God - Is There Not a Cause? (jkj 003)

Is There Not a Cause?

Sing "Is There Not a Cause?"

Song written by and soundtrack provided by Mark Gray.

Please turn in you Bibles to the first chapter of James.

Little Jimmy had trouble pronouncing the letter "R," so his teacher gave him this sentence to practice at home: "Robert gave Richard a rap in the rib for roasting the rabbit so rare." A few days later the teacher asked him to say the sentence for her. Jimmy rattled it off like this: "Bob gave Dick a poke in the side for not cooking the bunny enough."

While Jimmy’s answer was clever and funny, it also showed his lack of dedication. How many of us look at the circumstances God has placed before us and try to find an easier way. Rather than tackle our assignment, we tend to want to stand on the sideline and cheer, never making the sacrifice required of us, and thus, never reaping the reward. Like the bridesmaid, but never the bride, or the pacifist when his kinsmen are being brutally attacked, many of us dance around the edges, not quite willing to get our hands sullied nor our knuckles bloodied defending the faith and Col 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Mat 16:24-27 ...And If any man will come after (Him), let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow (Him). (25) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for (Jesus’) sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (27) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.

Please stand with me as we read in God’s Word from James 1:17-27

James 1:17-27 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. (18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (19) Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (21) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (26) If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. (27) Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Pray

You may be seated.

James’ admonition here is really quite simple. Every good and perfect gift is from God. God is always good. It is by His will that we know His truth, Eph 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. We must not be wrathful, but Isaiah 59:17, Eph 6:14, 2Cor. 6:7 & Job 29:14 Stand therefore, having (y)our loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. We are to put aside our sinful habits - every single one of them - and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save (y)our souls.

For the purpose of this sermon, I would like to focus on the next few verses though, particularly on verse 22 where we read, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” It is clear from God’s word that we must Phi 2:12,13 ...work out (y)our own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in (us) both to will and to do of His good pleasure. James 1:23,24 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Can you still remember what manner of man you once were? I can, and it’s not a pretty sight. But, through no natural effort of my own, God was merciful and by His own Grace snatched me from the clutches of this sinful world. When we look around us at the darkness in this world, and the decadence in our own country, we must ask ourselves, as the song asks, "Is there not a cause?" Now, knowing that He has not only saved me, but given me the opportunity to serve Him and be used of Him for His glory, I must conclude that there is indeed a cause. It is the greatest cause that any could possibly serve. Many have died for valiant and honorable causes throughout the centuries, but none can compare with the cause of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior of the world.

When God calls us to His purposes, how do we generally react? Oh, I can’t do that, I don’t know how, that’s not my gift, I’m too nervous talking in front of others, etc. Wealth of Time

Let me ask you this. What if you had a bank that credited your account each morning with $86,400, that carried over no balance from day to day, and allowed you to keep no cash in your account, and every evening canceled whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day, what would you do? I know what I would do. I'd draw out every cent, every day, just before the bank closed.

Well, you do have such an account, and its name is "Time." Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it rules off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balances. It allows no overdrafts. Each day it opens a new account with you. Each night it burns the records of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against tomorrow. You must live in the present-on today's deposits.

Only one life

'Twill soon be past,

Only what is done for the Lord

Will last!

The one excuse that is probably most telling of our self centered culture is, “I just don’t have the time.” As if any of us has one second of time that isn’t given to us only by the grace of God.

Let’s review Moses’ excuses as to why God couldn’t use him. Moses claims his personal unfitness In Exodus 3:11 when Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? In the next chapter he expresses fear at people’s unbelief when 1 Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. Next he claims lack of eloquence when 10 Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And finally he really runs out of excuses and comes right to the point when 13 he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. So here we have it, Moses pleads with God, please send anyone else but me. Sound familiar? Of course God squashed all of Moses’ excuses and anointed him for the monumental task before him. So here we have Moses appointed, anointed and available, becoming what most consider the greatest of all of God’s prophets.

Now let’s turn to Numbers chapter 13. I’ve heard Dennis Rainey tell of a time when, as a young employee of Campus Crusade for Christ, he was in Bill Bright’s office. Looking around, he saw what was probably the strangest motto he had ever seen, especially in an executive’s office. In a prominent place, where all who entered could see it, were written the words “I’m no grasshopper!” Mr. Rainey was obviously intrigued by what the possible message could be here, so asked he asked Mr. Bright as soon as he got the opportunity. In a moment you’ll understand the significance of this strange motto.

Now in Numbers we have the recently freed Israelites coming to the promised land after being freed from their Egyptian masters. They had seen the plagues, the Passover, the parting of the sea, the pillar of cloud, the manna, the quail, the bitter waters made sweet, water from the Rock, the ten commandments given, God’s divine wrath, the unearned skills to build the tabernacle with materials given them by the Egyptians, and the direction by God to this place. God had shown his love, protection and provision in awesome ways. Now they stand at the end of their journey to the prophetic land of milk and honey. Join me in Numbers 13 verse 17

Numbers 13:17-27 And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: (18) And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; (19) And what the land is that they dwell in whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strongholds; (20) And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes. (21) So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath. (22) And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) (23) And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it between two upon a staff; - Can you imagine the size of this bunch of grapes that it took two men to carry it between them on a staff, like some kind of wild animal? I'd sure love to have one of those grapes, I bet they were huge! - and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. (24) The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence. (25) And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. (26) And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. (27) And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.

The promise of God was right there in front of them. All they had to do was trust in Him and obey. But listen to their excuses:

Numbers 13:28-33 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. (29) The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. (30) And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. (31) But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. (32) And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. (33) And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers

You see the point to Mr. Bright's motto: "I'm no grasshopper?" - and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Now wait a minute. We were in our own sight as grasshoppers. I can’t do that, I’m not able, I’m not gifted enough, sounds familiar doesn’t it. ...and so we were in their sight, then they carry this over into how they were seen by others. How often are we held back because we think others perceive us as insignificant. What does God have to do to get it into peoples thick skulls. He is in control. He fights the battles. He decides the outcome. All we have to do is trust and obey. These people had major “I” trouble. They couldn’t focus on God, all they could see was themselves. I'm reminded of Peter when he walked on the waves. Remember? As long as he kept his vision and focus on Jesus, he could do anything, even walk on water. But, as soon as his vision turned to his circumstances he sunk beneath the waves. The Israelites couldn’t do anything anyway, not without God paving the way. It was Hebrews 11:24-29 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; (25) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (26) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. (27) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. (28) Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. (29) By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting to do were drowned. How can they walk across a sea, on dry land, with walls of water on either side of them, and yet not be able to trust God to deliver on His promise to give them this blessed land?

Continuing in chapter 14.

Numbers 14:1-4 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. (2) And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! (3) And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? (4) And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

Isn‘t this just horrible? They were ready to trust in an assigned captain and the benevolence of Egypt, but not in the Lord. Yet, as always with God, there was a remnant preserved that was willing to trust in God.

Numbers 14:5-10 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. (6) And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: (7) And they spoke unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. (8) If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. (9) Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: - and, may I interject here, Is there not a cause? - fear them not. (10) But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Now look at what happened because of their lack of faith. Picking up in verse 22,

Numbers 14:22-39 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; (23) Surely they shall not see the land which I swore unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: (24) But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. (25) (Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) Tomorrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea. (26) And the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron saying, (27) How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. (28) Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: (29) Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, (30) Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I swore to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. (31) But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. (32) But as for you, your carcasses, they shall fall in this wilderness. (33) And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness. (34) After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. (35) I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. (36) And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, (37) Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD. (38) But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still. (39) And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly.

This is really a tragic story. We know that God is just, and his punishment of Israel was perfect, but it’s just so sad. If only they had trusted. If only they had heeded the words of God’s messengers. Not only did they destroy their own chances of ever dwelling in the promised land, but their children were punished for their lack of faith by being made to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. What punishment do we bear because of the sins of our parents? Scars from abuse, alcoholism, emotional trauma or just plain neglect. Will it stop with us? Or will our children have to bear these burdens as well? Do we spend time bringing (Ephesians 6:4) them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Let us raise a righteous generation of leaders who will be (Romans 8:37) more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

How many blessings have we missed out on, or how many treasures in heaven will not be waiting for us because we would not place our trust in God and allow Him to handle things? We wouldn’t Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all (our) heart(s); and we leaned... unto (our) own understanding.

There’s a warning to those who would thwart God’s work as well. It’s easy to miss if we don’t pause to consider it. Look in verses 36 and 37(36) And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, (37) Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD. Did you see that? Those that not only distrusted God, but persuaded others to turn from Him were punished immediately, and severely. Luke 17:1-2 ... It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! (2) It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he hurled into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

We find an excellent example of faith in God in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds in 1Samuel 17. Please turn in your Bibles to 1Samuel 17:19. You all know the setting here. Saul had failed to obey God, and so God had appointed a new King, David, a simple shepherd boy, to rule over His people. God’s Spirit had departed Saul and a spirit of evil had taken over. Thus we find him cowering in his tent as Israel’s army confronts the Philistine army. Isn’t this just like us? Instead of trusting God to take care of our needs and that Rom 8:28 all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose, many times we fail, and then hide from God, not allowing Him to use us and redeem us.

In the valley between these two armies is Goliath of Gath, a giant. This guy stood about nine and a half to eleven and a half feet tall, depending on who‘s commentary you read. His armor was probably well over 200 pounds, his spear probably weighed about 36 pounds, the head of which weighed about 18 pounds. But David, a man after God’s own heart, did not see his height nor his weapons. Nor was he intimidated by the insults this monster hurled at Israel and their God. He was however, insulted and indignant that his own kinsmen could stand still while this pagan dog blasphemed the God whom he loved.

Please join me starting in 1Samuel 17, verse 19.

1 Samuel 17:19-29 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. (20) And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. (21) For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. (22) And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. (23) And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spoke according to the same words: and David heard them. (24) And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. (25) And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. (26) And David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? (27) And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. (28) And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. (29) And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Notice in these verses that David is neither afraid of Goliath’s size, nor is he focused on slaying Goliath for personal gain. He asks, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” And later, “Is there not a cause?” David’s cause was the Glory of God. He was a true defender of the faith. God gives each and every one of us gifts, according to His perfect will. Ephesians 4:11,12 ... he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: We must not spend our time trying to figure out what our gifts are, and waiting for someone to ask us to participate or get some work done. We must jump in now, redeeming the time we have, that our works may bring glory to God.

Just like David’s brother Eliab did to him, many around us may discourage us and claim to know our hearts. How many times have we heard that Pastors are just about seeing how much money they can get out of people, or that Christians are self righteous? From those Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. They fail to understand that Phi 4:7 the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (y)our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Sometimes we’re not sure of what our gifts may be, or how God would use us. However, if we are not willing to get busy about the work of our Lord, how can we know how he can use us. Here’s David, most likely the noblest and best ruler to ever be king of Israel. He started out as a simple shepherd boy, in the obscure but blessed town of Bethlehem. The only thing he had going for him was his love for his Lord. But God had a task for him. When Samuel came to his house and anointed him in the name of God, it was because God had chosen him for a particular task. You see, if God has chosen you as one of His own, then He has appointed you a certain task, like David here. And, if He has appointed you a certain task, He will anoint you to perform that task, to His specifications, not yours. We must not sit back and wait for our skills to blossom to a point that we deem worthy. If God has appointed us, then we are anointed to perform whatever task He has set before us. Whether or not we are able to perform to your own expectations or not is not what is important. The only ability God asks of us is our availability, He’ll do the rest.

So, David was chosen, appointed, anointed and available. A more perfect combination can not be found. The immediate task before him was to slay a man that was easily twice his weight and strength, and maybe twice his height. He was not allowed to sneak up on him in the night or poison him or spy him out with bow and arrow. He had to confront Goliath in the open battlefield, with a great audience watching. While Goliath had in the neighborhood of 300 pounds of armor and weaponry, David was armed with only his sling, a few stones, and faith that could move mountains, or in this case a mountain of a man. Can’t you just hear the Philistine army laughing. You might as well put a puppy up against a bear as pit this young whelp against their champion. But David was not alone. Remember, he was anointed for this task that God had laid before him. In his battle with Goliath he bared his faith for all to see, as a lion bares its impressive teeth;

1 Samuel 17:41-47 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bore the shield went before him. (42) And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. (43) And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. (44) And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. (45) Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. (46) This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. (47) And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.

This wasn’t merely bravado brethren, David knew exactly what he was talking about because he had been anointed by God to deliver Israel on this day.

Look at how this battle unfolds. Here we have what must be one of the most lopsided one-on-one battles in history continuing in verse 48

1 Samuel 17:48-49 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Take note that David didn't hesitate or take his time. God gave him a task and he ran into the battle. (49) And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slung it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

This, an incredibly lopsided battle in human terms has also got to be the shortest battle in history as well. The silence must have been deafening when Goliath’s great frame clashed to the ground. I can just see the Philistines standing there with their jaws on the ground, thinking, “Uh-oh.” Then we know that David took Goliath’s own sword and chopped his head off. Seeing this the Israel army chased the Philistines over the hills and through the valleys leaving them scattered, wounded and completely demoralized along the way. Isn’t God great!

What a story. From a purely human perspective, David was nuts. There’s no way he was going to get out of this one. That Philistine giant was going to play with him the way a cat plays with a mouse... ‘THWACK!’ down he goes on his face. All because a shepherd boy with great faith in the Creator of the universe asked the question, “Is there not a cause?”

We’re going to read from James chapter 2 in a moment, but first I would like to read from 1 Corinthians chapter 3. Starting in 8th verse of the 3rd chapter of 1 Corinthians Paul writes:

1 Corinthians 3:8-15 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. (9) For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. (10) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. (11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Mansion or Cottage A rich woman dreamed that she went to heaven and saw there a mansion being built. "Who is that for?" she asked of her guide. "For your gardener," he replied. To which the woman said, "But he lives in the tiniest cottage on earth with barely room enough for his family. He might live better if he did not give so much to the miserable, poor folk." Farther on she saw a tiny cottage being built. "And who is that for?" she asked. "That is for you," came the reply. "But I have lived in a mansion on earth. I would not know how to live in a cottage." The words she heard in reply were full of meaning: "The Master Builder is doing His best with the material that is being sent up."

James wrote in chapter 2 beginning in verse 14;

James 2:14-26 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. (19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (21) Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? (22) Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (23) And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (25) Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? (26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

How then shall we live brethren. In this age of self-indulgence and decadence we must ask the question, “Is there not a cause?” We must get to work on our appointed task, bow our heads in humility that we may be anointed and make ourselves available to the Lord that He may be glorified through us, knowing that John 3:21 ... he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. We must be like the (Not for Money, for Christ) Burmese boatman who, when asked by a missionary whether he was willing to preach the Gospel to his fellow countrymen at only one-fourth of the salary he was now getting, said to the missionary, "I will not go for that small pay, but I will go for Christ."

In Matthew 25 Jesus gives us a foretaste of what we might expect when we stand before Him. Starting at Matthew 25:31;

Matthew 25:31-36 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (32) And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: (33) And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. (34) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (35) For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: (36) Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Notice the absence of rewards for how much money is made, how much property is owned, how many friends were made or how many rewards won.

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 hungry, 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 hungry, 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.

Where are your riches Brethren?

A Life of Service A certain family had two sons. The older said he must make a name for his family, so turned his face toward Parliament and fame. The younger decided to give his life to the service of Christ and turned his face toward China and duty. He was a missionary who died beloved and known on every continent. "But," someone wrote, "when I looked in the encyclopedia to see what the other son had done, I found these words, 'the brother of Hudson Taylor.' " It may be that some were inclined to ridicule him when he went to the mission field, but in the end, he was respected and admired. But, more importantly, he served God and his true reward comes from God Himself.

One of my greatest fears is that, when I stand in front of the Lord to receive my rewards, I’ll be shown a list of missed opportunities, receive a couple of little crowns, and bade to enter into His rest. That's not what I want. I hope that when I stand before my savior that He will be able to give me a whole pile of crowns. Then I can take each and every one of them and lay them at His feet. Then I so desire to hear the words from my blessed Lord and Savior, (Mat 25:23) ... Well done, good and faithful servant,... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Let’s get out our hymn books and turn to hymn number 382 and not only sing the words to ‘Be Thou My Vision,’ but mean them from our hearts. After the song, would _______ please close us in prayer?

Joe Johnson

Sermon #3

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Handout given

Is There Not a Cause?

I'll Take the Job On a Friday morning an eager young man from Stanford University stood before Louis Janin seeking part-time employment. "All I need right now," said Janin, "is a typist." "I'll take the job," said the young man, "but I can't come back until next Tuesday." On Tuesday he reported for duty. "Why couldn't you come back before today?" Janin wanted to know. "Because I had to rent a typewriter and learn to use it," was the unexpected answer. That quickly-prepared typist was Herbert Hoover. Do you know of a place where there is almost no witness for Christ at all? Learn the job that will take you there.

Big Salary-Small Job A brilliant young man with a magnetic personality went out to the mission field. His salary was just a pittance. A large commercial firm was so eager to obtain his services that they offered him ten times his salary, but he refused. They offered to make it even larger if he would accept. "Oh, the salary is big enough," he told them, "but the job isn't!"

Buried Talents

Talent is a strange word; it means a coin or one's capability or a gift.

So when we are given children and we neglect to tell them the stories of faith, we are burying our talents. When we are given friends and we neglect to significantly touch their lives, we are burying our talents. And when we are given a song to sing and we sing it not, we are burying our talents. Whatever talent means-whatever it is we are burying-our money, our faith, our love or a song, the meaning of the story is clear: burying talents means not using God's gifts.

The Second Symbol The cross is the great symbol of Christianity. On steeples atop churches, covers of hymnals, lids for communion ware and lapel pins on Sunday jackets, it stands an awesome reminder of all that Jesus suffered. Jesus spoke of the cross as a symbol of Christian dedication. "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mar_8:34).

Buried Talents

Talent is a strange word; it means a coin or one's capability or a gift.

But Jesus also used another symbol for Christian commitment."Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me...My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Mat_11:29-30). The yoke is a wooden harness tying two animals together to pull a load. Yokes are not usually painted on church buildings, or printed on the covers of Bibles, or worn as ornaments on neckchains. Maybe they should be. The yoke as much as the cross is a symbol of commitment to Jesus Christ.

Paul W. Powell, in The Complete Disciple elaborates:

"The cross and the yoke symbolize for us the two different aspects of commitment. The cross is an instrument of death; the yoke is an implement of toil. The cross is the symbol of sacrifice; the yoke is the symbol of service. The cross suggests blood; the yoke suggests sweat ...to be committed to Jesus Christ means that we are ready for either the yoke or the cross."

Let me suggest four lessons from the yoke:

SUBMISSION. "Take My yoke upon you." The Christian willingly submits to Jesus Christ as Lord and Master. "It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." "Not my will but Thine be done."

OBEDIENCE: "And learn of me." The yoke suggests submission to a master who must be obeyed. Blessed is the man who "heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them."

SERVICE: "My burden is light." Compared to the burden of sin, the yoke of the Lord is easy. But the very idea of a yoke is that of pulling a load, of work, of service. Christians are to be ministers-servants. "Work for the night is coming."

FELLOWSHIP: "All ye that labor." We are not alone in Christ, but serving alongside those of like precious faith. Paul spoke of his "loyal yokefellow." A yoke harnesses two animals together so as to pull a load neither one could pull alone. "Bear ye one another's burdens."

As we follow Christ, let us take up our yoke as well as our cross, "serving the Lord."

Servants Do Not Choose Tasks

Throughout the ages, God has referred to His faithful people as His servants. The Bible even calls Jesus "His holy servant."

Unlike the religious leaders who exercised unquestioned authority over the people, Jesus came not as a ruler, but as a servant. From the example of His own life He teaches, "But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you shall be your minister and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mar_10:43-45).

Christ ransomed us that we, too, might serve God and man. In our zeal to serve, we often overlook a critical truth: The servant does not choose his tasks. Our concept of serving God may be doing what we would like to do-for God. We tell God what we will do for Him, and what we will not do; where we will go for Him, and where we will not. We even tell Him what must not interfere with our plans. In doing this we forget He is the Master, and that the Master assigns the task. Our part is to give ourselves to Him, accepting the assignment He bestows.

A servant is not free to serve on his own terms. Jesus said, "You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you to go and bring forth fruit" (Joh_15:16). So, we have been chosen to "run with patience the race that is set before us" (Heb_12:1). The race set before us may not be on the track we would choose. Perhaps we would not choose the people God has placed around us, or the location or circumstances we find ourselves in, but a servant is not above his Master. "A disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord" (Mat_10:24-25).

Christ's life was one of sacrifice and doing the Father's will. Though He was rich, for our sakes He became poor (2Co_8:9). He counted equality with God a thing not to be grasped but emptied Himself and became a servant (Phi_2:6-7). He came to do God's will (Heb_10:5-7).

As servants following in the footsteps of Christ, we must present our bodies as "living sacrifices" and say, "Here I am-I have come to do Your will," regardless of what the task may be.

Scripture for personal study

Col 3:24

Mat 7:13-27; 10:16-42; 16:24-27; 18:6;

Luke 17:1-2

Mark 9:42

Ephesians 2:8,9; 4:11,12,18; 6:4,14

Isaiah 59:17

2Cor. 6:7

Job 29:14

Phi 2:12,13

John 3:21; chapter 15

Exodus Chapters 3-4

Numbers Chapters 13-14

Romans 8:37

Pro 3:5

Hebrews 11:24-29

Is There Not a Cause?

God ____________ whom He will!
God __________ whom He appoints!
God needs ______________!
God expects our ________________!
God is ____________ by our works!
God’s ______________ is the cause!

Scripture Reading

James1:17-27

Numbers 13:33; 14:1-10, 22-39

1Samuel 17:19-29, 41-49

1 Corinthians 3:8-15

James 2:14-26

Matthew 25:31-36, 41-46

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

SoundLife