1. Everyone has quarrels ... how we resolve them is the key ... Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye ... Isn't it time to forgive those you once called friends? ...
Isa 42:22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of
them snared in holes, ... and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith,
Restore.
2. T, & CONFIRM we're not only disobedient to God, but we also give an advantage to our greatest enemy!
3.
e
high look and the proud heart. May we all get
the proper dose of humility that we need today!
4. thout grace makes one a LEGALIST. Make every effort to grow in both! A just weight is His delight.
5.
2Chr24:2"And Joash did that which was right in the sight of
the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest." If anyone in your life fell,
would you too? Who are you following? "17Now after the death of Jehoiada
came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king
hearkened unto them. 18And they left the house of the LORD." When Jehoiada
died so did Joash's walk. Time to examine who you're following!
6.
Are there verses in your Bible missing? No? How about Mt 17:21, Mt
18:11, Mk 7:16, Mk 9:44,46, Mt 23:14, Mk 11:26, Mk 15:28, Lk 17:36, Jn 5:4, Acts
8:37, Rom 16:24 ... and I thought David killed Goliath 2Sam 21:19 ... and I
thought Jesus Christ was the Morning Star. It says He is in Rev 22:16 but how
about in Isa 14:12? One thing I learned long ago ... THINGS THAT ARE DIFFERENT
ARE NOT THE SAME!
7.
I wrestled in high school and in college. One of the things my coaches
always taught me was "If you start a move ... FINISH IT ... because going
half way and stopping will be your defeat every time". Likewise in
Christianity, salvation is our beginning line, not our finish line. Jump in with
both feet ... commit yourself to Him with as much devotion as He committed to
you ... because CASUAL TIES produce CASUALTIES!
8.
There's a huge difference between not doing right while not
knowing, and not doing right while knowing. In both cases you're not doing right
but much more's required from those that know the difference. To whom much is
given much is required. Some Christians are IGNORANT and must learn the truth,
while others are IGNORING and must live the truth. It's time for us that are
IGNORING truth to do right because it's right
9.
We don't think anything about being called a busybody, but it's much more
serious to God then it is to us. Meddling and poking your nose into other
people's business gets named right along side of being a murderer. 1Pt4:15
"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters." I guess the saying is
true..."Curiosity killed the cat"
10.
Phil 3:13 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before." Try running full speed forward
while looking behind. Not only tough but dangerous. Start forgiving offenses of
the past so you can run forward. What's the key? Humility! Paul said he'd NOT
apprehended or arrived.
11. Come as you are" is one of the most popular phrases
being touted by churches today. That's not where the problem lies though. It's
"Going as you came". We're told in scripture to be CONFORMED into the
image of Christ. If there's no change there's no conformance. Ps 55:19...Because
they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. The lack of conformance is
due to pulpits being afraid to preach the fear of the Lord.
12.
Acts 15:35 "Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and
preaching the word of the Lord..." There's a difference between teaching
& preaching. In the 1800's DeToqueville discovered the secret to America's
success in
"her pulpits that flamed with righteousness". Sounds like "fire
& brimstone" preaching folks speak negatively of...yet it formed the
greatest nation on earth. Stop "sharing": start preaching!
13.
Heb 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see
the day approaching." We are a day closer to the Lord's return to rapture
His bride out of this world than we were yesterday. All His children should
shout "Even so come Lord Jesus" ... and at the same time provoking one
another by shouting ... "Even so come to church!"
14.
We live in a day when churches are more concerned with Members, Money
& Monuments. Hence, pragmatism (the end justifies the means) prevails ...
and as long as there is a good result it does not matter how you achieve it. If
true, then why did God not accept David's way of getting the ark back to
Jerusalem on a new cart? Churches must abandon the philosophy of being Purpose
Driven and replace it with Truth Driven.
15.
GOOD NEWS! ...No matter how far away you have gotten from the Lord,
the distance back is only have as far! For every step you take back towards God,
He takes a step closer to you, just like the prodigal's father ran as soon
as he saw his son returning. James 4:8 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw
nigh to you." Isn't it time you "turned your feet" and made
your way back home? You have a loving father waiting for you.
16.
False judgments have caused many a problem for and between Christians.
What we think to be true, is not always so, and visa versa. The Bible says Pro
18:13 "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and
shame unto him." 1Thes 5:21 "Prove all things; hold fast that which is
good." If we are going to preserve friendships, families & churches we
best start proving and stop FALLING APART AT THE "SEEMS"
17.
Christians that ignore the Bible on apologizing, forgiving, loving etc,
need some Spiritual Smell-Swell. Ps 38:5 "My wounds stink and are corrupt
because of my foolishness." Break that stiff-neck of yours and humble
yourself. Eph 5:2"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath
given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling
savour"...or stay miserable "SITTING IN YOUR OWN PEW"
18.
Many believe they can pray to God whenever and however they want
and that God always listens. There are conditions to His hearing. Ps 66:18
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" Jn 9:31
"Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper
of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth." If you REGARD iniquity, in
other words not deal with your sin, YOU HAVEN'T GOT A PRAYER!
19.
Have so-called friends ever turned on you? Ps 41:9 "Yea, mine
own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted
up his heel against me." This world is full of fair-weather friends.
Scripture says "a friend loveth at all times". It should not surprise
us. They left Jesus too! Jn 6:66 "From that time many of his disciples went
back, and walked no more with him." Coincidental address of 666?
20.
There are 3 states of matter; gas, liquid, solid. Christians are no
different. GASEOUS Christians are invisible, and float where they will, LIQUID
Christians take the shape of whatever vessel they find themselves in and always
follow the path of least resistance, yet only SOLID Christians have a definite
shape, and a known volume as to what they can hold. I hope today the Lord
reveals to you the FACT OF THE MATTER.
21.
Isn't it true we think godly people should only have smooth
sailing? What of the Apostles, Daniel, & Joseph? Why do we think it strange?
1Peter 4:12 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which
is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:" Peter was
qualified to say this as he slept between guards the day before his ordered
execution. Slept? It was JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE.
22.
Job said “I am vile”, Isaiah said “I am undone;” Paul said
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” So
where does that leave Paul Iannello? Lower than the dust! With what is going on
in this world, it is apparent to me that the Lord will be returning shortly. I
cannot imagine meeting Him face to face while not having done my part to make
peace with all men. So with one big piece of humble pie, please allow me to say
“Le mie scuse a tutto” (Italian) or “My Apologies to All”. My apologies
for not being what I should have been, and my apologies for being what I should
not have been. 2Peter 3:13 “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look
for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore,
beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found
of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” I want to be found in peace and
not pieces! Most of you know that I have made a diligent effort to mend broken
bridges as of late. Unfortunately, you can only reconcile with those wanting to
do so. As they say, “It takes two to Tango”. All I can do is all I can do,
and all I can do is enough. Please take my lead and with as much as lieth in you live
peaceably with all men, forgiving and apologizing for all offenses, past and
present. Romans 13:11 “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to
awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
May God bless you as you endeavor to serve Him faithfully.
23.
1Thes 2:2..."we were bold in our God to speak unto you the
gospel of God with much contention...4 even so we speak; not as pleasing men,
but God...5 neither at any time used we flattering words." When the Bible
is preached, not with flattering words to please men (Rick Warren's happy
texts), but BOLDLY to please God, there WILL be much contention. Preachers are
here to COMFORT THE AFFLICTED & AFFLICT THE COMFORTABLE.
24.
Acts 3:19 "...the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of
the Lord." There's nothing like being refreshed. Remember the Lipton Tea
commercial falling backwards into a pool? Ah! When we were saved we were made
fresh, but the re-freshing must be done daily. 2Cor4:16 "...the inward man
is renewed day by day." ...Grandma's secret to softening stale cookies...
add a slice of bread! A Slice of Scripture refreshes!
25. In today's Slice of Scripture we are going to take a look at EVERY Biblical reference that justifies you not forgiving and restoring a brother or sister in Christ seeking restoration or reconciliation with you. The following is a list of every verse found in the Word of God ...
26. Phil 2:25 "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger..." Notice Epaphroditus' Christian life STARTED as a brother, but continued as a laborer, a soldier, and a messenger. So many Christians have never done anything other than becoming a Christian. It's time we realize that salvation is the beginning of our race and not the end.
27. "We have an anchor that keeps the soul, Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love." WE HAVE AN ANCHOR is a famous hymn, but sadly not a famous lifestyle. Most unanchored Christians feel good about themselves so long as they keep an arm's length from a floating world, but never look behind to see how far they've floated from the cross.
28. Jud 7:22 Gideon & Israel won the battle over their enemies because the Midianites & Amalekites turned on each other and destroyed themselves. How ironic that God's people now follow the ways of this world. Dog eat dog. Christians killing each other, brethren against brethren, church against church, with no awareness that the Devil's devices have worked yet again as he laughs in the Lord's face saying "I told you so!"
29. Real friends are a great gift of God, given to us to us help endure the Christian race. Pro 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." I wonder what "at all times" means...maybe "at ALL times" :) Try being a REAL friend and you'll find the refreshment your Christianity needs. Acts 27:3b "Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself."
30. Cleave is the only word I know that has two meanings totally opposite each other. Gen 2:24 "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Hence, cleave can mean to join together. A butcher uses a cleaver to cut meat. Hence, cleave can mean to take apart. What definition of cleave best fits your marriage? NBBC's Marriage Conference is this Fri-Sun.
31. 2Tim 4:2 "Preach the word...reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" We live in a day when Bible preachers are frowned upon and scratching teachers..., sharing feel good, happy text sermonettes are preferred, but "Is there a doctrine in the house?"
32. Salt has many uses. It enhances flavor, preserves, purifies, aids healing, induces thirst, repels pests, and melts ice. Every one of its uses can be applied to our Christian lives. The Lord says in Mt 5:13 "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour ... it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to... be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Isn't it time we all say "Please Pass the Salt"?
33. The Slice of Scripture is simply ... "What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder". Which "cleave" are you .. together or apart?
34. Ever frustrated your father? I recall it wasn't a good thing. God gets frustrated when we try to reach heaven OUR way rather than His. Heb 1:3 says Christ by himself purged our sins. He didn't need our baptism, good life, or church membership. If we are saved by our efforts then why did Christ have to die? Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
35. A misconception among people is we are all God's children. Not true! Jesus said to the Pharisees in Jn 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil." That's why man must be BORN AGAIN into a new family. Jn 3:3 "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Hence, you have to change daddy's ... to be adopted into a new family. Rom 8:15 "ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
36. Born Again? ... If you've only been born physically you'll not only die a physical death, but a spiritual one as well (eternity in hell). BUT, if you've been born twice, once physically, once spiritually, you'll only die physically... because you'll have been given eternal life through Christ. Jn 3:7 "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." Your choice...Born once, die twice / Born twice, die once!
37. Mk 6:31 "And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:" This life is all about "working while it is yet day", yet we must remember that batteries that don't get recharged are useless. In the busyness of life today, let's remember Ps 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God". Stop for a minute and think about it ... Isn't it best that you "Come Apart before you Come Apart"?
38. Phil 2:25 "...Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger..." Notice that Paul's description of Epaphroditus did not stop with the fact that he was a brother. Too many today are content with just becoming a Christian. That is not where our race should stop; it's where it should start! Is being a brother enough? Not if you're a debtor. Get involved, or be revolved!
39. Have you lost your "shout"? Titus 2:13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" Is the hope not as BLESSED, is the appearing not as GLORIOUS, is your God not as GREAT, then let me ask you if Jesus Christ is really your SAVIOR.
40. Matt 28:5 "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6He is not here: for he is risen." The greatest news for all of mankind was uttered on this day. No grave could keep Him down, our sin couldn't keep Him down, Satan couldn't keep Him down...why not?...John 10:18... "I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again!" Thank you Lord!
41. John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." So what do you do if you're Jewish, Muslim or any religion that does not accept Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world? I guess all you can do is ignore the Book too!
42. Ps 127:3 "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." As much as I'd like to think that children are His reward to us, children are the Lord's reward to Himself. Otherwise Ahab was a very spiritual man with 70 sons. God gives us our children and asks us to take care of them and train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Parents must fulfill their God-given duties!
43. Don't you hate it when you are falsely accused by someone and they malign your reputation? That's what the Devil does against Christians 24/7. Rev 12:10..."for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." But our Savior stands at the throne defending us to His Father. Heb7:25...seeing he (Christ) ever liveth to make intercession for them. Shouldn't we more so defend Him?
44. 1Cor 16:9 "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." Windows of opportunity are presented to all of us, but those windows don't stay opened forever. When God told Israel to enter into the Promised Land, they refused because there were giants there. When God closed the window of opportunity, Israel then decided they wanted to go. But they had MISSED THE WINDOW AND GOT THE PAIN.
45. Most people agree that God gave us His perfect word in the original manuscripts. We would have to admit that we serve a very small God if He only had the power to PROVIDE us His word, but not the power to PRESERVE His word. Ps 12:6 "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."
46. What would you say if you bought something and someone claimed it was theirs? You'd show them your proof of purchase. If you're saved, you've been redeemed (bought back) by the Lord Jesus Christ. If we try and take ownership of our own lives, He just needs to show His proof of purchase (3 nail prints). 1Cor 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
47. When you were a child your father could do anything? If you broke your toy he'd always find a way to fix it. God the Father can make "all things new" spiritually. One common reason people give for not coming to Christ is that they need to clean up their lives first. May I tell you that you cannot clean yourself up to come to Jesus, but rather you need to come to Jesus to clean yourself up. Then you'll be good as new!
48. Lk16:22-23...the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments." If you are born-again this world is the only hell you will ever know, but if you have not trusted Christ as your Savior this world is the only he...aven you will ever know. Rom10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
49. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God ... 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: 13:24 Salute all them that have the rule over you ..." Remember your pastor, Obey your pastor, Salute your pastor, all found in Hebrews 13. If you remember him and... obey him, it will be so much easier to salute him. Interesting! verse #'s 7 + 17 = 24
50. Don't misjudge people or churches having problems as worldly or devilish. Stop to think that the Devil is not omni-present and has to pick and choose his targets. If you were the Devil wouldn't you concentrate your forces against those doing the most for the cause of Christ? 1Cor16:9 "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." The more effectual the door the greater the attack!
51. How many parents have counseled their children to follow their hearts? There couldn't be more dangerous counsel. Jer17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Did you ever think your heart (feelings) are more wicked and deceitful than Satan himself? Pro 28:26 "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool." This is why God's Word must be the light unto our path (Ps 119:105)
52. Jn3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The gift of eternal life is offered to all...you can receive it...Rom10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved...or reject it...Rev20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Your CHOICE!
53.
The Lord's a Comforting God ...2Cor 1:3 "Blessed be God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;"
The Lord's also a Chastening God. Heb 12:6 "For whom the Lord loveth he
chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." So the
question is when is He a God of Comfort and when
is He a God of
Chastening? He Comforts the Afflicted and He Afflicts the Comfortable.