Latest / Bible Study with Pr. Daniel Batarseh | Verse by Verse Series | Maranatha Bible Church - Chicago / Follow or Don’t Follow, Jesus Will Prevail! | Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Gospel of Mark Bible Study Series)

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Follow or Don’t Follow, Jesus Will Prevail! | Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Gospel of Mark Bible Study Series) · Bible Study with Pr. Daniel Batarseh | Verse by Verse Series | Maranatha Bible Church - Chicago

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I remember sitting at a conference many years ago and
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attended a a meeting where new passes were ordained in the
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network of Ministries that were meeting together, and they were
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interviewing these new pastors. And one of them said something
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along the lines of the question was about, how do we reach this
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generation and the topic of worship came up and this person
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said, we can't be scaring. Our visitors.
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When they come, we talk about things and sing about things
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like the blood of Jesus. And that person went on to
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argue, why? That was the case.
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And I thought to myself one, we don't gather to entertain the
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world and to I'm not ashamed of the blood.
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I'm not ashamed of the blood, I'm not ashamed of that Crimson
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flow. That is the source of our
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healing our Salvation. Our sanctification, our
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stabilisation, we sing about the blood because that is where the
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power of God lies, and it still has power today.
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And I hope if you have not been cleansed by that blood, the
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blood of Jesus Christ, that you would come to him and ask for
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him to do just that his wounds are open and he's still willing
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to extend that healing and I hope that you would receive it.
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If you don't know, Jesus Christ, this afternoon Meet Me In The
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Gospel According to Mark in chapter three, Mark chapter 3.
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And we come not together to verse 7.
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And read down to verse 12. Jesus withdrew with his
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disciples to the sea and a great crowd, followed From Galilee and
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Judea and Jerusalem. And I do Mia and from Beyond the
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Jordan and from around tyre and sidon when the great crowd heard
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all that he was doing, they came to him and he told his disciples
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to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd less, they
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crush him. Free at healed many so that all
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who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.
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And whenever the unclean Spirit saw him, they fell down before
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him and cried out. You are the Son of God and he
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strictly ordered them not to make him known the text before
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us today is essentially a summary of the growing influence
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of the ministry of Jesus Christ and it may seem like a
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repetition of the themes that Have covered in depth already up
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to this point in the gospel of Mark, but this section of
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scripture has more to offer us than just a revision.
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If you pay attention, you will see that.
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This overview helps us zoom out from the on ground interactions
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that Jesus had with many that we have already looked into and
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gives us an aerial view of how the impact of Jesus is now,
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reaching new ground touching new regions and drawing more people.
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But what makes what we just read here, even more special is when
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you and I consider the backdrop, which this text is set on,
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remember, how we ended last week and if you don't look at verse
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6, the Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with
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the herodians against them, how to destroy him.
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You see, Jesus healed the man with a withered hand in the
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sanctuary of the synagogue and the Pharisees upon that realized
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and come to a place where they were convinced of what they were
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going to do with Jesus. It wasn't to inquire more of
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him. It wasn't to say, we will
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believe in him, it wasn't even close to we will follow him.
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Instead we just heard that they will now try to destroy him. and
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with this diabolical Mission, you have to understand that they
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would not keep it to themselves, but instead they would go to
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others and recruit them to join them on this campaign, to try to
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maliciously attack, the son of God, So you when you see that
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and you have that in mind and you come and you read something
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like verse 7 and verse 12, that seems to be like an overview
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that has no strong theme to work with.
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We actually do have something to work with think about it.
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The Pharisees and the herodians are now planning to put a stop
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to this new movement, from this Rabbi from Nazareth.
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They're trying to stop it, but the Crowds Are flocking to him.
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And we see here, that these religious leaders are now
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planning to go public with their rejection, and their accusation
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against Jesus. And yet you have the demons,
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that could not help, but submit to him.
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And now we are beginning to see the hardening of the Jewish
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people's heart against Jesus and we are also getting early hints
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that the Gentiles are opening their arms to him.
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You see if you were reading this text by yourself and you didn't
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know what to take out of it, may I suggest this simple thought
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when you put all the pieces together it's very clear nothing
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and no one can stop the Lord Jesus Christ from advancing his
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purposes on the earth, nothing and no one ever.
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And that's a glorious Truth for you.
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And I to Baskin here in 22, especially in America, every
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mind America in this world. Because we are witnessing every
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institution shaking. And losing confidence and losing
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the people's confidence and all the.
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While you and I are part of this entity, the church, that is
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immovable and Unstoppable. You and I have something that
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cannot be taken from us and ever since the early days of Jesus
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ministry, there have been those evil men who have attempted to
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try to put our faith to Extinction.
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And they do that through physical intimidation and they
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also use philosophical Weaponry. But every single generation,
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testifies that when men even Nations and governments have
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tried to bury the gospel, God finds a way to bury them.
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Because no mind on this planet and no force from hell can
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thwarts or extinguish any True Body of Jesus Christ, who
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preaches the true gospel ever and you and I praise God, are
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numbered among that Holy Embassy that Holy Embassy of people who
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have received a seal from above, that protects us, and preserves
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us and empowers us when everything comes against us.
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Just in case you have forgotten ever.
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Since truth has been made known, ever since Jesus, laid the
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foundation of his gospel on this Earth, there has been a hellish
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mission to try to rid the Earth of our faith.
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And I want to read to just a few quotes of thinkers from the past
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for you. To get an idea that there are
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not just people in this world who have a different opinion
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about who God is and what it means to be saved.
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And what it means to live this life, there are those who have
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the ambition to see Jesus Christ, his name, his gospel,
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his work destroyed, Destroyed because their ambition has been
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motivated by satanic influence and it bleeds into poetry it
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bleeds into music at bleeds into philosophy and it bleeds even
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into our laws when I read these things to you realize that these
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men hate Jesus Christ. And realized that these writings
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and these men are influencing schools and politicians and even
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God, help us pastors. In our time.
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Have you heard of Frederick Nietzsche the German poet and
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philosopher? Who was a prominent voice during
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the 1800s? Who is known for coining?
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The phrase God is dead, God is dead, God remains dead, and we
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have killed him. And what did he mean by that?
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He meant that the enlightenment era, the the explosion of Reason
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replaced, this silly childish idea of Faith so he says God is
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dead. It's over.
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And what's amazing about Nietzsche is that he was a
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staunch evolutionist. And he greatly inspired someone
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that you may know Hitler. Hitler was so stimulated by
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Nietzsche and it fueled his wrath and fury against those who
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are created in the image of God. Can I reach you a quote from
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him? Quote, I called Christianity.
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The one great curse. the one great intrinsic depravity and
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the one great Instinct of Revenge for which no means are
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venomous enough or secret, and small enough, I call it the one
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Immortal blemish on the human race and quote, You want to know
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how Nietzsche? Died.
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He died at the age of 44? He collapsed because of a
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psychotic breakdown. This man was sent to a mental
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institution, in Switzerland, and a year later would die with his
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mental condition in total ruin. How about Vault are Vault are
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the French philosopher during the alignment are in the 1700s.
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You can feel the absolute hate this man had.
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If you just read, just a couple of his quotes.
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Here's one, quote, Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most
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absurd and bloody religion that has ever infected the world.
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And Vault are prophesied or at least try to, he predicted what
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was going to happen, just a few short years after his own death.
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And this is what he said quote 100 years from my day.
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There will be no Bible, not one on the earth except one that is
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looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity Seeker.
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In other words, the only place you're going to find a Bible is
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in a museum 100 years from my day.
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You know what's so funny? God's Providence has a touch of
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humor in it from time to time. Vault are his house not many
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years. After his death was purchased by
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Christians and they turned his house into a printing, press for
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the Gospels. And this was so offensive to
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atheists even to this day they try to deem that as a myth and
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it's something that Christians have constructed.
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If you really do the research it actually happened.
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His house was purchased and it was storing gospel tracts and
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bibles. Antonio gramsci, the Italian
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politician who founded the Italian Communist Party in the
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early 1900's, quote said, socialism is precisely the
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religion that must overwhelm Christianity in the New Order
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socialism. Socialism will Triumph by first
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capturing the culture via infiltration of schools.
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Universities churches. And the media by transforming
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the consciousness of society. I must admit that g skis plan of
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action is being implemented today.
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Even today, we're seeing it happen here in our nation.
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There is an infiltration in our schools, in our universities,
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and there is an attempt, even to pollute the Church of Jesus
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Christ. But here's what I want to say.
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This man clearly hasn't learned what God has done throughout
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history. God's word promises and history
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has already proven that the Living Word cannot be stopped.
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It cannot be stopped. What a bold statement?
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Socialism socialism socialism. I can't even say that's much.
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I don't like it. Will Triumph will Triumph.
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But here's what we have to understand and what we're going
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to see in this text the Pharisees or philosophers or
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politicians have tried to obliterate the gospel, God's
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Providence always prevails and his truth will live on
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effectually for the glory of his name.
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Paul told Timothy during a time when he was arrested in second,
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Timothy 2:8, and 9, you don't have to turn there.
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He says, remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead, The
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Offspring of David, as preached and my gospel, for which I am
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suffering bound with chains as a criminal.
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But the word of God is not bound.
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And what is he trying to say? I am God's spokesman and I am
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chained as I am writing these things to you, but God's voice
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cannot be apprehended. The world can try to silence
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preachers, but God's word can never be muted.
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It will always Captivate Hearts, it will find a way churches
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might be shut down and burned by tyrannical government, but
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understand that. The gospel will find a way to
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gain new territory and rescue new souls.
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And for anyone to ever think that they can try to bury burn.
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Bring this world to ashes is just as foolish as to believe
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that you can tie God's hands behind. and his back and tell
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him to stay put the word of God is not bound.
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But the central theme of this of this section of scripture has
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sub points to it, there are things that are told here that
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deserve our careful consideration and these thoughts
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are somewhat connected to that dominating idea that you just
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heard. Because as much as you and I
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should believe that God's word, the gospel has been and will
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continue to forge ahead. There are sometimes even in our
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own day where it doesn't seem so obvious.
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The building of God's kingdom has known.
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Its challenges has known obstacles and disappointments.
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And if we're going to be honest, we have to confess that moving
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forward, there will be periods of Darkness, that will make us
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doubt. If we're not careful of, whether
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or not what we have, and what we believe is effective.
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And my point of this message is as you hear what we have to say
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from this text, you will be encouraged.
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You will not lose, hope you will trust and understand that this
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this word God's Mission. His purpose on the earth will
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prevail and that Jesus himself, even as he was Faithfully,
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fulfilling the ministry and eternal purposes of God in his
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time. New some restrictions and new
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some resistances. That we can take comfort in
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because we know that we are not alone and we have an example for
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us in Jesus to know how to move forward.
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And the way I want you to understand this together is to
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see that there are three parties three parties in this text.
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That we are going to experience in our lifetime.
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And these things have we're not careful can cause us to be
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grieved or to doubt or to question what we stand for what
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we hold to and the power behind it.
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The first group I want to mention are the herodians, you
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heard it in verse 6, the Pharisees went out and
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immediately held counsel with the herodians against them, how
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to destroy him. Now, we know who the Pharisees
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are, we've heard enough about them, but who are the herodians?
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We don't have much to work with the data and scripture is not
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vast. But we have Clues and enough
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Clues to gather together to get a general idea of what this
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party was all about. And when you put the pieces
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together, though, they're only mentioned in Mark and Matthew,
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you will understand that the herodians were secular Jews.
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These men were secular Jews who sympathize with Herod and were
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there for supporters strong supporters of Rome.
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They were a religious there are politically minded, they were
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influential but they were not concerned.
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And about the prophesied Messiah in the scriptures, like the
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Pharisees were no. In fact, if there is any Messiah
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figure in their life, in their reason, in their belief system,
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it was actually Herod and his dynasty.
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They look to Rome as their hope for stability prosperity and
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peace. And so, they were Defenders of
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Herod. There are promoters of Herod.
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And they were even known as the herodians.
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They could not be more opposite than the Pharisees and to the
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Pharisees completely different ideas.
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And yet, we read here that they find Common Ground, they find
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common ground and on what basis the basis of seeing Jesus as a
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threat to their separate, agendas to the Pharisees, they
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have learned very quickly that Jesus is capable of exposing and
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dismantling their oppressive legalistic system.
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And the hair and the herodians understood.
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That this man has enough power to sway the population and to
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persuade them to pledge, their allegiance to him instead of the
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standing government. And so they come into
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partnership together, and they say, we got to stop this man.
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Let's just forget our differences, and let's just work
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in this common goal. He's a threat to both of us.
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And if you, if you read the famous scene, where Jesus was
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put in a dilemma with that question about paying taxes to
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Caesar, it was actually the herodians and the Pharisees who
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combined forces to try to Corner Jesus and they failed as we
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know. But what's amazing is that Jesus
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did not just see the herodians. We're not just told in the
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scriptures that they were in opposition, only in his day and
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of his time. Oh no Jesus saw the herodians as
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a threat to his disciples and not just his disciples then but
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his disciples today you and I turn with me to mark 8:15.
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Mark 8:15, Jesus. Cautions them saying, watch out.
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Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of
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Herod Levin. Little bit of yeast in bread
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that makes it rise. It's an influential force and we
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know what the leaven of the Pharisees we don't have to guess
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because in Luke 12:1 Jesus tells us that the leaven of the
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Pharisees is hypocrisy and it's more.
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It's more than just a symbol of the subtle effect.
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A false teaching we know that Levin.
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Also speaks of the shaping effect of a, of a practice, a
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particular practice that Christians can adopt even though
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it contradicts what we stand for and our testimony.
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And so it's not just the wrong teaching, it's a wrong way of
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thinking that leads to wrong, way of Behaving.
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And Jesus says, don't just beware of hypocrisy.
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Don't just beware of a legalistic mindset, Beware of
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the leaven of Herod. Now, what can that be?
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And I believe it includes what you and I just heard it would
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not be a stretch to say that the leaven of Herod touches on the
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possibility of believers who like the herodians have their
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interests and their convictions and spired by politics.
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More than the word of God, more than the things of God.
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That's a very real problem. Today is a knot.
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Churchgoers who are consumed with the political sphere, more
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than the Great Commission. Christians who have their
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security and their hope in the temporal policies promised by
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candidate That clouds their thinking from setting their
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minds on things above. Christians who are greater
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evangelist for their preferred party.
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Then the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is the true solution for
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all the chaos that we are seeing around us. if I am a believer,
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who is more excited to discuss or defend politics laws, Then
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the hope. Then the promise.
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And the grace found in Jesus, then I may very well have a
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little bit of this Levin living inside of me, that is not to say
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that Christians should not speak about politics or get involved
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in politics. I'm not talking about that.
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I'm talking about where your hope lies.
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I'm talking about what your joy is determined by.
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Talking about what you think the solution to the depravity of
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mankind? Is that's what I'm talking
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about. The herodians had no interest,
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no care? No, no hope, no idea about what
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the Messiah could do. They saw it in Herod.
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They saw that a man and the strength of the Flesh in the
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wisdom of this world. And that is a dangerous Levin to
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entertain. But that is not even the central
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idea of the leaven of Herod because you and I if we want
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understand what Jesus was concerned about, all we have to
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do is study who Herod was in the in the gospel and and look at
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what he was all about, to get a closer look, and come to a
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closer conclusion of what this Levin was all about.
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And I believe one of the most striking observations about the
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man Herod is found in the very same gospel that we are warned
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about his Levin. It's a Mark chapter 6 and turn
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there with me and verse 19. we will go there very quickly, will
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not very quickly, but We're coming to this chapter soon and
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this chapter really discusses the death of John, the Baptist
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and here's what we read in verse 19.
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To Mark chapter 6 and herodias had a grudge against him, being
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John the Baptist and wanted to put him to death, but she could
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not for Herod feared John, meaning he revered him.
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He respected him knowing that he was a righteous and holy man and
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he kept him safe. When he Herod heard him John, he
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was greatly perplexed and yet. He heard him.
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Gladly, if you read these two verses in isolation without
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honoring, the context you would you might make the conclusion at
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Harrods, a great guy. I mean, look, he respected,
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John, even protected, John to a certain extent, and even enjoyed
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listening to what John had to say, but it's not until you read
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the following text to understand.
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Just how twisted this man was Because immediately after this,
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we read of Herod celebration for his birthday with his
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distinguished guests and nobleman, there's nothing wrong
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with birthdays. But at this birthday, there's
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something extremely concerning. Because at some point of the
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night, you had herod's stepdaughter, come into the
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room. And we are told that she danced
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before him and his fellow men and the word, therefore dance is
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not speaking about some cultural display, or exhibition.
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We're talking about something erotic Inappropriate
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provocative. And here she is putting on a
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show for her stepdad and for these other men and Herod was so
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consumed with his lust and so drunk with his pride, that his
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response to being aroused in this way, was to say whatever
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you want. I will give it to you.
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And this young girl looks over her shoulder and sees her
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mother. And so she runs to her and says,
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what should I ask him for and herodias?
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Adjustable like woman, Wicked saw this as an opportunity to
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satisfy her Grudge and said, ask for John's head.
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So that young lady ran back to her stepfather and asked for
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John to be beheaded and he did it.
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Well, makes this especially disturbing is that Herod was
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able to do this after we were told that he would frequently
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come to John, the Baptist meetings and listen to his
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sermons. That is the Herod and that is
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the leaven that Jesus is warning about.
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It's a type of worldliness that is extremely dangerous because
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it encourages people not just to tolerate the truth but even
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entertain and enjoy it. And yet at the same time, even
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if the preacher is preaching against the very sin that you
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are indulging. In just like Herod.
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The reason why John was decapitated was because he would
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frequently tell Herod, you can't have your brother's wife.
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So this is very confrontational preaching.
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This is very in your face and yet Herod heard it and he heard
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it. Gladly And yet he can leave the
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meeting go home and indulge in the very same sin.
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That was preached against just a few hours before.
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It's a very deceiving type of lovin.
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It's a numbing type of Levin. And I have to tell you, there
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are some people who are infected with this Levin and think that
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they are followers of Jesus Christ, because they Revere
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ministers and they even, they even go about and share how
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their messages are filled with sound, Doctrine and
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uncompromising delivery. but all the while, They are infected
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with this Levin and I have to tell you.
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There are many people who think they are Christian.
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When really, they're herodian the herodians.
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Now don't don't lift your hand, don't make any reaction.
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But isn't it interesting? That the leaven of Herod is not
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talked about much in churches today?
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I wonder why? I wonder why?
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According To Jesus words, if you and I can comfortably be in the
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world on Saturday night, And then come into the house of God.
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The next day and then leave that same place, only to plan to
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expose my heart, my eyes, my hands to that, which Grieves the
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spirit of God, then I may very well be a herodian.
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And not a Christian. By God's grace as its Ministry,
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moves forward and proclaim the truth and living the truth.
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I have to tell you in advance that you and I might come into
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contact with some herodians. They might even be sitting in
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our midst. and that can be discouraging especially if it
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causes us to doubt whether or not we and what we do and what
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we Proclaim and what we teach is really effective because
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preacher Nobody's getting convicted like they should be
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and I've had people over the years, thank God.
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Some who have been approached me with loving concern knowing
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herodians in their own life. That might have come here and
27:57
there and says, I just don't get it.
28:00
How is it that you can preach? So clearly and so strongly and
28:06
so precisely and it doesn't even seem to move their hearts an
28:09
inch there seems to be no conviction.
28:12
They could just walk right on out and do the very thing that
28:15
you said To do and that Grieves, the heart of God.
28:21
And I have to be honest at times.
28:23
That would discourage me. What is it that I need to do?
28:28
What is it that I'm missing? But then I come to the word and
28:33
I look at the example found in my Lord and more specifically
28:37
the servant of the Lord in John the Baptist, you know what, John
28:40
the Baptist did when he knew that there was someone in
28:43
attendance who can hear him gladly and then go to the strip
28:47
club the next week and go to the club the next week and come back
28:51
and hear him again and go get drunk that same week and go
28:55
sleep around with their girlfriend or their boyfriend
28:57
that same week. You know what, John did.
28:59
He kept preaching? He kept preaching, he kept
29:04
Faithfully serving the lord, he kept declaring the word of God.
29:08
And there are other people who would be touch other people who
29:11
would be saved other people who would repent and he was
29:14
immovable. And he was steadfast, and he was
29:16
committed because his Joy was knowing that he was doing the
29:19
bridegroom's will as the friend of the bridegroom.
29:23
If there's going to be a Herod, let there be a hair that's
29:25
between them and God, but this word is powerful and this word,
29:30
cancer. Save and this word can convict.
29:34
And so we see here that the herodians who oppose Jesus of
29:39
his time. Pose somewhat of a threat even
29:43
today. A threat to the encouragement of
29:46
the people of God, a threat to the testimony of the people of
29:48
God because you have some who like Herod.
29:50
And one instance can be in a holy atmosphere in the very next
29:54
be in a place that indulges the flesh.
29:58
Don't lose hope. Don't question your calling.
30:04
Continue to serve and believe that God can and will have a
30:09
Remnant in his name. The herodians, the leaven of
30:13
Herod. Be careful of it, be careful of
30:16
it if you want to know, you have it.
30:20
Nothing is touching you right now.
30:22
And not just that but you are planning to send this very
30:26
afternoon, just giving you a heads up. but then we come back
30:31
to this scripture, we noticed that there is another Another
30:36
obstacle and disguise. Another way of discouragement as
30:41
the kingdom of God is moving. Jesus withdrew verse 7, with his
30:45
disciples, to the sea and a great crowd, followed From
30:48
Galilee and Judea, and we read the other regions and which
30:51
they're coming from. And as mentioned, from the
30:53
beginning of this message, these verses highlight the widest
30:55
scope of Jesus influence. And the mention of these regions
30:59
want to tell us how the news of Jesus ministry is now, even
31:04
going Beyond Gentile borders and Gentile occupied cities.
31:10
And despite the antagonism of the Pharisees and the Herodians
31:14
what you see here is that there are fresh waves of people who
31:17
are making their way toward Jesus, some walking many many
31:21
Wiles energized by the hope that they will see what their ears
31:25
only have heard and maybe get a touch from him, maybe received
31:29
something from him. And so you have these crowds
31:32
coming and surrounding and not just surrounding, but so
31:36
desperate that they are crushing Jesus or at least they try to To
31:40
such a degree that he had to move into the water standing on
31:43
a boat so that nobody would overwhelm him.
31:46
Isn't it? Exciting site isn't it?
31:48
Something that is riveting. Swarming.
31:52
Sea of people who are demonstrating a desperation for
31:55
the truth and there is no denying that Jesus took
31:57
advantage of this moment to preach the truth, right?
32:00
Because as we just heard, he got on the boat and he separate
32:02
himself, that seemed to be a strategy of Jesus when he wanted
32:05
to declare the gospel. Because when you go to mark for
32:08
one, you'll see that he does the same thing.
32:10
He steps into a boat, he pushes himself out and he's there,
32:13
preaching the truth. This is glorious, this is great.
32:18
This is inspiring. But when you and I really take
32:21
the time to investigate what is happening in examining this
32:24
moment. Verse 10, suggest that what
32:27
these people were chiefly concerned about was receiving
32:30
healing for their bodies. Look at verse 10 for.
32:34
He had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around
32:38
him to touch him. The gospels are honest enough to
32:43
tell us that many instances when crowds came to Jesus, there is a
32:47
mixture of motive in the masses. and I believe that this is for
32:56
instruction, Many of these people who came initially
32:59
interested about Jesus or excited about Jesus.
33:02
When he was doing quickly disappeared some sooner than
33:07
others. Never to be seen again.
33:10
Never coming to True Discipleship.
33:13
Once they heard what it meant to actually follow Jesus, they
33:16
distance themselves from Jesus. They got what they wanted.
33:20
And they're happy. You.
33:23
And I have to understand that one of the Apostles of Jesus who
33:26
witnessed this during those three years on many occasions
33:30
and who wrote about in his own Gospel account sought to
33:34
minister to a church post-resurrection post, Jesus
33:37
Ascension to try to clarify, why?
33:41
It was that even in their own churches?
33:43
They were seeing people do the same, you know, the scripture.
33:47
But if you don't come with me to First John 2, And verse 19, the
33:53
same beloved John, who wrote the Gospel of John and in a very
33:57
powerful chapter in John 6. when Jesus talked about being the
34:01
bread from heaven, That offended the crowds and they left him and
34:07
stop following him that Saint John writes to this group of
34:10
Christians and 2:19. And he says to them first John
34:16
2:19 they went out from us but they were not of us for a if
34:24
they had been of us, they would have continued with us but they
34:29
went out that they might become playing that they are all not.
34:33
Of us. Why is John saying this?
34:38
Because the people who he was writing to were obviously
34:42
disturbed about how summon the fellowship deserted them.
34:45
And this is not speaking about people who are part of one
34:48
church and then leave to another fellowship.
34:50
This is not speaking about those who have been serving in a
34:52
certain Ministry and they feel like the Lord is leading them to
34:56
another congregation that. That's not what they're all
35:00
caught up in. What John is addressing are
35:03
those who have left the church altogether and by extension the
35:07
faith They've abandoned walking and serving the lord Jesus
35:12
Christ and that they here in verse 19, if you read Verse 18,
35:17
that they are actually identified as the Antichrist
35:21
plural. Other.
35:23
In other words, those anti who are opposed to Christ.
35:27
That's who they are. And somehow some way they found
35:31
themselves to be for a significant period of time in
35:35
fellowship with the true followers of Jesus Christ.
35:39
And at one point perhaps not being able to tolerate the truth
35:43
or understand what obedience really is and seeing genuine
35:46
Believers around them packed their bags and walked on out and
35:50
this cause confusion for the Believers.
35:55
And it's a confusion that some experience today.
35:58
How is it that? So and so was able to sit there
36:01
and sing and do ministry even and now they're just immersed in
36:05
the world. How is it that they got?
36:08
Baptized and gave testimony. And now they are adhering to a
36:13
false teaching How is it that that I saw when they made that
36:20
confession and now they just deny him altogether.
36:22
How can that be? And John's answered by the
36:26
spirit is very clear but very comforting if we understand it
36:30
it's because from the beginning, they were not truly of us From
36:34
the start, they were not really of us.
36:37
They might have been in the company but they were not really
36:40
born from above and that might Shake us a little bit because
36:44
like these people, they see so much activity.
36:47
They see so much confession. They see so much involvement.
36:51
And after maybe even months or years, they can just they can
36:55
just stop. And Jesus has an entire parable
36:58
about how this can be the case. And what John is saying, is
37:02
important for us to understand that one of the most important
37:04
tests to know. The genuineness of somebody's
37:07
faith is the test of perseverance.
37:11
Sometimes the only way you will know if somebody's the real deal
37:15
is, when you just give it time, just give it time.
37:19
And see what they do through suffering.
37:21
See what they do through persecution, see what they do
37:25
when the excitement. And when the joy at least in the
37:30
emotional sense, Wears off, where will they go?
37:35
And then you will know and the reason why I'm bringing this to
37:38
our attention this afternoon is because even in the days of
37:40
Jesus ministry and even in the early days of a post Pentecost
37:44
Church, the body of Christ has known disappointments like this.
37:49
And it can dishearten us, it can cause us again to question, but
37:54
realize that the Bible predicts, this for us in order for us to
37:58
be prepared in order for us to continue to press on and
38:02
understand that as you and I press on and God allows people
38:05
to come into our lives. Some of those people might at
38:08
one point. Stop turn their back and go the
38:11
other direction. And that is not for us to doubt
38:17
the power of the Gospel or question, how the Holy Spirit
38:20
can truly save someone, right? I mean, how is it that?
38:25
So many who we see confess and be emotionally even in their
38:28
confession, they just walk out. Many of us have seen that and
38:31
just they just go back to how, what's not?
38:33
Because there is a deficiency in our truth, it's because his the
38:37
condition of the soil, their hearts, And you, and I have to
38:41
know that what John says, here is so important.
38:43
They were never truly saved from the start.
38:47
Even if they had a surface layer veneer of spirituality.
38:53
So, the crowd, the questionable crowd.
38:56
Yes. Crowds came to Jesus, and that
38:57
is a sign of success. But even in that crowd, I mean,
39:01
who really became true disciple out of this crowd.
39:05
You will have people coming in wanting something, from Jesus,
39:09
wanting some relief, wanting some superficial hope for their
39:14
troubles, and once they get it, they're gone.
39:18
Don't let that discourage you. Lastly, we have their last group
39:21
of people and they're not really people, they're demons.
39:27
Verse 11. And whenever the unclean
39:29
spirits, saw him, they fell down before him and cried out.
39:33
You are The son of God. And he strictly ordered them not
39:39
to make him known. We saw the display of Jesus
39:44
healing power and that only continues in a recurrent display
39:48
of his dominion over demons, right.
39:49
We've studied this already. We've seen all of this already
39:52
but if we're not careful, the familiarity of this could cause
39:55
us to overlook a detail that Mark mentions and it's an
39:58
important detail. It's found in verse 12 and he
40:02
strictly ordered them not to make him known.
40:07
I have to be honest, when I read this, for the first time coming
40:11
to the gospels, I questioned it for years.
40:15
Why would Jesus silence free publicity?
40:19
Why would he try to push away? The very thing that is declaring
40:26
his glory. And His Majesty.
40:28
Why would he try to mute that? Why would he try to do something
40:31
about that? Wouldn't he invite?
40:33
That would not help his cause when in that bring a greater
40:36
confirmation to his identity. So he silences demons frequently
40:43
whenever they begin to speak about who he is and they're not
40:48
rebuking him, they're not blaspheme him.
40:50
They're saying what is true? And the Lord would not have it.
40:55
Silence. Quiet.
41:00
And I'm maybe from my advertising background thing.
41:02
Lord. This is promotion.
41:06
It's free, it's good. I mean what can be more powerful
41:10
than than invisible spirits that have been tormenting people to
41:14
say you are the Son of God, I would receive it.
41:18
I receive it. But I'm not the Lord, and in his
41:22
mind, he saw this actually as a Potential Threat to do just the
41:27
opposite. If you've ever wondered the same
41:31
about this whole scene, the know that the Lord had no desire to
41:35
receive any kind of publicity from evil spirits, any attempt
41:41
from an unclean source that would try to testify of his
41:44
person. Was denied.
41:47
Why? Because it would shed a level of
41:51
Suspicion on him. Jesus did not want the
41:57
affirmation of demons to confuse the people.
42:02
Because it would encourage the possibility of people
42:06
entertaining the false, Assumption of there, being some
42:10
kind of connection between Jesus and his kingdom and the kingdom
42:15
of darkness. And if you want to know how this
42:19
is not a stretch of interpretation, all we're going
42:24
to do is fast forward, a few verses.
42:26
We're going to be in this chapter in a few weeks.
42:29
And look at verse 22 just to get an idea of what this is possibly
42:36
connected to. And the scribes who came down
42:39
from Jerusalem were saying, he is possessed by Bells Isabel,
42:43
and by the prince of demons, he casts out the demons, you see, I
42:48
wonder if the Pharisees got that idea from hearing, the demons
42:51
affirming who Jesus was and then coming up with a conspiracy that
42:56
this Jesus is in League with the The kingdom of Satan, the Lord
43:01
would have none of it. And so he would silence them.
43:07
And the enemies of Christ. Took advantage of it.
43:10
Trying to convince people that Jesus power is the same demons
43:16
look, they know each other they affirm him, they Praise Him.
43:22
And the Lord is so wise. I don't think the unclean
43:25
spirits were shrieking this out with the strategy of that coming
43:29
about. I just believe those who are
43:31
twisted Minds. Took advantage of it yet at the
43:33
same time. During one Paul was in Philippi.
43:36
And there was this woman, this young little girl who was
43:39
demon-possessed, who was a fortune-teller and four days.
43:42
She was following him and Silas and proclaiming that they were
43:45
Servants of the most high God. You remember that?
43:49
And after a few days, we were told Paul was annoyed.
43:53
It's wonderful to know that you can walk in righteousness and be
43:55
annoyed at times. Annoyed with evil turns around
44:01
says stop it. Cast The Devil out of her.
44:06
And that again, I wonder why would this girl who has these
44:10
demon living inside of her Proclaim, Proclaim that these
44:14
men were Servants of the most high God?
44:15
For the same reason, I just proposed earlier.
44:19
To cast suspicion on them and their Ministry.
44:22
To try to muddy their testimony by causing people to say.
44:26
Well, what's going on here? And I think there's something
44:30
here for our instruction, as well.
44:33
I wonder if that is a subtle strategy that Satan uses in our
44:36
day saying, what are you talking about?
44:40
you know, when I hear of a celebrity Or prominent figure.
44:45
Give testimony to Jesus. I get nervous.
44:51
I get nervous. And the reason why I get nervous
44:54
is because if they're not truly born again, then their
44:56
affiliation with the truth can actually confuse people more
44:59
than confirm the truth. And like these unclean spirits,
45:07
that Jesus silenced. It makes you wonder if it is
45:10
better for those who have not truly been regenerated by the
45:12
Holy Spirit to never mention Jesus at all.
45:15
Just don't don't talk about him. Don't claim that you follow him
45:19
because there are people out there and that's the majority
45:21
who do not exercise reason or discernment, who can easily
45:26
understand that this confession is in line with this compromise.
45:34
And so you have those who claim to be Christians and you have
45:37
Christians believing it and they can they can have a concert in
45:41
Jesus name and in the next music video going to talk about how
45:44
you can get high and you can sleep with multiple women.
45:46
But he's a Christian he said he was Christian.
45:50
He has a Bible verse on his Instagram.
45:53
He posted this, he did not. He did this and it does the very
45:57
same thing that Jesus was concerned about.
46:02
It creates confusion. And sometimes I look out into
46:06
this world and not just in the world, I look at Christian
46:09
television or YouTube channels and I think to myself, man, why
46:15
is it the most popular ones are the ones who are giving a bad
46:17
name to Our Gospel. Why can't it be the faithful
46:21
anointed? Sound God-fearing?
46:24
Who take up the prominent place and the leadership role in the
46:28
voice of the culture. And you might have thought what
46:32
I've thought? Why doesn't God just silence
46:34
them? Why doesn't he just do what he
46:37
did with these demons. And there are many reasons for
46:40
that, many reasons for that, but I want to propose something to
46:43
you that perhaps you have not considered of why it is that.
46:46
There are people who present a false Jesus or the true Jesus in
46:51
Doctrine, but in practice are proven that they don't really
46:55
know him at all and all these teachers who claim to believe
46:58
the Bible, the preacher, a false teaching all these why are they
47:01
everywhere? Why doesn't the Lord just rid
47:04
them of the Earth or at least keep him quiet until he returns.
47:10
You might have different things running through your head.
47:13
Let me give you one. It's in the Old Testament and
47:15
Deuteronomy chapter 13. Verse 1 of Deuteronomy 13.
47:37
Deuteronomy 13, 1. If a prophet or a dreamer of
47:40
Dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder and
47:44
the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he
47:48
says, let us go after other gods, which you have not known
47:52
and let us serve them. You shall not listen to the
47:55
words of that Prophet, or that dreamer of Dreams.
47:58
Pause, he's warning his people. As they go into the land of
48:01
Canaan. Once you get established, I'm
48:03
giving you a heads up. There's going to be false
48:05
prophets, they're going to arise, they're going to even
48:07
perform signs and wonders are going to tell you skew things
48:10
about me. My law.
48:11
They might even introduce false gods, all together who are
48:14
completely unrelated to the truth and my truth.
48:17
The only truth beware And instead of saying don't worry, I
48:22
will, I will send hailstones from heaven and I will eliminate
48:25
them or he he says the following for the Lord your God is testing
48:31
you. to know whether you love the Lord, your God with all your
48:36
heart and with all your soul, Do you want to know why?
48:40
God allows these voices to remain and even have powerful
48:45
Authority? And even powerful ability.
48:51
Because he wants to test who really loves me.
48:55
Will you believe that will you follow them or will you
48:59
investigate? Will you come to my word and say
49:01
this is the truth and I will follow you.
49:06
Do you not want to know why? The culmination of this will be
49:08
the Antichrist capital, A coming to this world?
49:11
He's going to test the world. I've given my truth.
49:16
I'm going to cover the globe with the gospel and then I'm
49:18
going to leave you with the choice and see, who do you want?
49:20
Do you want the truth? You want me, or do you want the
49:24
one who can impress you and the one that you admire and look up
49:28
to. So when I hear these people,
49:30
speaking on behalf of Jesus Christ and I hear of some
49:33
Christians who can easily swallow it up.
49:36
And who allow celebrities or politicians, or prominent
49:39
figures to be the standard of their faith and not the word.
49:43
I realized that the Lord and some measures testing Our
49:46
Generation who will love me, who would love my truth, whether
49:50
it's popular unpopular who will abide in the shadow of the
49:54
Almighty. But let me end on an encouraging
49:58
note. Because in verse 13, Even though
50:04
there were herodians even though there are what a questionable
50:08
crowd with mixed motives and even though they were demons,
50:11
and even to this day, unclean vessels, who try to represent,
50:15
Jesus Christ, only creating at least in their minds, whether
50:19
knowingly, or unknowingly discrediting the gospel.
50:22
Oh, he's going to choose 12. And they're going to change the
50:26
world. And what I so appreciate is.
50:30
Look at the language of verse 12 again and he strictly ordered
50:32
them not to make him known. These Wicked vile despicable
50:37
things called demons. Had no?
50:39
Right to utter the name of Jesus Christ.
50:42
And this is what ran through my mind late.
50:44
Last night as I Was preparing and meditating for today, I
50:47
served at one point and so did you the kingdom of darkness?
50:53
I followed in the paths of the prince of the power of the air.
50:57
I was one open to the spirit of the Antichrist who stirred
51:02
Within Me Disobedience and rebellion and even hatred
51:05
towards God. I blasphemed the name of Jesus,
51:08
I took his name in vain and yet in his great love.
51:14
Instead of silencing, me and silencing you for all of
51:16
eternity. He redeems us, then he cleanses
51:20
us, then he fills us with the Holy Spirit.
51:22
And you know what? He says the exact opposite of
51:24
what he says to these demons go and make me known go and declare
51:28
my gospel go and be ambassador of Jesus Christ.
51:31
Go and share my lighting, go and share my love and you are now a
51:36
trophy of my grace and you are display case of my Mercy, go and
51:42
speak forth his name It is through Us in perfect often,
51:46
stumbling often doubting that God will use to advance his
51:51
purposes in this twisted and corrupted age.
51:55
And for me, as I look at this, I say O Lord.
51:57
You did not die for Angels you did not die for demons.
52:00
You died for me and this very thing causes angels and Heaven
52:05
to bend down from the balcony of heaven and look and say how is
52:09
it that he is willing to forgive and redeem and beyond that even
52:11
use to fill. And to send into the world.
52:16
You and I have a privilege that Angels.
52:17
Do not, you know what it is to proclaim the gospel.
52:23
You and I have the honor of representing our King and
52:27
listen, let me end it here. There will be Pharisees, there
52:30
will be herodians, there will be people coming in and out.
52:33
There will be those who might even miss misrepresent what we
52:37
believe and we wish that they would just stop.
52:40
And there will be false teachers.
52:43
But the truth will prevail the gospel will go forth.
52:46
Jesus Christ will return. He will reign.
52:49
He will rule and knee will have the final say.
52:53
Praise God. God.
52:59
Louis, thank you that you've given us a glimpse of Hope in
53:04
this gospel account. In this portrait of truth that
53:08
though. They try to destroy you, you
53:11
drew men to you. Thank you for drawing us.
53:15
Thank you for saving us. Thank you for redeeming us.
53:19
Thank you for using us. Lord with all that we've heard.
53:24
We will do what Hebrews says that is to give.
53:26
Thanks for. We are a part of a kingdom that
53:29
cannot be shaken and slow received this worship.
53:33
Receive honor and glory and praise from a sincere heart of
53:38
gratitude filled with gladness in Jesus name.
53:42
Amen, let's stand and worship.