Love Worth Finding | Audio Program

Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Isaiah 59:1-4

Isaiah 59:1-2 says, “Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Nor is His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”

Our beloved America is a nation in a crisis. The prophet, Isaiah, boldly pointed out the sins of his day; upon a closer look, we can see distinct parallels to the sins of our day.

-Bloody hands: “For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity...” (v. 3)
-Lying lips: “Your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perversity....” (v. 3)
-Wicked hearts: “No one calls for justice, nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.” (v. 4)

How did Isaiah’s people come to a place where God would not hear their prayers? What brought about bloody hands, lying lips, and wicked hearts?

First, the people had been feeding on a diet of deception. Much like the day of Isaiah, poisonous philosophies are being swallowed down by our next generation.

Second, the people were caught in a web of wickedness. Satan has a web of evil, and its most terrifying quality is that it is difficult to see. Our youth don’t understand that porn, alcohol, sexual immorality holds them captive by the enemy.

Third, the people were trashing the truth. Isaiah 59:14-15 says, “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; For truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.” In this illustration, truth lies prostrate on the ground. In America, truth has been knocked down by doctors of philosophy, dishonest politicians, and false preachers.

Adrian Rogers says, “The job in America today is to put truth back on her feet.”

Apply it to your life
Proverbs 23:23, “Buy the truth and do not sell it.” Pastor Rogers tells us, “Truth is a prize to possess. There is a price to pay, you must buy the truth. You must study it, pour over it, learn it, live it, know it. And you must preserve the truth.”

Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Exodus 13:17-18

Exodus 13:18 says, “But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.” As God leads us through life, we may find ourselves on back roads, dead-end alleys, or in dry places. What should we do when we face detours, dead ends, and dry holes?

First, remember the discipline of detours. This passage clarifies God led His people on a divine detour. Further hardship would have met the Israelites if they had gone the shortest route.

Sometimes, we aren’t ready for the blessings God has in store for us. If we are circling the wilderness, or feel “out” of the will of God, Adrian Rogers advises: “The important thing is not that you know; the important thing is that God knows and that you follow Him.”

This passage also identifies the dilemma of dead ends. For the Israelites, the road ended at the vast Red Sea, with Pharaoh’s army closing in on them. They were between the sword and the sea; there was no way out. But God knew exactly what He was doing. God put them in this dead end to use their seemingly impossible circumstance to bring judgment on Pharaoh.

When we come up against dead ends, we can remember: our place of desperation is an opportunity of dependency upon Him.

There are four things to do when we come to a dead end:

fear not,
stand still,
watch God work before you,
and then go forward.

Finally, this passage recognizes the disappointment of dry holes; this is the test of our faithfulness. The Israelites failed this test miserably. Merely three days after God miraculously parted the Red Sea, they murmured in doubt, which is an aggressive sin. There was no need for them to murmur, for their provision was in front of them. God already knew what He was going to do.

God knows the way through the wilderness, all we have to do is follow.

Apply it to your life
Are you following God, yet facing a detour, a dead end, or a dry hole? Know that God hasn't forsaken you; He is proving you. Don't complain or murmur; right over the hill, God’s oasis is waiting. You may not see it, but God can see it.

In Acts 10, the Gospel was made available to Gentiles for the first time. Up until Acts 15, many in the church believed Christianity was exclusively for the Jews. Concerned, they met in Jerusalem to discuss God’s plan for the Jews.

Acts 15:18 reads, “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” God has a plan for this world, the church, for the Jew and the Gentile. And as we hear rumors of a new world order in these last days, we know the reasons why the world is out of sorts to begin with.

The church is out of her rightful place. The church, which is the bride of Christ, belongs with the groom. Through the Holy Spirit, He is with us, but we are not by His side. Ephesians 1:13-14 explains that the Holy Spirit is “the earnest of our inheritance,” meaning He is a token of God’s love to His Bride while we wait to join His side.

Second, there will never be world order until Israel is restored and there is peace in Jerusalem.

God is not finished with the Jewish nation; they are still the chosen people. God gave the land of Israel to Abraham’s descendants in an everlasting covenant, yet, the Jews have been scattered across the earth. As God prophesied Israel's disobedience, dispersion, and disgrace, He also prophesied their resolve and return.

Third, Satan is out of place, because the criminal belongs in prison. There will never be order as long as Satan’s spirit is working. The world stumbles in darkness orchestrated by Him. But Satan will not always have the run of this world. There’s coming a time when he will be cast into the prison of his own making: hell.

Finally, there will be no world order until the King is on the throne. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords; soon, His Will will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Adrian Rogers says, “I cannot wait for the time our Lord comes and we have a new world order; when the church and Israel and Satan and Jesus are in their rightful place. It has a good ending, and we’re on the winning side.”

Apply it to your life
As the days grow gloriously dark, pray for the nation of Israel, and for those who may not know the Lord.

The Book of Ecclesiastes is the journal of King Solomon. It is a record of some of the perplexities he had, as well as some of the mistakes he made. There are three themes from this book when considering the beauty of this life we get to live.

First, this book reveals the complex mysteries of life.

God does not want life to make sense to us. God, in His infinite wisdom, makes life a mystery to draw us to Him. God put eternity in our hearts; He gave us a desire to see life from an eternal perspective. The answer to life’s mystery is not in nature, history, or science. The answer is that apart from God, wisdom, wealth and work are all meaningless.

Ecclesiastes also addresses the challenging adventure of life.

In spite of its mystery, God urges us to live with enthusiasm and joy. We cannot let our problems make cynics out of us. There are going to be some hard times; we would be foolish to not enjoy the good times. Adrian Rogers says, “Since God is good, we should live joyfully. Since God is sovereign, we should live confidently. And since God is holy, live life reverently.”

Finally, this book reveals that life is a comprehensive test.

Everything is going to come to judgment. Because of this, we must learn to rejoice. Adrian Rogers says, “God’s laws do not restrict us; they liberate us.” We must learn, also, to rest and remember; to honor, to obey, to serve God in every season.

Everything that King Solomon wrote is by divine inspiration. But we know some things he didn’t know because we have the New Testament. We have an understanding that even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, did not have before he died, primarily, the answer to the age-old question: What is life all about?

Glory to God, we know that Jesus said, “I’ve come that you might have life, and that you might have it abundantly.”(John 10:10)

Life is about Jesus and only Jesus. Apart from Him, everything is meaningless.

Apply it to your life
Life is a complex mystery and a challenging adventure. In order to pass the comprehensive tests of life, we must learn to rejoice in every season, to rest in God’s grace and goodness, and to remember Him.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Reference: Genesis 3

Satan wants to bring death to our happiness, joy, and purity, and he accomplishes this through lies. Genesis 3:1 says, “Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field…”

Satan cleverly crafts subtle lies about the biggest truths. We see this exemplified in his confrontation with Eve in the Garden of Eden, when he told her four lies that ruined the world.

1. “God is not loving.”

Satan’s first tactic was to convince Eve to think negatively about God. The devil wants us to think God is straight-laced and cruel, and that our relationship with Him would be filled with “don’t!” But Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD, and he will give thee the desires of thine heart.” God does not take away joy; He gives it.

2. “God is not truthful.”

The devil’s second tactic was to get Eve to think skeptically about God. When Satan removes the truth of God’s Word, then he slips in other ideas to replace them. Many other religions, spiritual practices and New Age thoughts are simply substitutes from the enemy to divert us from the truth.

3. “God is not righteous.”

Satan’s next tactic is to make us think lightly of God. But God is holy, and He will punish sin. The Ten Commandments are not advice; they’re law.

4. “God is not gracious.”

Finally, Satan will try to convince us to think suspiciously of God. Scripture says that God had a wonderful plan for Adam and Eve. Many people think serving God cramps their style. Yet, the devil, who promises total freedom, keeps his victims in bondage.

All the problems in the world today are rooted in these four ancient lies. How can we overcome them?

Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Adrian Rogers explains, “On the cross, Satan’s back was broken, and through the blood of the Lamb every lie that you believe can be forgiven. You can see through the lenses of the cross what the real truth is.”

Only when we commit ourselves to the written word of God, can we overcome the devil’s lies.

Apply it to your life

Have you accepted Calvary’s conquest in your life? Have you committed yourself to God’s word so that you may overcome the devil’s lies?

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: James 1:12-15

We live in a world of victims; nobody wants to take the blame for anything. And when we run out of other people to blame for our sins, we can be tempted to blame God. But God’s Word heeds warning to those who would dare blame Him for their temptation to sin.

James 1:13-15 says, “Let no man say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted of God’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

It is impossible to tempt God with evil; He cannot be tempted and He cannot tempt us with evil. Adrian Rogers says, “God gives us tests to make us stand. Satan gives us temptations to make us stumble.” Sin is an inside job; it begins from within. How does the devil provoke our flawed appetites and fatal attractions?

First, there is a courtship that leads to a consent.

Satan has laid plans to sabotage us, but he cannot do it without our consent. He begins with a courtship: temptation comes our way to entice, entrap, ensnare, and allure. He flirts, baits, and draws us away.

Second, the consent leads to conception.

Adrian Rogers explains, “There comes an unholy union that brings an unholy child. There is a fatal attraction: the father. There is a flawed appetite: the mother. When these two come together, there is a conception of an unholy child of sin.”

Third, conception leads to a consummation.

The final result of sin is always death. We can play the blame game all day long, but we will ultimately lose.

Adrian Rogers says, “First, sin fascinates; then it assassinates. First, it thrills; then it kills.”

As long as we live, there will be temptation. The only thing we can possibly do is to have an inward change, beginning in our own hearts. James 1:18 says, “Of His own will He begets us with His word.” That is, when our hearts are changed, we are born again.

Apply it to your life

Are you being tempted to sin? Don’t blame God or circumstances. Ask God for a change of heart, and for the strength to refrain from sinning.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Ezekiel 28:8

Our war is not against flesh and blood. Rather, we wage war against the evil force behind it all: the devil. And Satan’s origin, found in Ezekiel 28, is one of riches to rags. It’s important to learn about his descent from the palace to the pit because we are pawns in this battle.

God did not create a devil; God created a perfect being, who became the devil because God gave him a choice. He was first an angel named Lucifer (which means Son of Morning), surpassing in beauty, superlative in wisdom.

But because of the pride in his heart, the Son of Morning was banished from heaven to earth, to be forever known as the Father of Night. The devil’s wisdom is corrupt, his beauty blemished.

Now, he continues in power. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant, your adversary, the devil, goeth about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.”

Adrian Rogers says, “Satan is a master of camouflage; he works through art, music, literature, and he certainly works through religion. Satan doesn’t want casualties as much as he wants converts.” The devil is the chief terrorist who divides, depresses, and destroys. Behind all wickedness and oppression is Satan, beating the drums of diversion to drown out the truth.

But, never forget: God has done something about the devil.

Hebrews 2:14 says, “Forasmuch, then, as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also (Jesus) likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” The word “destroy” in this passage actually means “to render helpless.”

Satan has been stripped, shamed, and subdued. His dominion over the earth has been taken from him and given to those who will put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Adrian Rogers reminds us, “Satan sails a sinking ship; he rules a doomed domain. There’s coming that final, glorious day when Jesus will come and put His bruised heel upon Satan’s head; Satan is headed to the pit.”

Apply it to your life

Adrian Rogers says, “God gave Satan a choice and he became Satan. God gives you a choice and you can become a saint.” Spend time in the Word of God today; pray that you may follow Him and honor Him with your life and your choices.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Reference: Acts 17:16-18

The opposition we, as Christians, face in this pagan world is nothing new. In Acts 17, Paul finds himself surrounded by a pagan society in Athens, Greece. Yet, the ones who opposed the Gospel in this passage are much like those who oppose the Gospel now. Paul’s response to this opposition is a picture of standing firm in a pagan world.

First, Paul met superstitious idolatry.

Acts 17:16 says, “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” An idol is anything you love, serve, fear or trust more than God. Paul saw idolatry everywhere he turned in Athens.

Our city and even sometimes our churches are filled with idolatry. There are gods of materialism, alcohol, sex, violence, and even gods of knowledge and wisdom. We all worship something because mankind is incurably religious.

Second, Paul faced self-righteous orthodoxy.

Verse 17 says, “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.” These religious men had their sterile orthodoxy. They believed in one true God, but they did not know Him; they did not understand that the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Adrian Rogers says, “It’ll be a great day in America when people stop enduring religion and start enjoying salvation.”

Thirdly, Paul met sophisticated philosophy.

Verse 18 says, “Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him...’” Paul encountered two types of philosophers: the Epicures and the Stoics. Epicureans sought pleasure above anything else. Stoics believed they were victims of fate, that God is in everything and everything is God. If this sounds familiar, it’s because we still encounter people who believe this way.

How did Paul deal with this opposition? He expressed confidence in his faith. He simply continued to preach, and reveal that God is a God of power, love, righteousness, and salvation.

Paul also expected converts as a result of his faith. Some mocked, some laughed and some procrastinated. But, thank God, others believed.

Apply it to your life

As we stand firm in this pagan world, we can’t make others believe, however, we have the opportunity to preach the Gospel anyway. Are you confident in your faith? Do you expect converts when you share the Gospel?

Scripture Passage: 1 John 2:18-29

The days are growing gloriously dark; the time is ripe for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:18-29 heeds three warnings to us as we near the rapture and Great Tribulation prophesied in the Book of Revelation.

First, we are living in the last days and we need to be awake.

“Little children, it is the last time....” (v. 18)

Ever since the ascension of Jesus Christ, we have been on the brink of His return. And because the signs of the revelation are here, we know the rapture must be very close.

When He raptures His church, He will come secretly, like a thief in the night; we must be spiritually awake.

Second, the antichrist is coming and we need to be aware.

“...and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (v. 18)

There is a wicked, malevolent, ungodly person waiting to be revealed after the rapture of the church; he is called the antichrist. We must be aware that he is devilish, divisive, deceptive and destructive.

Third, our Lord is on His way and we need to be abiding.

“Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye shall also continue in the Son, and in the Father.” (v. 24)

While living in the last days, we need to make ourselves at home in the word of God.

Now more than ever, we need to appreciate, appropriate, and assimilate Scripture.

We must make ourselves at home with the Spirit of God.

Adrian Rogers says, “Anything I can talk you into, somebody else can talk you out of; the one who teaches you is the Holy Spirit of God.”

Finally, we need to make ourselves at home with the very Son of God.

When Jesus comes for us, we shouldn’t have to be formally introduced. Rather, when we see Him face-to-face, it should feel like uniting with someone we’ve known heart-to-heart.

Apply it to your life
The signs of the upcoming revelation are all around us in these last days. Are you ready for Jesus to come? Are you awake and aware — are you abiding in Christ?

Sermon Overview

Scripture reference: Matthew 24:1-3

Mankind has always been fascinated with knowing the future; our only reliable source of prophecy is the Word of God. In Matthew 24, Jesus prophesied His literal, physical return to earth, offering signs of the times and the beginning of the end. “And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (v. 2)

The temple was the center of Jewish life – spiritually and socially. No one could believe it would ever be desolated. Yet, Jesus had prophesied its destruction and it came to fruition. In response, the disciples ask Jesus three questions: When shall these things be? What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (v. 3) Jesus gives them seven marks of the beginning of the end.

1. Deceptions of counterfeit christs

One of the marks of the last days will be a time of great deception, in which all the world will be deceived by the antichrist.

2. Division of continuing conflicts

The generations to come will see more terrorism, hijackings, bombings, and assassinations than ever before.

3. Disasters of cataclysmic consequence

Jesus spoke candidly of famine, plagues, and earthquakes.

4. Defamation of committed Christians

Religious persecution will increase, particularly toward those who follow Jesus Christ.

5. Distortion of christless cults

Adrian Rogers reiterates G.K. Chesterson’s statement: “When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything.”

6. Disposition of carnal coldness

Adrian Rogers says, “When you take away moral limits, you destroy the fire and the glow of true love and you substitute that with the false fire of lust, and theology turns to me-ology.”

7. Discharge of Christ’s commission

Before Jesus left this earth, He commissioned us to take the Gospel to all of the world.

Jesus calls these marks “the beginning of sorrows.” (v. 8) In this context, the word “sorrow” also translates to, “birth pangs.” As these sorrows multiply and intensify, we know we are nearing the return of Jesus Christ, and the Great Tribulation that comes with it.

Apply it to your life

Knowing Jesus could return at any moment, the wisest thing to do is follow Jesus and spend time in His Word.