The Preaching Butcher

Much has been written and preached about why Jesus came to earth. Three weeks ago, I began praying for a message for this morning. Almost immediately the Lord gave me the title “Love is the Reason”. I continued to pray, seeking God’s direction for the right scripture. Our text this morning is a familiar one, John 3:16-21.

In the text preceding our scripture this morning, Jesus is talking to Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. Jesus is explaining to Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Nicodemus has a tough time with this concept. He says to Jesus, “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus explains that he is talking about a spiritual rebirth, not a rebirth in the flesh. Jesus goes on to say that Nicodemus was a teacher of the law, but he still could not understand this concept. Jesus says that he must be lifted up, just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, (Numbers 21:9) that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.

Jesus concludes his discussion with Nicodemus in our text this morning.

John 3:16-21 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Verse 16 is one of the most famous verses in the bible. This verse is to further explain to Nicodemus how believing in Jesus would cause him to have eternal life.

1. For God so loved the world
   1. What great love this must be, to give up one’s son for all mankind
   2. God’s compassion, grace and mercy
   3. Romans 8:38-39 New International Version (NIV)³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2. That he gave his one and only son
   1. This helps explain the deepness of God’s love
   2. Just as Abraham was tested to sacrifice his son, God followed through and did what Abraham was tested in.
   3. Jesus was born, lived on the earth as a man, was lifted up and died on a cross for all the sins of mankind
   4. God gave Jesus as a gift, which represented how much he loved us
3. That whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life
   1. Jesus summarized the gospel message in this phrase

In verse 17 Jesus says that he did not come to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. We already stand condemned as sinners, waiting for our sentence, but Jesus stood in for us and took our death sentence. He paid the price for our sins and all we need to do is believe in him.

What do we believe about Jesus?

1. We believe that he is the Son of God
2. We believe that he was born of a virgin
3. We believe he lived on the earth as a human being
4. We believe he died on a cross for our sins
5. We believe he lay in a tomb for three days
6. We believe he was resurrected back to life by God’s mighty power
7. We believe Jesus is alive today and seated at the right hand of God the Father

Verse 19 says that this is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of the light because their deeds were evil. The people did not want their evil exposed and wanted to continue in their evil lives rather than repent and believe in Jesus.

Jesus illuminated the need for a savior. His purity and righteousness exposed our evil hearts. God’s love was revealed in Jesus and Jesus revealed God’s love through his life. Why is it that those who do evil hate the light? Their deeds are exposed and laid bare for all to see. Adam and Eve hid themselves from God. Those that walk-in truth seek the light, they seek to be transparent before God, because they have nothing to hide.

I want to look at another scripture this morning that John wrote about God’s love.

Please turn to 1 John 4:7-12

1 John 4:7-12 New International Version (NIV)

God’s Love and Ours

⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹ This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹ Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹² No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Let us love one another, for love comes from God. God is Love and God’s love is made complete in us. This is Love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Verse 11 says: “Dear Friends, since God so loved us, we ought to love one another.

God chose to send his Son Jesus into the world to show his great love for the world. Jesus said that when you see the Son, you also see the Father. Jesus was God in the fresh, he represented everything that God is, especially his love.

Jesus gave us the blue-print for what a Christian life should look like. Jesus never turned anyone away, he always showed great compassion for people in need. He loved children and told others to have child like faith. Jesus loved people and loved ministering to them. His life reflected God’s love for mankind. He loved them so much, that he made a way for them to be reconciled to him. He wanted us to be with him in his kingdom, to enjoy each other’s company.

Does the world see God’s love through you? Are you a reflection of Jesus’ love for others? When people see you, do they see Jesus’ love? Do you want to live in the light or in darkness?

This Christmas let’s remember why God sent his Son Jesus into the world as a baby.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Love is the Reason for the Season!

Let’s give each other the gift of love this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you for reading my blog!

check out my latest post on my blog for answers.

Today is December 15, 2018

It is hard to believe that we are in December and Christmas is only a little over a week away. I will post a Christmas message next week.

This morning I turned to the book of 2 Chronicles in my bible. I opened to the book to chapter 18, I had just read this same passage a few weeks ago. When this happens, I know the Lord has something he wants to teach me through these verses. Hebrews 4:12 NIV says “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” God uses his word to speak to us; many times he will use the same verses to speak something completely different, a different meaning from the same words. I have experienced this many times and know that God’s word is alive and active. These words of the Lord were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God and written down by men. God uses men and women to accomplish his will. That is what I want to talk about in today’s blog post.

In 2 Chronicles 18, Ahab king of Israel  and Jehoshaphat king of Judah are discussing going to war against Ramoth Gilead and the country of Aram. Jehoshaphat says “First seek the counsel of the Lord” before going out to do battle with the Arameans. So, Ahab brought out 400 prophets to give them the counsel of the Lord. They asked the prophets; “Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I not?” The prophets replied; “Go, for God will give it into the king’s hand”. But, Jehoshaphat asked, ” Is there no longer a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?” He must not have believed the 400 prophets were prophesying God’s will. Ahab answers; “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” So, Micaiah was brought before the two kings. Ahab asked him, ” Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, shall I not?” Micaiah answers; “Attack and be victorious, for they will be given into your hand.” King Ahab answers; “How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” Verse 16 says; “Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, “‘These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.’” The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Didn’t I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?” Then Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with the multitudes of heaven standing on his right and his left. ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?’ “One suggested this, and another that. Finally, a spirit cam forward, stood before the Lord and said, ‘ I will entice him.’ ” ‘By what means?’ The Lord asked. “‘ I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,’ he said. ” ‘You will succeed in enticing him,’ said the Lord. ‘Go and do it.’ “So now the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours. The Lord has decreed disaster for you.”

We know from the rest of the chapter,  that Ahab and Jehoshaphat did not heed Micaiah’s warning, and did go to war against Ramoth Gilead. And also, that king Ahab was killed in the battle. 

This is a very interesting passage, because it gives us a snapshot of the inner workings of heaven in Micaiah’s vision. It reveals how God can use spirits to work through people to accomplish his will. In this case a lying or deceiving spirit in the mouths of the 400 prophets. And, only through the Holy Spirit of God was the truth revealed by Micaiah. Yet, the two kings did not heed the warning. 

Often, this was the case in scripture, the people did not heed the warnings of the prophets. God would then use another kingdom to carry out his judgements against the people of Israel and Judah. 

Does God still work like this today? Does he use other people and even spirits to accomplish his will? 

Numbers 23:19 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ God is not human, that he should lie,
    not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

Psalm 55:19 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ God, who is enthroned from of old,
    who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them,
    because they have no fear of God.

These verses say God does not change. So, the answer is; yes, God can and will use any means necessary to accomplish his will. And. he often uses people to make it happen. God is in control of everything including the devil and deceiving spirits. They can not do anything without his permission. Many times God’s will is done in a way we as humans would never have dreamed or conceived in our minds. But, God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. 

So, what are the take a ways from this passage? 

1. God’s will, will be done on earth as it is in heaven
2. God works in ways we can’t always see or understand
3. God uses whatever means necessary to accomplish his will, including using people and spirits.
4. The Holy Spirit will reveal the truth to us

Today we as Christians have the Holy Spirit living inside us, and scripture says he will lead us into all truth. If, you want to know the truth about the circumstances or situation you are in? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to you. 

Life can be complicated, but God is in control of everything. If we learn to trust him and seek him for the truth in every situation, life becomes less complicated. 

Remember, God is using each of us in some way to accomplish his will. When we are at one with him, and not fighting him, this process is much less stressful. 

Blessings to each of you today! Thank you for reading my blog.Edit

Ever wonder what the benefits of wisdom are?

Today is December 8, 2018

This morning I read Proverbs chapter 3 and the Lord spoke to me through these words. The first 18 verses reveal what the benefits are of wisdom. When we hear the word wisdom, what do we think of; man’s wisdom or God’s wisdom? 

Proverbs 3:1-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

Trusting in the Lord

3 My child,^[a] never forget the things I have taught you.
    Store my commands in your heart.
² If you do this, you will live many years,
    and your life will be satisfying.
³ Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.
⁴ Then you will find favor with both God and people,
    and you will earn a good reputation.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

⁷ Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
⁸ Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.

⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the best part of everything you produce.
¹⁰ Then he will fill your barns with grain,
    and your vats will overflow with good wine.

¹¹ My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
¹² For the Lord corrects those he loves,
    just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.^[b]

¹³ Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
    the one who gains understanding.
¹⁴ For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
    and her wages are better than gold.
¹⁵ Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
¹⁶ She offers you long life in her right hand,
    and riches and honor in her left.
¹⁷ She will guide you down delightful paths;
    all her ways are satisfying.
¹⁸ Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.

Footnotes:

1. 3:1 Hebrew My son; also in 3:11, 21.
2. 3:12 Greek version reads loves, / and he punishes those he accepts as his children. Compare Heb 12:6.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I like how the New Living Translation reads.

1. The first thing the Lord mentions is: to never forget the things I have taught you and store my commands in your heart. If we do this God says you will live many years and your life will be satisfying. Wow, isn’t this what everyone wants?

2. The second thing God says is, never let loyalty and kindness leave you. God says we should tie them around our neck and write them deep within our hearts to remind us. If we do this God says we will find favor with God and people and earn a good reputation. Wow, again isn’t this what everyone wants?

3. Next the Lord says we should trust him with all our heart and don’t depend on your own understanding. And, if we seek God’s will in everything we do He will show you which path to take. Again, God tells us what to do and what we can expect as a result.

4. Next the Lord says we should not be impressed with our own wisdom. But instead fear the Lord and turn away from evil. If we do this, we can expect healing for our body and strength for our bones. Wow, another awesome promise.

5. Next the Lord says we should honor the Lord with our wealth and the best part of everything we produce. If we do this, we can expect our barns to be filled with grain and our vats overflowing with good wine. Wow, it just keeps getting better!

The next few verses talk about how to receive discipline and correction from the Lord. We need to remember God knows what is best for us and He is doing this because he loves us.

The rest of this passage summarizes who wisdom is and the results of finding wisdom;

1. Joyful is the one who finds wisdom
2. Wisdom is more profitable than silver and gold
3. Wisdom is more precious than rubies
4. Wisdom offers us long life, riches and honor
5. Wisdom will guide you down delightful and satisfying paths
6. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her and happy are those who hold her tightly

We really need to pay attention to this passage, it offers us the promises and benefits of wisdom. It tells us plainly what to do and what we can expect. 

Why is it that we don’t always do these things? Because we live in a fallen world and we are descendants of Adam and Eve. We do the same things that our ancestors did, we never seem to learn from their mistakes. That is why the Lord added verses 11 and 12 about discipline and correction.

As verses 5, 6 and 7 say: we often rely on our own wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Boy, does that get us in a lot of trouble. Our own understanding can really be a stumbling block to finding God’s will for our lives. We rely on what we have been taught by humans rather than relying on the Holy Spirit of God. Can we really be that arrogant to think we are more wise than the God who created everything.

If we humble ourselves and admit we don’t have all the answers, and then trust God. He gives us play by play  instructions on how to live life and get the most out of it. This passage tells us what to do and what we can expect God to do in return. Please go back and read this passage again. Meditate and focus on what the Lord is telling us in this passage. Then start living your life following these principles and see what happens.

Blessings to you on this day that the Lord has created. Thank you for reading my blog.

Do you feel a calling by God and want to know his will for your life? 

Isaiah 11:1,2 KJV

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: (2) And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

Isaiah is prophesying about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this verse. These seven Spirits are the same as those mentioned in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 5:6 King James Version (KJV)
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Matthew 3:16 King James Version (KJV)
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

In Matthew 3:16 we see the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy. The seven Spirits of God rested upon Jesus. Immediately after this Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasted forty days and forty nights. The devil came to tempt him and when this time of tempting was done, Jesus returned and began his ministry. Why was it necessary for Jesus to go through this forty days and forty nights of fasting, and then be tempted by the devil? This time was set aside to prepare Jesus for his ministry. Fasting and prayer bring the spirit and soul of a person into obedience to God’s will. When a person’s spirit is completely submitted to the Lord, then the person can be used to effectively do God’s will. The time of testing or tempting reveals to God if our heart and character are ready for the assignments he has for us.
I have spent the last couple of years in the wilderness, being tempted and tested. I know this time is necessary because the Lord has an important assignment for me. Only after we complete our time of testing in the wilderness are we ready to carry out God’s plan for our lives. As the book of James says;

James 1:2-4 King James Version (KJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

You need to emerge on the other side of the wilderness, having passed through these challenges before you are ready. Don’t try to get ahead of yourself and skip this important preparation time. Jesus knew how important this preparation time was and the Holy Spirit led Jesus through this wilderness experience. It is so important to do things in the proper order for anything to be successful. God is a God of order and we need to follow this order, step by step.

1. First step is to pray for God to pour out the seven Spirits of God upon you.
2. Number two is complete 40 days of fasting and praying.
3. Number three is complete the time of tempting and testing

If you feel a calling by God, I urge you to set aside 40 days of fasting and prayer to prepare you for the ministry God is calling you into. My 40 days is starting today December 1, 2018.
Be encouraged, God has a plan for each of us. He knows what you need to prepare you for what lies ahead. Stop walking in the flesh and begin walking in the Spirit. Live the life God has planned for you today!

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