“ARE YOU READY?”

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place,

Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 28 07/08/2007

Over a thousand years ago, the world faced it's darkest hour. According to Miller's Church History, the church was wicked, apostate, and very weak. In fact, it's very life was ebbing away. Mohammedanism was growing rapidly; Europe was being overrun by Hungarians who massacred multitudes; fear and violence were everywhere on earth. All mankind had become desolate and panic-stricken. There were multiplied calamities on all sides - terrible famines - indescribable disasters. Plagues and pestilences had killed countless millions. But the real panic was caused by unusual and alarming signs in the heavens. It is recorded that there were strange signs in the sun and moon. Preachers all through the known world began to preach and prophesy that the world would end sometime in 999, just before the 1,000 year mark. The text used was Luke 21:25-27 there shall be signs in the sun, the moon, the stars; and on the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking at those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory

The year 999 was considered the last anyone would see! It was based on a misinterpretation of the word millennium (meaning one-thousand years) found in Revelation 20:1-7

People quit their jobs; farmers quit planting or harvesting; houses and buildings were allowed to decay; historians quit recording facts. The rich and noble, princes and bishops, abandoned their friends and families and hastened to Palestine to be there when Christ returned. He was going to come and set up an earthly throne on Mount Zion. They gave away fortunes - kings and emperors begged to be allowed into monasteries to join holy orders. Crowds of poor people slept in the porches of holy buildings - or at least in their shadow!

People grew hungry, but there was no corn, no wheat, no cattle, no crops, because no provision had been made.

The last night of 999 A.D. was one of panic and restlessness. The wicked had one last wild fling. Jerusalem was filled with those who waited on Mount Zion for Jesus to break through on clouds.
As midnight approached, the world held it's breath. The clocks struck 12 - then 1 minute after, then 5 - no Jesus! The night faded into morning and all was peaceful and calm. The multitudes returned home to plow, to repair the ruins, to plant. All was back to normal.
It happened again when William Miller, founder of the Adventist movement, after 14 years of study announced that Jesus was coming in 1843! Thousands of believers of all denominations became convinced, multitudes went out to a mountain to await the Lord's coming. When Jesus didn't come, he went back to his calculations, confessed he’d made an error and set another date! In 1845, he became president of the Adventists.

Would you believe it happened again? Jesus was to come, September 11, 1988, at sunrise. And what about Y2K’s scare?

Folks, Jesus can come at any time. However, date-setting is misleading - and unscriptural. It misses the whole message and meaning of Christ's coming!

Jesus never intended His body to be so divided over this blessed hope. There is such confusion, such division, over when He is coming.

Some say He is coming in two stages: first, a sudden, unannounced rapture, then the tribulation. Others are "mid-trib", that is, He will come after 3 years of tribulation. Others still are "post-trib", believing He will come after seven years of great tribulation. Pan Trib - It’ll all pan out in the end!

There is great debate over the millennial reign of Christ on earth. There are the pre-millennialists who believe that the second coming will be followed by a thousand-year reign of Christ in peace and righteousness, during which Christ will reign as King on this earth, and after which will be the end of the world.
The post-millennialists say the kingdom of God is now: the world will be Christianized and we’ll experience a long period of righteousness and peace, "the millennium", all evil here on earth will be overcome - then Jesus will come.

The "amillennialists" believe there is no thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, but that there are two kingdoms running parallel: God's kingdom of light and the devil's kingdom of darkness. At Christ's coming, He will set up His kingdom and smash the devil's.

Also circulating, is the dominion theology saying, that Jesus won’t come until Christians take authority over every level of society, political, social and economic - subduing the systems, make the world holy, and then bring Jesus back as king.

I don't see in my Bible, "Be ye always figuring and calculating!", but rather, "Be ye ready!"

I say with Paul, "We beg you, brethren, regarding the coming of our Lord, and by our gathering together to him, that you are not easily shaken in mind, or troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter, regarding the day of Christ being at hand. Let no man in any way deceive you" II Thessalonians 2:2-3

Jesus said, "But of that day and that hour knows no man, not the angels which are in heaven, nor the Son, only the Father.... Watch therefore: for you know not when the master of the house comes... lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping" Mark 13:32-36 The date-setters get around this by saying that the problem in knowing the exact day He is coming is due to the different time zones!
Take heed, watch and pray: for you know not when the time is Mark 13:33 Any doctrine about Christ's return, the tribulation, or millennium that robs you of watchfulness, prayerfulness and moment to moment expectancy is not of God!
We are to live hour by hour waiting, watching, and working.

As a young Christian the coming of Jesus was preached in such a way that it scared me to death! Two shall be in the field; one shall be taken, the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; one shall be taken, the other left. Watch therefore: for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.... Therefore be ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes Matthew 24:42-44

I would hear evangelists talk of the trumpet blast with millions disappearing, cars crashing, planes falling, trains colliding! It's like that for many Christians. His coming is fearful to them - they live with the dread of the last trumpet! When they came together, they asked Jesus, Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? He said, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons... And when he had said that, while they watched, He was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven two men stood by them in white apparel saying, You men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall come in like manner as you have seen Him go into heaven Acts 1:6-11

Jesus told of horrible things coming on the earth - so frightening that men's hearts will fail them for fear, as they behold the judgments falling all around. But those gathered ones are commanded not to fear, but to rejoice - when these things begin to happen, look up, for your redemption draws near Luke 21:28
Could it be that the redeemed will see Him descend just as the 120 saw Him ascend?
The last trump symbolizes a last awakening. In ancient times the bridegroom's approach was announced to the bride and her party at least two blocks away, Behold the bridegroom comes! Paul suggests God's holy ones can see the day approaching: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching Hebrews 10:25

For us who make up the bride, there must be no fear when He appears. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy I Peter 4:13 never forget that He will not surprise those who expect Him, who are looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God I Peter 3:12 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory I Peter 1:8

That day will not overtake those who are prepared. He’ll not come as a thief to the expectant! But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief I Thessalonians 5:4

It will also be the Lord's day of gladness! For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise up first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these word I Thessalonians 4:16-18

In Greek, the word "shout" means to incite by word, to excite, awaken, or spur to action.
The voice of the archangel will be heard by all over-comers: "He is at the door!”

Jesus is coming with trumpet blasting, with hosts of angels, with a shout, with a cosmic cry of the archangel. The dead in Christ will arise first to meet Him in the air. Beloved, they will be there rejoicing! And while they are rejoicing, He will send His angels into all the world and gather His children. What a welcome that will be. But here is the meaning of His coming, distilled in a few words: and so shall we ever be with the Lord I Thessalonians 4:17

How foolish it is to argue whether we will be living on earth or in some heaven. Heaven will be wherever Jesus is! Do you desire to ever be with the Lord? Leave the times and seasons in the Father's hands - and live every day of your life as if Christ were coming within the hour.
Until He comes there is much work to be done.

“Tried By The Word”

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place,

Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 27 07/01/2007

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life Romans 6:3-4

Water Baptism shows the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and our participation in that.
First, we show in our baptism that we believe in the death of Jesus, and desire to partake in it.
Second and equally important is our experience, a manner of dying, of being buried, of rising, and of living in Christ which must be displayed in each one of us if we are indeed members of the body of Christ.

The next thought in baptism is burial. Death comes first, and burial follows. What is burial? Burial is, first of all, the seal of death; it is the certificate of decease. "Is that guy dead?" asks one, "Of course he was buried a year ago", says another.

There have been instances of people being buried alive, and I am afraid that happens with sad frequency in baptism. I fear that many have been buried alive in baptism, and have therefore risen and walked out of the grave just as they were.

But if burial is true, it is a certificate of death.

If I’m able to say in truth, "I was buried with Christ 30 years ago," I’ve gotta be dead to sin…. But actions speak loud.

I think there are a lot of dead ringers in Christendom!
Fear of premature burial was widespread in 18th and 19th century Europe, leading to the invention of the safety coffin. Over thirty different designs were patented in Germany in the second half of the 19th century.
The common element was a mechanism for allowing the 'dead' to communicate with people above ground.
Many designs included ropes which, when pulled, would ring the church bell, or a purpose-mounted bell.
Some say expressions “saved by the bell” and “dead ringer”, come from this little bit of trivia.
Burial is the displaying of death.

While the corpse lies indoors those passing by don’t know that he is dead; but when the funeral takes place, everybody knows that he is dead.

This is what baptism ought to be.

The believer's death to sin is at first a secret, but by a public confession he invites every one to know that he is dead with Christ.

Water Baptism is the funeral rite by which death to sin is openly shown to the public.
We’ve looked at death and burial; but baptism, according to our text is more, it also represents resurrection. That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Notice next that the man who is dead in Christ, and buried in Christ, is also raised in Christ.

This is dependant upon Christ.

All the dead are not raised, but our Lord himself is "the first fruits of them that slept" He is the first-begotten from among the dead.

Christ was raised from the dead and what began with Him, will continue until all the members of His church partake of it, for…

The Lord by his power has called you out of your grave, and now you are alive in the midst of death.

There can be no real fellowship here for you; for what communion have the living with the dead?

Notice next, that this life is entirely new. We are to "walk in newness of life."
The life of a Christian is an entirely different thing from the life of other men, entirely different from the life before conversion, and when people try to counterfeit it, they utterly fail.

And this new life is an active thing.

We Christians are given an awesome responsibility. We are actively alive, and we begin walking, and so the Lord keeps us all our lives in His work; He does not allow us to sit down contented with the mere fact that we live, nor does He allow us to spend all our time in examining whether we are alive or no; but he gives us one battle to fight, and then another.

The life that is given to those who were dead with Christ is an energetic, forceful life, that is evermore busy for Christ, and would, if it could, move heaven and earth to bring others to Christ.
What did Christ do after he rose from the dead?

To bear any more sin? No, just to live unto God. That is where you and I are.

We have no sin to carry now; it was all laid on Christ. What have we to do?

Every time we have a headache, or feel ill, are we to cry out, "This is a punishment for my sin"?
Nothing of the kind. Our punishment is all done with, for we have borne the capital sentence, and are dead: our new life must be unto God.

I have only now to serve God and delight myself in him, and use the power which he gives me to call others from the dead, saying, "Awake, you that sleep and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light."

I am not going back to the grave of spiritual death!
I am not going back for my grave-clothes of sin; but by divine grace I will serve God by faith in Jesus, and go from strength to strength, not under law, not fearing hell, nor hoping to win heaven, but as a new creature, loving because loved, living for Christ because Christ lives in me, rejoicing in glorious hope of that which is yet to be revealed!
I am a new creation raised from the dead by my oneness in Christ.

"Dead Ringer"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place

Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 26 06/24/2007

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life Romans 6:3-4

Water Baptism shows the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and our participation in that.
First, we show in our baptism that we believe in the death of Jesus, and desire to partake in it.
Second and equally important is our experience, a manner of dying, of being buried, of rising, and of living in Christ which must be displayed in each one of us if we are indeed members of the body of Christ.

The next thought in baptism is burial. Death comes first, and burial follows. What is burial? Burial is, first of all, the seal of death; it is the certificate of decease. "Is that guy dead?" asks one, "Of course he was buried a year ago", says another.

There have been instances of people being buried alive, and I am afraid that happens with sad frequency in baptism. I fear that many have been buried alive in baptism, and have therefore risen and walked out of the grave just as they were.

But if burial is true, it is a certificate of death.

If I’m able to say in truth, "I was buried with Christ 30 years ago," I’ve gotta be dead to sin…. But actions speak loud.

I think there are a lot of dead ringers in Christendom!

Fear of premature burial was widespread in 18th and 19th century Europe, leading to the invention of the safety coffin. Over thirty different designs were patented in Germany in the second half of the 19th century. The common element was a mechanism for allowing the 'dead' to communicate with people above ground. Many designs included ropes which, when pulled, would ring the church bell, or a purpose-mounted bell. Some say expressions “saved by the bell” and “dead ringer”, come from this little bit of trivia.

Burial is the displaying of death.

While the corpse lies indoors those passing by don’t know that he is dead; but when the funeral takes place, everybody knows that he is dead.

This is what baptism ought to be.

The believer's death to sin is at first a secret, but by a public confession he invites every one to know that he is dead with Christ.

Water Baptism is the funeral rite by which death to sin is openly shown to the public.

We’ve looked at death and burial; but baptism, according to our text is more, it also represents resurrection. That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Notice next that the man who is dead in Christ, and buried in Christ, is also raised in Christ.

This is dependant upon Christ.

All the dead are not raised, but our Lord himself is "the first fruits of them that slept" He is the first-begotten from among the dead.

Christ was raised from the dead and what began with Him, will continue until all the members of His church partake of it, for…

The Lord by his power has called you out of your grave, and now you are alive in the midst of death.

There can be no real fellowship here for you; for what communion have the living with the dead? Notice next, that this life is entirely new. We are to "walk in newness of life."
The life of a Christian is an entirely different thing from the life of other men, entirely different from the life before conversion, and when people try to counterfeit it, they utterly fail.

And this new life is an active thing.

We Christians are given an awesome responsibility. We are actively alive, and we begin walking, and so the Lord keeps us all our lives in His work; He does not allow us to sit down contented with the mere fact that we live, nor does He allow us to spend all our time in examining whether we are alive or no; but he gives us one battle to fight, and then another.

The life that is given to those who were dead with Christ is an energetic, forceful life, that is evermore busy for Christ, and would, if it could, move heaven and earth to bring others to Christ. What did Christ do after he rose from the dead?

To bear any more sin? No, just to live unto God. That is where you and I are.

We have no sin to carry now; it was all laid on Christ. What have we to do?

Every time we have a headache, or feel ill, are we to cry out, "This is a punishment for my sin"?
Nothing of the kind. Our punishment is all done with, for we have borne the capital sentence, and are dead: our new life must be unto God.

I have only now to serve God and delight myself in him, and use the power which he gives me to call others from the dead, saying, "Awake, you that sleep and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light."

I am not going back to the grave of spiritual death!
I am not going back for my grave-clothes of sin; but by divine grace I will serve God by faith in Jesus, and go from strength to strength, not under law, not fearing hell, nor hoping to win heaven, but as a new creature, loving because loved, living for Christ because Christ lives in me, rejoicing in glorious hope of that which is yet to be revealed!
I am a new creation raised from the dead by my oneness in Christ.

"I Cry - God Answers"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 25 06/17/2007

Have you ever experienced a dark night of agonizing soul searching, attempting to touch God?

Have the heavens ever seemed as brass when you cry out your prayers?

Have you searched in your dark of night for the hand of God?

This poor cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open unto their cry. The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalm 34

More than 400 times the Bible repeats - “I cry” / “I cried”.
More than 400 times the Bible repeats - “Deliver / Delivered”.

Here are a few Biblical examples we can draw strength from:

See Adam and Eve excluded from Eden - their first night out. They miss the sound of the trumpets in the morning. They cry. See Cain with the weight of murder. His brother’s blood cries out. And Cain cries too. Noah with his sacrifice after the flood cries out… the rainbow brings God’s answer.

Abraham cries with his only son, his only sacrifice. The ram in the bushes shouts God’s answer to the father’s cry of anguish.

Isaac cries at his mother’s death - Rebekah comes to comfort him. After 20 years of barrenness Rebekah cries: Jacob and Esau are born as God’s response.

Jacob flees his brother’s wrath. At Bethel he cries from his stone pillow. God reveals a ladder from heaven. God shows Jacob a divine purpose for his life. Grandson of Abraham he is without God or purpose until Bethel. In his flesh nature he’s out for old number one. But God meets him repeatedly - at Bethel, at Rachel’s well, at Peniel, and then back at Bethel again. Jacob cries - God answers.

Remember how Joseph cries out, Egyptians cry out, Moses cries out. Israelites cry out. More than 400 times the Bible reports “They cried”. Then and today, when we cry, God answers.

· Judges cry - God answers.
· Prophets cry - God speaks.
· Daniel cries and lions grit their teeth.
· Balaam cries - a donkey talks.

Jonah cries and a big fish God has prepared throws him up - on dry land.

But Jonah’s wicked attitude still persisted.

Jeremiah cries so much he is called the weeping prophet. God answers….

After the prophets - 400 years of dark silence, a dark soul’s night.

Then John the Baptist cries in the wilderness, “Prepare, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Repent and Believe.”

Then the star, Immanuel, God with us!

Then the human cry, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”

Angels sing, Shepherds rejoice, Wise men bring gifts.

Jesus walks among men, women, boys, girls.. God’s Answer.

Lepers cry.
Blind cry.
Deaf and Dumb cry. God answers.

Today we cry… God replies.

Your cry may be personal or cultural, individual or national. You may cry from pain, pleasure or panic. You may cry in distress, in delight, or in despair. Cry from the heights of life or from its depths. Or from just ordinary days.

You may cry for help, for hope, for home, for heaven. You may cry from hurts, from hunger or for higher ground.

You may cry with inner purpose or you may rail out in life without meaning, without pattern or value.

You may cry in silence with muted words, or you may cry out loud!

Cry “Abba, Father” for relief, for restoration, for reconciliation, for repentance, for rebuilding….. No matter when you Cry out to God He hears! Cry! Cry!
Come to the cross - here we know God hears. Here God answers.

This poor man cried - God answered!

God answered in yesterdays gone by. Jesus the Savior is born.

Christ the Savior was crucified and died. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. He has risen as He said. God answers when we meet him at the cross or at His table.

Our text is only 13 words, “This poor man cried and God delivered him out of all his troubles.”

All in all not a bad line for your tombstone. If you couldn’t afford that many words you could summarize it to: “I cried - God delivered”

Save a few more dollars and simply put: “God delivered”

And if your Dutch and have to pay for your own Tombstone you might just say: “Delivered!”

The thief on the cross had so little time to carve his tombstone. One character will do it!

Not a question mark, but an exclamation point. It can be your mark and mine…
Surprised by joy!

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

What a Gospel!
What Good News!
What Glad Tidings of Great Joy!

When we cry God answers!

He always has! He always does! He always will!

"No Doze Sermon"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place

Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 24 06/10/2007

Judi and I are praying that as you study God’s Word, you will get to know Him, for we have seen first hand that those who know God have great energy for God!

We really appreciate that you chose each week to be part of our fellowship. You need to understand that we value you. It is to that end that we seek God for practical, personal and above all significant messages for you.

The sad truth is most of the present generation of Canadian youth have no Christian memories. Most would have no clue as to the words to “Guide Me Thou Great Jehovah”, yet could verbatim recite Kelly Clarkson’s hit “Never Again”.

The message of Christianity is just as strange and new and fresh today as it was in the 1st century. We are going to have to readjust our approach in order for us to be effective.

Today I hope to show you a simple way to travel to the High Ground of God’s Word! I hope to give you some pointers to help you in your “untried” faith, producing in you a spiritual maturity, bringing you to a place of Extreme Faith!

Let me ask you
· Do you really want to know God?
· Do you long for a deep relationship with Him?
· Do you want to know what He requires of you?

Most Christians have been encouraged to study the Word of God, yet many have never been shown how.

My job description as Pastor / Teacher is to help you recognize and believe the Truth when they see it! In His inspired Word, God has given us everything we need to know about life and godliness. But He doesn't stop there. He gives every believer a resident teacher - the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us into His truth.

Really, the Bible needs no other books or truths to supplement it. The Bible is its own commentary, and it can be understood by any believer.

Beginning with prayer. Prayer is often the missing element in Bible study.

Even the most effective method of Bible study, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, is but a method. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth, taking the things of God and revealing them to us.

· Do you ask God to teach you as you open the scriptures?

· Do you think there is more to the Word of God than you have discovered so far?

· Do you want a rock solid faith that keeps you from being tossed around by
conflicting winds of doctrine?

· Do you want to be able to face the future without fear?

If you answered yes to even one of these questions then what I am about to show you is of the utmost importance. Please keep in mind that God can give you insight at any point in your study, so be sensitive to His leading.


Take the Word as He reveals it to you, eat it, every bit of it. Allow it to become part of you, for as James says, it is the implanted Word that is able to save your soul.

As you study the Bible chapter by chapter, book by book, you will grow in your ability to comprehend the whole counsel of God. This will lead to "wholeness" of spirit, character and life.

The very heart of inductive study is: seeing truth for yourself, discerning what it means, and applying that truth to your life.

In-duc-tion: The bringing forward of separate facts as evidence in order to prove a general statement.

Certainly NO study method will be successful if you don’t apply what you learn. Ask yourself, is there a truth here I can put into practice? What changes should I make in my life?

"To Hear the Word and Not Act upon it, robs us of understanding and effectiveness!"

When you know what God says, what He means and how to put His truths into practice, you will be equipped for every circumstance of life.

Turn to James Chapter 1.

Background: What a turnaround from the day James told his half-brother what to do if he wanted to be known publicly!
Full of unbelief and convinced that Jesus was nothing more than his eldest brother, James told Jesus to take His disciples and go up to the Feast of Booths and do his work there. Jesus might have found more disciples there, but James was not to be numbered as one of them - until Jesus rose from the dead (I Corinthians 15:7)

From that point on James would lay claim not to his physical relationship to Jesus, but rather to his spiritual relationship as a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

James became a pillar of the church and a friend of Peter and Paul. But most of all he was a friend of Jesus, a covenant friend for whom he would be martyred.

James wrote one epistle to be included in the pages of Holy Scripture, an epistle that would show what the gospel is like when it is lived out in shoe leather.

Prayer: “Holy Spirit I welcome your leading. You have promised to bring me into all truth. I want to hear what you have for me to learn. Heal me of my pre-conceived ideas and opinions. Remove the wax of worldly knowledge from my ears. Heal me of dull hearing, open my eyes that I may see wondrous things out of your Word.”

Over the next few minutes consider:
· What does the Bible say? Establish the facts
· What does it mean? Avoid Speculation
· What does it mean to me? Be willing to put it into practice

Read: James 1 (re-read 2-3)

What are the facts in those two verses? What exactly is said, not your words or opinions, rather what facts are written in that set of verses.

Keep what you read in Context, avoid bunny trails. Context: “With text”.

Read at least 3 verses before and after your study verse. You don’t need to cross reference from cover to cover. Each individual Book or Letter should be in fact must be able to stand on its own.

When a verse you are reading begins with a word such as: “And”, “Then”, “So”, “If”, “When”, and “Therefore” you can be pretty sure that there is more information around that verse (in context).

Get to a place where you ask, “What is the therefore there for?”

Look at James 1 again, read verses 2-3.
· James speaks of trials, does he give any indication to what some of them are?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
· What produces patience?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· Compare those who consider it joy to those who do not.
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“New Every Morning!”

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 23 06/04/2007

I know the New Testament provides us with better promises than the Old.

I know Christ will never allow us to be tempted more than we are able to bear.

I know God wants all of His children to enter into the rest of faith and not worry and fret.

I know there is complete victory, joy, and peace to all who rest in His Word. Yet the fact remains that God still permits testing times, in which the soul is permitted to go through a fiery trial - which, according to God's word, is to try us.

God actually allows severe testings in our lives to prove our love for Himself. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trials which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you I Peter 4:12

All the prophets predicted that saints of God would be tried by fire - just as gold is refined by fire. Jeremiah said, God...shall melt them...and try them... Jeremiah 9:7

Daniel predicted that in the end times, saints would be tried severely to purge them and make them ready Daniel 11:35

Zechariah prophesied the coming of the testing fire to refine them as silver is refined...as gold is tried... Zechariah 13:9

The New Testament suggests that fiery trials are to be accepted - as common to all men.

Even the apostle Paul spoke of being cast down. perplexed and in despair II Corinthians 4:8 Although he sounded a note of victory through all the trials, he did experience despair.


There are times in which you can know in your heart that you are serving God with all that is in you - you are sure of your love for His Word.

You believe all the promises; you know He is faithful and you confess it so; and you know you are willing to do anything God asks of you.

You cannot think of anything standing between you and the Heavenly Father. You know you have prayed in faith, and still you are down. The darkness does not lift.

The burden still presses you down. There is no sign of your prayers being answered. You still cry out, How long, O Lord? How long must this trial go on?

James 5:11 encourages us to consider the suffering of Job.

Here is a righteous man of God, so down he longed for death. He was so crushed by grief and sorrow, he lost his will to live. His sons were taken from him with a sudden cruel blow. He lost his wealth, influence, and his good name. His friends, forsook him and sat as his accusers. Rather than help him, those around him accused him of bringing all the trouble on himself. Not even his own flesh and blood understood what he was going through. No one person really cared.

Looking into the future, all Job could see was pain, tears, loneliness, and emptiness.

There was not one silver lining in all the dark clouds hanging over him. Besides all the battles with being alone in his struggles, a physical infirmity fell upon him. His body also became an enemy. Spiritually, physically, financially-in every way. Job was down.

Job's greatest despair came from a dilemma he could not understand at all. Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God has hedged in? Job 3:23

Job was actually saying, God, everything is closing in on me; I see no way out - so why do You keep sending me all these promises of deliverance? I've got the message; I see the truth; I know what You are saying - but where is my solution?"

It often happens that a believer's worst trials come right after the most glorious revelation and spiritual growth.

The prophet Jeremiah went through just such a trial. He had hoped for deliverance, but, instead, was cast deeper into the pit of despair. He cried out, He has hedged me about, that I cannot get out; he has made my chain heavy, He has enclosed my ways with cut stone; He has made my path crooked... Lamentations 3:7,9

Keep in mind this is the same Jeremiah whom Christ so often quoted.

How could a prophet of God who thundered against kings and nations fall into such deep turmoil and despair?
He lost his spiritual composure, crying: He has filled me with bitterness and he has removed my soul far from peace... Lamentations 3:15,17

Thank God - there is an answer to all this in the Word. We have here a message of comfort for all who are cast down.

So far, we have focused our attention on the problem. Now, let us consider the way to victory over all despair. We can begin with the prophet we’ve been referring to as our example of suffering, because he also sets the example in faith and hope.

In his very darkest hour, Jeremiah discovered a glorious truth that brought new hope and assurance to his mind. It was something he already knew about God, but it didn't touch his soul until he came to the end of himself.

He discovered that at the very bottom - there was God!

When Jeremiah hit bottom, he bumped into God! He fell hard against the faithfulness of a compassionate God.

Listen to his discovery: God is a God of compassion, His compassions for me cannot fail, they are new every morning, great is His faithfulness Lamentations 3:22,23

Little by little, Jeremiah began to realize some great truths that can only be discovered by those who are down.

Listen to the encouraging words in Lamentations:
God whispers, Do not fear! 3:54-57

God will judge my case 3:44,59

God will uphold me with abundant compassion and love 3:32

God wants my troubles to end! 3:33

God is not against me. 3:34

God is not trying to sabotage my plans; 3:35

God’s mercies are new each morning 3:22, 23

God is always faithful, He’ll do right by me. 3:25,26

God will not cast me off. God will save me 3:25, 26

I will thank Him for His faithfulness!
3:40. 41

I can depend totally on His mercies!
3:18, 20. 21

What it all means is simply this: Get your eyes off your problems and afflictions, remind yourself that God is still faithful, His compassion and tender love is yours for the taking.



Rebuke your unbelief and say to your soul, Wait just one minute - God is still God! He is still on His throne, hearing and answering prayer. God is going to act on my behalf not one minute too soon or too late.. He is not trying to hurt me; He loves me. God is overflowing with love toward me; He cares about me. Right now, even though I am down and hurting, He is not far off. He sees every move I make; He bottles every tear; He will take quick action and do what must be done - on time!

God is bigger than your problem! God is too holy to fail you. His promises have not and cannot fail. So you can quietly wait on Him to bring you out into a safe place. Until then, He is with you in the darkest hour. You are not alone - He has promised to never leave or forsake you! In your sorrow - He will comfort you! Even in death - He will not forsake you!

“Total Separation”

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place

Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 19 05/20/2007

Genesis 12:1, 4, 5 Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get out of your country and from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you:

Our call is like Abram’s call - a call to Total Separation!

God called Abraham to leave—his country, his relatives, his father… So Abram departed, as the LORD had said; and Lot his brother's son went with him… However, it wasn’t a complete separation!

If we want our faith to please God then we need to be totally separated! This is a two fold separation. We are to be separated from the world and separated unto the Lord.

Two cannot walk together unless they are agreed.

Even though Christ was in the world He was not of this world and neither are we to be. Our citizenship is in heaven and we are only ambassadors here representing Christ. A question we must ask ourselves is are we living and acting as an ambassador of Christ or are we just enduring this separation.

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon

Now Abram heeded the word of God but not completely.

Many Christians today start off like Abram… they start out with great enthusiasm to follow the Lord, perhaps as a result of a crisis but then later grind to a standstill in their walk.

The key is perseverance, enduring to the end.

God’s call to Abram to leave his country and go to an unknown country is comparable to leaving the world behind looking toward heaven.


God’s call to leave his relatives was comparable to leaving the old nature (the old man) or our flesh nature behind.

Abram went through a lot of self inflicted misery, trials and pain because he really wasn’t separated… but now in Genesis 13 we see a separated relationship developing.

Genesis 13:2,5 And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold… Lot also had flocks, and herds, and tents.

Genesis 13:8 And Abram said to Lot, Let there not be strife between me and you, or between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are family….

As we look at the lives of these two men we see that

Abram’s life symbolizes a spirit controlled person.
Lot’s life represents a carnal (worldly) person.

Our walk with the Lord requires, rather it demands total separation.

Lot was not separated. It is not noted that God spoke to him. I Corinthians 3:1-3 Brethren, I could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk and not with meat because you are not able to deal with it, nor are you yet able. For you are still carnal: because there is among you envying and strife and divisions, you walk as men…

Abram built altars to God and pitched his tent.
Lot built his tent and pitched his altars.

Lot lived by sight, Abram lived by faith!

Abram seemed interested in pleasing God, but there is no indication whatsoever of Lot even being interested in God.

Lot got himself into major trouble, just as any believer gets into trouble when he/she does not take time to fellowship with God on a daily basis.

When Lot left Egypt he took something else with him which did him far more harm and damage than his possessions… a worldly spirit.

The conflict between Abram and Lot illustrates the struggle that takes place between the spirit and the flesh.

Lot was self-centered and greedy, Abram was generous and kind. Genesis 13:8-9 And Abram said to Lot, Let there be no strife between me and you separate yourself from me: if you wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Do you have enough faith to let God have his way to leave things to him without worrying about the outcome?.

Do you stick with faith even if it doesn’t go your way?

Abram was called to Canaan not Lot, yet he gave Lot the choice. He could have insisted on his rights. God had given the land to Abram not Lot. Abram was older, the first choice should have been his - but he had an unshakable faith in His God. He knew full well that no matter the results God’s will would be done!

Abram chose peace by giving Lot first choice.

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as it is up to you, live peaceably with all men.

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to take, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

As Christians we are not to insist on our rights, even as Christ did not insist on His.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Lot chose the things seen, things with no eternal value. Genesis 13:10-11 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere…...as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

Genesis 13:12-18 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. The LORD said to Abram, after Lot was separated from him, Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are northward and southward and eastward and westward: For all the land which you can see I give to you and your seed forever. I will make your seed as the dust of the earth….. Arise, walk through the land, the length of it and the breadth of it; for I will give it to you. Then Abram removed his tent and came and dwelt in Hebron, and built there an altar to the LORD.

In Genesis 19 we read of Lot’s demise. (his wife, daughters)

Joshua 7:21 describes Achan - he saw, he coveted, he took.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

I pray that you will be moved by the Word of God, not by self interest. I pray you lean on the promises of God and not on your own understanding.

Remember you are charged by God to come out from among the world.

II Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, says the Lord, touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

II Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

filthiness of the flesh = sins of the mind, our thinking /attitude


If you are going to be what God really wants you to be, you must be careful to confess your sins.

Please take note that it was not until there was complete separation on Abraham’s part that he was fully in the will of God.

Re-cap
Abram: Spirit led, walked by faith, Generous and spiritual, Looked for a city whose builder was God, became father of all believers, made heir of Canaan’s land, pleased God.

Lot: Flesh led, walked by sight, self-centered and worldly, looked for a man made city, had no testimony with his family, lost his wife, his daughters committed incest with him, became father of desert tribes, lost everything when Sodom was destroyed.

“Poolside Miracle”

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 18 05/12/2007

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue, Bethesda, having five porches John 5:2 The pool of Bethesda was apparently fed by an underground stream and at certain seasons the water stirred. This troubling of the water was attributed to an unseen angel who released healing power into the pool and the first person to enter was healed.

Multitudes of crippled, paralyzed and handicapped people gathered to wait for the water to move, hoping they would be the lucky ones. Some scholars suggest the five porches were constructed to shelter the multitudes who camped around the pool. The Word says that by this pool lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. John 5:3

John write, For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had John 5:4

I believe John recorded this Jewish tradition just as the Jews believed it - to expose its weakness and limitation as compared to the all-inclusive, absolute healing power of Jesus Christ.

I don't serve a God who would cause such a horrible scene of selfishness. Strong, rude, self-centered people pushing and shoving their way to a place nearest the pool… that sounds like a God thing to me. Less crippled bullies muscling their way over other poor cripples to get into the pool first. Certainly sounds like it would honor the Father?

Quick - it's moving! What a mad rush it had to be, with the hopes of the weakest and neediest dashed because some more nimble soul got there first.

One poor cripple heard that cry for 38 years. He didn’t have a chance, he’d drag his crippled body a few feet, and by that time it was all over, someone else had stepped into the pool.

People were healed no question, but each healing would only create more anguish and hopelessness for those who had waited so long in vain.

Please understand every poor soul laying by that pool already had something better than a chance troubling the water. They had the precious promises of a loving God who had made provision to heal them all. If you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God and do that which is right in His sight and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases on you, which I have brought on the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that heals you Exodus 15:26

Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits: who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases Psalm 103:2,3

This hurting multitude was spiritually blind to God's Word. They weren’t laying there handicapped and crippled because they were all horrible sinners - no doubt sin had brought sickness and disease on many of them - but not all.

God could’ve received great glory had they sought out His Word and acted with as much confidence in what He promised as they did toward being first into the pool.

Christ was approached by his disciples about a man who was blind from birth - they asked, Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in Him John 9:2-3

According to the Word - they were waiting for the wrong thing!
Truly my soul waits on God; He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; my expectation is from Him. Psalm 62:1,2,5,6

Jesus was drawn to a certain impotent man laying by the pool. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity 38 years. When Jesus saw him, knowing that he had been there a long time, he asks him, Will you be made whole? John 5:5,6

Impotency comes in many forms. It can be physical, spiritual, mental - or all of these at once. Mentally and spiritually you may be that man laying by the pool! You are in a situation that seems hopeless - and you see no way out. No one really understands the depth of your suffering - no one seems to care enough to stop and help; no one really touches the hurt in you.

Take a good look at that impotent man, and think of the years of struggle, the hurts loaded on him by uncaring, insensitive people. How often he must have lifted a withered hand to those rushing by to get their own needs met, crying, Some-one, help me! Please! I can't do this on my own!

Jesus asks, "Do you really want to be healed?"

There is a danger in prolonged agony and pain - and that is to finally give up, embrace the sorrow, and just make do with things as they are. The Puritans called it, "hugging the pain"

The Lord's question implied the man was not ready to face the responsibility that comes with being made whole. Listen to the man's immediate response. Rather than a joyful, expectant, "Yes, I will be healed" - he says, Sir, I have no man John 5:7

It is sad, but true, that many hurting people could not survive without their sorrow and pain. I am speaking about people who have built their very lives around pain, affliction and suffering.
They’ve complained and talked about their situation so often and for so long that if they were healed, they’d have nothing to talk about.

They’ve been sad and murmuring for so long, it has become an addiction. If they were healed it’d mean learning a whole new way of life. They'd have to learn the language of hope.

Suffering has the potential of turning people into grumbling, self-centered cripples wallowing in self-pity. How miserable to live with someone like that, because they measure your love by your willingness to cater to their emotional pain.

Jesus said to him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk John 5:8

He might have heard about Jesus; but this man didn’t know Him; he wasn’t at all intimate with Jesus. He had been too trapped by his infirmity. But Jesus knew all about him!

Jesus had come to him in his misery and sorrow - and mercy was about to spring forth! Jesus didn’t cross examine him; He didn’t rebuke him for bitterness or self-pity.

Jesus was touched by this poor man’s infirmity. At this time Jesus made no demands. All Jesus asked of him was to believe His Word and act on it. Rise! Take up your bed! Walk - away from this scene!

Later, after his healing, Jesus would find him in the temple. He would hear the Lord's command to go and sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you v.14 He’d get to know and trust Jesus. But now, laying by the pool helpless and in despair, he faced the biggest decision of all his painful years.

A Word of resurrection hope had come to him! He was being challenged: Rise by faith, be made whole, join the living or lay there in self pity and die all alone!

The man had to believe this was God at work, that his cries had been heard and his time for deliverance had come.

Jesus said, Verily, I say to you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do: for whatever he does, the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that he does; and he will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel John 5:19, 20

In essence, Jesus was saying to the Pharisees, "My Father wanted him healed, so I healed him. I do only what my Father wills."

It was God's will, God's love - God's desire, to make this man completely whole. It is so difficult when you are down and weak to believe God still loves you!

When years have been wasted, when sin has crippled your body and soul, when you feel worthless and displeasing to God and you wonder why He’d even still care - it is then that it takes child-like faith to accept that love and step out in faith saying, Lord, on your word alone I will arise - get up out of this crippling weakness - and walk with you!

They cry to the Lord in their trouble, and he saves them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:17-21

The word of hope, forgiveness, mercy, love and restoration has come to you through this message. Cry aloud! Heed his Word, repent, then rise - walk with the Lord and be made whole!

"Not Among The Tree Huggers"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 17 05/06/2007

The apostle Paul warns that in the last days perilous times shall come. II Timothy 3:1 Paul's use of the word "perilous" means "dangerous, fierce and violent times that sap away all strength." Those times are here!

As tempting as it may be, running away is contrary to everything in God's Word! Besides, if you seek to save your skin you’ll loose it!

Jesus is not coming back for a cowardly people on the run!

Jesus knew what our times would be like. He was aware of all the horrible violence that would take place. He foresaw the outbreaks of wickedness, the school killings and the terrorism . And still He commanded, Go to all the world! Preach the gospel, baptize, heal the sick - I’ll be with you at all times!

Noah lived in a society that had become totally corrupt - a world so violent that God could no longer endure it! God saw the wickedness of man was great and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. It repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, it grieved him at his heart. Genesis 6:5-6,11-13

For 120 years Noah watched his society grow more evil, people consumed with violence, corruption, murder, rape and incest, but he stood in the midst of it, preaching righteousness. Kept by the power of God! He never wavered! All he feared was the Word of God!

I believe God has a role for you in these evil times and it is not just to survive. And it is definitely not just to attend church!

May God find those among us able to say, I am going to do what God wants me to do. I will not run and hide! I’ll stand for God in this wicked hour, even if I stand alone. Jonathan, son of Saul, is a great example of this kind of faith! He too lived in a time of moral and spiritual decay. In the midst of an evil society, Jonathan represents what God is looking for in His people today!

God is looking for courageous men and women who will stand in the gap for their family and for their communities.

Here is the scenario: Israel in seeking to have a human ruler over them appoint Saul as king, but, Israel under Saul became morally wretched. Soon their enemies began to make inroads against them. The Philistines surround Israel with 30,000 iron chariots, 6,000 horsemen and an army as numerous as the sands of the seashore! I Samuel 13:5

When the Israelites saw the enemy's massive power they fled for their lives. They ducked into caves, thickets, among rocks, in pits and high places. Those with Saul followed him trembling I Samuel 13:7 Saul hides under a pomegranate tree along with 600 soldiers, completely confused, not knowing whether to run, surrender or go on a suicide mission!

Totally overwhelmed. Nobody in that tiny group had a plan. They were helpless, powerless - with all hell about to break loose upon them!

Only holiness provides boldness! Only a godly, praying people can stand unshakable in the face of the enemy! The righteous are bold as a lion Proverbs 28:1

In I Samuel 14 we see that Jonathan had a plan, and running wasn’t a part of it!

He decided to undertake single-handed warfare. Good thing he didn’t say anything to the other tree huggers. They’d have laughed him to scorn! You? Alone? Going to fight the enemy territory, just you and your armor bearer?

Yet Jonathan said boldly in faith to his armor-bearer, There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few! I Samuel 14:6 In other words, "I'm going on the offensive. Numbers don't matter to God!"

Every change involves a letting go of one thing to reach out for what is next.

The victory that is needed in your family depends on you! You must step out from under the tree and fight single-handedly, or else the enemy will get the upper hand.

Jonathan's plan had two options: "Stand still," or "Charge!"
I Samuel 14:9-10 Insanity - 600 under a tree 2 swords/spears

I can picture Jonathan standing on a rock, waving his sword and crying out, Hey You! And in mockery the Philistines answer, "Come on up. We'll show you a thing or two!"

I wish I could’ve heard Jonathan praying as he climbed up the side of those sharp rocks: Glory to God, victory is in You! No more running! No devil in hell can destroy my family, my community, my country! O God, fight for me!

Friends, one little victory threw the enemy into confusion and brought them down completely in defeat: I Samuel 14:13-16 Jonathan won only a half-acre victory - twenty dead soldiers. But this small battle steamrolled into a mighty victory.

Remember this: It is the Spirit of God coming on men that makes them dare to step out in faith to do battle! Verse 15 says, There was trembling in the host... and the earth quaked: a very great trembling. The devil panicked!

There were three divisions of Philistines, and the word spread like wildfire, "There's a mighty army coming!"

If we only understood the mighty force with us when we pray, we’d intercede and do battle in faith much more!
Jonathan's sword became lightning-quick and powerful because the Spirit of the Lord was on him. And so it is with every saint who declares war on satanic strongholds: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God II Corinthians 10:4-5

Men and women just like you through faith subdued kingdoms... quenched the violence of fire... waxed valiant in fight Hebrews 11:33-34 This power is available to us today!

Through faith and prayer, we can quench the fiery darts of the devil! We can shut the mouths of the lions! May God remove all fear from your heart, so you can stand up by faith and go against the strongholds Satan has established in your family.

What scares the devil more than anything is a persevering Christian, one who keeps coming back and saying, I'm not giving up, I'm not moving. I'm standing on this rock until I see my Lord's victory! Holy boldness filling your heart!

Will you dare to step away from the pomegranate tree? Are you willing to, simply take God at His Word. Then, "Stand fast, and see the salvation of the Lord!"

I Samuel 14:7 And his armor-bearer said to him, Do all that is in your heart: go ahead; behold, I am with you according to your heart.

Isaiah 43:18-19 Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

"Will You Be Found Sleeping With The Five Foolish Virgins?"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 15 04/22/2007

Isaiah then describes an unusual scene: In that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by your name, to take away our reproach Isaiah 4:1

Seven virgins tried to make a deal to marry a man. Yet, not a word was whispered about an engagement, intimacy, forsaking others, remaining faithful. These women were looking for a loveless, noncommittal marriage, to provide them with a certain status. The number 7 in scriptures usually represents spiritual things. These 7 women may well represent certain people who appear to have a part in God's kingdom. All we want is your name, to take away our reproach.

I believe Isaiah is speaking of the church. He illustrates something important here. He's saying that would-be believers will try to have a marriage of convenience with Christ. They'll want to appear spiritual, claiming to be part of the kingdom of God. They will say things like, I want you, Lord, but I want to go my own way and do my own thing. Just give me your name. I want to be known as one of yours. These folk don't want to have intimacy with the Lord, or to be dependent on him. They want to live unto themselves, no obligations, no commitment.

Is it possible that Isaiah's prophecy is being fulfilled right now. Churches around the world are filled with millions of people calling themselves Christians, yet have no intimacy with Jesus.

They spend no time in prayer with Him, no time in the Word, They have no idea what God desires of them. Incredibly, God has continued to bear with these people…. Somehow, these people have attached themselves to Christ's name. Yet they did so wholly on their own.

Our Lord won't have any part of such an arrangement. The wise virgin, has great passion for the bridegroom. She constantly longs for intimacy with him: My beloved is mine, and I am his Song of Solomon 2:16. Indeed, the cry of the true Christian is, Lord, I don't want just your name. I desire you at all times. I think of you every night, as I go to bed. And every morning when I wake, my heart goes out to you. Isaiah 26:8-9

The true believer declares, I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels Isaiah 61:10

We're also going to witness an incredible scene from Jesus' parable: While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept Matthew 25:5 All the virgins, both foolish and wise, were asleep. Christ is describing a slumbering church just prior to his coming. He warns in Mark, Watch therefore: for you know not when the master of the house comes... Watch that he doesn’t find you sleeping. I say to all, Watch Mark 13:35-37

I’ve always wanted to advertise a sermon title “Will you be found sleeping with the five foolish virgins?” How could these wise virgins be slumbering? How could any godly servant, waiting for Jesus' return for so long, be asleep as the Lord approaches?

Christ's prophesied that in the last days, a great falling away would take place in the church. Paul admonishes Now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed Romans 13:11 Paul's warning suggests that just before Jesus returns, a great slumber will fall upon many Christians. Even the righteous will be in danger of slumbering. Paul also warned, Ephesians 5:14-16 Wake up, saints. Don't be sleeping virgins. Be wise, and stay watchful for the Lord's return. Make no mistake about who Paul is addressing here. He's speaking to "followers of God...dear children" 5:1

Many believers are going to be tested by this great slumber.

Our Lord's return is closer now than ever. Yet, as I look around, I see many believers falling into a deep sleep. Indeed, over the years this spirit of slumber has already overtaken multitudes. At one time, these people longed for his coming and diligently prepared to meet him. Wide awake with hearts on fire, full of passion for Christ. But over time, they began slowly turning away. Now they make up the company of foolish virgins. This issue of slumbering Christians has been burning in my spirit for years now. I believe God is speaking to many other shepherds. Yet multitudes of God's spokesmen have fallen asleep, just as the sheep in their care have. Isaiah described what we're seeing today, when he cried out, His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber Isaiah 56:10 The unwise virgins were not present at the marriage supper. They were shut out completely. Only those who were prepared were allowed to be with him. At midnight there was a cry made Matthew 25:6

God in His faithfulness has a holy remnant of watchmen who will not be silenced. In spite of being mocked, scorned and ridiculed, these servants cry, It is now midnight, the bridegroom is coming for his bride. Jesus will soon be at the door. Christian, be ready to meet your Lord. Prepare for glory! The good news is that there's still time. The door is still open. And the Lord's greatest desire is to have you at his side for the marriage supper of the Lamb. He loves you even in your negligence.

If you want to be a wise virgin, there are two steps you must take. They're simple steps, but they can't be overlooked!

1. Make Christ the center of your thought life. Let the Lord be in all your thoughts. When you wake up in the morning, whisper his name. At night, as you're going to bed, call out to him in thought and on your knees. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatso-ever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things Philippians 4:8 Let this verse be the basis of a simple prayer for you throughout the day: "Jesus, you are true, honest, just, pure, lovely. You are my Good News."

2. Pray throughout the day, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." This simple prayer is the oil for your lamp.

Praying it daily is how you begin to prepare to meet the Lord. You're telling God, "Father, I'm not worthy to be called by your name. I need your mercy. Whatever goodness I may possess gains me nothing. It's all filthy rags in your sight. I know I can't be saved by my good works. I need your grace. I humble myself before you now. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." When the publican first prayed this prayer, Jesus said of him, I tell you, this man went down to his house justified Luke 18:14

In other words, here was one to whom Jesus will open the door. Repent, and determine to seek Jesus with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. He promises that if you do, you're sure to find him. He will open every door to you

"Partakers of the Divine"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 16 04/29/2007

We at the Gathering Place have been asking God for an understanding of what Peter meant when he said, we might be partakers of the divine nature… II Peter 1:3-4

However, in the natural we can’t receive these things. They are spiritually discerned. yet, if we are willing and hungry to experience the deeper things of God, the Spirit will not fail us.

The Truth Jesus said would set us free, will be revealed to us. Not only will we see and understand, but those truths will be woven into the very fabric of our being. (partakers of divine)

You can’t possess truth apart from Him, who is the Truth.

Will you continue to pamper self and crucify Christ afresh, or will you die to the self-life (flesh-life, the old life, the carnal), and rise up out of the grave to live in the power of Christ's resurrection, complete in the will of God?

Here in lies the Key - The Church must not only teach death to self it must also teach living the Christ Life! This my friends this is of absolute necessity! Make no mistake in your decision, stand with God and break with self! This is why Jesus came.

His death was no mere accident. He was slain front the foundation of the world. His death was not simply that of a martyr. I lay down my life that I may take it again. No man takes it from me but I lay it down of myself John 10:17-18

A crucified Christ so He might have crucified followers. We must choose to identify with the Cross of Christ. Then we must not only refuse the "old life", we must refuse it consistently, every time our old nature would reinstate itself.

You have this divine nature once and for all when you are grafted into the True Vine. Held in Divine trust so you may choose, again, and again, and continue to choose.

Do you desire Divine Life which flows as a great river from the Lamb? Then you must refuse your own life. Do this, and you’ll be more than a conqueror. Do this, and you’ll no longer agonize over a role, trying to imitate the Christ; you’ll unconsciously, spontaneously walk as Jesus walked.

It’ll be an easy thing, a joyous thing. It’ll be natural for you to be Christian - you’ve been made partakers of His Divine nature. Brothers and sisters up to now we’ve been enjoying a 50% redemption…. We either hear too much about dieing or we hear too much about living. We need 100% both dieing and living!

It is useless to talk of revival apart from a deep participation in the Cross. They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. We read in Exodus that the oil was not applied until first the blood had been sprinkled. The oil (Holy Spirit) after the blood (Cross) Exodus 31:32 To share the Christ-life, we must partake of Christ death!

Nature teaches this same lesson. Not a tree, not a blossom, not a shrub, not a fruit, but what cost the death of a seed. Clearly through Old Testament type and symbol the Holy Spirit flashes light on this mystery of our co-crucifixion…..

Abraham must sacrifice his Isaac. YES Isaac was spared, yet, in spirit, Abraham offered him up, that is why the promise was made: I’ll bless you and multiply your seed as the stars of Heaven, and as the sand on the seashore.

Joseph is buried in an Egyptian prison before he rises to power which he seemed to share with the mighty Pharaoh.

40 years on the lonely slopes of Midian Moses is schooled. There were graves, scattered all over the mountainside where hope after hope was buried until at last self goes down in utter annihilation. But for those graves, the Man of God who spoke face to face with Jehovah, could not have been used.

The Israelites must go down into the valley of the Jordan, leaving in the bed of the stream twelve stones, in order to enter the land of milk and honey. The waters return as Israel passes, burying the twelve stones, symbolic of Israel's twelve tribes. Israel can’t dwell in the promised land without a constant abiding in death through the 12 symbolic stones, buried in the stream Joshua 4:9

David does not come to the throne until in the caves of the Philistines, he was hunted down like a dog by the infuriated Saul, he dies-deaths innumerable.

Jeremiah dies a thousand deaths as he weeps over the chosen people. Jonah is pitched into the sea and is swallowed by a whale-even then he does not come forth wholly purged from self.

God's people have never in any age come to the mountain-peak of glorious unbroken communion with the Most High, without having the "self-life," the "flesh-life," brought again and again to the dust of death.

Our fretful, greedy, self-centered, fussy, lustful, hateful "flesh-life" must die. absolutely and mercilessly terminated. By an act of faith you must lay hold of Christ’s death as your death; you must place Christ's Cross between yourself and "the body of sin." You must take your stand with Christ on Calvary ground and each time that the "self-life" tries to assert itself, say: "In Christ I died. In His name, I refuse my old nature."

This done, the Holy Spirit will bear witness to your faith and set you free, and keep you free.

"Just Do It"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place
Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 14 04/15/2007

John 21 in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples didn’t know it was Him. Jesus said to them, Lads, catch anything? They answered, No. And he said to them, cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast the net and now they weren’t able to draw it in, because of the large catch. John said to Peter, it’s the Lord....

This was familiar… it brought back memories of days gone by….

Luke 5:4-6 Jesus told Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch. And Simon said, Master, we’ve toiled all the night and have caught nothing: nevertheless at your word I will let down the net. And when they did that, they caught such a great number of fish that net began to break. They called their partners in the other ship to come and help them. They filled both ships to the point they began to sink.

Luke 5:10-11 Jesus said to Simon, Don’t be afraid from now on you shall catch men (fishers of men). And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.

This miracle took place at the first encounter with the disciples and three years later in the first showing of the resurrected Christ. I believe it is far more significant than we may first imagine.

Two similar events: identical requests made by Christ, identical responses by the disciples, and the exact same results.

Now lets look at this event…

Did Jesus tell the disciples to try a different fishing spot? No.Did Jesus tell Peter to use a different net? No.Did Jesus tell the disciples to use a different boat? No.Jesus told the disciples to throw the net on the other side of the boat. Same sea, same boat, same net, just a different side.Now, I’m pretty sure they had cast their net on the “other side” of the boat before. I mean, come on? After a whole night of fishing to no avail, there is a really good chance that they had already tried this “other” side of the boat. Yet Christ was asking them to trust Him and do what didn’t make a lot of sense… and cast the net on the other side.

Think about you being out there - all night long. and nada, nothing, zip, zero catch. And you know from experience how long that night can be when you catch nothing. You thank God that its over and your heading back to shore… the last thing you need is some shore walker asking if you caught anything let alone telling you to try the other side of the boat.

Listen, the fact that Peter was unable to catch any fish had nothing to do with any of the surrounding circumstances.

There was nothing the disciples could blame their failure on.

They were doing what came natural, they were doing their own thing! Life it self can often hinder our success. Stuff happens.

I believe Jesus was trying to teach the disciples then and now, that it's not about boats, nets and lakes; it's about living our lives completely following the directions that He gives us.No matter how illogical. It was Christ's direction and Peter obeying it that brought Peter his success.
Now get this. Peter’s boat couldn't have been that big. It was a fishing boat after all... not an Ocean Liner. Which means those fish were probably down there the whole time.

I believe that God in order to stay true to His Holy nature is forced to withhold blessings from us until we OBEY His voice, actually DOING what He requires of us.

I find it very interesting that although the Roman Catholic Church has set the Virgin Mary in a high and lofty place, they neglect the one and only command she ever gave.

They’d do well to heed John 2:5 Jesus’ mother said, Whatever he tells you to do, do it.

OBEYING CHRIST IS EVERYTHING!

Luke 6:46-49 Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings and does them, I will show you to who he is like: He is like a man which built a house, digging deep and laying the foundation on a rock: and when the flood waters rose the stream beat violently against that house, but didn’t shake it: because it was built on a rock. Jesus went on to say, he that hears my word and does not do it, is like a man built a house without a foundation, the flood stream beat against that house, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

John 15:14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command

Let’s go back to the basics…. Mark 12:30-31 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment. The second is, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There’s no other commandment greater.

So it is back in your ball park. What are you going to do with this message.
Are you going to keep fishing on the wrong side of the boat? How long before that gets old? May the church get what Niki promotes…. JUST DO IT!

"Not Your Typical Easter Message"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place,

Pulpit Series Volume 17 Issue 13 04/08/2007

For the most part this will be the same but then again I held back because we were in someone else’s house….But this is our house of worship and we long for an intimate time with our God.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalms 126:5

Sowing comes before reaping! Tears come before joy! Death comes before Resurrection! Repentance before Revival!

As a Pentecostal I remember a day when didn’t apologize for our zeal. I remember a day when we believed it only right to be passionate about our relationship with God! For sure we dwelt on the other side of the theological tracks, but the glory of the Lord was in our midst.

Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and built cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Much of what we experience or see today is artificial, fleshy, and repulsively stagnant. We have no distinguishing marks of servant hood on us. We have compromised, become religious, and worldly…. We do not flow with living waters.

I long, how I long for a church life, that includes nights of prayer, followed by signs and wonders and divers miracles.

I long for the church to freely operate in the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I am desperate for the time when we weren’t clock watchers and our meetings lasted for hours, saturated with holy power!

We should be moved to tears with heartfelt sorrow because so many of our own children are turning a deaf ear to the Gospel, willingly to risk hell in the process.

The true believer:
Should be grieved at the worldliness of the Church.
Should be grieved at the blindness of the Church.
Should be grieved at the tolerance of sin in the Church.
Should be grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church.

I am not saying the church doesn’t pray however much of what we pray for reads more like a shopping list than intimate conversation with Almighty God!

The true believer is known in Hell! Acts 19:13-16 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon themselves to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We demand you by Jesus whom Paul preaches…. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, so they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

We should be disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil in this sin-mad society.

Many gathered here today have no heart-sickness for the former glory of the Church because, well basically because you’ve never known what true revival is.

Where are those who’ll allow their hearts to be stirred for salvation and soul winning?
100 years ago, a series of boisterous revival meetings in a converted stable on Azusa Street launched a global movement that overcame differences in class, gender /race to unite around the belief that the Holy Spirit still works miracles.

Today, there are about 600 million Pentecostal and charismatic Christians whose roots are in the Azusa Street revival. The pre-revival meetings were nights filled with public repentance. We sit in our churches void of the living waters because we are content rather to drink from our man-made cisterns.

For the most part we sleep easy at night while this generation is going to hell in a hand basket. They are being swallowed up swiftly into the eternal darkness. Shame on us! This same Jesus who we celebrate today - wept over the lost.

He was aware how near their judgment was. We are not.

The Apostle Paul sent a tear-stained letter to the Philippian saints, writing: For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Notice that he did not say they are enemies of Christ; rather that they live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

I tell you with tears, they live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Powerful words, words that strike fear into the heart of man. Enemies of the cross of Christ? You gotta wonder who he’s talking about.

I think of people like Hitler. Problem is, Paul isn’t speaking about Hitler. I think of those who commit such horrible crimes that to speak of them is difficult. However, Paul is not talking about those people either.

Listen, and weep this blessed Easter morning For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Paul goes on to say Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

Enemies because they LIVE IN A WAY that diminishes the redemptive values of the cross. If we believers trust in anything other than the saving work of Christ, we are guilty of living like enemies of the cross of Christ. Paul, knew that earthly things cannot save us. For him the death and resurrection was everything.

But friends, it doesn’t matter how well you adhere to this law or that law…without the saving work of Christ, His death and His resurrection you can’t be saved. Galatians 2:21 if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.Fellow believers, it is us Paul is talking to… we are the ones who LIVE like the enemies of the cross of Christ. Listen to what Jesus said, When the householder has risen up and shut the door, you’ll stand outside and knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us. He’ll answer you, I do not know where you come from. Then you’ll begin to say, We ate and drank in your presence and you taught in our streets. But he will say, I tell you, I do not know you, depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!
Jesus condemns all who ate and drank at His table, all those who sat under his teaching, because it was not an intimate relationship it was casual - all too casual.

Jesus isn’t warning wicked men here, this is aimed at us!

We are being warned to take our discipleship seriously. We are warned not to neglect co-crucifixion. That is we need to die with Christ so we can be raised with Him!

Why are we so reluctant to place the cross at the center of our lives? I Corinthians 1:18 the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us who are saved it is the power of God. Rejoice in the cross of Christ!

Is there a better time to get right in our thinking about the cross?
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

"Community Good Friday Service"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at the Osoyoos Baptist Church
Good Friday - Joint Service 04/06/2007

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalms 126:5

This is the divine edict. This is more than preaching with zeal. This is more than scholarly exposition. This is more than delivering sermons of homiletical perfection.

Whether preacher or pew dweller we should be appalled at the shrinking authority of the Church in this present hour.

We should cringe with sorrow because so many are turning a deaf ear to the Gospel, willingly to risk hell in the process.

Our heart is often crushed but for the wrong reasons, (selfish). The true believer should be heartsick, and grieved at the worldliness of the Church. The true believer is grieved at the blindness of the Church, grieved at the corruption in the Church, grieved at the tolerance of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church.

The true believer is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil.

The true believer is embarrassed that Church folks no longer cry in their despair before a devil-ridden, sin-mad society, Why could we not cast him out? Matthew 17:19 Many of us have no heart-sickness for the former glory of the Church because we have never known what true revival is.

It should bother us that when the church asks for testimonies we hear about something God did 20 or 30 years ago. My understanding is that God is still alive and active.

Where are those who weep for revival?

Revivals like the 1751 Baptist Church Revival brought by an obscure Connecticut preacher, whose heart was stirred for salvation and soul winning under the ministry of George Whitefield.

The immediate results were astonishing for the frontier era. More than 900 baptized in the first 3 years. It is estimated that the Sandy Creek Revival directly resulted in the birthing of over 1000 Baptist churches. Where are those who’ll allow their hearts to be stirred for salvation and soul winning?

One hundred years ago, a series of boisterous revival meetings in a converted stable on Azusa Street launched a global movement that overcame differences in class, gender and race to unite around the belief that the Holy Spirit still works miracles.

Today, there are about 600 million Pentecostal and charismatic Christians whose roots are in the Azusa Street revival. They make up the fastest-growing segment of Christianity, thriving especially in the Southern Hemisphere, with their beliefs having an impact on nearly every Christian denomination.

Where are those who still believe that the Holy Spirit still works miracles.

We sleep easy at night while this generation is going to hell in a hand basket. They are being swallowed up swiftly into the eternal darkness of hell. Shame on us!

This same Jesus who we celebrate today - He, Himself wept over the lost.


He was aware how near their judgment was. We are not.

We are clueless, and ignorant. The Apostle Paul sent a tear-stained letter to the Philippian saints, writing: For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. Notice that he does not say they are enemies of Christ; they are, rather, enemies of the cross of Christ.

Enemies because they deny or diminish the redemptive values of the cross. There are many like this today, even among us this Easter week-end.

As a Pentecostal I remember a day when we dwelt across the theological tracks, but the glory of the Lord was in our midst.

Regrettably sad, no rather shameful is the fact that we have no distinguishing marks on us today… we have compromised, we have become religious.

I long, how I long for a church life, that included nights of prayer, followed by signs and wonders and divers miracles.

I long for the church to freely operate in the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I am desperate for a time when we were not clock watchers, and our meetings lasted for hours, saturated with holy power!

I blush to think that our children know nothing of such power!

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

We have just heard powerful words. Words that stand to strike fear into the heart of man.
When you hear Paul speak of the enemies of the cross of Christ…it is a very difficult thing not to try and picture who he is talking about. Enemies of the cross of Christ…it makes me think of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party. Their treatment of the Jewish people…the death camps…. There is only one problem with that.

The Apostle Paul isn’t speaking about this type of people. He’s not railing against those who commit such heinous crimes that to speak of them is difficult. “Amazing Race” contestants stopped at Auschwitz concentration camp, where some 1.5 million people died. The contestants were so moved they wept.

They wept as I weep this morning - this blessed Easter Morning.

I weep because the enemies of the cross are not who you may think.

It ought to shock you to hear Paul say, For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.The Apostle speaks of other preachers that have come to Philippi… claiming the faith of Jesus, yet teaching it is needful to adhere to Jewish purity laws in order to be saved.

Paul, was confident that earthly things cannot save us. He knew that…without the saving work of Jesus Christ suffering, dying, rising again and ascending into Heaven…we could not be saved!

Without the cross you can’t be saved.My dear friends, we are in grave danger if we fail to see Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross as the only means to our Salvation. If we begin to trust in ourselves or in humanity for our salvation, we become enemies of the cross of Christ.

It is possible to do this while still claiming a relationship with Jesus.

When the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will stand outside and knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us. He’ll answer you, I do not know where you come from. Then you will begin to say, We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets. But he will say, I tell you, I do not know you, depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!

What we see in this passage is Jesus condemning those who ate and drank at the table with Him, those who sat under his teaching, but it was all to casual. The important word…the word which all of this hinges upon is the word casually.

They know of Jesus, know who He is and what He is about, but treat their relationship casually.So we begin to see what all of this is about. It is not the condemnation of wicked men…rather it is aimed at the average and ordinary person. It is aimed at us. We are being warned to place the cross of Christ at the center of our lives…we are being told to take our discipleship seriously.

We are warned not to neglect co-crucifixion. That is we need to die with Christ so we can be raised with Him! Perhaps not your typical Good Friday message … But then again is there a better day to get right in our thinking about the cross of Christ. It ought to be at the center of our lives.

I make no apology for my boldness - Why would we not want to try and be the best disciples we can be? Rejoice in the fact that we are servants of the cross. May we become more and more who we are called by God to be.