ARCC Sermons

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June 21st

The bible reading today is in 1 Kings 10,11 and 2 Chronicles 9.

“....the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭11:42-43‬ ‭

The end of Solomon’s story. Solomon reigned, Solomon died, and Solomon was buried in Jerusalem and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.

These are true words, true words from God about Solomon. But they are not exactly words that delight the soul. I rather like to fill in the obituary with other true words from God.

For instance, David’s words to his soon to be king son, Solomon..."I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways....”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭2.

David had a promise from God that his son Solomon would rule after him all the days of his life. God would make sure of that. But David still charged his son to be strong and act like a man, and walk in God’s ways. Solomon’s first act as king proved his father’s hope.

At age 20, after his ordination as king, Solomon asked for God’s wisdom in order to rule Israel well. Young Solomon saved the life of an infant and restored the child to his rightful mother. He acted, not like a boy king, but acted like a strong man walking in God’s ways.

“And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they “stood in awe” of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭3:28‬ ‭

To me, that’s a Wow.

At age 24 Solomon was building the “God designed” House for God’s Name, but instead of taking credit for the great accomplishment,

Solomon rightly deferred to his late father’s accumulation of the abundance of supplies for the construction and ultimately to God’s providential hand. That’s wisdom, acting like a man, as his father charged him.

“...the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune.”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭5:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Three years later, the young king officiated the dedication of that Temple to God. Let us listen to his prayer at the dedication...

“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart;”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8:23‬ ‭

Lord, Savior. No God like you Almighty. Keeping your covenant to your servants with Grace and Mercy to undeserving sinners Showing steadfast love to your servants. Determined and always faithful!

A heart full for his Lord, just like his father hoped.

And then we read today’s text...

Solomon turns from the Lord, how could it happen? It could happen to us...and that’s the rest of the story.

Have a great day!

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June 20th

The bible reading today finishes up The Preacher’s message of truth among lies...Ecclesiastes chapters 7-12.

“And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful...”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭8:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Solomon, in the days of his mid-life crisis, commended “enjoyment” to everyone who would listen. Since all was vanity and essentially meaningless, Solomon made his case for the “party life”...“eat, drink, and be merry today, because tomorrow you might die.”

“Solomon bought the lie”...since there is nothing higher, nothing better to do with your life, worship yourself, by seeking to fulfill all the lusts of your flesh. So party on it’s all about yourself. No one else matters!

It’s a lie. Man does have something better than a meaningless life. I am a man and I have a full and meaningful life...and it is found in Jesus Christ.

“Jesus showed the disciples his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the “risen” Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you."

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

‭‭John‬ ‭20:20-21, 27-28, 30-31‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Solomon, like the doubting Thomas, believed again his Lord and his God. And when people ask us where our sense of significance comes from, we say Jesus. And when people ask us where our purpose for living comes from, we say Jesus. And when people ask us where our hope for the future comes from, we say “Jesus, My Lord, and My God!”

One more truth “among” lies. “For man does not know his time. “ That is true. Man “does not know” the length of his days upon the earth. But God does.

God has numbered our days from eternity past. We won't live on this earth one day longer that God has ordained. So I don't have to fear any day leading to that departure. And it is my conviction that God hides that knowledge from us for our good.

Man does not know his time, but he is “not” like a fish taken in an evil net as Solomon declared in his careless days away from God...“Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time when it suddenly falls upon them.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The lie”...that man is snared at an evil time. Not so, at least not for those in Christ God’s escorting us to heaven is nothing like a bird caught in a trap. And God’s time to take us home is far from evil...it’s glorious.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14.

Thanks, Lord, for showing us one more time that doing life in and with you is always better than everything else!

Have a good day

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June 19th

The bible reading today is in the first 6 chapters of Ecclesiastes.

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Solomon had a great start to his life, .God entrusted him with the Kingdom of Israel. His dad was known as the man after God’s own heart. Fr from perfect, but close to the Lord.

Solomon would be introduced to God early and by the time he became king at age 20, he knew what it was to hear God’s voice and believe Him wholeheartedly. God honored his desires for wisdom so that he could lead the kingdom in harmony with God’s will.

It was a great start, but 20 years later, after two great accomplishments, Solomon lost his first love. From desiring God to desiring national prominence and personal pleasures of the flesh. Leading him to make alliances with ungodly leaders, marrying 700 women, and building high places for the worship of his wives’ foreign gods.

From light to darkness. I want to believe that somewhere near the end of his life, perhaps in his mid-fifties, 5 years before his death, that Solomon’s heart was broken before God. And in that season of repentance, God used him to pen the message that is before us today in Ecclesiastes.

“All is vanity...all is vain..” My take on the motive of Solomon’s message comes from his own season of life away from God. He was traveling and living to find meaning to life, only to find that it was “his life away from God” that defined vanity.

Vanity translated: All of life is without worth, All of life is nothing, All of life is meaningless...“Nothing really matters!”

Wow...all of that is a lie for the believers. Because...“God matters”!!!! And “everything” and “everyone” that He has created matters! It’s the life “without God at the center” that is vanity of all vanities!

Solomon sought meaning and fulfillment in many ways. One of those ways was by acquired wisdom. The Lord made him wise to God, but it was man’s wisdom that Solomon sought to fill the void in his life. But it didn't work.

Let us listen...“And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1:13

Augustine wrote, “The creator made a God-shaped space in us...which can only be filled with Him.”

Sometimes, like Solomon, we forget that, nd we too look for everything under the sun to fill it...only to be either disappointed or devastated by the exercise. Lord, help us.

The preacher’s search for answers “in man’s wisdom” left him discouraged and depressed. Solomon came to this conclusion: “What is crooked cannot be made straight by the wisdom of man, and what is lacking cannot be counted or “replaced” by the same search.

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭

Oh friends, let us remember who is God’s wisdom to us...Jesus and his love...praise the Lord.

Have a great day

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June 18th

Our bible reading today is in Proverbs 27,28,29.

Straight to the text...some of my favorIte verses, from a long time ago.

“Boast not yourself of tomorrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27:1‬

I don't know if Solomon ever had dreams of following his dad as King in Israel. But he was sure to have known that by tradition it would be the king’s oldest son that would be in line for the throne of Israel...not the tenth son. Therefore, he would have surely told his kids that it was truly a “God thing” that he became Israel’s third king.

Perhaps, it was this experience with his sovereign God that the Spirit used to inspire Solomon to pen God’s wisdom about futuristic thinking. To the children... “Stay humble about your future...ultimately, it’s in God’s hands, not yours. Your grandfather, King David, learned that lesson the hard way and wrote a song about it in Psalm 30...“As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved." (By your favor, O Lord, you made my mountain stand strong) but you hid your face, and I was dismayed.” Psalm‬ ‭30:6-7‬ ‭

David had been anointed by God’s prophet, Samuel, to follow Saul on the throne of Israel when he was a teenager. Probably around 13 years old. After he defeated the giant Philistine warrior, Goliath, David became famous. And as a young man, he became quite the skilled warrior leading Israel in battle with many victories.

But with all of his success, apparently “pride” took hold of his heart for a season. And he thought to himself, “I” shall never be moved...”I” shall never be defeated...”I” will be as great and strong as the mountain. And then Saul threw his javelin at David...everything changed.

For the next years, David ran and hid from Saul and his assassins. He was dismayed and depressed because his God hid His face from him.

God became invisible to David. And not in the faith way. So...David went from “I'll never be moved” to ”What in the world happened to my dream? What in the world happened to my future?

David was broken and contrite before the Lord. His pride was replaced with humble recognition Quote... “By your favor Oh Lord, “You”, not me...but “You O Lord” made my mountain stand strong...” Forgive me for forgetting You.

So...from David to Solomon to Solomon’s children to all the children of promise...which includes you and me in Christ. Let us not boast ourselves. Especially, let us not boast ourselves about our futures here on earth. Instead, let us magnify the Lord together.

Let us hold on to the promise that God gives to those who seek Him...that we will lack no good thing, Ps 34. Let us together delight ourselves in the Lord, knowing that He will give us the desires of our hearts Ps 37...

Let us walk with the Lord together. Let us trust the Lord...together...with confidence that He will direct our steps Prov 3.

Have a great day

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June 17th

The bible reading today is in Proverbs 25 and 26.

These proverbs of Solomon were some of the last to be included in the scripture collection. They were added by King Hezekiah some 270 years after Solomon’s death.

Two things get my attention here. First, it is interesting to me that this “wisdom of God” was recognized by King Hezekiah during a season of spiritual revival in Judah. “May the Lord send a spiritual awakening in our nation soon. And may our “our leaders” be the first ones affected by it.

Secondly, it is interesting to me that God used Solomon’s records to influence a generation of Israelites to spiritual renewal. Because the last years of Solomon’s life were not exactly stellar, spiritually speaking. He tried to worship God “and” the gods of his hundreds of foreign wives. Scripture says that his “idol-worshiping wives” turned his heart away from God.

No wonder the apostle Paul warned the church at Corinth against becoming unequally yoked with unbelievers in marriage. God judged Solomon and his kingdom for it with a civil war that would split the nation forever.

So what is it that awesomely encourages me? Even though Solomon did not finish his life with the same spiritual passion that he began with, God still used him to write down God’s wisdom for generations to come. In a way, in a “strange” way I concede Solomon walked with God, not because he deserved such company, and not by his own power or prowess, but especially by God’s mercy and grace that is afforded to God’s chosen ones...repenting sinners all.

Now to the text...“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter...” 25:2

There are many mysteries in the universe. Both material and spiritual. Over time, God has pulled back the curtain on some of those mysteries. Solomon tells his grandkids that among those mysteries is why God hides a matter, especially from His own.

God says through Solomon...”You are amazed at what you see and know of My handiwork across creation. Now looking at the stars and moon and closest planets, you say, “that is “God’s glory” peaking through the night covering of darkness.” And I say to you...” what I have hidden from you...what you cannot see and know right now is even greater glory by far.

That’s a wow!!

I say to the scientists, “Keep looking above, below, and inside the mysteries of the universe. I say to the theologians, “By the power of the Spirit, keep studying God, His ways, His words, and His will.

Perhaps in His providence, God will pull back the curtain one more time on more of His concealed glory, more of His hidden blessing for us and our children to follow...and we will be quick to say thank you, Lord.

More of the text...“The heart of kings is unsearchable...”

According to scripture, man has a hard time searching and knowing his own heart, much less the hearts of others. Listen to Paul as he addresses the “unsearchables”. “...As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, even the deep things of God.” ‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9-10‬ ‭

“If I just knew what our leaders were thinking...if I just knew what the motives of their hearts were...Then maybe I wouldn't be so worried...I'm scared.”

Yes, the heart of the king may be beyond our searching and our knowing. But it is not beyond the Holy Spirit’s searching...even the deep things.

So instead of being worried, let us pray, “Lord “You know” the heart of our leaders. We trust You with them, and as you direct the course of the river, direct our leaders’ hearts in harmony with your purposes. Thanks, Lord.”

Have a great day

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June 16th

Our bible reading today is in 1 Kings 9 and 2 Chronicles 8.

Solomon has been on the throne of Israel for 24 years. The last 20 years he has given all of his “desire” and strength to build the Temple and his palace there in Jerusalem. In some contexts, that measure of determination could be admirable. But knowing the end and the beginning of Solomon’s life and reign as king, this might have been the beginning of Solomon’s fall.

The word “desire,” in the beginning of 1 Kings 9, signifies the wholehearted, single-minded devotion that a young bridegroom has for his bride. Some might say that Solomon became “obsessed” with his work. In our day, counselors tell us that “obsession with the job” is second or third on the list for separations in marriages...just behind: “we never talk”...and “he just doesn't understand me”.

Solomon’s work of building the Temple was important. And his work of building a house for his family was commendable. However, God never intended Solomon to find his desire and contentment and satisfaction in his work. Solomon’s “greatest desire” was to be found in fellowship with God...not in personal fame acquired.

But I'm getting ahead of the text. God speaking to Solomon...“And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, I will establish your throne over Israel forever...” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭9:4‬ ,5 ESV‬‬

“If you will walk “before” me...” not in front of me...but......In my company...in my presence...”with me”. God didn't just give Solomon a King-sized job to do, God wanted to walk with Solomon and do that king-sized job together. In other words, God wanted to do life with Solomon. So now listen...God was inviting Solomon to join Him for a walk. Join him for a lifetime of walks. See it in your mind’s eye. Solomon next to God listening to God’s every word going where God was going and doing what God was doing.

No wonder Jesus told his disciples that he only spoke what He heard the Father speaking, and he only did what he saw the Father doing. Jesus was “walking” with God the Father. Just what Solomon was invited to do. And just what you and I are invited to do in our love relationship with God.

Time after time, Jesus said...”Come, follow me.” And what were those believers...those disciples called to do?...” walk with me...go with me...stay with me...do the rest of your life with me.”

I can't help but remember a narrative in Luke 24...just after the resurrection of Christ. Two men were on their way home from Jerusalem when they came upon Jesus walking to Emmaus. They didn't recognize him at first. But they walked with him, listening to him, and finally, their eyes were opened and their hearts burned within them with faith and hope again.

Their testimony thereafter was that they walked and talked and ate with Jesus. And that is what the Lord wants for us and with us. Let’s take a walk ...a literal walk...with Jesus ...soon!

Have a great day

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June 15th

The bible reading today is in Psalms 134, 146-150. Songs of Ascents sung by worshippers entering Jerusalem and by the worshippers as they left for home after their season in the city of David.

“Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord!” Psalm‬ ‭134:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Charles Spurgeon suggested that this psalm was sung by worshippers leaving for home before the sun came up while it was still dark. The travelers could see the burning lights of the Temple from their vantage point at the eastern gate.

The worshippers’ song was an exhortation to the “servants of the Lord” who stood their post at the Temple through the night. Thus the song was addressed to the priests inside the Temple and the Levites outside the House for God’s Name.

“Come...Behold...Bless...Praise...God... you servants of the Lord!

“You are our spiritual leaders. We need You to lead us in Praise to our God. We know that day and night you lift up your hands in prayer for us. And that is a most honorable work of the Lord.

But come now...stay awake...stay on guard for God’s Name and God’s people. Lift those same holy hands to God in zealous praise of Him and His mighty works. And we will follow your lead and praise Him on the Mount and away in our homes.

A song to the “servants” of the Lord. Let us listen to what Jesus called those who believed and followed him...John 12:26

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”

‭‭

Let us listen to what Paul called Christians...“This is how one should regard us, as “servants of Christ” and stewards of the mysteries of God." ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭

Friends, in Christ, we, like Paul and all the other first disciples, are “servants” of the Lord. Servants like the Lord. Mark 10:45.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:45‬ ‭

Servants of the Lord, like Jesus, give themselves away for the sake of the gospel and the building up of the church.

So what does this song call us to do as servants of the Lord on this side of the cross? I heartily agree with the English reformed theologian Matthew Poole...1670s.

“Do not stand there like statues, silent and idle, but employ your hearts and tongues in singing forth praises unto the Lord.”

"Christian, you are partners with God in His work. What a privilege. You enjoy a nearness to God that comes with laboring together with Him. You receive special strength and anointing as you serve his will. You have new and exciting challenges of faith as you serve Him...from here to the ends of the earth.”

Praise the Lord” and as Spurgeon encouraged his church..."Praise should be added to all of our work with God.”

G Campbell Morgan understood the work of the servants of the Lord like this..."night and day, the priests snd Levites represented the larger body of worshippers throughout all of Israel. They raised their hands for God’s blessing in prayer."

The Israelis knew that, so they copied their leaders at home when they were away from the Temple. Teaching their children to lift their hands to receive the blessings asked for from God...learning prayer and faith.

But the Israelis also knew that the servants of the Lord added praise to their prayers for the many ways God had already blessed them. Learning blessing God and deep gratitude for God’s love and mercy.

Come fellow followers of Jesus...servants of God...let us add praise to God in every work we undertake with and for Him.

Have a great day

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June 14th

2 Chronicles 6,7 and Ps 136 is our Bible Reading today.

We are still reading about the dedication of Solomon’s Temple. Look and listen to what God does...“As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven...”

Remember Moses at the “burning bush” in the Midian desert? Fire came down from heaven. Remember when God delivered Israel from Egypt? Fire came down from heaven. Remember when Israel reached Mt Sinai? Fire came down from heaven. Remember when Moses and Aaron built and furnished the Tabernacle in the wilderness? Fire came down from heaven. Remember when some of the Israelites rebelled against Moses’ leadership? Fire came down from heaven.

And now, at the Opening Ceremonies of Solomon ‘s Temple, “fire came down” from heaven. What was the fire? In all of the above instances, the fire was God. His presence, His power, His goodness, His justice, His love, His kindness, His righteousness, His mercy, His glory, and His wonderful grace!

Fire came down from heaven with certain timing and “on” purpose direction. Look at the Timing...”When Solomon finished his prayer”... A prayer of dedication for the Temple. A prayer of intercession for the people.

God came down upon the prayer of Solomon. Let’s remember our bible reading...God came down in the blood path ceremony on the prayer of Abraham. God came down at the Red Sea crossing on the prayer of Moses. God came down in the fiery furnace on the prayer of Shadrach Meshach, and Abednigo. God came down in the lion’s den on the prayer of Daniel.

Are you moved in your spirit yet? I am. Jesus taught his first disciples to pray. The Spirit inspired the apostle Paul to exhort the church to pray without ceasing. The apostle John taught the church to cry out to heaven...Come, Lord Jesus!

Prayer was more than a religious exercise to the above mentioned. Prayer was something empowered by the Spirit...our participation in the miracles of God.

I learned early on in my Christian life, that in Christ, prayer on earth, and an answer in heaven are made for each other.

One more thing from the text...At the end of the glorious celebration of the Temple’s opening for worship, Solomon went home to rest in the night. “That night God visited Solomon “again...”...Not in fire from heaven, but in a voice that said, “I have heard your prayer...I have chosen this place for Myself.”

Wow...that’s just what Jesus said to you and me when we repented of our sin and began to follow Him..”I have heard your prayer...and I have chosen you for myself.” Halleluiah

Have a great day

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June 13th

Our bible reading today is in two mirroring passages...1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 5.

“Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated and stored the silver, the gold, and all the vessels in the treasuries of the house of God.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A year later, Solomon invited Israel to gather on the Temple Mount there in Jerusalem. Students of the bible are divided on why Solomon waited a year to open the Temple for worship. Most suspect that even though the building was finished, perhaps the furnishings and utensils were not. Still, other people wonder if it took a year to plan and stage the Opening in grand Solomon fashion. I kind of lean toward the second proposal for two reasons. One negative and the other positive, where I land today.

First “the negative”: Our reading could reveal to some an “over the top” presentation by Solomon. It would take them 7 days to offer the 142,000 animal sacrifices to the Lord. ”Way” beyond what was required by the law of Moses.

Was Solomon trying to impress the crowd? Or was he trying to impress God? Scripture doesn't reveal answers to either of those questions. But, both impressions would certainly not represent the worship that God requires of His people...the “God-centered” kind.

Now the “Positive slant” that I desire to see here: I see the pomp and circumstance of the Temple Dedication Ceremonies from my “joy lenses”.

Yes, Solomon could have gotten by on less. He could have given in line with the law, but he didn't. He gave over and beyond the Law of worship. All the way to an overflowing Grace-filled worship.

I can't help but remember when Solomon ‘s dad, David, was leading a caravan of Levitical priests bringing the ark of the covenant into the city of David from Gibeah. The musicians played, and David danced with so much energy, that his wife was embarrassed. She called it “undignified”. David was “sooo” happy worshipping God on the way. He even said to his wife...” oh...I can be “much more” undignified than this.”

Solomon’s heart was so filled with gratitude to God for the Covenant relationship God gave to him and to Israel that he couldn't help himself. He couldn't keep joy contained.

Solomon’s heart was so filled with the excitement of being chosen, loved, treasured, forgiven, and wanted by God that he couldn't help but throw a party big enough for his fellow Israelis to worship God with him. With all of their hearts also.

O, friends, I believe that Solomon, with all of his faults, had a heart that knew God’s mercy and grace in forgiveness that he had received for his sins, and he just wanted to express his love and thanksgiving in the most abundant way that he could. For God’s glory.

And...“that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; and there is no other.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8:60‬ ‭ESV‬‬

And you know what? God came to that party. What a guest list....it included “I Am...God the Son...our Savior”!

Let’s throw a party...

Have a great day.