ARCC Sermons

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June 12th

Our bible reading today is in 1 Kings 7 and 2 Chronicles 2

“Solomon built his own house thirteen years...and then he was finished.”

Before he started his palace, Solomon built the Temple...the “House for God’s Name”. That sounds good, first things first. However, Solomon spent 7 years building the Temple, but here we learn that he spent 13 years on his own house.

The Temple was magnificent. The best master builder was employed. The finest skilled laborers inside and outside the kingdom were employed. And the best craftsmen for working with gold, silver, and precious stones were employed in building the Temple. Seven years they worked on the Temple.

Our reading says that Solomon hired those same exemplary workmen to build his house. But they spent almost twice as much time and effort on Solomon ‘s house as they did on the House for God’s Name. The Temple was glorious. But it seems that Solomon wanted his own house to be more glorious.

Wow...to me, that says much about the spiritual values of the new King. What was he thinking? His actions revealed where his heart was. His lifestyle showed the people that he was more interested in promoting his kingdom, his fame, and his splendor than he was in making God famous.

The Bible says that Solomon finished his work. That reminds me of a couple of things.

Before Jesus took his last breath on the cross, He said, “It is finished.”...meaning...” it is paid and it is purchased...speaking of His salvation work on behalf of all who believe Him. Paying our sin debt with His death, and purchasing us a home in heaven that we could never purchase on our own.

Solomon finished his work and gave a Temple of worship to his people. That was good. Jesus finished His work through His death and resurrection, and gave eternal life to His followers...That was way better!

One more thing about Solomon finishing his work on the Temple in 7 years, and finishing his work on his house in 13 years. That is twenty years in all of dedicated, persistent, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year work on purpose good works.

I'm reminded that my work of spreading the gospel of Christ throughout the world will not be finished until I die. But hopefully, those I've led to Christ over the years will carry on where I have left off.

Back today’s text...Solomon’s palace was called “The House of the Forest of Lebanon”. With the paneled walls and the 45 cedar pillars, walking in the palace was like walking in a majestic forest. The writer of our text says that some of what we might see in the palace was also seen in the Temple. Implying that the Temple was beautiful, but Solomon’s house was better.

O fellow followers of Christ, fellow lovers of His church, may our story show that we spent twice as much time, money, and effort on His church than we did on our own houses and lands.

Have a great day

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June 11th

Our Bible reading in Scripture today is in 1 Kings 5,6 and 2 Chronicles 2,3. It’s all about the preparations and the building of Solomon’s Temple.

David had a desire to build such a testament to the glory of God, but God had another plan. David ‘s son Solomon was God’s choice to build a house for His name. And that was exactly what Solomon called the Temple...” the House for God’s name!”

All the other world religions of that day built temples, but they called such temples the place where their God resided. Solomon knew better. Yahweh could not be contained in the earth’s universe and the million others, much less a stone house on this planet. So, this house would be a testament for God’s Name! And His name is Wonderful. His name is El Shaddai. God Almighty, the One who does what He purposes to do. No matter what. Some interpret it the “Conquerer” of every obstacle that man could invent. Nothing thwarts the purposes of El Shaddai.

Some others translate Shaddai as the “sufficient One”. The Almighty is sufficient for every need. The El Shaddai is enough for us no matter what comes.

And still, others have translated Shaddai as “the Mountain”. Power and provision from Egypt to Mt Sinai to the Promised Land.

I can see in my mind’s eye a grandfather, in Jerusalem, with several young grandchildren, sitting at the base of the Temple Mount looking up at the majestic Temple built by Solomon. The House whose glory spoke to the wonderful name and eternal being of God. Does God live in that house, granddad? No child. God dwells above the heavens. But every year on the Day of Atonement He comes to the House and meets the High Priest inside the Holy of Holies, between the golden angels upon the mercy seat which covers the ark of the covenant. There He accepts the blood of the sacrifice on behalf of Jacob’s children. The sacrifice was sufficient for atonement...for forgiveness...for another year.

Grandfather, what does the temple say to you? Our God, El Shaddai, the sufficient supplier, is enough for us, whatever our need, for our bodies when we are sick and our souls when we are sad. We can trust Him “with everything” that is going on in and around us. We can count on Him to “fulfill His good purposes” for us, for our benefit and for His honor and glory.

Granddad, what else does the house on the mountain tell us about God? He loves us darlin. He calls us His treasured ones. His children of promise. And one day He will send the Messiah to save His people from their sins once and for all...once and forever.

Friends in Christ, we are that temple. We are the house. Not only bearing witness to the Messiah Jesus’ Name. And when children ask their parents about us, they will say...they are the house of God Himself 24-7. Speaking of the good news of Jesus and His love, the cross the resurrection and his coming again.

Have a great day

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June 10th

Our Bible reading today is in Proverbs 22, 23, 24.

“By wisdom, a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs‬ ‭24:3-4‬ ‭

“By wisdom, a house is built...and filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

The word house is translated in scripture as a dwelling, home, residence, abode, sanctuary, family. So much of the time I have thought of “house” in terms of the building. The outer structure, the dwelling in which I live. And it does take knowledge and wisdom and skills to build such a residence.

But most of the time when God’s word refers to a house, He is referring to the household. The family that does life within the walls of a dwelling.

Solomon was teaching his children to build strong, Godly families. So he reminded them that “wisdom” builds those kinds of households. So what is wisdom? The better question is “Who is wisdom”?

Let’s listen to the Apostle Paul again in...1 Corinthians 1:30...” from God you are in Christ Jesus...and He is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.”

Let’s think about it one more time. Could it get any richer? Could it get any better than this?

Jesus is our “righteousness” At best our own righteousness is as filthy rags before God. So Jesus took on our filthy rags of sin upon Himself at the cross and gave all who believe Him His own sinless righteousness unto eternal salvation.

But Jesus is more to us. He is our “sanctification”. Jesus gives us a soft heart at conversion that the Holy Spirit, over time, shapes and transforms into a heart that loves to do the will of God...that loves to do life with Jesus. We would need a new heart for such sanctification. And Jesus makes that happen.

But Jesus is more to us. He is our “redemption”. We needed to be bought out of the devil’s market place of sin and death. But who would be our redeemer? Who could pay the price? Only God could! So God the Son, Jesus, left heaven’s life for earth’s cross of torture and death.

Wow, Jesus is all of that to us. So why wouldn't He be “wisdom” to us? Why wouldn't He help us to make good decisions for our family? Why wouldn't He build our house and invite us to join Him in that most wonderful work? And why wouldn't He not fill His home with precious and pleasant riches?

Well, I can't think of a single reason.

Lord bless our house, our family. Fill us with You. Your love, and your wisdom to make our household to be at home with You.

Have a great day

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June 8th

Our bible reading today is in Proverbs 16, 17, 18.

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the body.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭

I rather like the KJV of our text. “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭

Both renditions highlight our words and the powerful positive benefit that they can be to others. But let us remember Solomon’s warning in chapter 18:21 “Death and life” are in the power of the tongue” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

James wrote that “the tongue was a fire”...it can destroy. Therefore let us choose our words carefully for every occasion. And make a habit of using gracious words as much as possible.

In ancient Biblical culture, nothing was as sweet as honey from a honeycomb. Solomon compared the benefit of gracious words to the benefit of honey to the weary life. Remember our reading in 1 Samuel 14 where an exhausted Jonathan found a honeycomb on the ground in the forest of the battle. He dipped his spear into it and ate of that delicacy. And the bible says that his eyes brightened and his strength revived.

Such can be the uplifting effect of pleasant and complimentary words spoken to another. Encouraging words bring enjoyment to the soul of a man. They also can positively affect the health of a person.

“Lord, we have little power in ourselves to bridle our tongues...and too many times our words are hurting words. God forgive us of such carelessness.

Holy Spirit, “You” can bridle our tongues...help us...inspire us, remind us, and empower us to speak gracious, encouraging words that build up and strengthen others.

Moving on in the text.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Solomon was complimenting his children’s “making of plans” for living. But he said, “Your heart” will be important in the kinds of plans you make. Solomon’s kids would no doubt remember another proverb from their Father...” keep your heart with all diligence”. Since our plans come from our heart, then let us make sure that our heart is not cold and hard toward God. Let us humble our heart and ask the Holy Spirit to infill use all day long.

And then the Lord will establish our steps. Our route for the day and for the rest of our lives...for His glory and our enjoyment.

Have a great day

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June 8th

Our bible reading today is in Proverbs 16, 17, 18.

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the body.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭

I rather like the KJV of our text. “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭

Both renditions highlight our words and the powerful positive benefit that they can be to others. But let us remember Solomon’s warning in chapter 18:21

“Death and life” are in the power of the tongue” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

James wrote that “the tongue was a fire”...it can destroy. Therefore let us choose our words carefully for every occasion. And make a habit of using gracious words as much as possible.

In ancient Biblical culture, nothing was as sweet as honey from a honeycomb. Solomon compared the benefit of gracious words to the benefit of honey to the weary life. Remember our reading in 1 Samuel 14 where an exhausted Jonathan found a honeycomb on the ground in the forest of the battle. He dipped his spear into it and ate of that delicacy. And the bible says that his eyes brightened and his strength revived.

Such can be the uplifting effect of pleasant and complimentary words spoken to another. Encouraging words bring enjoyment to the soul of a man. They also can positively affect the health of a person.

“Lord, we have little power in ourselves to bridle our tongues...and too many times our words are hurting words. God forgive us of such carelessness.

Holy Spirit, “You” can bridle our tongues...help us...inspire us, remind us, and empower us to speak gracious, encouraging words that build up and strengthen others.

Moving on in the text.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Solomon was complimenting his children’s “making of plans” for living. But he said, “Your heart” will be important in the kinds of plans you make.

Solomon’s kids would no doubt remember another proverb from their Father...” keep your heart with all diligence”. Since our plans come from our heart, then let us make sure that our heart is not cold and hard toward God. Let us humble our heart and ask the Holy Spirit to infill use all day long.

And then the Lord will establish our steps. Our route for the day and for the rest of our lives...for His glory and our enjoyment.

Have a great day

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June 7th

Our bible reading today is in Proverbs 13, 14, 15.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When someone promises to do something good for us, what does that do? It usually raises our expectations and causes us to look forward to that good thing with exciting anticipation. Sounds good. And when that promise is fulfilled...wow, how good it is!

Solomon said, “when our desire and expectation is fulfilled, it’s like living under the “tree of life”... in the garden of eden...awesomely happy and fulfilled.

But Solomon also gave another scenario...So we have waited excitedly for the day when our friend will finally fulfill his promise. The day comes and goes and our friend fails to fulfill his promise. What does that delay do to us? At some level it stings, it hurts, and at worst “It sickens and infects our heart”.

We learn from our bible reading that from the heart flows the issues of our life. If our heart is not well, then out of it will flow contaminated springs of self-centered pouting, burning disappointment, hurtful anger, and even long-lasting bitterness.

Hmmm...Hope deferred or desire fulfilled...

This brings to my mind 1 Peter 5:10. Answering a couple of big questions. #1 Is dealing with broken promises a part of God’s will for our lives? #2 Will God do anything about it?

Let’s listen to God through Peter.“...after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will “himself” restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” ‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Suffering for awhile is in God’s plan for our lives even from broken promises. However, there will be a day when God will restore what we have lost in those broken promises. Now that’s pretty awesome to me!

But there is something more to add to that proverb. When we read the word “hope” in the Bible it means “a confident expectation”. A confident expectation of something happening. And most of the time, “hope” means a confident expectation of “God’s promise being fulfilled”.

Our western civilization use of the word “hope” is closer to “a wish”. A wish, that down deep, is afraid...afraid that it won't come to pass. But our hope is not in a well-intentioned family member or even in a best friend. They are great, but they are not the good news. Jesus always is!

Our hope, our confidence is in Christ. And we will never have to be afraid that Jesus will break his promises to us.

Such as...“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son...that whosoever believes Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

“Go ye into all the world and make disciples in every nation, baptizing them in the name of the father the son and the holy spirit...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and listen...I will be with you to the ends of the earth.”

Huge promise for “life in heaven”. Huge promise for “His presence” with us wherever we go on earth as His salt and light. Now that is hopes’ strength. Jesus’ words to us...golden...we can take it to the bank.

Reminds me of one of my favorite hymns Solid Rock by Pastor Edward Mote of Rehoboth Baptist Church Sussex England 1834.

“Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame...But wholly lean on Jesus' name.”

“On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

“His oath His covenant His blood...support me in the whelming flood...When all around my soul gives way...”He then” is all my “hope” and stay.”

Thank you, Pastor Mote.

Jesus is still our confident hope and stay. Come what may He has made His promises to us. And He sealed all of them with His blood on the cross, and the empty tomb. But you knew that too. Pastor...we will meet in heaven.

Have a great day.

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June 6th

The Bible reading today begins a new section of the proverbs...chapters 10, 11, &12.

This section begins 12 chapters of a particular arrangement where one proverb theme is grouped in 2, 3, or 4 verses.

Now to the text...“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This is a message to the children as well as to the parents. After my conversion to Christ at age 19, I began to read the psalms and the proverbs and a chapter in the gospels every day. From time to time I go back to that brown leather covered King James Version Bible and trace my early readings by the colored highlights and notations in the margins. I am reminded of how hungry I was to know the God of my salvation. But I not only wanted to know Him, I wanted to please Him. 2 verses stood out.

John 14:15...”If you love me, keep my commandments.” So in my reading of the bible, I would highlight God’s commands and promises and pray that God would help me to believe Him and obey Him.

Proverbs 10:1...”A wise son makes a glad father.” I loved my own dad very much. He was my hero. And there was something in me that wanted to please him...make him glad.

When I began to follow Jesus, I wanted to do that even more. And the Holy Spirit used this verse to prompt my praying...”Father make me a wise son that brings pleasure to my parents here on earth and that glorifies You in heaven. I don't want to bring sorrow to them or to You anymore. Help me, Lord. I know You will.”

Then Bev and I got married and started a family with Julie Dawn, Shelby DeAnn, and Michael James. We began to pray for our kids. We asked God to save them for Himself. We dedicated them unto the Lord. They became ours on loan from heaven for how long God desired. Our job was to love them and point them to Jesus. And our prayer became...”Father, help our children to grow up loving You and each other. Help them to be wise sons and daughters making You glad.”

I can't help but remember a Son in the bible whose Father said...”This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased...” That Son? Jesus, who would say to His Father, “Not my will but Yours be done!. Wisdom for sure, and a glad Father. May it be so with us and our Heavenly Father!

Now another piece of the text today Prov 10:2“Treasures of wickedness profits nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.” Solomon to his children and grandchildren.

Let’s listen to Jesus to his disciples...“And Jesus told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry."' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:16-21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

That rich fool gathered much for himself. It was “all about him!”

God called him a “fool”, not because he gathered much, but because he gave himself credit for the good harvest. And because he gathered it for himself and not others too. God called him foolish...it was “all about him”...when it should have been “all about God”.

Some might say that the man’s riches were not evil in themselves. And I would agree. What made him a fool was that he chose to be rich for himself, and wound up being poor toward God. Thus forfeiting what money could never buy, God’s eternal life. A righteous standing before God forever through Jesus Christ.

And could there be anything added to eternal life in heaven? Let us listen to Proverbs 10:3...“The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish.”

What a wonderful promise God makes to his children. “When your body is failing according to affliction, I can still cause your soul and spirit to prosper.”

“So friends and loved ones, should my body be overtaken by age or disease, fear not, God is strengthening my soul for a trip to heaven.”

Wow! Have a great day

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June 5th

The bible reading today is in Proverbs chapters 7, 8, &9.

“Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" To him who lacks sense she says, "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9:1-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In Proverbs 8, the Holy Spirit, through Solomon, personified Wisdom as a woman with many blessings for those who would listen to her and humbly follow.

Now in chapter 9, the Spirit, through Solomon, pictured Wisdom as a woman, perhaps a mother, who built her house and invited people in to eat and to drink and to enjoy the fellowship of that house.

Where does Wisdom dwell? In the House! In the House that she built. First the tabernacle...then the Temple...then Jesus in human form...then Believers in Jesus, the Church body. Where does Wisdom live? Wisdom-who is Jesus? He lives In us...that’s where!

Wisdom’s house had 7 pillars that held it up tall and strong against all foes. Including all human armies and natures innumerable stormy gales. Jesus is our house. Our fortress for security and peace against all comers.

Just as Wisdom called to the simple to come into the strong house and out of the deadly storm, Jesus invites us to Himself. The One who walked on the water and calmed a dangerous sea says...”come” and you will sleep well even in the midst of a storm.

I love this picture my friends. A wise woman of generosity and great grace. A woman who showed mercy upon sinners who deserved worse. A woman who knew God intimately and therefore she had insight and understanding of the heart needs of her neighbors. She knew that her bread and wine would satisfy the people for awhile, but her great desire was for her countrymen to know God. In whom is eternal satisfaction for mind, body, and soul.

She invites them into the fellowship of her house. No more being alone, no more being a stranger, no more being unloved, no more being afraid of the darkness and the uncertainties that lie beyond their sight.

She invites them in to “live”...to really live. For the first time in their lives. To experience life abundant in God...in Wisdom...whose name is Jesus!

Remember...”Jesus said...Come...drink of the living waters and eat of the bread of life...I have come that you may have life...and life more abundantly!”

“Father, Solomon wanted wisdom from you. He wanted his children to have it too. And I can't help but believe that he understood that Wisdom was a person. The person of the living God...the Messiah...Jesus was and is his name!

Have a great day

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June 4th

The Bible reading today is in Proverbs 4,5,6. Some practical warnings from a father to his children.

“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” ‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:14-15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Our bibles instruct the older to teach the younger. The young believer must be open to learn from the experience of the older learner of God. So, Solomon gains wisdom from God and passes it down to the younger generation. It’s like my dad said, “Son if you’ll listen to me, you won't have to wind up in the same ditch that I found.”

So, I could choose to listen and learn, or I could refuse to learn and do my own thing. And sadly, I did much of my own thing growing up and the consequences were painful. As a child and as an adult.

Solomon warned his kids...”Don't go in the way of the wicked...avoid it all together...” ...”the way of the wicked is deep darkness...leading to violence and death...” “Your path is the one of the righteous...it’s like the light of the sun’s dawning...” ”yes...from somewhat dim to bright and brighter”...“the “darkness of fear” is chased away and “faith” is strengthened.

Isn't that good? By the way. Let us not miss Jesus here. The way of the righteous “is” Jesus. Paul said that we were in Christ. The one who became not only wisdom to us but also righteousness. Our “position” before God, fellow believer, is Christ’s righteousness in us and for us. The “way of the righteous” is Christ in us. For He is the Way and He is Righteousness Personified. In and through us who believe Him.

To another part of Solomon’s journal for his children...“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Solomon taught his family that they were to “keep” their heart...meaning....guard it! Guard it from ever becoming double hearted. Keep it “only” for widom...for Jesus who is our wisdom. Guard it from becoming a hard heart. Keep it soft for desiring God. Guard it from becoming a proud heart. Keep it humble. God gives grace to that heart. Guard your heart from becoming an unbelieving heart. Keep it for faith. God finds pleasure in it. Guard your heart from becoming a cold heart. Keep it warm for people and hot for God. Guard your heart from becoming an unclean heart. Keep it for purity. That it might see God.

God said through Solomon that the children were to guard their hearts with all diligence. Diligence / Vigilance...implies that it won't be easy to keep one's heart for wisdom. But we are not left to guard it alone. The Holy Spirit in us is alert to the enemies of our new heart...and He will alert our minds and fight for us and with us.

And why is it worth the work and the fight to keep our hearts pure and single-minded toward Jesus alone? Because joy for life springs from that guarded heart for Christ our Lord!

Have a good day