if you would rather eat a meal than intercede for someone facing death, then you are lukewarm.
You have lost the most important thing a Christian can have, the spark of the Holy Spirit.
This describes a person who claims to be a Christian, but does not give himself fully to Jesus. Jesus is a part of his life, but only a small part. He gives a little of himself to the cause of Christ, but not his full self. He wants just enough of Jesus to get by without having to really follow the commandments of the Lord.
Are you a lukewarm Christian? Do you go to church on Sunday and Wednesday, then put your bible and God on a shelf the rest of the week?
Do you treat God like a waiter? When you ring the prayer bell is God suppose to come running to serve you. I have a surprise for you, He is not here to serve you, rather you are here to serve Him. Don’t ask God for a list of things without asking Him what you can do for Him first.
Do you still Love the Lord? Or has your love waxed cold?
Matt 24:12 (KJS) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
I have learned one thing in life, …People will make time for what they truly love.
Show me a man’s bible and I can usually tell you if he loves the Lord. (Unless it’s brand new) (I think I have completely worn out several bibles so far, I mean they were held together with duck tape)
Show me a man’s checkbook and I can tell you if he loves the Lord. (Where a man’s treasure is there will be his heart be also (Matt 6:21))
Are we too busy with the World? Listen to this;
Luke 14:16-24 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: [17] And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. [18] And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. [19] And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. [20] And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. [21] So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. [22] And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. [23] And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. [24] For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
If you do not make room for Him, He will not set a place for you.
The love of the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life will keep you from producing Fruit.
Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Instead;
When the Love of the Lord is not within your heart, nor is the Spirit of God, so the attitudes of the world creep in; wining, complaining, stubbornness, pride, envy, unforgiveness, grumbling, complaining, criticizing, critical attitudes, arguing, cursing, gossip, backbiting, lustful spirits, disobedient, greed, and rebellion. (Just to name a few)
Luke 6:43 (KJS) For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
We will produce whatever we grow within our hearts. God will judge the fruitless. (Mar 11:14, Joh 15:2, Lu 13:6-9)
The only way to produce Fruit is in Him
John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
If we are fruitless, it is because we are not in Him.
I can’t do it for you, nor can Pastor, nor can your spouse. Your relationship with Christ is your responsibility; it is your journey. You must decide. You must choose.
The Answer is simple.
The physical location of Laodicea put it in the vicinity of two other cities, Hieropolis and Colosse. These two cities each had a number of natural springs. Hieropolis had hot springs whose waters were reputed to have great medicinal value. Colosse, on the other hand, had cold springs that provided refreshing drinking water. Water from each of these two cities was likely received in Laodicea; but, by the time the water reached that city, it would no longer have been hot or cold, but just lukewarm. As a result, the hot-spring water from Hieropolis would have lost its medicinal value, and the cold-spring water from Colosse would have lost its refreshing value as drinking water.
For the Laodiceans, the only way to get water that was truly hot or cold was to move closer to the source. And, that’s the only cure for a lukewarm life, To get closer to the Source!
Return to Jesus! Lose yourself in Him once again ... Make Him number one.
Personal experence: One day last week I purchased a large Mountain Dew bottle and drank some of it on the way to work. Then I left it in the car until lunch time. When I came out to drive to lunch I was very thristy because it was very hot outside. That’s when I noticed the drink in the cup holder between the seats. “Maybe it hadn’t been in the car long,” I thought. So without thinking much more, I took a big swig only to find that it was hot. I nearlly spit it out, it was not refreshing at all. So then I brought it home that night and put it in the refrigerator. The next morning I carried it to the car and took another drink, it was cold and refreshing. I thought “Boy, what a difference a night in the frig makes.” Suddenly I realized the connection with this lesson and the profound message in this. “Boy, what a difference a night with the Lord makes!”
How to Return
Revelation 2:4-5 (NKJV) 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.
Rev. 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Mark 8:34-35 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [35] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
D. God is Angry at the Disobedient
The Bible is clear. 1Joh 2:4 (KJS) “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” What part of this don’t we understand?
We must obey to stay (In His presence). We cannot live in disobedience.
Ephes. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
We are saved by Faith, but called to Holiness and Obedience.
Of course, we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus (eph 2:8-9, 2 Tim 1:9) and NOT by our works, or our own righteousness, and granted liberty in Christ (2 Cor 3:17, Gal 2:4, Gal 5:1). However, this liberty does not give us a license to sin (Gal 5:13, 1 Pet 2:16, Rom 6:12-16, Heb 10:26-27) because a heart toward sin will turn our heart away from God. This is the danger. You cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24) one will win your heart.
We show (or prove) our faith by our works. (Jam 2:14-18)
We are granted Justification and imputed Righteousness (a right standing) by faith, however, we are promised salvation through continued obedience. (Rev 22:14, Matt 19:17, 1 Joh 2:3-4, 1 Joh 5:3) God’s universal moral laws are written on our hearts (Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10, Rom 2:12-15, Ps 37:31, Rom 1:18-27) and summed up in the action of Love (Matt 22:37-40).
There are those (in the modern church) that have compromised with the world in their Lukewarm condition to the point that now they Justify their sin.
If you seek to Justify your sin, guess what? God will let you.
2 Thes. 2:11-12 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: [12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Believe it or not, there are those who live all week in a fornication relationship and then sing in the choir on Sunday. Did they think God would not notice?
Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
There are those who hate anyone not like them, so proud and arrogant, unforgiving, and unmerciful. Do they really think that God will show them mercy? (Mar 11:26, Lu 6:37) Do they think they are going to step into the presence of a Holy God with sin?
There are those who secretly look at pornography all week and then come boldly into the House of God, thinking that a quick prayer will cover their many sins.
They have no regard for the Law or commandments of God, but live to satisfy their own fleshly desires. They are Lawless. (1 Tim 1:9)
This is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans
Rev. 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
They are Hypocrites at heart
Job 36:13 (NKJV) 13 "But the hypocrites in heart store up wrath; They do not cry for help when He binds them.
A singer named Chris Cagle sings a song called “My life’s been a Country Song.” I heard one line of it the other day that went something like this, “I party all Saturday night and on Sunday make it right.”
Unfortunately, that is the mindset of some. They actually think they can use the blood of Jesus like a hand-stamp, which allows them to get in and out of the kingdom of God.
Yes, God is rich in mercy and ready to forgive, but He knows if your heart is right toward Him with repented intentions. Some are wasting their breath if they have no intention of changing or turning from their sins.
Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV) 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
Prov 28:9 (NKJV) One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
Psalm 66:18 (NKJV) 18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
Isaiah 1:15-18 (NKJV) 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. 16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. 18 "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
The Bible tells us exactly who will not enter His heaven. You had better make sure you are not on one of theses lists.
Rev. 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
1 Cor. 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Romans 1:29-32 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, [20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, [21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephes. 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Rev. 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
I don’t know how it can be any clearer. You must repent of your sins.
Acts 17:30-31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: [31] Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
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Ending:
Though God is Angry, yet His hand of mercy is extended.
Isaiah 10:3-4 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? [4] Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
What God says to the backslider
Zech 1:3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Nehe 1:9 But [if] ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, [yet] will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
Jame 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and [your] joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Take His hand, receive His mercy.
Psalm 6:1-2 …O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. [2] Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
Now I’m not going to ask you to bow your heads and to quickly slip your hands up like a sissy. No, you either feel the convicting power of God on your heart or you don’t. You either want to find mercy or you don’t.
As I stated in the beginning of this message, when I started putting this message together I asked God for one thing. I asked Him to once more call sinners to repentance and to extend His hand of mercy.
So if you saw yourself in any of these categories, I would come and find mercy from His coming wrath.
He is here waiting.
I know I’m going to take advantage of His mercy myself.
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Written by Edward McIntire as inspired by the God of Abraham
Please feel free to preach and distribute this sermon freely, I only ask that you don’t alter it before distributing it to others. I am praying that God will get it into the hands of as many faithful servants as possible so God’s message will reach His last day Church. I have done my part. I wrote down what God gave me, now it is in His Hands. But I believe this message is a great last day warning to His church. So ask God what He wants you to do with it.
I would love to hear back to find out what God does with this sermon. Please email me at jmcintire222@yahoo.com.
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