Reformation Hope Church Brookfield WI Dr Wayne Sedlak

Richard Hofstadter, an American historian and public intellectual of the mid-20th century, wrote of what he learned about the Americans of 1756. He found both the farmer and the common man expected civil and equal treatment from those above themselves, and they got it. This surprised him in that it was uncommon in most other Nations. He also noted that these early Americans all spoke the same, acted the same, loved freedom and their faith. He didn't understand what he was seeing was miraculous. Come and listen as we flesh out what was involved in the mastering of their walk and why this is important to us today. See the results in the remnant of Ezra chapter 9 as they to sought to master their walk with the Lord. It is a lesson that will serve us well. Other Scripture included in this sermon; Mark 12:28-34; II Tim 4:1-8; I Samuel 11; Ezra 9:12-15; Ephesians 4:11; Matthew 5:16, 23:3-5; Mark 15:33-36.

Dr. Julian Jaynes became famous for his research on the effect of the Spirit world in ancient times. What Historians miss is what the ancient peoples, who worshiped their various idols, said about them. They all claimed that those idols spoke to them. They were guided by what they heard from their idols. The ancient rulers where told where to go, who to fight, who to make alliances with and all other aspects of their life. So why is history denuded of these facts? Is it so it can be repeated? As an example Adolph Hitler was always counseled by spirits through his necromancers (fortunately for those at Dunkirk). Others, to name but a few included names like Stalin, Marx, René Descartes, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and Nero.

Now please come hear how the principalities and powers of the Spirit world were shattered. Hear how Charismatic gifts, given to various people at various times, played a part in this shattering. Like the simple monk who nailed a 95 thesis document to a church door, transforming the world, to the Glory of God. "1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." Might we ascribe to be like Paul? Ac 17:16 "Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." Are our spirits disturbed by the idolatry we see around us today?

There is mastery in life but then there is mastery in Christian life. We think we are ready but.... are we? Mastery in Christian life as in everyday life needs time, learning and experience. Not everyone achieves the goal of mastery. For those who undertake the journey, mastery may take years or even a lifetime. For some, by God's grace, much sooner. As David said to his son Solomon "Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it."

Mastery looks ahead, stays focused on a goal. As it says in Proverbs,16:3 "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." God distributes many gifts that we might master. Come and hear the what, the why and the goal. The what; "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" The why; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: The goal "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:" and as Jesus said to His Apostles "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."

Slaves were called "Black Gold" and their trade could only be brought about by and through men of no conscience or compassion. Many men grew very rich selling this "Black Gold". The Christian faith torpedoes this evil and sets men free; Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Come listen to the difference between men bowing before and serving Christ or bowing down to and serving their idols. Listen to what does and does not please God and how wrong we can be in our own assumptions (Acts 19:13-17).

The Barnet group has recently conducted a pole of pastors across our nation. 90% of them said they would not or could not preach on the things in God's Word that would address what our nation needs to hear to address it's troubles. Troubles that attack the family, the decline of sexual morays, violence, economic woes, home-schooling and more. God's Word puts a point on neglecting application of God's Word in our lives in Proverbs 25:26, "A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring." Faith cannot exist unless evil in contended with. A Church which does not apply God's Word hinders the growth of faith. The Word of God seems to be out of season for the first time in our nation. Now what?

Does God Reign in your Soul? People need to see Christ in us. They need to see that Christ as King, ruling our lives and reigning over our souls. They need to see us submit to Christ our King in how we act in our own lives and how we deal with those around us. They will know something is different about us even though they might not be able to describe what it is. Come hear how Paul is an example for us in our lives. See the result of God's reign over Job's soul: Job 29:11 When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: 12 Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. 13 The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. 14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. 15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.

In 1919, Yamamoto when he was congratulated on his victory at Pearl Harbor said " ". 58 minutes late. Mic 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Good works has as it's purpose, to show that Jesus Christ reigns in you. Character is what wins men's hearts. George Washington is a prime example of this.

Sermons grounded in The Word of God and The Grace of God's Law. Dr Wayne C Sedlak has 45 years of Pastoral Ministry in the United States and Africa, including as University Professor and Educator.

Hear how the weather, storms, hail, floods represent God as they accomplish His Word.

Miracles, the fingerprints of God, surround His people in many different continents and times in history. Miracles not only save the people of God but brings them closer to Him. They are without explanation and are a witness to the saved and unsaved. We tend to think God performs miracles because of works we have done. Come hear why this thinking is just the opposite of what the word of God says. The point: A proper understanding of righteousness based on the Law of God. Pharaoh understood it, (Exodus 9:27).