Download... January 8, 2012. Sunday Morning Service, 2012 January revival. Bro. Calvin McCranie.
Are you willing to do or go wherever the Lord may lead you? So many say, "I’ll go to Africa, India," etc., but what about across the street? Be and stay encouraged! If you have no earthly riches, but you have the legacy of Salvation to share, you are of the richest indeed! Bro McCrainey shared how he regrets his young life being wasted by the deepest of sins, but is so glad that his son has had the benefits of a pure childhood, having been saved very young. It is a great blessing and encouragment to have served God from one ’s youth. For it is a certainty whatever we have “sowed” throughout our life, we shall surely reap. Galatians 6: 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Young people rejoice in your Salvation! It is not necessary to “taste” of deep sin, to later enjoy Salvation. When God dealt with him (Bro Mc Crainey shared) it was to tell him "he cannot play church” and have a genuine experience. Sin cannot satisfy and will always leave one discontented. For the pleasures gained in sin, only last a short time. Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; It shows in this scripture that Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God, because the pleasures of sin would only last for a while. Jesus is the only thing that will truly and fully satisfy, eternally!
TEXT HEBREWS 3:7-14
7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
Always listening to God’s exhortations, to heed against unbelief and the “hardening of our hearts,” is 'key' against us departing from the living God, and staying encouraged!
Holding stedfast our confidence in Christ unto the end, is “the door” to being a partaker with Christ.
Bro McCraine testified that the devil had lied to him that he could not serve God successfully following the depth of sin he had been in. But God still was his assurance, that He through Salvation would always keep him, and take care of his temporal needs also. He also testified that the “thought” would come that he would fail and go back to the drugs, and the bondages of sin. But God convinced him, “Give Me a chance,” and would show him what He was really all about with His faithful help. God tells us to come and reason together with Him. Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Yet while “reasoning” the enemy taunted Bro McCranie about all of his weaknesses,(girlfriends, drugs, etc.) So the brother wanted God to agree to completely deliver him, if he promised to give up all his sin. God said, “It’s a deal!” He then told the Lord “if you save me, I will always serve you.” Then even as he walked to the altar, God was already beginning to rescue his soul! Bro Mc Cranie told how he had been so “ruined” by sin. His appearance of his being a gang member, (large afro with blond streaks going through, weighed down also with much jewelry), was somewhat frightening to behold. But God was faithful! His saved mother, ran to the altar to embrace her son while he was being rescued through Salvation.
The bondage of sin will keep you from God, ..without the forsaking of ‘all’ your sins. The song “Thanks To Calvary,” is his testimony. He’s not the man he used to be, for he has turned his back on that old sinful life! Many are looking for something they don’t possess in their soul. You might claim to be only here this morning because of an invitation. But if you’re here, ...God meant for you to be! What’s different here? God is in our midst! God only ask for us to obey. Adam and Eve only had one (1)commandment, ”don’t eat of this tree”. Today, we have much more of God’s word, for which all He ask, is for us to obey. If you could sin, and still go to heaven, ..what is hell for? How deceived many are to think one cannot live above sin, through Salvation.
Again, Hebrews 3:7-14. Verse 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; If we hold fast the beginning of our confidence. You “older’ saints, …it’s almost over! Yet, the devil still has some tricks for you. You can’t save yourself. For the most part the devil has the world, and “religion” alike. Those who once personally knew God, yet left, are now worse off, then from their “beginning” lost condition.
I Timothy 6:6-12 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. The brother, testified he is so glad to be saved, in spite of the economy. To still be able to go church! The reason so many millions are so miserable, is they live above their means of livelihood. With so many “complexities of this world, it still leaves one so incomplete! The saints live real simple, and are satisfied. (Verse 6).
Are you fighting the good fight? (Verse 12). Are you trusting God? If you want to, God will make it possible! Regardless of what you lose of your temporal goods, God will take care of you, if you seek Him first. Matthew 6:31-33 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. No need to be stressing, and trying to make ends meet.
Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. This is not “just a story,” but God’s intended encouragement for His children. God’s word is not a “fairy tale,” but one of facts! Bro Mc Cranie shared about a sister’s bible, who he noticed had many initial’s of T.P. after the various promises. When he asked her about it, she replied, it meant those scriptures had been Tested, and Proved, as it has for so many!
You cannot spiritually survive without your daily devotions. You are not limited in that, to being on your knees to pray. You can talk and meditate with God, anytime or anywhere you are. But you must have time every day to talk and pray to God, to maintain spiritual strength. When is the last time you talked with God?
Ephesians 6:10-16 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Verse 10 “In the Lord”. You’re not strong in yourself. And no matter how literally/temporally timid you are, you can be strong in the Lord! Verse 11 "But put on the whole armor of God." It is likely while Paul was in prison, that he observed the guards completely dressed in a full literal armor. Yet Paul’s spiritual armor gave him strength to keep the spiritual victory! Verse 12 The “enemy” whether at work, or elsewhere, are not after ‘you’, but the Christ that is within you. If you on the internet, make sure you have God’s armor on! Things often “pop up” completely unrelated to whatever innocent “surfing” you might be doing, (email, etc.) You need God’s armor to avoid all the sin pits showing up on the web. If you give into curiosity, ..you can easily become condemned in your conscience.
So be not ignorant of Satan’s devices. II Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Also on the million of phones, ...Satan has many traps. This should not need to cause you to throw your phone or computer away! Get and keep the victory!
Again, Ephesians 6:13 God will help you stand in that evil day. You will need to let God know you are going to continue to ‘sacrifice’ that which would hinder your spiritual journey. Verse 16 Above ‘all’ and everything else, take the shield of faith to enable you to be able to quench all the “darts” of the enemy. The devil doesn’t want you to believe God’s promises are the same today, as they have been in all the previous generations.
It is up to me individually to keep myself pure and ready with the help, God gives, through His Word and Spirit. Every moment should be lived for the present possibility that God will come now. Wherever you are, (raking the yard, driving, etc.) you can prayerfully stay before God. Then you can thank God for the victory! Casting down imaginations and all that comes against our Salvation. II Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; God will give you the Spirit of Truth, to be your guide. We always need a guide to get to heaven, ..we have none of us arrived!
Hebrews 5:11-14 11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Get your spiritual hearing aid on. So that you will not become dull of hearing! Verse 14 There ought to be a time when the pastor need not to be continually repeating that which you should already know. Also, ..don’t assume the preacher is talking about your personal problems in his preaching. The devil often lies to cause an offense in our minds spiritually.
Grow up in Christ, and don’t keep putting your spiritual “pampers” on. It is pitiful, when for an example, a toddler can chew up the bottle nipple/pacifier and ask for when they want to be changed, etc. Yet they are not weaned from those things. The spiritual senses need to be exercised, so you will know good from evil.
Single sisters, you need to be careful if you desire a companion. Otherwise, Satan will make sure the “perfect man” (not Church of God) will lead you away from truth. Don’t try to “convert” one with the motive of wanting a companion. The enemy will try to convince you with a man that “plays” the hypocritical part. They might “say” I’m thankful for salvation. The church of God way, is to actually see their life proved, not just with empty, flattering words. Bro Mc Cranie again shared his testimony, this time of praying for a wife. He had in his early Christian life, thought he would like to be just like the apostle Paul, (who was single.) That was before he then met his future wife. He then, of course changed his desire to be 'completely' like Paul. He pursued her, praying for her all through his many initial disappointments in doing that. The Lord heard his prayer for a wife “like Marie”. God answered and led her (in spite of Bro McCranie’s past). He continued to pursue her and she returned the same caring interest. Bro McCranie’s shared all of this to point out you don’t have to leave the church, for God to work out your life in this manner. IF you keep Him first! He likes to ask the brother’s of his congregation, “Have you found your ‘rib’?” Anything you need, you can find in the Church of God without leaving.
II Timothy 2:1-5 1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. God needs you to be faithful. Be available to ‘all’ God can use you for. Verse 3 Endure hardness. (This calls to mind the hymn “I’m On The Winning Side”.) It says (in part) “The battle may be long and hard to win, but I’m on the winning side!” Verse 5 Don’t “cheat” yourself. Consider this analogy. Of a man who had a cross, and was looking though at the other crosses, that the other’s had. The devil told and convinced him to keep chipping off of the cross, to “lighten” his load. When the time came to cross over life’s river to eternity and heaven his cross was no longer adequately long enough to take him there. “Chipping” off the cross is taking away from your grace. You cannot get by, with allowing the devil to trick you to let go of the cross that God gave you originally.
Psalms 1:1-6 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. God knows the way of His people. The disobedient will perish. The saints can leave this world, with the assurance, spiritually!
Psalms 15:1-5 1 <> LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. 5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. The saints devoutly remember when coming to the place of complete commitment, of any or all things vowed unto the Lord. It is only the spiritually upright that will make heaven their home, through full victory. And what about you saints? Have you made any new and real commitments in this series of meetings we have had?
II Timothy 4:6-8 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. When we read about Paul’s life, so many tribulations and persecutions, …yet what a glorious ending! And it’s no different than what God allows us to go through. To finish the race, and inherit the crown of righteousness, given by our Lord the righteous judge. Paul here had suffered much, including at least one “thorn in the flesh” to buffet him. II Corinthians 12:6-9 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he heareth of me. 7 And lest I be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffett me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And He said unto me. My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, that the power of Christ rest upon me. Paul then chose to accept this affliction gladly. Do the unbelievers think the devil will make his way easy? You need to read your bible, for it tells us that “the way of transgressors is hard.” Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
God will never though allow us a severe trial, with no escape, according to His word.
I Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. The brother testified he can write “T.P.” on this promise. There has never been any trial beyond God’s grace and power.
Be encouraged. Take courage! The battle is almost over, and time is running out. That’s the good part, it’s about over, and God will take His children home!
Heb. 3:7-14 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
