Matthew 24:37-39 NIV “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. [38] For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; [39] and THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN until the flood came and took them all away. THAT IS HOW IT WILL BE AT THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN.”

You and I know what the future holds, we know a secret. It’s not the utopian picture painted by the world. God’s judgment is coming on the earth just as it did in the days of Noah. And the world doesn’t have a clue. Clueless then clueless today, but willingly though:

2 Peter 3:5-7 KJV “For this THEY WILLINGLY ARE IGNORANT of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: [6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: [7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

“THEY WILLINGLY ARE IGNORANT,” of what happened in the past and what WILL happen in the future God says. And anyone who reminds them of it is an enemy that must be destroyed. If what believers in Christ preach about the future and what happened to the world in the past are just fables why the harsh treatment? Other storytellers aren’t treated so bad. People who tell us stories about Santa Claus and the good tooth ferry aren’t treated that way. Why not? Because it’s not the truth. People love lies instead of the truth. The truth has a way of stinging people. And they will do anything not to have to feel that stinging sensation, including murder. (Revelation 11:7-10)

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

Plan as you may but know it is the counsel of the Lord that stands at the end of the day:

Proverbs 19:21 NET “There are many plans in a person’s mind, but it is the counsel of the LORD which will stand.”

Proverbs 16:9 ISV “A person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

Psalm 33:10-11 NET “The LORD frustrates the decisions of the nations; he nullifies the plans of the peoples. 11 The LORD’s decisions stand forever; his plans abide throughout the ages.”

God is in charge, not us. Plan as we may, it is the counsel of the Lord that will have the final say. Don’t believe all the hype this world promotes about the future. Satan’s world is going out with a big bang!!! And that is not a theory.

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Matthew 13:44-46 NIV “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. [45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. [46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

As we go through life all of us are searching for pearls. To some that treasure is having as much fun as we can until we die. And we don’t mind or are too ignorant to know that it will cost us everything we have. To others the treasures of life is winning awards; accolades, affirmations and recognition from men (fame). And this too will cost us everything we have. Having as much sex we can enjoy is the ultimate pleasure and treasure to some. And yes this too will cost us everything we have. People don’t mind spending whatever it cost on their pleasures and treasures. But oh how sad many will be when they find out what they were looking for all along was really Jesus Christ. How miserable they will be (forever) once they learn that He was the only thing; the only person that could give them true happiness and contentment. Their misery will be so overwhelming because it will be too late.

Our world is hostile to Jesus. But He is the hidden Pearl. Those who find Him find life (eternally). The many who reject Him find utter misery (eternally). Jesus is the hidden pearl worth the highest price; including our lives. He alone is worth giving up everything in order to attain Him:

Matthew 19:29-30 KJV “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. [30] But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”

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2 Corinthians 4:7-9 MEV “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, the excellency of the power being from God and not from ourselves. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

This is how you and I are able to endure trials. Our power comes from God. Trouble hits us on every side yet we still make it through. Sometimes we get perplexed or confused but we’re never left hopeless. When we are persecuted God is always right there with us:

Acts 9:1-5 KJV “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, [2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. [3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: [4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why PERSECUTEST THOU ME? [5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I AM JESUS WHOM THOU PERSECUTEST: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

See, when we are being persecuted Jesus is also persecuted. He is right there with us. When knocked down we get back up. That kind of tenacity is not human. It comes from God. If not for the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us we would fall apart. We truly do have the greatest treasure dwelling in these weak bodies of clay. We have Almighty God Himself!!!😃

Psalm 91:1-16 KJV “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. [3] Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. [4] He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. [5] Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; [6] Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. [7] A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. [8] Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. [9] Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; [10] There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. [11] For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. [12] They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. [13] Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. [14] Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. [15] He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. [16] With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” 😊

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2 Corinthians 4:14,16 KJV “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. [16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”

We know that we have eternal life through Jesus our Lord. Hence like Paul we too don’t faint though our outward body is passing away. Our inward man is being renewed day by day. This is our main focus; leaving these earthly bodies of humiliation, and being clothed with our perfect spiritual bodies. Then we will be joined with the Lord forever in the most intimate way.

1 Corinthians 15:44-54 KJV “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. [45] And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. [46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. [48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. [50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. [51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Look at what God has given us, WOW! We will bear (literally) the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus! Just as we all bore the image of the first man Adam who is from the earth we shall bear the image of the second Adam who is from heaven. How unworthy we are to be given bodies just like Christ’s own body:

Philippians 3:20‭-‬21 MEV “But our citizenship is in heaven, from where also we await for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our body of humiliation, so that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working of His power even to subdue all things to Himself.”

Yes we are being made just like our Lord in every way including our bodies.

Romans 8:28-29 KJV “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

So while evil men are down here doing everything possible to defile and destroy God’s temple; His church, Christ’s body, don’t fret. They will not succeed even if it looks like they are. The Lord Jesus has forseen and declared it all:

Matthew 24:22 MEV “Unless those days were shortened, no one would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.”

1 Corinthians 15:51 KJV “Behold, I SHEW YOU A MYSTERY; WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP, but we shall all be changed.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 KJV “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 first: [17] 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. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

1 Corinthians 3:17 KJV “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

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Galatians 1:10 NET “Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!’

What strong words by the apostle Paul a real man of God. Paul said the above words right after saying these:

Galatians 1:8-9 NET “But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be condemned to hell! 9 As we have said before, and now I say again, if any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be condemned to hell!”

Paul could care less about making people happy when it came to protecting the church of God. This shows his faithfulness to the gospel and the seriousness of any false gospel message that is being spread. We’d do well to be like Paul. Who’s approval are we seeking, people’s or God’s?

I’ve noticed the fear of rejection is a most powerful tool that the evil one uses. But a child of God overcomes such fear. The servant of God learns love which casts out all fear:

1 John 4:18 KJV “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

The more we come to know God the more we love and fear Him. This is not a morbid fear but a wholesome healthy respect and reverence. Fearing God is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7 9:10) And God teaches us not to worry about what others think of us. Pleasing God is our main goal.

1 Corinthians 4:3 “So for me, it is a minor matter that I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.”

This is why Paul could so effectively serve the Lord, he desired God’s approval more than anything else. Do we feel the same way? Or are we trying to be friends with God and friends with the world? News flash: it can’t be done:

James 4:4 KJV “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

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Deuter­­onomy 30:16 MEV “What I am commanding you today is to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, so that you may live and multiply. Then the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.”

Who doesn’t want to live and multiply? Who doesn’t want God to bless them? These are the benefits of obeying the Lord. Most want God’s blessings but don’t care to obey Him. It just doesn’t work that way. The Israelites were about to take possession of a very prosperous land. A land flowing with milk and honey. The best of the land God was giving them. God was going to drive out all of Israel’s enemies and give them their land as an inheritance. It all belongs to Him anyway. Israel’s enemies were terrifying. But God instructed His people not to fear them only fear Him. All the Israelites had to do is love, trust, and obey the Lord their God and He would give them the desires of their hearts.

Put yourself in Israel’s place; God will fight your battles, drive out all of your strong enemies before you, give you possessions and the desires of your heart, allowing you and your children to prosper. All you have to do is obey and love the Lord. Is that too much to do?

Does not everything we have come from God? Even our very lives? Don’t we owe Him our love and obedience just for that? Nothing we have originated with us. Yet people act like that’s the case. Did we create the air we breathe that sustains us? Did we make the sun that sustains all life on earth? How does the heart keep on beating then one day stops? Did we make that? Don’t you see that if God never did another good thing for us as long as we live we still owe Him? He gave us life! Is it really a tererible thing to want to know and love the one who’s responsible for your very existence? And as far as obeying God is concerned His commandments benefit us. He doesn’t stop being God if we decide to be fools. His instructions show us how to live life to the fullest even in a crooked generation. And we’re ultimately shown the way to eternal life:

John 14:6 KJV “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and THE LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 17:3 KJV “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Don’t you see that loving God is only right and beneficial?

1 John 5:3-5 NLT “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. [4] For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. [5] And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”

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Genesis 39:20-23 KJV “And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. [21] But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. [22] And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. [23] The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.”

When God is with you he shows you merciful kindness just like he did for Joseph. Notice that Joseph was put into prison. If you read his story you will find he was framed. Joseph was innocent. But God was with Joseph in the prison. Everything Joseph touched prospered while he was confined. So much so that he was made the head of all the prisoners.

Why did God show Joseph such kindness? Because of His love for Joseph and for His glory. And it’s interesting to note that Joseph was kind himself. He was a man of integrity, a man of moral excellence. This man was in prison because he would not sleep with his bosses wife! She lied and said he sexually assaulted her. When going through trials it is good to keep one’s integrity like Joseph. God will be with us in our darkest hour:

Isaiah 43:2 NIV “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Wow!😊

Kindness or gentleness is a fruit of God’s spirit. It’s who He is. Do we recognize the many kindnesses God shows us even in the midst of our problems? And do we constantly thank Him for His generosity? Or are we too consumed by our troubles? Every servant of God goes through many temptations. If these are not viewed the right way one may think God is unkind. We may not notice the many blessings that God gives us right in the midst of our trials.

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

God says to count all of our temptations as joy because of what they are doing for us. We gain patience through trials, which is a neccessary ingredient to walk with God. The end result is perfection or spiritual maturity, spiritual completeness. God won’t leave us all alone just as He did not leave Joseph alone in prison. He sees what’s happening. He will come to our rescue and show us His great kindness. All wemust do is trust Him and patiently endure trials. Let us thank God always for His great kindness. 😊

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Psalm 149:3-4 KJV “Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. [4] For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.”

There are many scriptures that tell us to praise God with music, songs, and dance. So it’s proper do so. But is this a requirement in a church service? In other words is our church service incomplete if there is no music, singing, or dancing. And should people be forced into doing these things?

GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHURCH WORSHIP

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 KJV “How is it then, BRETHREN? WHEN YE COME TOGETHER EVERY ONE OF YOU HATH A PSALM, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. [27] If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. [28] But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. [29] Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. [30] If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. [31] For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. [32] And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. [33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [34] Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. [35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. [36] What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? [37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. [38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. [39] Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. [40] Let all things be done decently and in order.”

You just read GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS for how HIS CHURCH SERVICE should be conducted. I ask you, is this how your church service operates? If not, your fellowship is not in the will of God. These are God’s instructions on how HIS CHURCH should be ran. Today we will focus on the music aspect: Psalms.

A psalm is a spiritual song always accompanied with one or more musical instruments. In fact the Bible book of Psalms is just that; many songs accompanied by music. The book of Psalms was penned by David and Asaph under inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit. Did you notice in God’s instructions for the church it says, “BRETHREN? WHEN YE COME TOGETHER EVERY ONE OF YOU HATH A PSALM?” That means everyone in the church can sing or play a song; his or her own spiritual song if they choose at the church gathering. As long as it edifies the church it is acceptable. But did it say that when the church comes together everyone MUST sing a psalm, and everyone else MUST join in? No. So it is wrong to force others to sing, play an instrument, clap their hands, etcetera. And did it say that a psalm MUST be sung at every church meeting? No. The instructions are, ‘one has a psalm, a doctrine (or teaching), a tongue, a revelation, or an interpretation of tongues.’ And that all these MUST be done for the edification of the church, in decency and order. Each believer present can do these things.

Notice also there are no instructions to designate a praise and worship leader, or a certain group of singers, musicians, etcetera. Again all can engage in psalms in the church if they choose. It is wrong to make fellow believers feel guilty if they don’t decide to sing spiritual songs, or play an instrument, stand up clap their hands and such at a church meeting. Just as it would be wrong to force someone speak in tongues, or share a doctrine (teaching), or a revelation. Because God never commanded this. But sadly this goes on.

MUSIC IS MY MINISTRY?

Many church services resemble music concerts way more than churches. I’ve even heard people say that their music is their ministry. That it’s their way to reach nonbelievers and the youth. As we’ve seen music is permitted in a church gathering. But should it be the focus, the way to reach people for the Lord? Think about it: how many people did Jesus sing into the kingdom? When did he instruct His disciples to sing Psalms to the lost? And how many lost souls did Jesus and His disciples just simply talk to? Aren’t we commanded to follow Jesus’ example? (1 Peter 2:21) The Bible says that psalms, hyms, and spiritual songs are for believers, not for unbelievers:

Colossians 3:16 KJV “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; TEACHING AND ADMONISHING ONE ANOTHER [believers] IN PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Yes, we are told to share psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with, “One anther,” our fellow believers for teaching and encouragement. And we are encouraged to sing to ourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs:

Ephesians 5:19 KJV “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

If we use music the way God tells us to our church services won’t be mere entertainment. Instead our music (if there is any) will be used for the edifying of the church. If an unbeliever wants to listen to a spiritual song cool. But thinking that singing to the lost is the way to get them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior is erroneous. It is nowhere in scripture. Let us obey all of God’s commands. Even when it comes to music at our church gatherings.

1 John 5:3 KJV “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

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2 Samuel 12:13 NIV “Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.”

After committing some horrible sins David woke up and repented. His sins ranged from adultery, to murder, deceit, and then some. But when David realized the trouble he was in he confessed his sins. Because of his heartfelt confession and repentance David was shown mercy. He is a model for us all when we know we have blown it.

1 John 1:7-10 NLT “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and THE BLOOD OF JESUS, his Son, CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN. [8] If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. [9] But IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS TO HIM, he is faithful and just to FORGIVE US OUR SINS and to cleanse us from all wickedness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.”

A key to being a true Christian isn’t we never sin. It’s are we honest enough to confess our sins like David did. Are our confessions penitent? Or are they braggadocios about unrighteousness? Are we trusting in Jesus’ blood to cleanse us from all sin? Or are we trusting in our own righteousness to cleanse and save us? To be frank you and I don’t have any righteousness. So how can we trust in it?

Romans 3:10 KJV “As it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, no, not one.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV “God made him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

BELIEVE IN GOD’S FORGIVENESS

Do we believe that God forgives us when we come to Him humbly asking for forgiveness? The Bible says God never turns away those who come to Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit. This is a pleasing sacrifice to Him:

Psalm 34:18 NLT “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

Psalm 51:17 KJV “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

Isaiah 57:15 KJV “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

Isaiah 66:1-2 KJV “Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? [2] For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”

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